books that inspire and bookmarks

I've come down with a wicked cold which has allowed me ample time for two of my favorite pastimes: reading and movie watching. I'll admit, I have been so exhausted that the movie watching has won out more often than not, but I have found energy enough to start a new favorite read. Very recently a friend suggested I pick up a copy of The Gentle Art of Domesticity by Jane Brockett. It is a lovely collection of essays and photographs from a free-spirited, former corporate working, mother of three in England who found herself again when she decided to stay home for good. As I read the first few pages, everything she said resonated with me. I found a voice for so many feelings I have been experiencing as of late. But that's a whole blog post unto itself.
One of my favorite sections so far is a set of essays on where Ms. Brockett finds inspiration. Her favorite artwork is included, films, her children's cupcakes, and even pineapples. I really perked up as she listed books that have filled her with creative energy. Decidedly English, her list included the likes of Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell and the Gothic classic Jane Eyre. As I pondered over Brockett's reading list, I found myself remembering endless creative endeavors pursued after binge reading some of my favorite novels. Just like Brocket, I have a handful of books that always inspire me and get me into a creative mode. They are part of my everyday inspiration.

Anne of Green Gables

I say Anne of Green Gables but really mean the entirety of the Anne series. There are always cakes being made, social events formed, charity groups being served, flowers to festoon with, cushions to embroider, trees to climb, and paths to wander. By the end of any of these delightful little books by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, I feel utterly lazy compared to the hard-working characters. Anne's goodness, moxie, and assertiveness drive self-contempt out of me and fill me with a renewed spirit of determination and productivity. I can always find myself painting more flowers and taking longer walks after bonding with the Anne-girl again.
Just for the record, at the moment my favorite of the series are Anne of the Island and Anne's House of Dreams. I especially think that any girl going off to college should acquaint herself with Anne of the Island. Our contemporary struggles to make ramen noodles over modern appliances seem quite trivial in comparison.


Persuasion
When I tell people I'm an Austen-junkie, there are automatic assumptions that Pride and Prejudice is my mantra. Don't get me wrong, I love that novel, and it's coming later on, but I have always related more to the quiet, melancholic Anne Elliot. As a stationer, I love this novel even more. The most exciting moments take place when the main characters exchange long letters with one another. The written word within the written word. Persuasion is all about small movements. Subtle gestures, quiet words. It's a book that forces you to pay attention to it so you don't miss something and teaches you to hone your observational skills in real life. Long, traipsing walks in the woods are in order after this book, as well as copious amounts of note-writing to acquaintances.


Little Women

Unlike other books on this list, I've only read this novel by Louisa May Alcott 1.5 times. The first time was in the fourth grade, when I pushed clear through my lunch break to get myself to the halfway point of the book. I did not pick it up again until 2013, when I blitzed through the pages, devouring the characters and stories. I found lost friends in the confine of the chapters who reminded me of the virtues of goodness and hard work. Of all the vignettes, the one that sticks out most to me is all of the little women working tirelessly to prepare Meg's bridal nest. They baked, cleaned, organized, quilted, embroidered, and labored together to make the little house as comfortable as possible. It always reminds me that no matter how humble our own little apartment might be, there is always something I can do to make it a home.


Pride and Prejudice

The first Austen novel I ever read, this book is just a wonderful treat. Filmic versions are some of my favorite to work to in the studio, as I can listen to all of the nimble dialogue without having to pay attention visually. I always find myself talking and writing differently after reading a bit of Austen, especially Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth's wit is unparalleled. An educated woman in sitting room world, she challenges me to think more deeply and to broaden my talents.

A few honorable mentions, especially for their heroines, are The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale, Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, Elantris and The Way of the Kings by Brandon Sanderson. What can I say? I'm a closet fantasy novel reader. Okay, not so much a closet reader as a closet geek...
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In honor of the books that inspire me, I've created limited edition bookmarks. The set of three are all originals, hand lettered and painted with some of my favorite novels and heroines with a pair of corresponding markers in patterns. All are painted with black paint on white paper, an homage to the written word and the stark inspiration that can come from it. The bookmarks are crowned with twine tassels and packaged in cellophane to get to you safely. The sets are up in the shop and are $12.50 each.