Appreciating Art

I am learning that I can't and shouldn't write in a bubble. The Jews had it right when they made it a law to take a Sabbath rest, and our nation would gain much if we took a national holiday once a week as well.

Imagine if every restaurant was closed on the same day every week, and we were forced to have a true sit-down meal with our families. Maybe have a picnic. Watch the kids play. Maybe go down a few slides too. Play catch or tag or hide-and-go-seek. And then tumble into bed at the end of the day, feeling happy and content. Feeling truly alive.

Imagine if artists took the time to enjoy the art of others. A really good movie. A play. A comic. Sit down and read good books. And then wake up refreshed and ready to love your own work. A new outlook. A fresh perspective.

It's much like that day of rest. You gotta enjoy life in order to write about life effectively. You got to love to live in order to love your work.

Here's a quote from Mark Twain:

What work I have done I have done because it has been play. If it had been work I shouldn't have done it.

Who was it who said, "Blessed is the man who has found his work"? Whoever it was he had the right idea in his mind. Mark you, he says his work--not somebody else's work. The work that is really a man's own work is play and not work at all.

What's your favorite book / movie / TV show that motivates you?