Write your life. No matter how young or old. Even if you feel like you're not interesting enough. Do it. Believe me you are. Your life is in fact twisted and beautiful and you'll find that as you peel back the layers, the unexpected side effect is that it feels wonderful to be known. Even if it's just by you.
-- Brandi Carlile, Broken Horses, p. 307-308
People in this country who are in positions of privilege must learn to find ways of fighting for the just treatment of others not by centering and platforming themselves but by holding up the ones who are suffering.
-- Brandi Carlile, Broken Horses, p. 301
Maybe we all just want to be immortal. To leave imprints and art and moments and words.
-- Brandi Carlile, Broken Horses, p. 292
I heard someone from the music business saying they are no longer looking for talent; they want people with a certain look and a willingness to cooperate. I thought, that's interesting, because I believe a total unwillingness to cooperate is what is necessary to be an artist -- not for perverse reasons, but to protect your vision. The considerations of a corporation, especially now, have nothing to do with art or music. That's why I spend my time now painting.
Scott Avett and Joni Mitchell, two of my favorite painters, actually both paint themselves a lot. It's not vain; it's a superpower to know what you look like -- not on the surface, but what you really look like. It's even more of a superpower to know and accept it. Now, here's the truly unattainable nirvana...what if you could actually know -- even love it? Most people are unaware of the story their eyes tell or the way their lines show us how often they've laughed. I don't want to be worried about my face or my body. I want to love it ... I wanted to know what I look like and not just accept it but completely embrace it.
-- Brandi Carlile, Broken Horses, p. 239
Tonight, I attended Herrick District Library's virtual author event featuring the New York Times-bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson. I look forward to reading her poetic memoir, SHOUT, in the days ahead.
When I was growing up, to be a girl was to be told to minimize the space you took up: "Close your legs. Don't be loud. Smile. Be cute. Be attractive. Be pleasing." I inherently balked against that as a kid. I was a rebellious kid, and I wasn't going to sit in the corner and be quiet. I've never been like that. However, looking back, I still notice some of the patterns of my own compliance. It's not that I hate myself for it, but I just wish I could turn around and say to my young self, "Take your seat. If there's not a seat there, drag a seat up to the table and sit down."
Because of the dog's joyfulness, our own is increased.
-- Mary Oliver, Dog Songs, p. 119
You are not responsible for your mother's emotions. You are not responsible for your mother's reactions to your boundaries. You are not responsible to make your mom understand you choosing a different life. You are responsible to live your life in a way that shows self-respect.
Music to me is like breathing. I don't get tired of breathing, I don't get tired of music.
-- Ray Charles
