Love the questions

Like trying to figure out what’s on the last page of a book you haven’t even started, I too often try to answer many questions before living them. As if there was a rational and definitive answer to a question that only us can bring a meaning to.

A few months back, as I moved in a new room closer to the center in Jerusalem, I found a magnet with this quote from Rilke. I had the impression this magnet had been waiting for me, and many were the times I reread it to try an ease the thirst for answers in my heart.

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given to you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”

To my Sister

Far sometimes we look for inspiration
For art, genius or some kind of expression that resonates within us
And, often, we don’t need to look outside as our deepest connection comes from family

Decalogue to overcome the pressure of the blank page

1- No matter how hard I try, any good idea in my mind will never sound half as good once written down (and it just happened again while writing this rule)

2- Any deep reflection that I wish to capture in writing will automatically become anodyne and shallow once re-reading the text

3- There will always be someone who will know how to express in a much graceful and talented way whatever thought or feeling I have towards a work of art

4- No matter how good my English might be, the fact that it’s not my mother tongue will always determine the final result

5- Done is better than perfect: the longer it takes me to write again, the harder it will become

6- I don’t need to prove anything by writing on this blog, this is just for me. My only command is to be honest and collect beauty in all sorts of expression

7- Always remember how good it feels to reread some of my previous posts and realize I took the time and energy to accomplish them

8- This blog is like a good old friend. It doesn’t matter if we lost contact for a while, it’s a place I can always come back to

9- There has been a few moments in life when I’ve felt truly connected, let’s spread the news

10- I’m the only one who can make this happen

Inspiring Work From Creative Mums and Dads

When you are kid, everything is possible and magic happens everywhere. While you are asleep your dreams might come true, your toys come to life… I remember I used to tell my little sister that dwarves existed and lived behind the electricity installations’ small doors. And she believed it.

Some parents decide to bring magic into their children’s lives in an incredible funny and creative way. I’ve selected three of my favorite mums and dads and their inspiring imagination.

Wengenn in Wonderland

Using cloths, stuffed pets, toys and construction paper, Queenie has created fascinating backgrounds and disguises for her little kid, Wengenn. In her album there are over  30 pictures of little Wengenn sailing like a pirate, acting in a circus, capturing stars… a world of magic.

Sandwich Art

Starting in May 2008, illustrator and graphic designer, David Laferriere, has been drawing on his kids’ sandwich bags with a Sharpie marker. He makes each drawing  just after he finishes the sandwich. He has been taking a picture and upload it to Flickr where there are over 1,100 pictures already. A great way to brighten up your day!

Inspirational Poem: Love after Love by Derek Walcott

Love After Love

The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other’s welcome,

and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.

Derek Walcott