It is so easy to turn on the television every evening.   Believe me… I do it waaaaay too often.  There are books out there that can change the way you view your own world.  They can teach, inspire, and motivate you!   I surround myself with books.  They are all over my house, in my car and in my boat.  Just like dinner… there are times I don’t finish them, they don’t read as well as they look, and their weight scares me off.  But, I find some morsel to savor in just about every book I hold.  Since I know many of you may not be able to read from my library, this blog will give you a little taste of what I learned from some of the books on the shelves.

What is creativity? Why are some people creative?  Is creativity limited to artists? What unleashes the creativity in each of us?  Jonah Lehrer in his new book, Imagine, explores with research and stories how creativity works.  From the introduction about how Proctor and Gamble created the Swiffer to the social world that Shakespeare lived in that contributed to his immortal writings the stories punctuate his research.

I personally learned that those times when I step away or put something on the shelf for days, months, or sometimes a year can help in the creative process.  We all do know that but that fresh look sometimes without even remembering the original work, can help me move forward and continue that creative process.

The story of Pixar and the process that led to some of the most creative and award winning movies was so interesting.  Teamwork and that relationship of those working together was a thought provoking section.  The mix of familiar partners with some new energy can boost creativity.

It was interesting reading about the power of “urban friction.” When I was a little girl, I never understood why people live in cities when they could live out in the country.  I am still fascinated by that thought.  The diversity that people are exposed to has a powerful effect on innovation.

Sometimes we think others are “so creative” when that process usually has something that propels them… and, in fact in, some way we are all creative.

What I try to do in my life is to make sure that I am constantly reading or watching videos (like TED), surrounding myself with a diverse group of people, and giving myself time and space.  I want to be more creative in my work, art and photography.

What he didn’t cover in any detail was the critic that we all have inside our brain.  That which stops us cold, turns us in another direction, and causes us to not let our imagination and creativity go forth.  I was fascinated by the stories and insight into the process that products and art are created.  I felt I had to take what was written and try to figure out how it relates to my own creativity.  I would have liked some triggers or questions to keep me thinking how to use the the stories and research in my life… today.

As Lehre writes, “The human mind, after all, has the creative impulse built into its operating system, hard-wired into its most essential programming code.  At any given moment, the brain is automatically forming new association, continually connecting an everyday x to an unexpected y.  This book is about how that happens.  It is the story of how we imagine.”

Guy Kawaski explores Google+ in this how-to guide!,  to getting involved in the newest.. .probably most powerful… social media tool created today!  We make assumptions that Facebook is the best and last social media site… but rapid changes in the world of technology and communication mean that anything is possible.

Guy Kawasaki is just a brilliant ..  he was “Chief Evangelist” (what is that?)  at Apple, author of 10 bestselling books, fascinating blog writer and sought after speaker.

This book, though, is a manual on Google+… and by the time you read it … well, Google will have made changes.  But, it is a MUST READ.

I admit, though I try to stay on top of some of the most powerful social media tools, I have been on Google+ for quite awhile, I don’t understand exactly how to negotiate it and how to make it work for me more effectively. So, voila… Guy publishes this book.

But, you won’t find this book at Barnes and Noble or your local store.  It is affordable.. only a few bucks!  It is only downloadable on kindle, google and?

Go download this… get yourself active on Google.. get a profile, a gmail account, start a blogger blog and POST on Google+… and add me to your circles!

Tina Fey is an amazing woman!  Her book, Bossypants, was hard to put down!  I admit that every time I see her Sarah Palin impressions I laugh out loud… I go back and watch them periodically on YouTube.  I loved her on Saturday Night Live.  I never got into 30 Rock.   I don’t follow much press about celebrities. After reading this book, I learned what a powerful force she is.

The book was like listening to her chat.  She juggles her Sarah Palin impressions with getting Oprah on her show to her kids birthday party.  We get an honest look at her challenges to get where she is today.  And funny… the book is very funny.  I laughed out loud.

“Luxury cruises were designed to make something unbearable–a two-week transatlantic crossing–seem bearable. There’s no need to do it now. There are planes. You wouldn’t take a vacation where you ride on a stagecoach for two months but there’s all-you-can-eat shrimp.”

Tina Fey has a scar just above her lip. I have never noticed or seen the scar but she talks about it several times in the book. Clearly, it really bothers her… which is interesting because sometimes we forget that even the celebrities who appear to be so beautiful and successful have little flaws that they obsess about.

She made it in a “man’s world.” But, I felt bad because I always just thought of her as a cute, funny comedienne and never realized the success she earned and the power she has in the industry!

This book is entertaining and interesting.  It’s part memoir, part story and part inspiration.  I couldn’t put it down when I bought it.  I read it straight through.  Read it… pass it on to friends… give it as a gift!

This book, “Soul Pancake” by Rainn Wilson (most famous for his role on “The Office”) is just full of life’s questions.  Page after colorful page of quotes, art, lists, and ideas.  It is totally outside the box.. though that is a cliche and not a unique thought.. this book makes you start to evaluate your life and motivation… and be more creative and inventive.

I just so enjoy books like this because I wish I was more creative as I sit here in my basement art studio playing with paint, photos, writing… This is the kind of book that helps inspire me.

It has been in print for two years I paid full price. You can find it online for less that $10.

This world of social media has changed the way we market and communicate.  Dave Kerpen in his book, “Likeable Social Media” looks at marketing today using the tools of social media NOT as just a numbers game, but one where you engage with customers and prospects because they “LIKE” you.  It’s that personal connection that will bring you business and that positive word of mouth marketing that will make your business grow exponentially if you engage and are interesting.

There are fantastic examples throughout the book.  As so many people are sold on buying connections online, they are missing the most important and powerful marketing techniques.

For example, in Chapter 5 he talks about “Talking with your children instead of talking TO your babies.”  The old model of marketing which was talking to customers with billboards and TV ads has changed to one of engagement WITH customers using social media.

I learned some great ideas to use almost daily as I run my own business.  I need to read it again to

Every small … and large business owner should pick up this book and learn how to multiply connections and build brand and personal popularity by being authentic and caring and likeable.

This book was hard to put down and I wanted to keep reading even when I was finished.  Karen Karbo, “How Georgia Became O’Keefe,”  doesn’t write just any biography.  The subtitle, Lessons on the Art of Living, hints that the reader can learn from O’Keefe’s style and journey.

“With her fabulous rawboned frame, straggly brows, and schoolmarm’s bun, her black vestments, man’s shoes, and odd assortment of hats and turbans, O’Keefe was out there.  There was no one like her, then or ever (maybe a derranged old woman in Sicily.)” Karen’s colorful descriptions of Georgia and her own comments were just fun to read.

And as I read, I learned about the life of one of the most famous women painters in the country who lived her life her way.  I learned what inspired her and her path to New Mexico and her love affair with Alfred Stieglitz who took over 300 photos of her.

And throughout the book I laughed at personal comments throughout by the author and how we can learn from the life that Georgia O’Keefe lived for 98 years.   I loved this book and will give copies to friends as gifts!

If you have ever wondered about this iconic force in the art world, go to amazon and get this book!

We all need to develop the relationships we currently have and build more using some of the ideas Reid Hoffman, co-founder and chairman of LinkedIn.com, along with Ben Casnocha wrote about in this book, “The Start up of YOU.”

“Adapt to the future, invest in yourself, and transform  you career” is the subtitle which summarizes the concepts.  In business, we are all “start-ups.”  The more we look at ourselves that way and identify our skill-sets, passions, and assets in terms of market realities the more success we might see as we adapt to the changes in our world.

In the real estate industry the market has come to a crashing halt over the past few years.  Real estate agents have to set themselves apart from the competition and adapt to the changes because as the market crashed, the internet and technology tools grew at lightening speed.  We all need to keep learning, work on creating stronger relationships, be open to more opportunities because of our connections and take some risks.

I am going to work harder on my relationships this year, take more time to learn, join more or start groups, and take some risks to try some new ways to do business.  This book might motivate you, also, to look at the year ahead and how you can increase your success!

http://www.thestartupofyou.com/

Seth Godin is a bit weird.  He is authentic, says/writes what he thinks, and is a bit outside the box… or as he talks about in “We are all Weird” outside of the bell curve.  This book is available, I think, only on Amazon because of some agreement with Godin and the Domino Project.  It is like reading a long blog and I finished it in an afternoon.

Basically, he talks about how we are all unique and now that we are “rich” we can have choices.  The end of the last century we were in the world of mass marketing.  Now, because of the internet, marketeers need to be aware that we aren’t a “mass” anymore and that because we are “rich” we want choice.

He talks about the bell curve and how it is flattening… which is basically what I learned in the “Long Tail” by Chris Anderson.  I find that so many of us are struggling to be like others in our industry.  We are hesitant to really show our true feathers and be ourselves.  I know that I am a bit outside the box and I still struggle with how I can be myself and still “conform” enough.  I am thankful for the mass marketing and the ability to buy products made in factories for the masses, but I also feel fortunate that I can have just about anything I want MY way.  I want to make sure that in the next year, I do the same for my clients.  The cover has two sides.. and … really .. it is a weird cover.

This is about the tragedy that resulted in the death of Natalie Wood who was one of the most popular actresses of her time.  She died over 30 years ago from a drowning when she was on the boat owned by her and her husband, Robert Wagner.  Christopher Walken was on the boat at the time.  The ships captain, Dennis Davern, tells his version of the story written by Marti Rulli.

The investigation was reopened recently but closed because of the lack of evidence.  After all these years, there is no proof of what actually happened.  This book moves painfully slow.  The story could be told in a few dozen pages. It was boring and hard to get through.

My take on what really happened… just my opinion from all I’ve read, as a boater and with experience with a difficult relationship… Natalie and Robert were married, divorced and remarried.  They had a passionate but also emotionally charged relationship. I don’t think it was any accident.  She didn’t go out on the deck in a wool socks and pj’s and take the dingy out in the middle of the night… especially as she was afraid of the water.  They had a fight which according to the book resulted in broken wine bottle and a seriously messed up boat.  It got out of control.  She ended up in the water.  He didn’t even call for help right away.  Nearby boats heard screaming.  The captain and Christopher Walken.. they really knew what happened because … I have a boat… they aren’t that big!  Robert Wagner was whisked away by helicopter.  No real investigation was done.  It is a shame that she died so young.

I often introduce myself as “Natalie as in ‘Natalie Wood’” which can get a laugh or a grimace. But, I remember her fondly as the little girl in “Miracle on 34th Street.”

This book was hard to put down!  Betty White is like the Energizer Bunny!  I learned so much about early television and how the business grew.  I realized how Betty White was such a trail blazer.  Betty has had a career on television and radio that spans over 60 years… before I was born!  She has had not just one… but several television shows named after her.  Early on, she was on TV 5 hours a day all week long!  Comments about how they decided to tape talk shows so the host would be able to take time off and re-runs would be shown… and  how game shows used to be filmed every day until the idea was that money could be saved by filming many in one day… just seemed fascinating… because, today, we take it for granted.

She seemed to know just about everyone in the industry.  I love the way she was so honest and frank as she told her stories and also about her own life and loves.  I still look forward to every chance to see her in front of the camera!