Can't Get Enough: Paz, Samba, Workspaces

Photo by Nana B. Agyei

Purely by happenstance, as is often the way with such things that have great impact on one's life I picked up the book Itinerary: An Intellectual Journey, written (and posthumously published) by the great poetic Mexican writer Octavio Paz.  Not only does the book provide a deep commentary on Mexican life, history, and politics, but those of Spain as well -- interspersed with poetic phrases that will, without warning, lay you flat.  "I set sail in each word like a nutshell."  The book is a goldmine for further reading -- particularly Mexican, Spanish, and French thinkers --  and the notes provided by Jason Wilson are beyond compare.

The new album from Brazilian songwriter (and former Minister of Culture) Gilberto Gil is a great mood leveler; it'll simultaneously lift you  up and settle you down.  Listen to the album on his website.

Where They Create is filled with photos taken by Paul Barbera who has documented the workspaces of designers, writers, painters, editors, etc.  It's a good website for a look into the home/office of working creatives, for inspiration, and for a little envy.