{Blog It Forward!} 5 things that inspire me.

Much thanks to sfgirlbybay for hosting blog it forward and letting me be a part of it! For my post on things that inspire me, I've decided to use pictures to help me out. :) So without further ado, here are five things that never fail to inspire me:

 
Music is and will always be my number one inspiration. I work best, whether it's grading or cleaning or writing, while listening to music. My favorite types of music to listen to while working are classical (especially when it's string-heavy) and ballads (especially when they're by Tori Amos).


I will never forget the creative writing teacher I had in college who advised us that we needed to read in order to become better writers. She was so right. I am forever reading with a highlighter and some nifty post-its at the ready, ready to make note of passages that inspire me. Writers that most inspire me are Michael Ondaatje, Sylvia Plath, and E.E. Cummings.


I often get inspired while traveling, whether it's by foot or by car or by plane. In fact, some of my best poems have been written on napkins while in the car. I don't know what it is about being in motion, but it definitely inspires me.


Relationships have always inspired me. Something about the push and pull of them ignites something in me and inspires me to be a better daughter, sister, friend, and lover. And as for romantic relationships, both the beginnings and endings are so fraught with emotion that they often move me to write poetry.


I have always loved how the best photographs can tell stories. I took Photography 101 in college and it was like my eyes were opened for the first time -- I started looking, really looking, at everything for what felt like the first time, with new eyes. Every moment began representing an opportunity for a great photo. I am currently saving up for a Polaroid camera (not to mention the super expensive film), but in the meantime I make do with my trusty little Sony camera and my iPhone.
 
Yesterday I was tagged by Anne Sage, who wrote a beautiful post on how March inspires her, and be sure to check out artcetera's post tomorrow. Here are the other bloggers participating in today's blog it forward:


To see the full list of bloggers participating in blog it forward, go here. What are your inspirations?

11 comment(s):

Vanessa said...

What an awesome list! Love it!

Music, traveling, love, photography, and my niece inspire me constantly.

{andthisiswhatshesaid} said...

Love your list girlfriend.

Marisa Seguin said...

Great list, love everything on it!

M and E said...

Thanks for sharing your inspirations with us!

Vic said...

I feel the same way about how poetry seems to flow when emotions are at all time highs... or lows...

Arcadia said...

what a gorgeous blog!

Sonya McCllough Lockridge said...

Love your blog header and you inspiration list

perfectionishuman said...

Ahh I love this.. I completely agree with the reading and music.. although alot of people don't "get" reading. x

Unknown said...

Aw, thanks, guys! :)

Anonymous said...

You should really stop stealing people's photos. NOT cool.

Unknown said...

@Anonymous: To be fair, I did give credit for the above photos (as I always do). If any of them are yours and you would prefer I take them down, kindly inform me which one it is so that I may do so.