The Hit List - Monkeys In My Business

Truth: my husband thinks I’m gullible and susceptible to ads.

Fact: sometimes I am.

My brain is of the monkey mind variety. In other words, it’s constantly yearning, learning, churning and yes….getting distracted by shiny objects. (This wanderlust mind is not easy to live with – my poor husband sometimes feels like he’s existing in an I Love Lucy world.)

But here’s the deal: that mental restlessness (which I blame on many Mercury ruled planets) is simply looking to be inspired.

I want to be wowed.

I want to feel enchanted.

I want to think and have things to discuss (I love to talk).

I want to never run out of ideas, ever.

I find inspiration in many places: rap music, pop culture, cicada shells and slugs, random plastic toys, brilliant television (Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones – chea!), fashion magazines (I read everyone I can get my hands on), dark movies, good dinner, news stories…..

I’m always finding ideas, somewhere. It’s how my brain is wired.

Some ideas I implement successfully (especially business stuff – I have an uncanny knack for biz.).

Others, not so much (my idea of wearing a vintage hard shell Mr. Peanut costume to yoga never took off).

So those ads that suck me in? It’s not always because I’m some sort of consumer type (I buy far less stuff than you think, other than books of which I am unapologetically hoard-y). It’s because I’m taken in by the frills, the amazing products, the work that people put into bringing their ideas into fruition, and the incredible (and never ending) creativity.

We live in a very inventive world and it never ceases to amaze me at how original, hip and innovative people can be.

Can I be one of those people? Who knows? But I do know this: as long as I continue to soak in every moment, every spark, every glittery thing, there is some vision inside me waiting to come to life.

So tell me this: where do you find your best concepts and ideas?

That’s my kitty, Monkey, looking to be motivated by some birds outside.

Other stuff:

The person who inspires me the most: Damien Echols. If you have not read his book, Life After Death, please do. What he has been through would have broken most of us. His story moves me very much.

Because I’m always looking for ways to get my creative mojo bubbling, I had no qualms about signing up for Creative Ambrosia, the new weekly inspiration station from biz whiz Victoria Prozan. Each week, you get a thoughtfully curated inspiration sent to your inbox. The program just opened and I’m already gobsmacked and fermenting new shizz. Sign up with quickness. (PS it’s super inexpensive but packed with a grip of phat illumination for your very hungry cranium. The first installation got me thinking about where I get my ideas – hence, this post.)

I adore well constructed and colorful bags. Coach never lets me down. This is the purse I’m lusting over right now.

I read everything that photographer Chris Arnade writes. His work makes me think, makes me sad at times, and makes me try to be a kinder, more compassionate human being. His post for the Guardian, Ted Cruz and Obamacare critics clearly don’t get it, brought me to tears.

I don’t do much “hate reading” but this post from the bright young things at xojane.com cracked me up- and made me question those who do.

What I’m Grateful For:

Dinner with the family

New smartphones

Being able to figure out that new smartphone

Technology

Genius television shows (I’ll miss you, Breaking Bad)

A day off

Feeling well again

Soundtrack for 10/5/13: French Montana “Ain’t Worried About Nothin'” – one thing my brain rarely does: worry.