Is it possible to find meaning in our day to day existence? Can wisdom be attained while we run errands, do the dishes and pay our bills? Ordinary Sparkling Moments - a joyful combination of the writing, collage and photography of Christine Mason Miller - explores these questions and more, celebrating the deeper truths that await our discovery in some of life's most mundane moments. This book is written from the experiences of a woman on the cusp of 40, evolving into a place where she trusts her own wisdom and beliefs - knowledge and confidence earned through quiet observation and appreciation of all the experiences life offers her, from the grand to the routine. Many of life's moments may be ordinary, but just beneath the surface there exists plenty of sparkle and delight; Ordinary Sparkling Moments honors all the unexpected places meaning can be found and all the surprising ways we can uncover our most authentic selves.
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"In this book Christine asks us, 'What does it mean to live an authentic life? By sharing some of her thoughts and experiences she attempts to peel away the layers of the created self in search of what it means to live fully open to what gives us the greatest meaning, even when that is extremely challenging." --Keri Smith, author of The Guerilla Art Kit and the forthcoming How to Be an Explorer of the World
"This book is a true gift to the spirit that lives in all of us that wants to acknowledge all that is creative and good in our ordinary, yet extraordinary lives." --Kelly Rae Roberts, author of Taking Flight: Inspiration & Techniques to Give Your Creative Spirit Wings
"Throughout the book, Christine's honesty and openness create a connection, a tie with the reader. The story is almost her autobiography ñ tracing her artistic roots through her successes and set backs ñ but there are profound nuggets of inspiration woven into her story." --Maggie Marton, Conversations With Famous Writers
"This book is a true gift to the spirit that lives in all of us that wants to acknowledge all that is creative and good in our ordinary, yet extraordinary lives." --Kelly Rae Roberts, author of Taking Flight: Inspiration & Techniques to Give Your Creative Spirit Wings
"Throughout the book, Christine's honesty and openness create a connection, a tie with the reader. The story is almost her autobiography ñ tracing her artistic roots through her successes and set backs ñ but there are profound nuggets of inspiration woven into her story." --Maggie Marton, Conversations With Famous Writers
About the Author
Christine Miller is a Los Angeles based artist with nearly 15 years of art, design and illustration experience. She is the creator of the nationally recognized brand Swirly, and her work has been inspiring people of all ages worldwide to make their creative dreams real since 1995. Her work as an artist has since grown and developed far beyond the Swirly world, with collections of paintings and other mixed media works now being sold and exhibited nationwide. Her fine art work opens the viewer into a variety of Christine's personal experiences, from travels to Cuba, Japan, Australia and Argentina to her own creative process. Using materials as varied as acrylic, oil and watercolor paints, pastels, pen and ink, molding paste, vintage photographs, her own photography and intriguing ephemera from her travels and wanderings, Christine's work is full of color, texture, and tiny details. She has filled her portfolio with dozens of works, each of which are part of a different series aimed at capturing experiences large and small that have fueled her creative fire. "The deepest goal behind my work is to explore all the beauty, wisdom, contradictions, questions and meanings that lie at the core of any human experience. I do not aim for perfection in this work, but instead strive to be as fully in the creative process as possible. My journey as an artist is constantly shifting and evolving, and I love not having a specific idea about where it is going to take me on any given day or even in any particular work of art."
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More About the Author
Christine Mason Miller is a Santa Monica based writer and artist who has been creating, writing and exploring ever since she was a little girl. Her mission to inspire has provided the foundation for all of her creative work; the desire to encourage others to pursue their passions and create a meaningful life is the common thread throughout an expansive body of work that includes mixed media collage, commercial illustration, photography, writing, teaching and speaking.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Fledgling
Format:Paperback
As a fan of Christine's artwork I was highly anticipating the arrival of her book. Each page is it's own piece of artwork and her words weave the story of her journey to being an artist. It is a love letter to any and all of us on a creative journey of our own. She shares her highs, lows, raw emotions, wise words and life lessons on her journey in a way that resonates with the reader. I find myself opening to a random page each morning and finding inspiration to take with me all day.
This is a book that will live on your nightstand and that you will want to share with your friends.
This is a book that will live on your nightstand and that you will want to share with your friends.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Ordinary Sparkling Moments is anything but ordinary. It is Extraordinary! Every page is stunning and artfully created, and with each word, Christine lets you into her private world as an artist and a woman. Her courage to share her journey and words of wisdom has inspired and empowered me to seek my own truth. Ordinary Sparkling Moments enlightens and embraces the artist inside all of us, while intertwining our everyday world. This gorgeous morsel has reminded me that there are sparkling moments happening every day in our lives - all we have to do is open our heart and our eyes. This book is a wonderful gift for yourself, or to share with your friends, and loved ones. It is truly a treasure!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Ms. Mason Miller has ignited an under current in this inspiring and juicy must read. Readers will rediscover their authentic selves under all the 'have, should and musts' citizens impose upon ourselves in this hectic paced and material driven world. This inviting prose will slowly and gently beckon the audience to clear the mind, listen inward and savor the ordinary graces in the every day. This is a delicious read that will satiate the hungriest of readers and whet the apppetite those just starting their authentic journeys.
Patricia Dolan
Patricia Dolan
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A. Souza
Format:Paperback
As a huge fan of the author, I am so thrilled to have this gorgeous book in my hands now. I consider myself lucky to have this 'magical portal' into Christine's beautiful world of inspiration and creativity. Every page of Ordinary Sparkling Moments is full of wisdom and unique poetic imagery. Mason Miller shares her Art, life and experiences with so much generosity and tenderness, that you can't help but connect and listen to your own heart beat, as you read her words. Ordinary Sparkling Moments is not only a book, but also a marvelous, gentle friend and companion. You'll simply love it!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
First a disclosure: I have known the author for many years and have witnessed her strength and creativity first hand. She really has gone through the lengthy list of life's tougher issues described in this remarkable book. I find the book to be an inspiration. Christine is willing to offer to us her inner perspective on coping with dark times and then her approach to regaining optimism in the ups and downs of her very full life. In addition to the insightful writing, which is drafted in a way that can be read repeatedly to find new meaning each time, each page is it's own individual unique piece of art. Just beautiful. This book will stay on my nightstand for a long time.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
One of the most beautiful books I've ever had the pleasure of owning ~ and beyond the gorgeous art that graces each and every page ~ this is a book filled with the most authentic heartfelt sentiment that reminds you that you too can do it, not only live a full creative life but also recognize your own "Ordinary Sparkling Moments" within it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If you are looking for a book that mixes beauty and gentle wisdom with humour and honesty then don't go past this book. Each page is a handmade collage by the artist Christine Mason Miller, who has filled this book with wise, honest essays reflecting on her life as an artist and as a woman. Many books claim to offer inspiration in the form of "top ten tips for becoming an artist". Mason Miller avoids the hype and instead shares with us the simple, ordinary but "sparkling" moments from her journey and in the process she certainly inspired me.
PS: This book makes a great gift, I've given away six copies and each one has been a hit!
PS: This book makes a great gift, I've given away six copies and each one has been a hit!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
On my coffee table i have a pile of books that are like old friends, books i turn to when i am having a fearful day, a day when i want to seek the inspiring words of those creative souls who have led the way... and Ordinary Sparkling Moments will now be joining my pile of book friends. Each page is full of sumptuous color and insight, Christine's words reflecting my own journey and thoughts and fears and revelations. There is so much juicy wisdom in this book, i recommend it to everyone who wishes to fully inhabit their true authentic self. It will inspire you to spread your wings and fly high....
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
No ordinary book!
Christine opens her heart and shares herself with us in a way that's both visually inspiring as well as providing gems of wisdom that are nourishment for the soul. Read more
Published on May 16, 2010 by Myra Wood
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly Inspirational
Ordinary Sparling Moments made me want to devour it whole and savor it forever at the same time. It is filled with wisdom and magic and creativity. It's honest and fresh. Read more
Published on October 6, 2008 by Ann Howley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightful!
Christine's writing is thoughtful and real. She conveys extraordinarily positive energy without failing to acknowledge that life is sometimes not all hearts and flowers. Read more
Published on September 24, 2008 by Lisa M. Laird
5.0 out of 5 stars
a perfect blend....
After having collected tons of books on creativity and artful expression over the years, I was pleasantly surprised and so very excited to see this specific collection of wisdom,... Read more
Published on September 22, 2008 by J. Peterson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sparkling
This book is a treasure. The artwork, the wisdom, the writing are all sparkling. Christine shares valuable life wisdom that has provided my creative dreams reliable wings. Read more
Published on September 21, 2008 by Thea Coughlin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Deliciously Inspiring
An incredible book - from cover to cover and every fine detail in between! The art alone stands out with magical beauty, and Christine's words, ideas, memories, and vision elevate... Read more
Published on September 18, 2008 by Nita Mickley
5.0 out of 5 stars
EXTRAORDINARY Sparkling Moments!
Christine Mason Miller's new book is a treasure. One can open on any page and it somehow serendipitously speaks to how you are feeling in that moment, giving the kind of magical... Read more
Published on September 18, 2008 by Jin
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