Stories

Stories
Aren't stories wonderful? When  the weather is bad outside and you have no plans that day could you honestly think of anything better to do than lay for hours on end, safe in the warm embrace of a great novel? Or when you are tired from getting up early that morning, working hard all day, and still have more items on your to-do-list than you can count on two hands. Is there anything better than curling up in a chair with more pillows than you need and forgetting all the cares and woes of life in a thrilling adventure found within the thousands of words of a great book?

I certainly know that for me  nothing better comes to mind at the moment. Stories have always been special to me. They are the friends that never judge, never get angry or offended. They are teachers who won't simply tell you facts about life but show you the truth through carefully spun tales. Stories are the comforters who are always there. The thrill that is always missing. The full moon on a cloudless night. The warm bowl of your favorite food waiting for you after running through the rain.

They are the blood that flows throughout a great game. The softly spoken words that lull you to sleep at night as a child. They are broken and sad. Ugly and angry. Frustrating and lost. Grand a small. But overall, a well written story is simply put, beautiful.

The Mind
I find at times that my mind is like a lucky dip, like a gamble or a feather on the wind. One day I might wake up to find I obsessed with combat and strength at which I will work on day after day with a boundless energy. Only to find myself a week later totally obsessed with the idea of gardening or some such. The mind is a wondrous thing is it not?

Make Good Art
But regardless of how fickle my interests seem to be I find myself quite enamored with stories lately and enjoying it immensely. It started in full when I listened to Neil Gaiman's Commencement speech titled 'Make Good Art' which is a breath of crackling inspiration. Here is the link for the youtube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plWexCID-kA. I highly recommend watching it if you have any interest in anything vaguely related to the art of creation. And even if you don't I think you should still watch it so you can get into the art of creating anyway. I won't spoil the speech for you so go watch it as soon as you have time.

The Name of the Wind
If anyone has read this book (and I suspect that the vast majority of people able to read to have done so by now because it is simply so awesome) then you know what I'm talking about when I say it literally takes my breath away. I'm reading this for inspiration and to admire the art of a master craftsman at work. Or should I say I'm re-reading this for perhaps the 5th or 6th time.

Patrick Rothfuss is blessed with a way with words that would put the angels to shame. His subtlety is beautiful to behold and his cleverness weaves such a tale you will be reeling for days. He spins emotions into his words as mesmerizing as a great loom weaving the story of the world. His words are poetry.

Enough said - if you haven't read his book then do yourself a favor and go read it. And while  you are at it read the sequel 'A Wise Man's Fear'.

Well that is quite enough from me for now. If you have anything that inspires art or stories then let me know.

Peace and Love,
Yanto