A Life Well Lived

Oscar Wilde said, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist”. On this episode of The Apple Seed, we’re exploring what it means to live -- and what it means to live well. Is a good life the accomplishment of great deeds like slaying a dragon and saving the kingdom? Or is it in the little things, the daily acts of kindness that make up the measure of your life? Well, thinking about those questions we found a couple stories and poems that we wanted to share with you. Stories, songs, and poems, included in this episode are: Emma May's Rainy Day by Nathalie Vachon (1:34) A rainy day indoors into the adventure of a lifetime, when Emma May takes on a new perspective of life. Learn more about Nathalie Vachon, who studied abstract painting, life drawing and ‘intuitive’ painting at the Honolulu Academy of Art, by visiting: www.nathalievachon.com In the Droving Days by Jerry Brooks (7:05) Jerry Brooks recites a Banjo Paterson poem about a cowboy and a horse who’ve both lived a good life out on the range. Learn more about Jerry Brooks, and some of her recorded work like her album Shoulder to Shoulder, by visiting: www.cowboypoetry.com/brooksie.htm The Clown of God by Fran Yardley (14:59) A clown has grown old and destitute he struggles to once again fufill his purpose - making other's smile. Learn more about Fran Yardley, who has been telling stories and running workshops for over 25 years, by visiting: www.creativehealingconnections.org/fran-yardley How Will I Leave by Matt Watroba (26:26) A song reflecting on the legacy one leaves when it comes time to pass on. Learn more about Matt Watroba, a prominent folk musician on WDET–Detroit Public Radio, by visiting: www.mattwatroba.net Papa by Molly Catron (29:39) Molly Catron talking sharing memories of her Grandpa and his incredible ability to appreciate both the good and the bad of life. Learn more about Molly Catron, who is also a keynote speaker and organizational consultant, by visiting: www.mollywcatron.com Real Wealth by Peggy Godfrey (41:22) An original poem by Peggy Godfrey that shows us how rich life can be even when it may not be abundant in material goods. Learn more about Peggy Godfrey, who has a long history of ranching next to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, by visiting: www.cowboypoetry.com/peggygodfrey.htm The Kindest Man I Ever Knew by Sheila Starks Phillips (43:40) Growing up, the dad of Sheila's best friend and her next door neighbor, Mr. Kelly, had a knack for building up everyone around him and she honors his legacy in this story. Learn more about Sheila Starks Phillips, who is on the Traveling Artists Roster of Texas Commission on the Arts, by visiting: www.sheilaphillips.com