“But for life the universe were nothing; and all that has life requires nourishment.”  fr-The Original Fannie Farmer 1896 Cookbook
 

 Into the depths of a cold and austere winter, I find myself feeling the need to retreat into the comfort that only inspiring books can provide, not unlike the warmth of a streaming bowl of homemade soup.  The two go together quite divinely, (hence the quote from Fannie Farmer).  I am drawn to the many biographies and journals that speak of survival, triumph over adversity, and the need to create through all else.  I want to read about the creative life while I allow my creative urge to hibernate temporarily , or as the quote implies, to nourish.

In my quest to discover how it is that we can continue to create through moments and periods of doubt, hopelessness, and suffering I have been led to the most wonderful and surprisingly candid, journals of women writers.  Here is a quick list: Emily Carr, May Sarton, Annie Dillard, Natalie Goldberg, Doris McCarthy, Colette, Sue Bender, Anais Nin, Ann Frank, Ann Morrow Linberg, Rosemary Sullivan (writing about Margaret Atwood), and Maya Angelou.

Through the course of this reading the  important question became evident, “How did these women find the constant courage and confidence to believe in themselves?”  The answer to this I believe lies in the many similarities that they hold, they became clearer the more I read:
 All possess a obvious passion for nature, a connection with something greater than themselves, many of them connect this with memories of childhood.  Several bought houses in the country to encourage this.
 There is a deliberate connection to other artists/writers/creators, a sharing of ideas, or a need to be coinspired by someone who is also creating.  Creative gatherings, dinners, support groups, cafe meetings, letter writing, afternoon teas.
 They all seem somewhat “comfortable” with solitude and have a need or at least the ability to spend quality time alone.  
 There is an capacity for self motivation, all find various ways to shift perception get a fresh perspective on the world and their lives.  Inspiring walks, travel to foreign lands, learning new skills, reading, cooking, exploring, 
 All experience pain, they choose to feel it intensely.  They also move triumphantly beyond it creating a well of strength from which they draw from.
 They possess the ability to see magic in the ordinary, the gift of mindfulness.
 All have moments of gratefulness and compassion.
 They all do something decadent to pamper themselves regularly.  May Sarton bought fresh flowers for herself every week!  That nourishment theme again.

 Maybe I should call these the “Eight Habits of Highly Successful Creative People”  It is these qualities that I wish to nurture and encourage in my own life and possibly others who are open to it.  So as I sit in front of the fire, warmed by a bowl of cream of watercress soup (wild watercress found in a stream not far from my home), I give myself permission to retreat temporarily and receive nourishment from those who have gone before and had the courage to write it down.  
Keri Smith is a free-lance illustrator and native of Toronto.  A graduate of  O.C.A. she has a wide following of clients in North America and Japan.  She currently resides in a “magic” cottage in Flesherton, painting, illustrating, creating, writing, and living out loud