Mitch Albom wrote a book published in 2003 titled The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

I don't think I am ready to consider who would greet me as I cross through the proverbial pearly gates.  A question often asked at daring parties and during an interview by Barbara Walters, (Not really sure about the Barbara Walters thing, but it sounds good) "What 5 people would you invite to dinner?" is one I think I can tackle. At least I will try. 

I am very eclectic person; in my taste in music, art and people. Therefore logic dictates that my guests would follow this unique custom.  I have to admit it was very difficult for me to keep it to just 5, but anymore would limit the titillating, provocative conversation. Even at my family dinner table, which included my Mom and Dad, my brothers and myself, not everyone had a chance to speak. In fact, between my eldest brother and my Dad, the rest of us pretty much were kept silent.  

Anyway, enough about me. The only rule I had when making this list was that they had to be living or dead, and not fictional; so no Sherlock Holmes or Harry Potter.  Some of those on my list may seem odd and perhaps offensive. It is not my intension to offend anyone, but many of these people evoke a high level of curiosity.  I hope I can explain why this is without angering any readers.

Let's get started, 

Jesus, Son of Joseph.  I am not talking about the Son of God; that is another post.There are noted accepted historic facts about Jesus.  He was born in Bethlehem around 6-4 BCE and was crucified by the Romans, occupying Palestine of the time, in Jerusalem, around 30 CE.  He was also know as Jesus of Nazareth.  Very little is known about his youth but at some point he became an itinerant preacher. He had a very short public life.  During that time, he propose some pretty radical ideas: treating others as one would want to be treated, refrain from judging others, until you are prepared to be judge.  He associated himself with tax collectors, the "unclean" and the town prostitute.  Yes, some of these have been gleaned from The Bible, which I admittedly refer to as a book of Faith, not fact.  However, this is a man that along with his progressive teachings, of whom we speak 2000 years after his death.  Whatever you believe Jesus to be; prophet, Son of God, or just a man, he definitely had a major influence on people, politics and the planet.  (Sanders, E.P. and Pelikan, Jaroslav Jan. "Jesus". Encyclopedia Britannica, 16 Jun. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jesus. Accessed 1 November 2021.)

Adolph Hitler.  Now, this may take some people by surprise, but hear me out. I don't think that he was a good man; in fact I think he ranks in the top 10 most evil people ever.  However, if you consider his past before his time as Führer of Germany, the fact that he was able to accomplish all that he did is astonishing.  I am sure a deep psychological examination of Hitler may reveal some of the reasons for his anti semitism, aryan ideology and his desire to rule the world.  I do not consider myself qualified to do so.  I am sure that Hitler was at least somewhat aware of his Jewish heritage, and there is evidence of North African ancestry, his awareness of this is unlikely.  The political climate of Germany post WWI was desperate for a hero.  The country was being held responsible for the financial cost of the conflict and very strict restrictions had be instituted on any military development. (See the Treaty of Versailles for more details). The fact is than a short, dark haired, dark eyed, part Jewish Austrian convinced a large population of Germany that they belonged to a superior Aryan race, characterized by tall, blond haired, blue eyed people.  This, to me, is fascinating. He must have had a strong personality and able to use it very well to influence the views of many people.  (Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Adolf Hitler summary". Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Apr. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/summary/Adolf-Hitler. Accessed 1 November 2021.) (Jenn Cohen. https://www.history.com/news/study-suggests-adolf-hitler-had-jewish-and-african-ancestors)

Sean-Patrick Maidens.  This choice has a far more personal reason than any other on this list.  Sean-Patrick was my eldest brother.  Aside from my parents, he had the most effect on the person I am today.  There was a time when all I wanted to be was just like him.  I wanted to talk like him, walk like him and I believed anything he said as the gospel truth.  He was as close to a superhero I could have at 15 years old.  Then, he died by his own hand.  All of sudden, he was incredibly human. After a lot of anger and sadness and grieving I have come to terms with his life and his death.  There are still days when I am angry and sad.  And regardless of how he died, what he thought and believed were, in my opinion good things.  He was intelligent, idealistic and very kind.  He befriended people based on their character.  He was not perfect.  He had demons and I guess he was not able to tame them all.  He could be prideful and impatient.  All that being said, what I long to hear more than anything is that he was and is proud of me, wherever he may be.  

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  This is a man who did everything he could to peacefully change his world and the world of many others. He made people stand up and take notice of people living in deplorable conditions, not just physically but emotionally and psychologically.  There were people, be it out of naivety or conscious ignorance, were unaware of the circumstances of Black people in the United States.  Although many in the Northern US thought it was only a Southern issue, when MLK presented himself in Chicago, the anger and hatred of the White population against the Blacks in the North was as palpable as in Mississippi and Alabama.  There may not have been lynchings, but the Black person needed to know their place and respect it.  I can't imagine what it would be like to wake up every morning having the weight of the hopes of the Black population on your shoulders, all while dealing with FBI investigations, and death threats from among others the KKK.  What kind of bravery he must have had.  I am sure that there were times of great despair in his life but through the support of Coretta, and his inner circle he was able to continue to walk with dignity.  And considering he is one of few American Born person to have a Holiday named for him, he is still changing the World. (https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/mlk-topic/martin-luther-king-jr-threatsattacks-against) (https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/federal-bureau-investigation-fbi)

Anita V. Maidens (nee Svensson)  This is my Mom.  She is the strongest woman I have ever known and ever expect to know.  I know she would not like it if I gave all the sorted details of her life but I will share that she took on life's adventures with bravery and grace.  She experienced moments of happiness and moments of sorrow.  I don't know how she did it but she came out the other end not so jaded that she shows extensive cynicism towards the world or people.  In fact in many of our conversations, we ask why people can't just get along.  I have been told by many that I am a good Mom.  I give 100% credit for this to my Mom.  She taught me what unconditional love truly is.  She was the one who would tell my brothers and me that she may not always like what we do, but she will always love us.  In fact, I have said this to my own children.  I know many ladies who have had or still have complicated or difficult relationships with their mothers.  I honestly cannot understand this.  My Mom and I have always been close and have talked a lot about things I know other adult women would never even consider bringing up to their mothers.  I am grateful for My Mom.  I am so blessed to have such role model and I hope I can be half the Lady she is.

As I look back on this list, it seems so inadequate.  There are so many more people I would love to spend time discussing Life the Universe and Everything.  Scientists, philosophers, artists, men and women from whom I could learn so much.  I guess this means I will have to have a few more dinner parties. 

Please comment and tell me who your Five or more would be.  

Don't Let Fear Make a Decision for You.

 Since, in Canada, yesterday was Thanksgiving, I thought I might write about those things for which  I am grateful.  I do that so often, and Facebook, Instagram etc. have many a post to remind us how blessed we are. So I am going a different route.  

I have recently been communicating with a friend from high school. We have both started a direction in our working lives and we are both loving it.  We are both 50 years old. 

I have heard many people my age, younger and older say:  "It's too late...." They want to go back to school; they want to start a new hobby; or they want to travel.  This statement makes no sense to me.  There are many reasons that any of this may not be possible today: finances, health, or availability of resources.  But too late is not one. 

If you calculate how old you will be in the time to take on something new, and how old you will be if you chose not to do so, you will come up with the same answer.  So what does too late really mean.

I can only speak for myself.  It is fear; fear of success or fear of failure.  Which one it is does not matter.  What truly matters is what I do with this fear.  I have often told my children and others, "It is ok to be afraid, but let the fear make the decision for you."  Sometimes I am not very good at taking my own advice.  

So I applied to Oxford Learning Centre in Bradford. (https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-bradford/)  And to my surprise and delight, I was hired.  I am now a teacher.  I have been told since childhood that I would make a great teacher.  I never believed it.  I had excuses of course.  I did not have the patience.  It's too much responsibility.  I could not imagine that it would be something at which I could be successful.  But I am.  And more importantly, I love it.  

I was afraid when I applied that I would be laughed out of the interview; that just because I can speak French, does not make me a French teacher; and many other excuses.  But none of this happened.  As usual I was selling my short. I have had a habit of doing that most of my life.  I can only say that now, I don't listen to that part of myself, as much.  I have been blessed by those people in my life that encourage, support and help press mute to those thoughts.  

Because of courage and unconditional support, I have written the novel I said I would.  I have sent it to agents and publishers.  I am teacher and feeling like I am making a difference in this world.  Will that novel get published?  Will one of my students mention me in their Nobel Prize acceptance speech?  Will the minister of education commission a statue in my honour?  Maybe.  But none of that really matters.  What matters is that I took a risk.  I put myself out there.  If I had not been hired, I would be no worse off.  I would still be working on my novel and meeting new people at the Snack Shack at the Oro Medonte Arena.  But because I did take the risk, I am better off.  I am learning new things from other teachers and students every day.  And this makes me a better person.  Why would anyone want to pass up a chance to be a better person?

So, don't ever sell yourself short.  You are on this Earth for a reason.  Take those piano lessons, take that sky diving class, start that new business.  You never know unless you try. 

NEVER QUIT 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE MIRACLE IS GOING TO HAPPEN.  Since, in Canada, yesterday was Thanksgiving, I thought I might write about those things for which  I am grateful.  I do that so often, and Facebook, Instagram etc. have many a post to remind us how blessed we are. So I am going a different route.  

I have recently been communicating with a friend from high school. We have both started a direction in our working lives and we are both loving it.  We are both 50 years old. 

I have heard many people my age, younger and older say:  "It's too late...." They want to go back to school; they want to start a new hobby; or they want to travel.  This statement makes no sense to me.  There are many reasons that any of this may not be possible today: finances, health, or availability of resources.  But too late is not one. 

If you calculate how old you will be in the time to take on something new, and how old you will be if you chose not to do so, you will come up with the same answer.  So what does too late really mean.

I can only speak for myself.  It is fear; fear of success or fear of failure.  Which one it is does not matter.  What truly matters is what I do with this fear.  I have often told my children and others, "It is ok to be afraid, but let the fear make the decision for you."  Sometimes I am not very good at taking my own advice.  

So I applied to Oxford Learning Centre in Bradford. (https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-bradford/)  And to my surprise and delight, I was hired.  I am now a teacher.  I have been told since childhood that I would make a great teacher.  I never believed it.  I had excuses of course.  I did not have the patience.  It's too much responsibility.  I could not imagine that it would be something at which I could be successful.  But I am.  And more importantly, I love it.  

I was afraid when I applied that I would be laughed out of the interview; that just because I can speak French, does not make me a French teacher; and many other excuses.  But none of this happened.  As usual I was selling my short. I have had a habit of doing that most of my life.  I can only say that now, I don't listen to that part of myself, as much.  I have been blessed by those people in my life that encourage, support and help press mute to those thoughts.  

Because of courage and unconditional support, I have written the novel I said I would.  I have sent it to agents and publishers.  I am teacher and feeling like I am making a difference in this world.  Will that novel get published?  Will one of my students mention me in their Nobel Prize acceptance speech?  Will the minister of education commission a statue in my honour?  Maybe.  But none of that really matters.  What matters is that I took a risk.  I put myself out there.  If I had not been hired, I would be no worse off.  I would still be working on my novel and meeting new people at the Snack Shack at the Oro Medonte Arena.  But because I did take the risk, I am better off.  I am learning new things from other teachers and students every day.  And this makes me a better person.  Why would anyone want to pass up a chance to be a better person?

So, don't ever sell yourself short.  You are on this Earth for a reason.  Take those piano lessons, take that sky diving class, start that new business.  You never know unless you try. 

NEVER QUIT 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE MIRACLE IS GOING TO HAPPEN.  

Childhood Memories

I am very blessed that most of my childhood memories are at least good, if not glorious.  There may be events that were less pleasant, but I am grateful that they have faded. In my present day life I am reminded of those special memories.  Today was one of those days.

My Hubby and I decided to take our four footed boys for a walk through a portion of the Trans Canada Trail along North Simcoe Rail Trail.  It was wonderful.  Not only did we enjoy it, the pooches has a great time too.  

The atmosphere brought me back to family camping trips to Kettles Lake Provincial Park. The smells, the sounds, and the sights all brought me back to the little girl who was in charge of picking up sticks for kindling.  We would cross the quiet park roads to Island Lake and frolic in the cool clear water.  On one occasion a cute surfeit of skunks passed along the beach.  Of course we curious young children followed eagerly to pet the new furry friends.  Many parents,  as calmly as possible so as not scare Mama Skunk, called their wee ones back, hoping to avoid an odiferous nightmare.   I remembered how my Mom would sit my brothers and me down and with hot soapy water clean the days adventures and accompanying dirt off before tucking us into sleeping bags.  Dad was always up early the next morning, making "coffee" on the fire.  This was the only time my older brother was allowed to drink coffee as a child.  I am sure it created a strong bond between the two of them.  

Along our walk today, the aroma of pine and birch wafted to my nose and returned me to those worry free days.  Flying fauna soared from one tree to the other calling to their feathered brethren.  The rainbow of flora, including the Fall Golden Rod and the Earth toned leaves, rustled in the cool September breeze.  Those leaves that had fallen free from the towering trees crisped and crunched under our feet.  All the while our canine companions trotted, sniffed and left notes for whatever wild life may later come by.  

It is hard to believe but I resisted the suggestion of this walk.  I thought I was too tired, or I had other things to do.  It turns out this was exactly what I needed to do and I feel more energized for having taken the stroll.  Perhaps it important to resist the part of you that wants to stay in one place and to embrace the part that will take to the happy places of today and yesterday.  

A Bad Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 https://youtu.be/gH476CxJxfg

 

We all have bad days.  I'm not sure if you've ever heard of burnt toast syndrome.  It's that day when you wake up late; your coffee maker doesn’t work; and your toast burns; your bus is late and it’s raining; you’re late for work, and your boss blasts you.  Then, the printer jams, as it often does and you explode, yelling, screaming, cursing and you have to be restrained not to through it out the window.  

Of course it is not the printer that has cause your reaction, but the build up of all those other things.  This is a bad day.  

It is also important to remember that there are some, myself included, that don’t need events to cause a bad day.  It is just the way we are. Our brain is wired differently. We did not ask for it nor can we change it.  We can only accept it.  This does not mean we like it, only that we accept that, no matter what our efforts, there will always be bad days.    

There are things I chose to do.  I chose to make my bed; it's a little thing, but it's something I’ve accomplished at the end of even the worse day and it gives me motivation to not go to bed and just feel sorry for myself.  I chose to take whatever vitamins, and medication that help my condition.  I chose to reach out to those I know love and understand me, without judgement or attempts to “fix” me.  I chose to eat, as much as I don’t want to, I eat.  It may only be a piece of toast with pb&j, but it nourishes and comforts me.  I chose to have tea, and perhaps a hot bath.  I chose self care for this is when I need it the most.  

There’s many out there who battle mental illness.  These individuals are the bravest and strongest people I know.  They are not weak or somehow less than anyone else. In fact, you may know someone who deals with these issues and not even know it.  It is in our nature to not want to worry those around us or, perhaps more often, we are trying to avoid the stigma and misunderstandings of others.   

For those of us who do this battle every day, do the do things, and remember :

IT IS TODAY, NOT THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

Ripples

I think we can all agree that 2020 has not been the best year for most of us.  The reasons are too many list. Though it is only September, the worst thing that I have faced this year is the death and funeral of my Dad.  I just cannot imagine a world without my Dad in it; but maybe I don’t have to.

I have known the idea of ripples for a long time.  I have been telling my kids about changing the World for a long time; maybe not the whole World, but their little corner of it.  And they have succeeded.  They may not always see it, but they do, everyday.  

I could not help but take note of my Father’s ripples this weekend.  Although, the numbers for the his funeral were limited because of covid 19 restrictions, it was obvious that he touched many lives, though he probably didn’t noticed it.  Towards the end of his life, my Dad was physically not at his best, but his mind and and wisdom was still clear.  He had a hard time believing that his very presence in a room could bring such joy and comfort.  My children always looked forward to seeing their Poppa.  They listened to his stories, of which he had many.  They were amazed by his knowledge and absorbed his wisdom like an arid sponge.  

His life did not start off easily, and he would admit that he made his share of mistakes.  He did have a spiritual awakening that gave him the courage to learn from those mistakes, defeat his demons, and made sure that those he loved knew it.  He was not perfect, but he always made sure he was a better man than he was yesterday.  By doing this, he left an abundance of good ripples. 

It was not only his immediate family that are riding his wave and in turn creating ripples of their own.  Grandchildren, nieces and nephews, students, and friends have gone on to touch the lives of those around them and continue my Dad’s legacy of love. 

Maybe it is my naïvety that’s makes me believe that everyone wants to leave behind a better world than when we arrived.  I do my best and I know my Dad succeeded.  

The Conundrum of Politics and Politicians

So, again it has been a while.  I don’t want to say that there has been nothing about which to write, but I don’t write to say something; I write because of something to say. 

I am sure most people know that in Canada we are coming up on an election in October.  And perhaps people are as confused as I am of the platforms of the 3 major political parties, and how these plans may apply to our everyday lives.

I am the type of person that likes to know what is going on in the world.  I will never claim to be an expert.  I watch the news everyday, national and international.  In this age of the Global Village, what happens over there, affects what happens over here.  That doesn’t mean I always know how.  

I think my problem with politics is that it is dominated by politicians, who do not necessarily think like a civil servant, although technically, in my opinion, they fall under the same category. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines politician as such:

• a person experience in the art or science of government; especially one actively engaged in conducting the business of government;

• a person engaged in party politics as a profession;  

• (often disparaging) a person primarily interested in political office for selfish or other narrow usually short-sighted reasons. (https//www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politician)

A civil servant is defined as such:

• a member of a civil service;

• a member of the staff of an international agency. (https//www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civil%20servant)

I don’t know if this helps clarify anything for anybody or muddies the water even more. I have the benefit of being raised in a household where the problems of the world were tabled, discussed and solved at the dinner every evening.  Unfortunately the politicians were not privy to our dinner table.  But as I have gotten older, I am not sure if politicians have ever actually been interested in solving the world problems because with the many intelligent men and women who have held the role of leader of their respective countries, you would think they would be solved by now.  

So why are not living in a world of peace, and equality and respect for all?  Because, I hate to say it, politicians are not in politics to make the world a better place. As I have observed since those family dinners, those in political office fall into the third definition.  It may be to fulfill a family legacy; to boost a fragile ego; or for the fame and fortune. Oh, don’t kid yourself, there is money in politics.  

I can provide some examples.  Let’s start with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.  If you are my age or older, I am sure you have at least heard of his father: Pierre Elliott Trudeau. He was the Prime Minister of Canada when I was born and the Prime Minster until I was 14 years old, except for a short period in 1979-1980. I will not say he was by any means perfect, and did not do many of the same things most all politicians have done.  But I do know he stood up to the Press.  I suggest you check out a video on YouTube. (Watch me). As Justice Minister, he intoroduced a bill decriminalizing gay acts performed in private. “There is no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation.” He has been caught lying, which all politicians do, but he had the guts to challenge the status quo and he did not let himself get pushed around by the Press or anybody else.  He brought the Constitution to Canada made sure it included a policy of Multiculturalism.  And he even did a pirouette behind the Queen.

I think that many Canadians, including myself, expected this type of intelligence and grit from Mr. Justin Trudeau.  It was wrong of us to do so.  He is not his father.  Then why did he run for political office.  In my opinion perhaps it was expected; the Liberal Party counted his name to carry them to victory. It worked. Still, he has done positive things.  He has a gender equal Cabinet, he has enshrined in law the protection of transgendered people, and has pledged increase funding to international women’s health.  However, there is the whole SNC-Lavalin Affair and his less than stellar fulfillment to his commitment to the Paris Environmental Agreement. All this being said, it is difficult for me to say, and disappointing, but I do believe he is the lesser of the “evils” from which Canadians have to chose in October 2019.  That is one of the problem with politics and politicians.  It more a choice of who we dislike the least as oppose to who we like the most.  

Being Canadian, it is impossible not to be aware of the politics and administration of the United States. I have to say, in no uncertain terms, President Donald Trump scares me.  He is a man who has claimed to know more about Isis than the Generals. If it is not true, I am concerned as to why he feels the need to lie about something so integral to National Security.  If it is true, how did he obtain it, and why has he not shared it with the “Generals.” He has been accused of sexual harassment, has admitted to such, on tape.  He has spent a considerable amount of money on golf trips, during times of crisis.  He seems obsessed with being better than President Obama.  Has anybody else wondered why? Ego, inferirity complex?  Nonetheless, according to some, and of course himself, the American economy is better than it has been in a long time. This may be true, but I believe that Mr. Trump was more interested in winning an election than he is qualified for the responsibilities of President of the United States.  

But it is not all the fault of the politicians. We the citizens must be take our share of the blame. First and foremost, let’s get our butts out to vote.  I do not understand why elections do not have 100% turn out every time.  I have heard it said that it will not make a difference. Well, of course it won’t make a difference if you don’t vote.  If everyone came out, politicians will have to change their motives. you have a public voice, use it or lose it.  

I was flabbergasted once, while waiting for my turn to cast my ballot, someone complain about the wait time.  It was no more 10 minutes and she considered not voting at all.  10 MINUTES, really? In 1994, South Africa had its first truly free election, after the end of the racist and brutal policy of Apartheid.  Voters had to wait hours and maybe days in line to vote, and were grateful for the chance to finally influence the destiny of their country.  Of course that has not made South Africa a utopia for all, but still a lot better than it was for the Black majority, who spent decades as the persucuted second class. There are so many people on the planet who are prohibited from participating in a free democracy, for a multitude of reasons.  If you have the chance, do it.  

I believe it my responsibility as a productive member of society to know the issues, all of them, not just the ones that apply to me directly.  In fact, social issues rarely occur without affecting many others.  I have to be knowledgeable of the politicians and the political parties they represent.  I need to know the platforms of the party on the issues and most importantly HOW they intend to improve my country and the world.  

 

 

 

 

Great Spirits

I have often said that when one realizes one cannot die of embarrassment, life becomes much easier. 

I have reached another epiphany. You become blessed with a freedom that cannot be imagined by those still trapped by the restrictions of the opinions of others. Suddenly a whole  new way of thinking, feeling, and acting is opened up to you. There is no end to the possibilities or horizons. 

You no longer consider why, but why not. 

You no longer worry that it has not be done, but how it can be done. 

You no longer think I can’t do it, but I can do it. 

Think of those innovators who pushed the boundaries of the conventions of their time. They braved ridicule from their peers and being panned by critics. 

Picasso was following the artistics norms of the time. He no longer wanted to be confined to the restrictions of portraying reality and true form in his paintings.  As seen below, one of his earlier works, The Old Guitarist (1904), is painted in what was the accepted style. However, the next painting is in style that is unique and unlike anything seen before. This is Les Demoiselles d’Avignon (1907). When he revealed it to close friends they were less than impressed. And though Picasso was discourage, he returned to this work, privately.  He showed it again and reaction was still hostile.  He hid it for nine years before showing it in public.  It was then called the most original painting in 700 years.

This type of creativity is not limited to the art world.  In 1970 on Apollo 13, one of the many moon missions by NASA, a serious unforseen accident occurred.  An oxygen tank on the Command Module exploded and the crew was forced into the Lunar Module. At some point the carbon dioxide levels got too high and a tank from the Command Module needed to be used to replenish oxygen. There was one huge problem.  The tank to be used was square and the connection was round.  The engineers at the NASA base at Houston were forced to come up with a solution to save the astronauts, using only the materials that were on the space craft.  Using a sock, a plastic bag, cardboard, a hose, and a plastic cover the crisis was averted and the tank was able to be connected. 

Creativity is a human function that has been  around since pre historic times.  One of our very very distant ancestors had something to say.  S/he used sounds, and those sounds were eventually organized and the sounds were made into words. This new idea caught on and over time, probably a long long time, language was created. 

As far as we know, humans are the only species that have the ability to imagine and hence change the world, even if it is only their little corner of it. But it is that imagination that has not only ensured  humans to survive, but to thrive. 

The are many quotes with which I can end this post.  I chose my favourite. 

“Great Spirits have always

encountered violent opposition

from mediocre minds."

Albert Einstein.

BE THE GREAT SPIRIT, 

NOT THE MEDIOCRE. 

Souces. 

Time Magazine Special Edition. Summer 2018. 

Under the Hood of Creativity.  Anthony Brandt and David Eagleman.