Recommended Reading

‘Any Ordinary Day’: Blindsides, resilience and what happens after the worst day of your life.

By Leigh Sales. Published by Penguin Random House Australia

Styling & photography by Michelle Hartnett. © Michelle Hartnett 2020

This thought-provoking, inspiring and insightful book by award-winning Australian journalist and broadcaster, Leigh Sales, is a moving account of what happens to ordinary, everyday people who become caught up in extraordinary, unimaginable and unexpected life-altering events. Far from being a commentary of some of the biggest news stories of our time, this book focuses on exploring the qualities of resilience, courage, tenacity, inner strength, human kindness and hope as Leigh talks with people unwittingly caught up in incomprehensible situations. You will meet survivors of life- shattering events such as terrorist attacks and natural disasters, be introduced to everyday Australians who have had to rebuild their lives after simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time and also receive a glimpse inside the world of the compassionate professionals and unsung heroes who support people through the very worst of times. Leigh includes a detailed account of her own life-threatening, medical emergency in 2014, and the personal heartbreak that followed, as well as insights into her career and work life. The book also meticulously documents the latest research about the way we humans process, grief, trauma and loss. It’s fascinating stuff! I absolutely loved this brilliant book. Even though the nature of the events included are traumatic to say the least, the thoughts and responses of each person interviewed are, without exception, utterly inspiring and completely life-affirming. Each chapter has been written with such warmth, humility and attention to detail that if you aren’t already a Leigh Sales fan you certainly will be by the time you reach the final page.

Shopping note: If you’re unable to leave home, or your local book store has temporarily closed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, you can find ‘Any Ordinary Day’ on-line. I ordered my copy from Booktopia at www.booktopia.com.au

Recommended Reading

WHEN LIFE IS NOT PEACHY

By Pip Lincolne. Published by Murdoch Books 2020.

Styling and Photography by Michelle Hartnett.

Image © Michelle Hartnett 2020.

This wonderfully warm and incredibly comforting hardback is the sixth book by maker, crafter and author, Pip Lincolne, of ‘Meet Me at Mikes’ (@meetmeatmikes on Instagram). While Pip started to write, ‘When Life Is Not Peachy’, during her own heartbreaking, life-changing situation, much of the book’s content can easily apply to feelings and experiences that the current COVID-19 chaos may be sparking, such as anxiety, sadness, fear, loss, isolation and grief. Big, emotive topics, I know! But Pip writes about these-and other completely normal responses to life’s heartaches and hard times- with such warmth, encouragement, compassion and understanding that you’ll feel like you’re sitting down with your best friend, soothing your frazzled heart and soul with a bottomless cup of sweet tea and a giant slice of the most luscious chocolate cake you could ever imagine! Inside the very pretty covers, you’ll find plenty of practical and helpful advice from Pip, health professionals and others who have experienced (and survived!) tumultuous times. The book’s chapters cover a range of topics including strategies to deal with emotional upheaval, how to reach out and ask for help from friends and family, working with GPs and therapists if you need to, mood boosting foods as well as exercises and activities that you can do at home to help lift your spirits. After reading this book from cover to cover, I now have it permanently situated on my bedside table with pages earmarked to revisit as needed! A book that would make a comforting and reassuring gift for a friend who may be struggling at the moment, or anyone looking at ways to reinforce their resilience or restore their sparkle! 

Shopping note: If you are unable to leave home, or your local book store has temporarily closed for the moment during the COVID-19 lockdowns, you can find ‘When Life Is Not Peachy’ on-line. I ordered my copy from Booktopia at www.booktopia.com.au

Recommended reading

Sometimes words of inspiration, encouragement or advice from people you admire, or who influence your creative work in one way or another, are just what may be needed to lift you out of a slump, ignite an idea, or give you a nudge (or sometimes a much needed push!) in a new direction.  While the internet is full of tutorials on anything and everything, and podcasts are always only a click away, nothing beats being able to delve into the pages of a book that you can savour at your leisure, devour in one sitting or return to for second helpings! I’ve chosen a few of my favourite reference books that you might like to add to your shelves if you’re curious about creativity or feel in need of a little inspiration! Happy reading! 

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‘Find your Artistic Voice’ by Lisa Congdon

I first discovered best-selling author, artist and illustrator, Lisa Congdon, via Instagram when I stumbled across one of her signature colourful, hand-lettered drawings. I immediately loved Lisa’s vibrant work and the thought provoking range of creative life matters that she discussed in her posts. So I was very much looking forward to reading her latest book, ‘Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic’. Just three months after its release earlier this year, this inspiring and informative book was going into its fifth print run! And I’m not surprised! I devoured the contents in a couple of days and have gone back for several second helpings! As well as Lisa’s words and bold and brilliant illustrations, you’ll find interviews with established and professional creatives, from all walks of life, who talk about starting, developing and maintaining a creative life and finding their ‘artistic’ identity. I particularly love the illustration at the start of Chapter Three- a highly relatable summary of the often bumpy, not-always-easy-to-navigate pathway that we venture along as we follow our creative callings. Definitely one to add to your collection, whether you’re an established artist, or someone just trying to figure out where to start!

You can find Lisa on Instagram @lisacongdon

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‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron

I’d picked up and flicked through this internationally acclaimed best-seller so many times at my local bookshop but, for one reason or another, just never got around to buying it. It eventually came to me as a birthday gift from a dear friend and has since provided me with so much insight about overcoming creative blocks, dealing with unproductive thought processes, such as fear, self-doubt and comparison, and making the creative process part of my everyday routine. The book is set out as a 12-week course with exercises, tasks and checklists to complete as part of each chapter. Writing daily ‘Morning Pages’ is an exercise that Julia introduces in the very first chapter- and one that she regards as an essential, non-negotiable part of your creative tool kit. I can see myself dipping back into this book as my creative skills and interests evolve over time and at any stage that I’m feeling ‘stuck’. My recommendation with this one is to grab a copy, be prepared to do the work and take your time to really absorb the lessons in each chapter. It’s not a book to devour- but more one to savour then go back for second and possibly third helpings!

You can find Julia on Instagram @juliacameraonlive

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‘Conscious Creativity’ by Philippa Stanton

I love everything about this gorgeous book- including the paper its printed on! The words, the photography and the daily practices, ideas and methods that Philippa, a professional artist and teacher, recommends to ignite your creativity make for a beautiful and inspirational reference. The book focuses on how to unlock your creative potential using all your senses and encourages you to observe the world around you for creative influences and ideas. Photography lovers will be inspired by Philippa’s gorgeous flat lays of everyday objects and vintage items as well as images of her favourite things (especially telephone booths!). She also offers plenty of practical tips about working with elements like texture, colour, light and shadow. I was immersed in this book for days and felt completely inspired when I’d finished it. The smorgasbord of exercises, prompts and tools in these pages will take your creativity to a whole new level so don’t hesitate to buy this one if you come across it at your local bookstore.

You can find Philippa on Instagram @5ftinf

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‘Big Magic’ by Elizabeth Gilbert

This book and its best-selling author probably don’t need an introduction- both are internationally acclaimed and loved by many worldwide! So I will start by saying that ‘Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear’ is another one of those inspirational, thought provoking books that I devoured in the first sitting then went back for several second helpings! Reading this is like having an in-depth conversation with Elizabeth over a glass of wine about the often magical and mysterious aspects of creativity. Elizabeth uses stories from her personal and professional life to talk about creativity and inspiration: where they come from; how they arrive; how to welcome and work with them; and how to deal with creative fears and blocks. Essentially, this book encourages you to surrender to the creative process, work hard, persist and also enjoy and accept all the highs and many lows (because they’re just part of the process!) that you’ll experience along the way. I came away from this book with a renewed curiosity about creativity, inspiration and influences. Whenever I feel a bit “wobbly” about my creative ventures, I return to my well thumbed copy, with its turned up edges at pages that have inspired me in some way, and dive back in for a serve of reassurance, or sometimes a reminder to stop worrying and just get on with things! Immerse yourself in this book and enjoy the magic!

You can find Elizabeth on Instagram @elizabeth_gilbert_writer

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‘Hashtag Authentic’ by Sara Tasker 

This visually beautiful hard-cover book is so much more than a ‘how-to’ manual about taking photos for Instagram- although Sara’s dreamy images and photography tips will certainly provide you with plenty of inspiration! The creator of the hugely popular @me_and_orla Instagram account and Hashtag Authentic podcast, Sara gathers together her personal and professional stories and best advice about everything Instagram including, content creation, caption writing, hashtags, using the Stories feature, community engagement and dealing with the ups-and-downs of ‘follower’ and ‘like’ numbers. But what makes this book stand apart from others covering the same topics, is that along the way Sara explores topics such as juggling burnout, work / life balance, overcoming perfectionism, the importance of recording day-to-day moments and tuning in to your own creativity. This is an ideal book for anyone interested in the art of ‘visual storytelling’, improving their social media photography, or using the Instagram app to build a creative profile. This one gets a double tap of ‘likes’ from me!

You can find Sara on Instagram @me_and _orla

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I hope you enjoy these recommendations!

Happy reading!

Recommended Reading

A few of my favourites......

There's nothing I love more than curling up with a cup of tea, a piece of cake and a good book.  Give me a page turning storyline and a cast of wonderous characters and I will surface only after I've devoured every page down to the final full-stop.

In book stores, I've been known to lose hours as I make my way through the shelves of latest releases and anything and everything to do with nature, botanicals and interiors. And don't get me started on beautifully styled cookbooks! There can never be enough of them!

Today, I thought I'd share some of my favourite non-fiction titles.  It was actually quite a hard decision choosing which ones to feature from my shelves and bedside pile, but these are definitely the ones I find myself dipping into the most and returning to time and again. 

I love getting lost in the pages of each of these beautiful books for different reasons- some for their brilliant photography, some for their beautiful words, and others because I greatly admire the talented people who created them. But they all have three things in common: they each bring me joy; inspire me to keep living a creative life; and ignite my imagination.

My Recommended Reading "Top Ten" non-fiction titles  (in no particular order) are:

1. Wreaths by Katie Smyth & Terri Chandler with photography by Kristin Perers.  

2. The Country Cookbook by Bellinda Jeffery with photography by Rodney Weidland.

3. Sandcastles by Tim Neve with photography by Johan Paisson.

4. Botanical Style by Selina Lake with photography by Rachel Whiting. 

5. In Detail by Hans Blomquist (photography by Hans Blomquist & Debi Treloar).

6. In the Mood for Colour by Hans Blomquist (photography by Hans Blomquist & Debi Treloar).

7. The Flower Workshop by Ariella Chezar. 

8. Bowerbird by Sibella Court.

9. Handpicked by Ingrid Carozzi.

10. What Katie Ate by Katie Quinn Davies.

You may already be familiar with some of these but, if not, they're all well worth considering next time you want to update your personal library. Happy reading!