Category Archives: Creativity

What’s next?

Here’s the good news, the answer to the question ‘what’s next’ is currently in you.

Have you noticed the trees recently?

The leaves are beautifully falling away right now, but where would you expect to find the next ones that are waiting to replace them?

On the inside.

Though outwardly we’re wasting away and losing our leaves, yet inwardly we’re being renewed and prepping for the next bloom.

So may you rake your leaves and be grateful for their role in this last season.

Just don’t keep trying to glue them back on.

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Stay true.

There’s a song in you. A holy hum. A chord struck by the divine and eternally unfolding. Learn that song and stay true to it.

There’s also a light. This light is there to warm the room you find yourself in and illuminate the path of your journey. Learn that light and stay true to it.

If you’re going to be called something by the world, why not let them call you by those things that have been calling to you all along?

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Reading By The Fire

I’m always in about 10 different books at a time. So I thought to share some the latest ones that have been interesting and fun!

Here’s a few that you may enjoy unwinding 2015 with….

Beauty: The Invisible Embrace – John O’donohue

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I read from this book in my last podcast and have journeyed further into O’donohue’s words since then. If you’re looking for deeper and calmer presence in your days a way to increase your awareness to the depths of beauty that surrounds you, this is something you should read. But please, read it slow…sip it and then live it. If you haven’t checked out LTMP Podcast, we would love to have you join us and check out the last episode by clicking here.

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

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I’m late to the ball on this one. Nevertheless, I learned about the Broadway Musical, Hamilton, on 60 Minutes a couple of weeks ago. Today I started to listen to the soundtrack for the musical that is unlike anything I’ve experienced in a long time. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s genius shines so bright here…Story and music, I’m all in.

Franklin BBQ: A Meat Smoking Manifesto – Aaron Franklin & Jordan Mackay

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You’re now getting a glimpse into the randomness of my library. But let me say, if you’re an artist or a foodie, you’ll love this. And if you’re neither artist or foodie or from Texas, at least you’ll have a new appreciation for the religion that is Texas BBQ.

Dark Matter and Dinosaurs: The Astounding Interconnectedness of the Universe – Lisa Randall

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This book kept crossing my path in all kinds of ways. First, I listened to Lisa’s interview at On Being with Krista Tippett. Next, I received Maria Popova’s weekly newsletter from Brain Pickings and noticed she posted a review in this week’s in The New York Times. Congrats Maria! As always, thank you Krista! And Lisa, I’m thankful for wonderers like you!

Ok friends! I hope you get to sit still by the fire with one of these before 2016 arrives. Really, do you need anything more than history, beauty, dark matter, and barbecue?

PS – Don’t forget to check out my Project November, December: Gratitude to Joy on Instagram.

 

 

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The Giver’s Heart

It gives because it gets to.

It gives because it has to.

It expects no return.

It doesn’t think in terms of ping pong.

It just finds joy in being the giving/enlightening/awakening ping.

This will free you if you will let it.

 

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LTMP Podcast Episode 14: The Bridge, Bowser, & Joy. Now Available in iTunes!

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Episode 14, The Bridge, Bowser, & Joy is now streaming via iTunes. Find it by clicking here and don’t forget to subscribe!


Below you will find the books we discuss in this episode. Steven Pressfield, the author of the War of Art, was oh so generous and sent a case of books for the subscribers and listeners at LTMPblog and LTMP Podcast. If you would like a book, please direct message me on Twitter @AshtonGustafson. I’ll send as many as I can until we run out!

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More love, friends. More love.

Ashton

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