Put Your Pen To Paper

Even in this age of emails, texts, and tweets, there is an ongoing fascination with the simple act of putting pen to paper. Associations such as the International Association of Master Penmen and the Society for Italic Handwriting keep the traditions of calligraphy and penmanship alive, hand-writing typefaces continue to sell, and hand-drawn display type and packaging of all sorts enjoy a renaissance. Pen to Paper, a collection of letters by artists from the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art, reveals how letter writing can be an artistic act, just as an artist puts pen to paper to craft a line in a drawing. Brief essays explore what can be learned from the handwriting of celebrated artists such as Mary Cassatt, Frederic Church, Howard Finster, Winslow Homer, Ray Johnson, Rockwell Kent, Georgia O'Keeffe, Claes Oldenburg, Maxfield Parrish, Eero Saarinen, Saul Steinberg, and many others. Each letter is accompanied by an archival image of the artist or a related artwork, with a full transcription. Pen to Paper provides a fresh way to think about artists and their creative work and is sure to inspire your next handwritten note or letter.

As a former athlete unable to express himself the way he wanted to, Adriel found comfort in expressing his love, his pain and the passion he has for basketball and for life through his poetry. Pen to Paper: A Transfer of Emotions is the manifestation of Adriel's passion for life, love and basketball. In college and throughout his life, he was a shoulder to many of his family and friends' deepest and darkest secrets. Unable to tell others of the problems he faced and the struggles of people who had confided in him, he learned to put his pen to paper and a book was born. A deep look into a man's soul who so desperately wanted to heal himself and those who would seek his advice, Adriel began to search deep into his heart and soul to express those feelings for others. Pen to Paper is a book that will show you tears of joy, laughter and pain until the game is over.

It's time for you to put your pen to paper! "Writing a book is one of life's most prestigious accomplishments; however, many times, a writer faces fear and a host of obstacles. Unfortunately, many aspiring authors reach a stopping point and never return to their manuscripts to finish. Some don't even begin writing, and they have amazing ideas. If you fit into any of these categories, I have good news for you. You can write your book. Your dream can come true." In Put Your Pen to Paper, inspirational author, speaker, and literary coach Kennisha Griffin teaches you how to navigate through writing challenges, stay motivated, and jumpstart your exciting new career as a published author. She offers professional and powerful keys that help writers overcome obstacles like writer's block, and create the book they've always wanted to write. ___________________________________________________ Kennisha Griffin helps writers regain the confidence they need to write their books and get published. She is the Founder of Create and Blossom, LLC, a design and book production firm, and has written seven books. She has made multiple appearances in the media and has led many writing workshops. Visit Kennisha Griffin's website at www.kennishagriffin.com.

Write to Explore and Express the Wild Beauty of Your Heart Meredith Heller invites you to write as a path toward self-understanding and as a lifelong refuge of steadfast friendship with yourself. She used the power of writing to heal and save her own life, and now she teaches others to do the same. In this book, Meredith shares the techniques she developed to help people from all walks of life explore their emotions, find their voice, and better navigate life’s challenges. Filled with potent exercises and inspiring poems from the author and her students, Writing by Heart is a must-read for anyone, from seasoned writer to novice, who wants to discover the transformative power of writing.

Did you know that meditation can help you feel better - both mentally and physically - starting right now? No matter how busy you are, wherever you are, your age, or what you are going through, meditation offers simple, fast relief and can support you in your day-to-day life. Through science-backed, practical and accessible guidance, this book will show you how meditation can work for you. Balm your soul and body with over 75 can-do meditation techniques to build into your daily routine. Whether you want to practise on a mat or take your experience elsewhere – when walking, running and swimming; using sound and music; with art and creativity – discover which method works best for you. Meditation for the Real World will also address specific moments of need, such as how to find calm before a stressful situation such as a flight; to enhance focus before a big presentation; to reduce inflammation and pain; and much more, each with the science to support the practice. With a foreword by Dr Sara Lazar, meditation and yoga researcher at the Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

In moments of grief or loss, we often turn to the written word to say what cannot be said aloud. Indeed, directing sadness, rage, or confusion at the page can be tremendously cathartic and liberating. As we express our deepest feelings without reserve in poetry or prose, we feel the power of our words begin to draw out some of the pain in our hearts and replace it with hope.But fears about writing honestly and self-criticism can stand in the way of making use of this powerful therapeutic tool. With Pen in Hand is an inspirational and practical guide to breaking through these roadblocks and to helping one "write to heal." Outlining writing techniques that are best for working through pain and for privately collecting raw emotions--"Writing a Letter of Goodbye," "Interviewing Your Body," "Rapid-Writing," and more--Henriette Klauser shares stories and tips that will help readers gain comfort from what they commit to paper. For the accomplished writer and non-writer alike, With Pen in Hand will help one make use of the kind of expression that in the aftermath of a crisis or loss, can make one whole again.

“A motivating guide to claiming financial health and success [that] speaks to the unique money challenges of Black women and offers empowering steps to healing.”—Ebony “Thoughtful, holistic, heartfelt advice.”—USA Today If you’re tired of feeling powerless over your finances and are ready to start funding your dreams, then come on, girl—it’s time to get your money straight! Author and financial expert Glinda Bridgforth knows that healthy money management is rarely just about dollars—it’s about getting to the root of why we spend what we do and recognizing the emotional and cultural issues that play out in our unhealthy financial habits. Girl, Get Your Money Straight! presents her seven-step program for holistic financial healing—an upbeat, empowering road map that you can use to identify your heart’s desires, break away from negative spending patterns, pay off outstanding debts, develop a spending plan, conquer the checkbook blues, and create new wealth. Filled with Bridgforth’s warmhearted wisdom and advice, and complete with worksheets, exercises, affirmations, and inspiring stories of African American women who have found financial peace of mind, Girl, Get Your Money Straight! is a fresh, fun, and eminently practical guide to healing your bank account and building a life that you love.

If you find yourself dreading Monday mornings, then its time to create a work life that youll enjoy living. Sharon Hoyle Weber, a leading corporate trainer, walks you through a five-step process that will motivate you to succeed on the job. The five steps are waking up, showing up, shaking it up, speaking up, and following up. As you focus on each step, youll learn how to: determine the work environment that you thrive in the most; contribute more to the success of your company; appreciate the power of being positive; take responsibility for your professional development; communicate with others in a way theyll truly embrace; identify accomplishments before setting new goals. By following the five steps, youll become more engaged and empowered, and youll find yourself rising up the ranks faster than you ever imagined. Transform Monday mornings into the time you look forward to most with the life-changing advice in Work It!