All creative folks have their favorite ways of re-lighting their imagination. On those days when I need a little jolt, but don’t have a lot of time to devote to it, a swing through my neighborhood branch library or bookstore usually does the trick.
Apparently, I’m not the only one who has discovered these idea palaces, but a letter I received a while back shared a bookstore experience that made me smile. I’ll keep the writer anonymous. Here’s his story:
“Exactly 24 hours ago, I took my penny pail to the bank and cashed it in for $32.09. Against my better judgment, I decided to visit Border’s bookstore to have a latte and browse through a book that had caught my eye on several previous tours. Before my coffee was cool enough to drink, I decided to spend over half my available cash on Making a Living Without a Job.
“After brooding for nearly two weeks and accomplishing nothing, I read your entire book in one sitting.
“Since then, I have sold books to a used bookstore, sold an expensive golf bag to a secondhand sporting goods store,l, sold a rowing machine to a secondhand exercise machine store, took four large trash bags of good clothing to a consignment shop.
“I dared to try my new Rollerblades, scheduled a meeting with my father-in-law to learn his business secrets, faxed a letter and resume to a local business college about teaching several courses, made a number of phone calls for some consulting work. and listed 37 potential Profit Centers.
“Oh, yes, I also made a huge pot of Texas Red chili and did five loads of laundry.”
He goes on to write, “I have been making a living without a job, though I lacked an understanding of the process and certainly lacked the passion you so eloquently described.
“I knew the time had come to return to the dream. Thank you for giving it back to me.”
Barbara- Love the term idea palaces and totally agree that libraries and bookstores fit the bill. After reading how your book motivated your reader to accomplish so much I will be buying your book. Results like that convinced me it is a must-read. I’ve been enjoying all your writing in the emails I get, so thanks for all you do to teach and inspire us.
Barbara- your book is always a fabulous one to pick up for inspiration. I can’t count how many times I’ve read MALWAJ, sometimes all the way through, others just bits and pieces at a time. It’s one of those books that can be picked up anytime. I love how your book inspired this guy to accomplish so much, let the ideas keep coming!
I suppose it’s time for me to re-visit my copy of your book. I am having a blast making money preparing for the Sedona trip.
Rasheed
Barbara, As you know, I quote you in the workshop I teach for the UW-Madison; “First Step to Starting a Small Business”. I also encourage participants to buy your book. I taught 2 seminars this week and the only time I noted folks picking up their pens was when I gave them the title; “Making a Living Without a Job”. Expect a rush of sales!
One more example of why we should “begin by refusing to ever, ever use lack of money as an excuse.”
Glad to report that all of my county libraries now have the new edition of MALWAJ, they are all checked out, and I am #1 on the request list for the next copy. Jane
Are their any sublimenal messages and pictures you do Barbara to get people to do these things in your books, or you write they do. Good job.