That sounds amazing. You won’t believe this, but I’ve just bought a floor to ceiling bookcase (just one) and put my mother-in-law’s vintage sewing machine on one of the shelves. Not quite a type writer, but a work of art and utility, nonetheless. I think I may need to visit your Eudamonia machine! 😂
Love the idea of the eudaimonia machine! Here on Substack it's so seductive for me to spend all my time in the first three rooms, and this is a beautiful idea to keep in mind so as not to lose balance and spend some time in the other two rooms as well.
That's such an insightful comment, Jan. It is indeed seductive to spend time in the first three rooms. But it's all about balance, as you say. I'm trying not to spend all my time in the last room!
Flow. I feel it when a voice lesson is going really well; a workshop or a class I'm teaching feels effortless as I weave together what people are saying or asking; and of course when I'm enveloped in a writing project and it becomes my world. What helps me get there is reading different, clashing genres and voices--and the writer has to be a great story teller and inspiring no matter what the genre or style. So that means reading Joan Didion side-by-side with biographer Walter Isaacson, for example, or in succession. Last month I started two new essays while reading history, fiction, political science, biography.
So nice to hear Lev. As Joe Strummer said, 'No input, no output.' I like your combinations - they remind me of Einstein's idea about creativity - 'combinatory play'. Here's a piece I wrote about it if you're interested: https://sanjidakay.substack.com/p/the-secret-to-being-creative-quickly
You must! I've walked Minehead to Land’s End, so the first 200 miles. Skipped a bit in the middle due to midlife madness 🤣 and am picking it up again with friends next month, from south Dorset onwards to the finish line. It's...an experience ;)
Thank you.
The Eudaimonia Machine sounds incredibly cool. I'd love to see something like that in person. Or, even better, be able to build your home like that.
Oooh yes, I'd like one in my home. What would you put in the inspirational gallery?
Bookish things: floor to ceiling bookshelves, with one whole wall dedicated to vintage typewriters. With fresh Gerbera daisies all over the place
That sounds amazing. You won’t believe this, but I’ve just bought a floor to ceiling bookcase (just one) and put my mother-in-law’s vintage sewing machine on one of the shelves. Not quite a type writer, but a work of art and utility, nonetheless. I think I may need to visit your Eudamonia machine! 😂
That vintage sewing machine would be AWESOME to see. Those are so cool.
Right?! I’m really into it too!
That is such a cool concept of the Eudaimonia Machine, as a metaphor, but it would also be so cool to have one (or visit one) in real life!
I love it as an idea, but wouldn't it be wonderful to visit one? Perhaps we could persuade someone to build one for writers!
Love the idea of the eudaimonia machine! Here on Substack it's so seductive for me to spend all my time in the first three rooms, and this is a beautiful idea to keep in mind so as not to lose balance and spend some time in the other two rooms as well.
That's such an insightful comment, Jan. It is indeed seductive to spend time in the first three rooms. But it's all about balance, as you say. I'm trying not to spend all my time in the last room!
Oh, this is fascinating thank you. I had never heard of the Eudaimonia Machine before but I love how you have translated into in a metaphor.
Same here! that visual of a step-by-step room layout has really landed with me.
Thank you Sanjida and Claire! x
You're so welcome Louise and Lauren, and thank you for your kind comments. I hope it helps you with your creativity! 🌸
I’m going to take myself on a journey with it this week. ✨✨
Ooh sounds exciting! I'd love to hear/read more about what that looks like for you, if you ever wish to share 🥰
I’ll follow up for sure. ✨💕
I'd love to know too! 🌸
Isn’t it wonderful - I love a deep thinking post too!
Flow. I feel it when a voice lesson is going really well; a workshop or a class I'm teaching feels effortless as I weave together what people are saying or asking; and of course when I'm enveloped in a writing project and it becomes my world. What helps me get there is reading different, clashing genres and voices--and the writer has to be a great story teller and inspiring no matter what the genre or style. So that means reading Joan Didion side-by-side with biographer Walter Isaacson, for example, or in succession. Last month I started two new essays while reading history, fiction, political science, biography.
So nice to hear Lev. As Joe Strummer said, 'No input, no output.' I like your combinations - they remind me of Einstein's idea about creativity - 'combinatory play'. Here's a piece I wrote about it if you're interested: https://sanjidakay.substack.com/p/the-secret-to-being-creative-quickly
✨🥰
So good to meet you Sanjida (smashing introduction Claire <3) I'm just down the road from you in Somerset too!
Thank you, Luisa, and Claire 🌸. Whereabouts in Somerset, are you Luisa? It's a gorgeous region.
Hello Sanjida! I'm down on the coast, in sunny Minehead. Have been a verrrrrry long time but feel too deeply rooted to go elsewhere. Welcome welcome!
Thank you. It’s a lovely spot - one day I’m planning to walk the SW coast path!
You must! I've walked Minehead to Land’s End, so the first 200 miles. Skipped a bit in the middle due to midlife madness 🤣 and am picking it up again with friends next month, from south Dorset onwards to the finish line. It's...an experience ;)
Oh wow, that's fantastic! Well done!
Cute southwest-ies unite!!!