the summer's last stand...
Happy August!
I chose the quote above by Sara Baume as I feel that it exemplifies the character and feeling of this month and the time of year. The days are beginning to grow shorter and the nights draw in earlier, but the sun is still determined to make a strong appearance. As Angelique Arnauld said: "Perfection consists not in doing extraordinary things, but in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well".
The topic of this month's blog focuses on being part of the world, and not just feeling like a visitor. I have spent a lot of time this month thinking about our roles in the world and came across this idea in a podcast of actively contributing to the world, rather than just passively experiencing it.
I begin with a striking quote by J.K Rowling:
"We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better"
This quote is made even more significant when we consider the journey of the author herself. Best known for writing the Harry Potter series, she has ended up selling more than 500 million copies of the books. This has become the best-selling book series in history. But her journey to success was far from straightforward and I think demonstrates how she embraced her role in the world, and was determined to fulfil it to her highest potential.
The picture above shows the beauty of Nature in all its summery glory and I encourage you to continue to take advantage of soaking up vitamin D during the rest of the month. Let us take a moment here to look at some of the story of J.K. Rowling in order to think about how we could create our own magical lives.
Born in Gloucestershire, she was working as a researcher and bilingual secretary for Amnesty International in 1990 when she first thought of the idea for the Harry Potter series whilst on a delayed train from Manchester to London. That example already portrays the power of the mind and the wonders which it can create, even when waiting for a delayed train...
Having completed a BA in French and Classics at the University of Exeter, she then initially worked as the secretary before moving to Manchester where she worked at the Chamber of Commerce. During the four-hour delayed trip from Manchester to London, the idea of a story about a young boy going to a school of wizardry first appeared in her mind. She reached her flat and began writing immediately. To me, this example portrays the potential of the mind, when it is focused and working towards a particular goal.
When her mother died after ten years suffering from multiple sclerosis in 1990, J.K. Rowling channeled her feelings of loss and sorrowful emotions into the first book of the Harry Potter series, representing it in the character Harry's grief. Another example of how the mind can be utilised effectively, even in the most awful circumstances.
In 1995, Rowling finished her manuscript for the very first book in the Harry Potter series; Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. She submitted it to twelve different publishing houses, all of which rejected the manuscript. A year later, she was given the green light by an editor from Bloomsbury in London, thanks to his eight-year-old daughter who was curious to find out more about this magical land beyond the three chapter sample given. Although Bloombsury agreed to publish the book, Rowling was advised to get another job, since the publisher at the time said she had little chance of making money in children's books. A great example of how important it is to stay true to ourselves and believe in our talents and skills, regardless of anyone else's opinions!
A great quote from Dumbledore in the first book says:
"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live"
The quote above reminds us of the importance to stay present and remember our life's purpose, whatever it may be. Just like water passing under a bridge - it doesn't forget to flow but rather continues to pass along its waterways, overcoming obstacles in its path. I think the plethora of motivating and uplifting quotes throughout the Harry Potter book series can be a great asset to our lives and I urge you all to take inspiration from them!
In June 1997, Bloomsbury published the first book with an initial print run of 1,000 copies, 500 of which were distributed to libraries. Only five months later, the book won its first award, a Nestlé Smarties Book Prize. In the following year, the novel won British Book Award for Children's Book of the Year and, later, the Children's Book Award. And so, Rowling defied all odds and her success began to increase.
The next two books also won the Smarties prize and she became the first person to win the award three times in a row. Rowling continued writing and publishing the remaining four books. The final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, became the fastest-selling of all time. It sold 11 million copies in the first day of release in the UK and the US. The book's last chapter was reported to be one of the earliest things that she wrote in the entire series. This is an interesting point as it shows the importance of having clear direction and understanding of where you want to end up. J.K. Rowling undoubtedly had a vision in her mind throughout the process, and this is what allowed her to achieve her success and complete the story as she originally imagined. She knew where she wanted the story to end up, and she was the only person who could make that happen.
Harry Potter is now a global brand worth many billion pounds, but it simply would not have existed, were it not for the determination and resilience of this woman who believed in her part of the world. She is not merely a visitor, but has helped to mould generations of people all over the world, particularly with the creation of the Harry Potter films. What a great role model for us to consider, especially as the book series sparked interest in reading for the young people at the time when technology started to increase. This is another great example of the benefit of reading books at an early age and allowing the mind to develop its creativity!
I hope you have enjoyed the analysis of this author and some of her early life journey and have observed how our personal choice about how to react and respond to life events can cement our success for the future ahead. Above all, I encourage you to watch the Harry Potter series on DVD (again if needs be!) and remember how your own journey in life can be magical also! There are so many life lessons which can be learnt from the series, and it contains one of my favourite quotes.
In the third book, the Prisoner of Azkaban, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Dumbledore says:
"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light"
Our lives can be magical, even if just with a decadent white hot chocolate...
Thank you for all your continued support for the brand instagram account and here are a few of my recent enjoyed hot chocolates enjoyed at home as well as when eating out. Remember to enjoy all that Nature provides for you during the summer months, and take the opportunity to explore new cuisines while the sun is shining for evening meals enjoyed outside :)
I am looking forward to spending some time away by the sea, enjoying the delights of the coast with good company, opportunities to enjoy the peace and quiet of Nature and of course, lots of good food and drinks - keep watching the social media channels for some mouthwatering posts...
Sunday Sunrise Sounds also continues each week on Lymm Radio 6-8am - enjoy the last one of the month on Sunday and I hope you are able to start the last day of the week in a relaxing way! This week, the show will be taking a more relaxed approach with a fantastic range of artists and songs to accompany the bank holiday weekend.
The power of words may be remembered in some more words by Dumbledore:
"Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it."
Tune into the radio show via your smart speaker or via this link...a positive way to start the day! #localradio
I conclude August's blog with another inspiring quote by J.K Rowling:
"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities"
Wishing you a wonderful remainder of August and remember to take the time to work out what you want to concentrate and focus your energy on, as you are the only one who can make that decision wholeheartedly!
Happy August,
Sitara xx
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