Summer is here and that means it’s time for me to bring fresh ideas to this site. A new series called Inspiring Reads starts this weekend and will continue every Friday. The idea is to give you some weekend (or weekday) reading that will inspire you. These links may move you with beautiful writing, evocative photography, inspiring work, or reporting on an issue that needs our attention.
Why? First, I had a blast indulging myself in Napa last week but then returned to reality and my constant dilemma of wanting to help more but not really knowing how to turn it into action with my plate already being so full. I then read an article in Newsweek (see below) that really stuck with me. It reminded me of how much the world needs every one of us, and one little step I’m taking is adding this series. Second, I’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of interesting, creative, important work on the Internet, which naturally leads me to want to share some of it with you.
Pursuing a dream: Travel can seem self-indulgent, but Diana of d travels ’round writes about responsible tourism and is soon moving to Thailand to follow her dream of helping elephants. I look forward to following this new chapter in her life. In this post, she talks beautifully about how hard it has been for her to come to terms with her decision to move abroad.
Diana on her decision to move to another country
Photographing the world: If you don’t know Emiel of Act of Traveling, I suggest you check him out. His unconventional, philosophical perspective and eye for detail inspire me. I think you will love the photographs in his “7 Super Shots” post.
Emiel's 7 super shots
The sorrow in the seas: This article in Newsweek about the state of the oceans and what the future may hold is something everyone should read. And then we need to take action: buy fish wisely and spread the word.
'The Ocean of Life' and the Sorrow Beneath the Sea
Exploring what it means to be human: Raam Dev helps us consider the meaning of our existence in his writing, which takes various forms, in what he calls thoughts,essays, notes, and journal (and quotes on his Facebook page). His message and lifestyle are pure and powerful.
Check out Raam Dev's About page for starters.
I hope you enjoy this new series and feel inspired to share some of these links. I’d love to hear from you, so let me know what you enjoyed and if there is something you’d like to see more of!
Jenna, Another website and concept worth visiting is PhotoVoices. This organization was started by Ann McBride Norton (mother of Ed Norton the actor and who lives part time here in Bali). She initially provided disposal 35mm cameras to villagers in places like Mongolia. With some basic training they were allowed to take photos of everyday life. Some of the photos over the years have been exhibited in places such as MOMA. The link below takes you there. The photo sequence of the Lamalera whalers is interesting, albeit a bit gory as well. Very traditional and sustainable.
http://www.photovoicesinternational.org/
Sounds interesting! Thanks for letting me know. With all your travels and work in SE Asia, I’m sure you have lots of ideas for interesting resources. I will definitely check it out.
What a wonderful new series my friend…bringing to light all that is important in our world…to living our dreams and supporting noble causes! I really look forward to reading all of your “Inspiring Reads.”
Jeff Titelius recently posted..Inspired to Travel—Greece
Thank you, Jeff
Love the idea for this series, Jenna, and thankful that our friend Diana turned us on to it. We’ve started two Facebook groups devoted to bloggers writing about inspiring topics: Travel Bloggers Give Back is for sharing charity-related posts, while the Ecotourism & Adventure Travel Writers Association is for people who regularly cover sustainable travel and environmental issues as they relate to travel. Get in touch with me if you’re interested in learning more about either group.
Bret, Thanks for stopping by and for your support of this series! I have been interested in those Facebook groups for a while but haven’t taken the action to join, so thank you for mentioning it. I will contact you.
I am always thrilled to find inspiring places on the internet and have recently decided to start sharing my own in my In Case You Missed It series.
Thanks for sharing!
I’ve always enjoyed your In Case You Missed It series. It’s great to see other people’s picks because they are always things I wouldn’t find on my own.
What a great concept for a series. Thanks, Jenna! So much food for thought – and inspiration. I’ve been enjoying Raam Dev for a while, thanks to you, and look forward to more of your “finds,” like Emiel.
great idea!
monique recently posted..top 3 new experiences this spring in Italy
Great regular post idea, and something to watch out for, given the links included in this! Great variety too!
Tash recently posted..Safety Not Guaranteed and Stranger In A Strange Land
Thank you! It will be happening once a month from now on.