Pipe Dreams
"So," The two letter word that makes my husband brace for impact.
Hello Friends,
Antique stores, garden centers, coffee shops, and independent bookstores, are the places I go to feel serenity, when I want to be inspired, or just kill time in a quiet place. Well, I guess coffee shops aren’t quiet, but they are so loud it’s easy to have a quiet mind.
I seek solace in these places and feel BIG feelings. Anger, sadness, and gratitude flow freely and I feel safe being alone, but also with my fellow spiritual beings having a human experience.
I hatch my best pipe dreams in these places. It’s why I have random knick-knacks, we plant a vegetable garden, and I write a blog. It’s where my big ideas about writing a book, remodeling the house or running every street in Santa Barbara begins to percolate.
Today is Independent Bookstore Day and it has me thinking about this idea I’ve had to travel the country in an RV and visit as many independent bookstores as I can along the way and then write a book about it.
Big idea right?
I can already see my husband slowly backing away looking for the exit sign to this conversation.
But, to me a pipe dream is just a first draft. By definition it’s unattainable and fanciful, but not a waste of time. Big dreams have to start somewhere.
This is where I am today. Thank you for listening.
xoxo,
Emily
Read This Week
I first found this book in 2013 when I was at a crossroads in my life. I was a few years sober and my two kids were small and I just felt lost. This book inspired me to stay sober, keep running, and eat more plants. (more)
Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
I will never be a Navy Seal or run a 100-mile race (well, I won't say never on that one) or do 99.99% of the crazy things that happened in this book, but still, I relate to Goggins in a weird way. He is a trudger like me. (more)
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Still on my quest to be a TJR completist and I must say with each book she gets better and better at interesting narrative structures, and since I've already read Daisy Jones and The Six and Malibu Rising I can see that this is kind of her thing. (more)
What are you reading?
Links to Ponder
Viva La Fiesta!! After three years of cancellations Santa Barbara’s best party is back! (The Santa Barbara Independent)
You Begin A poem my Margret Atwood (Poeticous)
How cool is this 63-year-old runner who says her athletic breakthroughs are fuelled by regret (New York Times)
Nerdy nonfiction reads for learning (Modern Mrs. Darcy)
When you belong to a club no one ever wants to be a part of it helps that you speak the same language. This one is long, but so so so good. (Creative NonFiction)
Mentors from afar (Cup of Jo)
This podcast about Heidi Fleiss is fascinating (HeidiWorld)
Advice from past you (The Guardian)
Personal stories from the war in Ukraine (This American Life)
A bereaved parents battle cry (Still Standing Magazine)
It’s never been easier to learn what we need to learn (Seth Godin)
Your Journal Prompt for Today
"Big dreams have to start somewhere." I couldn't love this more! And as a huge believer in first drafts, I had to share this insight of yours everywhere I go, just now. Thank you for making me feel seen, heard, and understood. Yes, again.