Book Review: Big Magic (Elizabeth Gilbert)

Rating: 8/10

It is no secret that I am a massive fan of Elizabeth Gilbert. The woman has penned Eat Pray Love, and even though there really is a fantastic amount of injured white privilege to experience reading it, it is also a shining example of what an excellent author can write and deep emotional growth.

Self-help books irk me. I’m even at the point where I shun religious assistance books – if you are Christian, read the Bible, not ten other books (just my opinion there). The same goes for other religions and a variety of ailments – dieting books, depression assistance, divorce material – why are you reading this garbage? I find it so preposterous that we waste out time reading material where the author tries to tell you what’s wrong with you as a person – they don’t know you, how can they diagnose you?

Now that that cat is out of the bag, I don’t feel that Liz Gilbert is a self-help author, and bless her for it. Her books are all based on her personal experiences and growth, and it comes across in a “hey, this is me, maybe you feel like this too” scenario, and that is something that I can work with.

What I enjoyed the most about this book is the idea that ideas float around as a separate entity waiting to be captured by a willing mind. I was stuck on this for days! The other thing I really loved is that creativity should not be associated with suffering, because it was never meant that way.

Basically, this is what the book made me feel:

It is positive, thought provoking, well written and a book that she obviously spent time thinking about. I would recommend it to people who would like to read something that can activate creative thinking and a change in perspective.

Have you read Big Magic? What did you think?

April 13, 2016April 11, 2016 by Natasha Categories: 2016, Books, UncategorizedTags: Big Magic, book challenge, Books, Eat Pray Love, Elizabeth Gilbert, Reviews 6 Comments

#100HappyDays: Day 81 – 92

Day 81:

Easter was such a lovely family event. Way too much sugar was ingested, ensuring that I felt vaguely ill for a few days. But it was totally worth it! How lovely are these cupcakes, cleverly decorated by my sister’s mother in law?

Day 82:

Following the great sugar ingestion of Easter, I forced myself to go for a walk/run in the nature reserve. This week my sole focus is sorting out a gym contract, because I’ve proven that I can’t exercise on my own at home. It is stalling my weight loss project and I really think if I can sort that out, the rest will be much easier.

Day 83:

Did my nails with this Avon gel polish, but I was so disappointed by the quality and that it peeled within the first day.

Day 84:

Reading this wonderful series again. The books remain so touching, hilarious and entertaining.

Day 85:

Driving in peak hour traffic in Johannesburg is such a schlep, but scenery like this makes it slightly more bearable!

Day 86:

Another day, another iced coffee. Nom!

Day 87:

Me, pictured through the sunroof of a limo for a bachelorette. This whole night was quite insane, but fun. But I’m never driving in a limo again.

Day 88:

Doggie cuddles!

Day 89:

Continuing the insanity of the weekend, my house flooded. I am just going to say that my reactions and that whole day was not something to post on a 100 days of happy post. However, I found this pic of my sister and myself in primary school. How adorable?!

Day 90:

Finally in the 90’s! Can you believe I got this far?!

Our company gave us all a mammoth pack of stickies. It made me happier than I ever thought possible.

Day 91:

After the longest struggle imaginable with my service provider I finally upgraded to the Sony Xperia Z5 compact. So far I’m loving it!

Day 92:

Finished this incredible book (review up this week), and it has been such an interesting read.

April 11, 2016April 10, 2016 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy Days, UncategorizedTags: 100 Happy Days, bachelorettes, Big Magic, Books, Elizabeth Gilbert, Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix, Iced Coffee, Kliprivier Nature Reserve, Nature Reserve, Reading, Sony, Sony Xperia Z5 compact 4 Comments

Life Lately: February 2016

So, February. I am totally okay that you are here. January wasn’t even bad, but it was the trial month for the year and I am happy to get things in full speed right now.

 

#100HappyDays: This project is still ongoing, and I am still enjoying it. There are days where I struggle to find things to post about, so the challenge proves its’ point: you need to be able to find something happy daily regardless of how small it might seem to you.

Blog: I am actively considering renaming my blog. I’m not going to say what the title is going to be right now, because someone might nab it before I have it set up, and then I will be mightily upset with whoever it is. (#paranoid). I DO like the sound of it and have run it by my confidantes, who agree. I just want to work out the logistics of things before I go full speed into it.

 

Reading: I somehow misplaced my darling Big Magic book. I am so peeved. I need to finish reading it and then I need to gush on here about it. Like, WHY universe? I will find you book! I also started with The Longest Ride. It is written by Mr. Soppy himself, Nicholas Sparks. It’s part of my book reading list for this year and I just want to get cracking on it.

Blindspot: This is officially in disaster mode. I swear I have such affinity for ignoring the fuck out of deadlines. Each. And. Every. Time. I looked around a bit for copies of what I need to watch, gave up pretty quickly, and am now stuck. ANYWAY, I’ll get watching soon and be posting ALL THE REVIEWS.

 

Series: Goodness. Finally got around to Arrow. The acting. Erm. It is… SPECTACULAR? The plot is good enough, the acting and the effects are just a bit hilarious tbh.

Tinder: I should seriously get up a few posts on my experience over there. Let’s just say restraining orders and a dictionary are things I want to get for some of the guys I’ve spoken to.

Unisa: Studies and assignments, here I come. Now that I know what to expect for the practicals, I am really excited for that too. Just still so disgusted with Unisa that they mess around with their students so badly.

Being healthy: I’m really excited about this. I’ve said from the start I am not going to starve or deprave myself, and I certainly won’t be following any Fad diets. I just want to find a way of lifestyle that is maintainable as well as healthy. I’m getting there. The hardest right now is the sugar. I’ve cut it out that I’m about 98% sugar free in whatever I consume. I’m still growling at hidden sugars. They are the reason I have trust issues. Moving on. I plan to write about my revelations about changing your eating habits, and what myths I’ve come to believe and not believe about losing weight. I can tell you if you use the word “diet”, I don’t like it. It contains about as much positive reinforcement as the phrase “New year’s resolutions”. Sure, lifestyle change sounds way pompous, but if it isn’t a lifestyle change, it’s not going to work. BOOM.

Tinder. I hope to get up some posts about his experience in the next two weeks. It is just the right time of year for all the romantic fools out there.

Excited for:

Literally ALL THE WEDDINGS. I have two weddings and an engagement party in March and another wedding, bachelorette and kitchen tea in April.

How to be single – this looks so great

DEADPOOL!

 

 

 

 

February 10, 2016February 6, 2016 by Natasha Categories: 2016, Life, Life Lately, UncategorizedTags: Arrow, Big Magic, Books, Deadpool, Elizabeth Gilbert, healthy lifestyle, Life Lately, Nicholas Sparks, Reading, The Longest Ride, Unisa 10 Comments

Reading Challenge for 2016 and what I’m currently reading

Everyone has challenges in the new year. Lose weight, find love of life, clean your room regularly, etc. While I completely share these dedications, I would also like to declare my dedications to my reading addiction this year. Below is a challenge I am going to take, and following that is the books I currently have that I want to finish. Comment, please!

1. A book published this year: The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead
2. A book you can finish in a day: (still looking for one)
3. A Book you’ve been meaning to read: The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead
4. A book recommended by a local librarian or bookseller: Brida by Paulo Coelho
5. A book chosen by your BFF: BFF, tell me!
6. A book published before you were born: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
7. A book that was banned at some point: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hossini
8. A book you previously abandoned: Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes
9. A Book you own but have never read: The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
10. A book that intimidates you: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
11. A book you’ve read at least once: Emma by Jane Austen

Currently on my bookshelf waiting to be read:

1. Currently reading: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I have so much love for this writer and the book at this point. Really having a fantastic time. I can’t read too much at a time, because the book simply has such big ideas.
2. Bridget Jones: Mad about the Boy by Helen Fielding. I really do love the original Bridget Jones, so quite interested to see what this is about.
3. Brida by Paulo Coelho. Coelho is such an obscure, strange author. I’m never really sure what to make of his work.
4. The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks. Oh, because I need cheese in my life.
5. Live in Dreams by Josephine Cox. Started it and put it down again, but I will finish it just to be scathing.
6. Indelible by Karin Slaughter. To continue the series.
7. The Ruby Circle by Richelle Mead. Because it was a mad hunt to get a copy and I want to be able to say that I’m done with the series.

What are your reading plans for the year?

January 21, 2016January 17, 2016 by Natasha Categories: 2016, BooksTags: 2016, Big Magic, Books, Brida, Bridget Jones’ diary, Elizabeth Gilbert, Emma, Harper Lee, Helen Fielding, Indelible, Jane Austen, Josephine Cox, Karin Slaughter, Khaled Hossini, Last Chance Saloon, Leo Tolstoy, Live in Dreams, Marian Keyes, Nicholas Sparks, Paulo Coelho, Reading challenge, Richelle Mead, Ruby Circle, The Glittering Court, The Kite Runner, The Longest Ride, To Kill a Mockingbird, War and Peace 14 Comments

#100HappyDays: Days 9 – 16

Day 9: When I moved into my new place at the beginning of #2015wasashittyyear last year, my dog had to go live with my sister. While I am really grateful and happy that Nicci Noodle got to go to a safe and happy environment and be with people that love her, I still miss her snuggly warmth every day. I got to spend some time with her recently and that made me really happy. I’ve also been kind of obsessed with block heels since they came back at the end of last year. They are great – you can actually work in them because they provide support for your feet, and they look uber cool – I feel like I can do anything when I wear them. I saw this pair in the shops but they didn’t have my size, and when even the online store for the retailer didn’t list them anymore I wrote it down as bad luck. So when I found them in another branch, my happy cup filled over and I was dancing (at least in my head) in the shop.

Day 10: Started watching Homeland Season 5 – oh goodness, what a crazy great and intense season! Also did nails in a gorgeous new color and continued with my adult coloring book.

Day 11: This sassy little book bag gave me such joy when I bought it.

Day 12: I’m busy reading this incredible book from Elizabeth Gilbert – Big Magic. It is everything I want in a book that wants to be self-helping. I am having such a great time. The woman is sensational and I just want to be like her when I grow up.

Day 13: Johannesburg was being lovely

Day 14: Had some delicious meals throughout the day and updated blog’s look as well.

Day 15: These Paris prints in my room makes me so happy. Motivation and reminders of what I want to do in my life.

Day 16: I’m doing really well with the no-sugar thing so far. However, with amazing cappuccino I don’t even think about sugar. How amazing is that?!

What made you happy this week?

 

 

January 18, 2016January 17, 2016 by Natasha Categories: 100 Happy Days, UncategorizedTags: 100 Happy Days, adult coloring book, bag, Big Magic, block heels, blogging, Books, Cappuchino, clouds, Dog, Elizabeth Gilbert, fashion, Homeland, Johannesburg, meals, nails, Paris, pets, Reading, salad, Shoes, Sorry not Sorry, Travel 1 Comment