A Media Must Have...

{Australia Challenge Day 3}

In high school, despite my social tendencies, one could typically find me secluded in my room. Bedroom door shut, stereo on, and a stack of magazines at my side. Glamour and Rolling Stone were among my favorites. 

 When I went away to college my magazine stacks slowly disappeared.  My academic classes urged me to think critically about the world.  And I soon felt disillusioned about the way in which the media presented "information" and portrayed women.

Within the past year, magazines have made a resurgence in my life. My ottoman yields stacks of The Atlantic, Runner's World, and Yoga Journal.

And after my Australia travels, I've added one more magazine to the decor of my ottoman; Frankie Magazine. The narratives, art work, photography and cultural insights are fresh, fun, and original. If you've never had the pleasure of flipping through this publication check out the website, or try to find a local store selling this Aussie gem. 

What magazines are sitting on your ottoman these days? What magazines did you read as an adolescent? I would love to read your thoughts! Please leave your lovely comments below.

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Travel, Reading, & Book Club...

{Australia Challenge Day 2}

While traveling in Australia I read the Salinger classic, Franny and Zooey. The words pulled playfully at the corners of my mouth and moved me to put pen to paper. I saw Australia through an altered lens because this paperback was my traveling companion.

Last week my lovely book club ladies and I met to discuss Salinger's words. I was able to share and express all that I had kept to myself while seeking adventure. The evening was joyous. The flow of discussion moved seamlessly as the group showed academic engagement with the text. We chuckled at the characterization of the mother, dissected the obsession with the ego, and disagreed with SparkNotes concerning the interpretation of the ending. We also came to believe that the stories were relevant to the contemplative words of Howard Thurman:

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

What makes you come alive? I would love to hear your thoughts, so leave 

comments below!

image via.

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A Creative Block & Solving Problems.

Chinese Museum, Melbourne.
January 2012.

{Day 1}

I am three weeks removed from my Australian adventure. And with the passing days, my current case of writer's block only seems to intensify. To break myself free of my struggles to contribute to the written word, I am giving myself a blogging challenge. Hooray!

The Challenge:

For 26 days {the length of my travels}, I will continuously post reflections, photos, and insights from my trip on Underlined and Bold. With a little outside accountability, I hope to regain my sense of creativity with words, and rekindle my love of snapping photos. 

Do you ever experience writer's block? What strategies do you use to break away from it?

  I would love to hear your thoughts, so leave 

comments below!

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