Children’s books are often dismissed by “serious readers” yet these picture stories frequently offer sophisticated wisdoms. It’s a shame to think that they have nothing to offer. One of my favorite picture book authors is Allen Say, you can see in these interviews what a special soul he is (I strongly recommend watching all of the clips). … More Get Lit with Kit #20
Here’s something short and sweet. I’ve been reading oodles of non-fiction recently, but sometimes, it’s more fun to listen. Check out Hardcore History by Dan Carlin. If you’ve never listened to history before, strongly recommend Prophets of Doom as your initiation. Let me know if you like it. K-OS’s Joyful Rebellion was a staple in the early 2000’s. Check out … More Get Lit with Kit #19
Kaizen. Good change. I adopted this Japanese concept several years ago, and have since made a consistent effort to apply the idea of constant growth to my life. This year, kaizen manifests as an art class. My first finished piece in three years is pictured above. I have never used color or collage before, so … More Shape Shifting (for Dummies)
Joyce Carol Oates is one of America’s most respected and controversial female authors. Admittedly, I haven’t read many of her essays, but I have read dozens of her novels and stories. I.D. is one of her less graphic short pieces. If you want a longer work, I highly suggest We Were the Mulvaneys. Another recommendation is Black Violin. This … More Get Lit with Kit # 18
Are you ready to grind? Yes? Great! Check out the Sade + MF DOOM mashup. “Invent nothing, deny nothing.” David Mamet – This is one of the key principles writer/director David Mamet presents in his book True and False. This book was required reading for my students when I taught Acting back at the turn … More Get Lit #16
This world breaks my heart. I simultaneously think “No one understands” and “I know I am not alone”. Chris Cornell. Chester Bennington. Suicide. The statistics from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America reflect that more than 15 million American adults are affected by depression. There are various treatment options ranging from lifestyle changes through … More When suicide is the only option…
Music is a powerful thing. It can forge political protests, define a generation, or simply set a mood – historically and notoriously, one of sex. From Elvis shaking his pelvis to LL Cool J licking his lips, music and sex are forever intertwined. (Of note, LL’s Doin’ It references safe sex TWICE.) With the prevalence of … More Sex, Drugs, & Rock ‘n Roll
Shugs and Fats is an award winning duo. They present funny, tongue in cheek shorts. Take 2 minutes to watch Girl on Fire, and let me know what you think. I switched my bodyweight routines over to barbell exercises this past week, and boy am I feeling it. If you ever have trouble moving after an intense … More Get Lit with Kit #15
I read Padura’s The Man Who Loved Dogs last week (NYT Review). Great book that tackled several important issues, one being the feeling of isolation that seems to smother all the characters. Sadly, loneliness is an epidemic that still exists in our world (nearly 100 years later). This was an interesting read about loneliness. The … More Get Lit with Kit #14
Assuming you don’t have any underlying orthopedic or medical conditions, here are some reasons why you should lift heavy weights. Endorphins (aka The Happy Hormone). Endorphins are a chemical that your brain releases when your body is under stress. The harder you push, the greater the need for the endorphins to kick in. Lifting heavy … More Why Women Should Lift HEAVY Weights
Find the balance. 