Book Review - George Washington Carver - John Perry

This book is part of the Close Encounters of the Christian Kind written by John Perry.  I had heard of George Washington Carver but never really knew much about him. 

Carver is known for his research in discovering many uses for the peanut.  Reading this book uncovered a whole other side to what was a very complex individual.  We get to accompany the writer on an adventure into Carver's life and accomplishments.  Perry has an incredible knack of drawing you in and making the pages come alive, he has an easy writing style and language that almost makes you feel you are personally getting to know Carver.

From humble beginnings Carver, born in 1864 made many contributions to society.  Despite segregation and racism denying him an education his determination and faith drove him to better himself.  He pursued an education and worked to see better conditions and sustained self sufficiency for his community and the population at large.  In 1896 he completed his masters degree and he was asked to join the faculty of the Tuskegee Institute by Booker T Washington.

His research at the institute resulted in the creation of more than 300 products from peanuts such as cooking oil, peanut butter and paint. He also created more than 100 products from sweet potatoes and is responsible for inventing synthetic materials, such as marble and plywood, even inventing the dye which is still used in crayons. A talented artist, Carver created some of his own paints using local clays, he produced many works of art, but sadly most were destroyed in a fire.

His thirst for knowledge is admirable, not being content in following one field he became expert in a number of disciplines, not allowing his circumstances to define him or discourage him, he made a path for himself, was generous with his time and instilled hope in all who heard him speak, with a view that 'Any man could start with nothing and achieve great things'.

 I would definitely recommend reading this book, it's not only informative but is great look at where courage, discipline, focus and determination can take you.

Try Something New - Week 3 Update

I am astounded at how quick the week went, I thought I'd get this update done as I go into week 4.  I tried to vary the time of my walks to see how I felt, and did an evening and afternoon walk.

I realised I prefered to hear the birds tweeting rather than the traffic, and you notice how many people are on the road and it then doesn't become a peaceful 'alone with my thoughts' activity, so the verdict is that either walking first thing or walking at lunch time when there is a bit of sunshine all helps to make an enjoyable walk.  I am also beginning to feel that 'have to get out urge' rather than forcing myself to get my things together, and when I do get that feeling of not wanting to go out, even with all the preparation, I have to remind myself it's only 10 mins in one direction then back!

This week I took a walk round where my mother lives in Camden.  It  brought back childhood memories of me standing on my mothers balcony which looked onto the main road.

I'd sing songs I made up hoping a record producer would hear me as they drove by....I was determined to be spotted, and sang at the top of my lungs;

I'm only 11,11, 11 but what's the use, use, use of me trying to get in show biz,

wow oh wiz you never see me crying,

wow oh wiz I'll never stop trying.......

I would sing on the balconly mostly at the weekends. Funny I am not sure what the neighbours thought, I never knew if they complained the only one that did complain was my little brother who would tell me what an awful voice I had, (brothers eh)!

My mothers estate backs on to two film studios.  On Monday I was in the process of going for my walk and putting out her recycling in the boxes which overlook the studios in my 'never wear these out on the streets, unless it's dark and no one can see you tracksuit' and who should drive up through her estate to the studio but Gok Wan, who glanced at me as I turned, I had to laugh as he had the look of 'you'd be just right for my extreme Makeover show' on his face.  Anyway...not to be deterred by my momentary embarrassement I strode off, vowing to myself that I would get a decent tracksuit to do my workouts in.

There are a lot of squirrels still to be seen, not sure if they are confused by the mildness of the weather and are eating up all their spring store or if they are still collecting for the winter.

Working on challenges to come....trying to get things organised such as website, goals and dreams for 2012, the thought of making 12 changes in the year that are lasting and will make a difference in my life is quite exciting.  I have been taking part in the Art Every Day Month on my other blog, will be updating some of the work I have been doing for the last few days, and have been doing some more backgrounds.  There is still so much to see in regards to the plant life, lots of bright blooms still on show;

and some rather unusual looking mushrooms growing on the grass..

but the changing of the leaves have been spectacular to see;

Roll on week 4 need to start thinking what challenge December will bring, what do I want to try?  What change do you think you would like to challenge yourself to making? Blessings for the rest of the week.

Week 4 Update
Week 2 Update
Week 1 Update

365 Days of Colour - Flower of the Day 174 - 180

I am practically half way through the 365 days of colour and it has been very challenging at times as I have had to be disciplined and sometimes as we know we don't want to update or show up, we just want to be.  What has kept me going is that I love the beauty of the images, and I remember where I was for every flower.  Some have come from my garden over the year watching the changing seasons, others while I've been on holiday or while out on my walking challenge.  I've stuck to the aim of providing colour and inspiration via the quotes, scriptures and reflections and it has been a blessing to me.  I do hope you are enjoying the posts and would love to have your thoughts on challenges that you are working your way through.  Have a blessed week.

Day 180

Reflection

Your life can be beautiful

Quote

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.  ....Mahatma Gandhi

Scripture

Do not fear; for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you...Isaiah 41:10

Day 179

Reflection

Some doors are meant to close

Quote

Stop the words now.  Open the window in the centre of your chest, And let the spirits fly in and out.... Rumi

Scripture

My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness..11 Corinthians 12:9

Day 178

Reflection

When you fall pick yourself up and start again

Quote

A rock pile ceases to be a rock pile the moment a single man contemplates it, bearing within him the image of a cathedral. ....Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Scripture

...the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved..Matthew 24:13

Day 177

Reflection

You have everything you need for your journey

Quote

Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that never were and ask why not. ....George Bernard Shaw

Scripture

..We have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His Sight..1 John 3:21-22

Day 176

Reflection

Do not hold on to anger or bitterness, they will destroy you. 

Quote

I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time...Jack London 

Scripture

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble..Psalm 46:1

Day 175

Reflection

What does God say about you?

Quote

I still need more healthy rest in order to work at my best. My health is the main capital I have and I want to administer it intelligently....Ernest Hemingway 

Scripture

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness..James 3:18

Day 174

Reflection

Just because you acknowledge the pain, doesn’t mean you are weak....Hand it over to God, he cares for you.

Quote

Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart.  Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens. ....Carl Jung

Scripture

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His loving kindness is everlasting..Psalm 118:29

Try Something New - Week 2 update

Well end of week 2 of the challenge, noticed a few changes in the week. I took a different route this week to keep the scenary interesting, this is the back of wembley stadium (looks like a space ship landed)......

I've been more determined and focused to do things, wanting to make the most of time. I have been working on getting my website updated, and taking pictures of new work. 

Noticing more things about the environment on the walk, birds singing and chattering to each other - they seem to be really loud in the morning.  We have a bakery about 4 miles from us and you get the smell of cakes and biscuits in the air.  I am aching a bit more, but trying to keep a steady pace and stretch after the walk.  Wanting to tie up loose ends and make sure that I am up to date with my tasks that need to be sorted and generally work harder, again having to be flexible in my approach realising I could quite easily talk myself out of the walk, so I still need to make sure I have what is necessary to get up and out each day. 

Feeling like doing some gardening, tidying up and getting it ready for the winter period, we have our garden waste collected each week so I can get rid of more stuff for composting, with all this mild weather need to take advantage of it!   It's Sekani's birthday today he's 16 years old, and celebrations will commence for him on Friday. He has just finished his exams.  Looking forward to week 3 revelations!  Do let me know how you are getting on in your challenges.

Week 4 Update
Week 3 Update
Week 1 Update