• inspiration,  Knitting,  videos

    Yes, Virginia you can knit

    Yes, you too… Hey if it’s good enough for Audrey…

    Today is my day to host lunch for our little knitting group so in honor of that here is a little inspirational video to get you to pick up some needles and get started too. I learned from videos myself you know. If I can so can you.


    Best,

    Kwana

  • inspiration,  my view,  writing life

    Stretch

     stretch     (str ch) KEY 

    VERB:
    stretched, stretch·ing, stretch·es
    VERB:
    tr.

    1. To lengthen, widen, or distend: stretched the sweater out of shape.
    2. To cause to extend from one place to another or across a given space: stretched the banner between two poles.
    3. To make taut; tighten: stretched the tarpaulin until it ripped.
    4. To reach or put forth; extend: stretched out his hand.
    5.  
      1. To extend (oneself or one’s limbs, for example) to full length: stretched her calves before running.
      2. To extend (oneself) when lying down: she stretched herself out on the couch.
      3. To put to torture on the rack.
    6. To wrench or strain (a muscle, for example).
    7.  
      1. To extend or enlarge beyond the usual or proper limits: stretch the meaning of a word.
      2. To subject to undue strain: to stretch one’s patience.
    8.  
      1. To expand in order to fulfill a larger function: stretch a budget; stretch a paycheck.
      2. To increase the quantity of by admixture or dilution: stretch a meal by thinning the stew.
    9. To prolong: stretch out an argument.
    10. Informal To fell by a blow: stretched his opponent in the first round.

     

    Even though in the process of editing my last manuscript I was doing a lot of taking away and the object was not to expand, I found that the exercise stretched me beyond where I had gone before.

    How have you stretched yourself recently? Have you stretched yourself or have you been a limp rubber band?

    Now excuse me while I beg someone for a massage. These muscles are sore!

    Best,

    Kwana

  • art,  artists,  inspiration,  musings,  my view

    In/Sane Woman

    This woman hangs out on my inspiration board which is over my little desk. Sometimes she’s hidden behind seemingly prettier more well behaved pictures or sayings. Tucked away just a little corner of color, a finger, a breast or an eye peeking out. Then things get jostled, moved around and she’s back out in full view. It’s like she’s pushed her way out and won’t be hidden behind the pretty.

    Woman I by Willam de Kooning. 

    I don’t know what made me instantly pick her up as soon as my eyed washed over her in the MoMa gift shop but my hands flew to her and it was like picking up a part of me. Wild, scattered, colorful, fierce but constrained.

    I’m feeling very much like Woman I as I go into the weekend. Hope it’s not too bumpy a ride. Have a good weekend.

    Best,

    Kwana

  • inspiration,  my view,  writers,  writing life

    The Danger of One Story

    Thanks to all who commented on the UPTOWN interview yesterday. You still have until midnight tonight to be entered to win. So scroll down here   and comment so you don’t miss out.

    Today I’m posting the wonderful  TED talk that Virgina and Donna spoke about from Novelist Chimamanda Adichie where she tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice. So worth listening to. I’d love to know your thoughts.

    Have a wonderful day!

    Best,

    Kwana

  • inspiration,  my view

    Good Indeed

    “Faith is stepping out on nothing and landing on something.”

     

    Photo from here

     

    Yes, our faith (well, my faith) is constantly being put to the test, sadly, it seems now more than ever.  But this is a Good Friday indeed and as always I’m taking that step.

    Best,

    Kwana

  • blogs,  inspiration,  life

    Change

    With Spring in the air I’m feeling the need for a change. It’s time for a long overdue sprucing up on ye’ old blog.

    But as with all change it’s a little scary. I have tried going at it with help from the professionals but it was not meant to be so I’m taking matters into my own hands and working on things myself-ish (a little help from friends is nice).

    But, I love control anyway and sometimes it’s better to control your own destiny. At least that’s what I tell my kids (cut to me biting my nails).
    I have long wanted to go from Blogger to WordPress or maybe do a Full Blown Site so wish me luck (Lord knows I don’t want to lose a bloggy thing). So please keep checking back here for updates and hopefully a new home coming soon.
    Time to spread my wings!

    Have any of you made some significant changes lately or are planning to?

    Best,
    Kwana

    images from here.