Internet Inspiration – November 28, 2014

Hm. It seems I blinked and three weeks went by, my baby brother got married, Thanksgiving… happened, and I should probably start 2015 planning. Note to self: hibernation is best when you plan it 🙂

Anyway, how are you guys? Ready for the change in weather?

Let’s do some internet exploration, shall we?

Ursula K. LeGuin is the woman.

Any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings. Resistance and change often begin in art, and very often in our art—the art of words.

I loved reading this letter Kurt Vonnegut wrote to high schoolers. Coincidentally, I bought two of his books this weekend. I think I’ve only read Slaughterhouse Five, and, like most of the “great literature” books I read in high school, I wasn’t ready for it and didn’t get it. But now I’m ready to read The Sirens of Titan and God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater. Have you read either? Any thoughts or recommendations?

What I had to say to you, moreover, would not take long, to wit: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.

An astronaut describes her experience in space. I want it all.

There’s no way to anticipate the emotional impact of leaving your home planet. You look down at Earth and realize: You’re not on it. It’s breathtaking. It’s surreal. It’s a “we’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto” kind of feeling. But I’ve spent a total of 55 days in space, over the course of five missions for NASA, and I’ve learned that being out there isn’t just a series of breathtaking moments. It’s a mix of the transcendently magical and the deeply prosaic.

I don’t really like most of these imaginary Netflix suggestions, mostly because STOP JUDGING ME I’LL WATCH TV ALL DAY IF I WANT TO, but I’ll never forget my first big breakup. My roommate took me for a walk to talk it out, then he bought me sushi, and suggested a movie. I said I had a few DVDs from Netflix, and he said, “Kathryn, there is nothing you chose from Netflix that is appropriate for a breakup.” He was so right. So I bet you’ll see the suggestion I approve of 🙂

33 book suggestions based on your favorite movies.

If you need it, here are 40 sites to help you learn new skills.