We all see things over the course of our days and months and years that spark the creative parts of our brains and inspire us in some way, whether it’s to simply buy a new cushion to add a touch of colour to a living room or whether it’s to do something more grandiose and start an oil painting (okay, the latter one has never happened to me—yet!).
I am also keen to read ‘Blind Assasin’, I have a copy on my bookshelf I have not read yet.
Some of my inspirations have included Audrey Hepburn, Trixie Beldon books, Judy Blume, Pride and Prejudice to name a few. I love reading about interesting women, which is what drew me to your books Natasha.
I'd love to join you, Natasha, and read *The Blind Assassin* together in a group.
As for the creative direction you mentioned, it has been a major influence in my life. My journey started at a young age, when I admired Marilyn Monroe not just for her iconic roles but for the cleverness with which she played them. Later, I learned she was an avid reader of philosophy and constantly sought to deepen her understanding of the world. This inspired me as I later pursued interior design and, I centered my day around creativity, working with textiles every day as a hobby.
Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your own creative journey. It’s helped me reflect on my own path and how it’s evolved over the years. I truly appreciate your thoughts.
I'm so glad so many people are interested in a read-along of The Blind Assassin! I'm definitely going to look into getting that set up to start sometime in mid to late Feb.
And Marilyn Monroe was such an interesting and intelligent—and underrated—woman. I can see why you'd choose her as a source of inspiration.
My first inspirational book was Heidi. She lived in the mountains in Switzerland and had beautiful full page illustrations. This may have lit my hunger to travel. And this was followed bizarrely enough by the Biggles series. So add adventure to the wish list.
I used to have a black Collette Dinigan dress, and when I donned that dress, I almost became a different person... my confidence exploded, I felt wonderful, and I could talk to anyone in a room. It was a brilliant example of the impact that "power dressing" has on your emotions!
I love this anecdote! I truly believe a piece of clothing can make us into an entirely different person. It's literally like putting on another skin. And Collette Dinnigan gowns were gorgeous!
I would love to join a group read of Atwood with you! As for moments of creative inspiration, it’s hard to go past the night I went to an event where there was a “tree”which measured your heart rate and then played a song to match. It was the most revealing moment of the anxiety I feel when walking into a crowded room where I know only one other person…
Loved this! As a Canadian, Margaret Atwood was on the curricula in every literature course after about age 15. So I was required to read a number of her novels in school. But I can honestly say that she is one of my favourite authors. However, I seem to have missed The Blind Assassin, though it is in my kindle library. Must read it next.
I have to say that I share your sentiments about Linda Evangelista. I was in my early thirties when she made that statement, studying fashion design. It stuck with me for precisely the same reason you wrote about.
This is lovely! My earliest memory of creative inspiration is reading THE DEVIL'S OWN by Deborah Lisson, about the wreck of the Batavia. I would have been maybe 10 or 11. I remember the heady, otherworldly feeling that comes from being immersed in a story so transportive, and the deep desire to 'give back' to reading by writing. And I'd love to join a group read of THE BLIND ASSASSIN - having not read it yet! xx
Italy and reading are the perfect creative inspirations! In fact, I can't think of anything else that's more perfect! And I love that you connected to Anne as a fellow redhead. How gorgeous it is to see parts of ourselves reflected in stories when we're young.
Oh, Natasha this is marvelous. Thanks for sharing. I got chills as soon as I saw Little Women. That book has been on my mind ever since the holidays— yes, I rewatched the June Alyson and Katharine Hepburn films. I too, read the book multiple times growing up. Believed I was Jo, especially after reading Jo's Boys. Also a multiple read. Now with your enthusiasm, it looks like its time to plunge back in. xoxo
I loved Little Men and Jo's Boys. I don't think those two books get enough credit for continuing on the story and exploring the later lives of the three young women.
I am also keen to read ‘Blind Assasin’, I have a copy on my bookshelf I have not read yet.
Some of my inspirations have included Audrey Hepburn, Trixie Beldon books, Judy Blume, Pride and Prejudice to name a few. I love reading about interesting women, which is what drew me to your books Natasha.
Right! I have to get this read along set up!
I love all of your other sources of inspiration. One of my daughters is named Audrey and I think you can guess where that inspiration came from!
I'd love to join you, Natasha, and read *The Blind Assassin* together in a group.
As for the creative direction you mentioned, it has been a major influence in my life. My journey started at a young age, when I admired Marilyn Monroe not just for her iconic roles but for the cleverness with which she played them. Later, I learned she was an avid reader of philosophy and constantly sought to deepen her understanding of the world. This inspired me as I later pursued interior design and, I centered my day around creativity, working with textiles every day as a hobby.
Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your own creative journey. It’s helped me reflect on my own path and how it’s evolved over the years. I truly appreciate your thoughts.
I'm so glad so many people are interested in a read-along of The Blind Assassin! I'm definitely going to look into getting that set up to start sometime in mid to late Feb.
And Marilyn Monroe was such an interesting and intelligent—and underrated—woman. I can see why you'd choose her as a source of inspiration.
My first inspirational book was Heidi. She lived in the mountains in Switzerland and had beautiful full page illustrations. This may have lit my hunger to travel. And this was followed bizarrely enough by the Biggles series. So add adventure to the wish list.
I loved Heidi! And one of my daughters did too.
I used to have a black Collette Dinigan dress, and when I donned that dress, I almost became a different person... my confidence exploded, I felt wonderful, and I could talk to anyone in a room. It was a brilliant example of the impact that "power dressing" has on your emotions!
I love this anecdote! I truly believe a piece of clothing can make us into an entirely different person. It's literally like putting on another skin. And Collette Dinnigan gowns were gorgeous!
I would love to join a group read of Atwood with you! As for moments of creative inspiration, it’s hard to go past the night I went to an event where there was a “tree”which measured your heart rate and then played a song to match. It was the most revealing moment of the anxiety I feel when walking into a crowded room where I know only one other person…
Excellent! Another person who might join a read-along! I'm going to look into getting that set up for Feb some time and I can't wait!
And wow! I love that story about the tree and a song! It would make the perfect start to a novel, I've got to say!
Loved this! As a Canadian, Margaret Atwood was on the curricula in every literature course after about age 15. So I was required to read a number of her novels in school. But I can honestly say that she is one of my favourite authors. However, I seem to have missed The Blind Assassin, though it is in my kindle library. Must read it next.
I have to say that I share your sentiments about Linda Evangelista. I was in my early thirties when she made that statement, studying fashion design. It stuck with me for precisely the same reason you wrote about.
Yes, you must read the Blind Assassin! It's my favourite of hers and one of my all time favourite books.
This is lovely! My earliest memory of creative inspiration is reading THE DEVIL'S OWN by Deborah Lisson, about the wreck of the Batavia. I would have been maybe 10 or 11. I remember the heady, otherworldly feeling that comes from being immersed in a story so transportive, and the deep desire to 'give back' to reading by writing. And I'd love to join a group read of THE BLIND ASSASSIN - having not read it yet! xx
I have never read The Devil's Own, but now I want to! I love that it formed such a strong impression on you at that age.
And yes - I'm definitely going to get this read along set up!
Italy and reading, often combined, have been life long creative inspirations. Now managing to use my passions in my work which is an absolute joy.😊🇮🇹
Loved love loved Little Women, Jo was my favourite, and being a red head, Anne of Green Gables was also endlessly inspiring.
Lovely way to start the year reflecting on what brings us magic and passion. Thanks Natasha for the reminder xx
Italy and reading are the perfect creative inspirations! In fact, I can't think of anything else that's more perfect! And I love that you connected to Anne as a fellow redhead. How gorgeous it is to see parts of ourselves reflected in stories when we're young.
So temped to join The Blind Assassin Reread too - although not sure I can fit it in atm!
Of course you can fit it in!! 🤪
Well I'm going to have to now ;)
I LOVE this and it's made me want to reread LITTLE WOMEN! x
It's so much fun to re-read it as an adult when you understand some of the deeper themes a little more - and when you've been a mother!
Yeah, there are so many books I'd love to reread - just need more time! lol x
Oh, Natasha this is marvelous. Thanks for sharing. I got chills as soon as I saw Little Women. That book has been on my mind ever since the holidays— yes, I rewatched the June Alyson and Katharine Hepburn films. I too, read the book multiple times growing up. Believed I was Jo, especially after reading Jo's Boys. Also a multiple read. Now with your enthusiasm, it looks like its time to plunge back in. xoxo
I loved Little Men and Jo's Boys. I don't think those two books get enough credit for continuing on the story and exploring the later lives of the three young women.
I’m with you.