Menna Van Praag's Blog, page 41
June 26, 2013
Driving lessons…
“I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” ― Nelson Mandela
OK, so I have a slight embarrassing confession to make: I’m 35 years old & I’ve never learnt to drive. For some reason, I’ve always been too scared. Of course, I’ve often criticised myself for this, thinking that half the world (or something like it) can drive, so what’s wrong with me? I’ve tried before, several times but always given up. However, a month ago Artur (my husband) said to me one morning: “it’s time to learn, you need to do it now.” And (probably due to the Say Yes to Your Life workshop coming up) I said yes. That day I sent off for my provisional license and today I had my first lesson – in about four years. And, as I was pulling out of my driveway, sitting next to my lovely new instructor, I saw two options before me… In the first I was totally terrified. In the second I was confident & capable. In that moment I was able to chose option two. And guess what? I had so much fun & it was so easy! My instructor said I’ll probably pass in a couple of months. And that, my friends, is an incredible example of the power of saying yes to your life 
Pic: me firmly in my comfort zone, writing a book in my new favourite Cambridge cafe, Aromi on Bene’t Street.
June 22, 2013
adventures…
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for new and rich experiences.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt
Years ago I used to spend my days within the tight confines of my comfort zone. Needless to say, nothing much of interest ever happened to me and I was pretty miserable. Happily, this is no longer the case. Today I had a mini-adventure. I popped to London to visit the lovely Emma and taste the divine salted caramel hot chocolate again – it did not disappoint. On the train I read Stardust (by Neil Gaiman) for the 100th time. It is, in my humble opinion, as perfect a book as was ever written. If I’d created it myself (oh, gosh) I wouldn’t change a single word. In London (West Hampstead) we visited a gorgeous chocolate shop called Cocoa Bijoux, ate LOTS of chocolate – the Gianduja Almonds were sublime – found a lovely bookshop & a farmers market where we bought Guinness Cake. We met sweet and lovely people. On the way home I read Stardust and ate more chocolate. All in all, a perfect day.
Me with the Gianduja Almonds @ http://www.cocoabijoux.com – they ship anywhere!
June 21, 2013
listening
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” ― Winston Churchill
I was listening to an inspiring radio show (Being Here with Ariel & Shya Kane) last night about the transformative power of listening. A lovely chap called Eric, a literary agent, called in to talk about how he’d had a potentially adversarial business meeting (set to resolve conflicts between a publisher and client) and, instead of talking about what he wanted on behalf of his client, he listened to how the publisher felt about the matter. Really listened, rather than judging what the speaking was saying or prepping himself for a response. Such was the power of his listening that the publisher actually apologised for his initially adversarial stance. A perfect compromise was then easier reached between them. It reminded me of the great gift of listening and how, when we attack someone – no matter how subtly or softly – they will automatically defend themselves and then you’ve got a fight on your hands. It reminded me that, next time I need to resolve something, listening will be a very good start…
Pic: Ely Cathedral as seen from outside The Old Fire Engine
June 20, 2013
dreams…
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” ― Albert Einstein
Last night I went lindy hopping and, crawling into bed at last, I was too delighted and excited to sleep. At first I worried, knowing I’d be up early in the morning (O being a little lark) and being a person who does love her sleep. Of course, as we all know, the more you worry about something the worse it gets. Remembering this, I surrendered to sleeplessness and the many glories of The Night Circus – I read it last year & am now listening to the audiobook – letting it sweep me up in its author’s imagination. It’s a truly magnificent book in terms of its bright, brilliant, beautiful imagination. It reminds me of how important it is to keep dreaming, keep expressing yourself, keep expanding into your life. And I spent a splendid, worry-free, expansive, hour in its arms before drifting off into some rather marvellous dreams of my own…
Pic: the place I had my last, lovely cream tea in Ely – a dream in itself.
June 19, 2013
butter
“People who love to eat are always the best people.” ― Julia Child
Julia, I believe, also said “everything is better with butter” which is, of course, absolutely true. I know I’d have adored her if I’d met her. I loved the film Julie & Julia. Nora Ephron is another one of my heroes. But sadly another one I’ll never meet. Yesterday afternoon I visited my lovely friend Jess in Ely to have cream tea at The Fire Engine. I tried, for the first time in my life, lemon scones – with honey. Normally I’m quite particular about my cream teas being the traditional scones with butter, jam and cream. So I admit I was a little circumspect at the prospect of this novelty, but they were delicious. On the train to Ely I started reading Mastering the Art of French Eating – great title! – by Ann Mah. An advanced copy from my publisher (a perk of the job) as it’s not out ’till Oct. It’s wonderful and makes me want to go to Paris right this minute – those Parisians know a thing or two about butter.
June 18, 2013
magical books
“Books are uniquely portable magic.” ― Stephen King
I spent the summer days of 2002 in the Bodleian Library, writing my undergraduate thesis, and every lunchtime in Borders reading Alice Hoffman books. This picture perfectly reflects how I felt during those glorious months. Every day, in the dark recesses of the library, I researched historical facts then forgot it all for a few hours, diving into wonderful worlds where magic was everywhere. That summer the dream of writing my own magical novel began to grow. 11 years of working very hard and hoping, of drawing on depths of courage and determination I didn’t know I had, and that dream finally came true in The House at the End of Hope Street. I wish that readers will find the inspiration in my books that I found in Alice’s and some will become magical writers themselves…
kids
“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” ― C.S. Lewis
Before I gave birth my biggest hope (expect for a healthy, happy baby) was that O would love to read. It’s an enormous thrill, therefore, that he’s just started really enjoying books. Needless to say, before he was born I’d already bought him about a million books and then waited (and encouraged) eagerly until he showed some interest. One of my happiest childhood memories is of my father reading aloud and telling bedtime stories. And one day I’ll be able to introduce O to Narnia, Wonderland and all those magical places. I might even write him a book myself, now wouldn’t that be something?!
Pic: A & O enjoying children’s books together
the inspiration of children…
“A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.” ― C.S. Lewis
Before I gave birth my biggest hope (expect for a healthy, happy baby) was that O would love to read. It’s an enormous thrill, therefore, that he’s just started really enjoying books. Needless to say, before he was born I’d already bought him about a million books and then waited (and encouraged) eagerly until he showed some interest. One of my happiest childhood memories is of my father reading aloud and telling bedtime stories. And one day I’ll be able to introduce O to Narnia, Wonderland and all those magical places. I might even write him a book myself, now wouldn’t that be something?!
Pic: A & O enjoying children’s books together
June 17, 2013
new cover for Hope
“A solitary fantasy can transform a million realities.”
― Maya Angelou
I’m writing a new book, The Cambridge University Witches, and the main character, Noa, is an artist. She’s also rather special in that she can see other people’s secrets and, here’s the kicker, she has to say what she sees. And, since most of us are scared of being seen – deep down to the depths of our souls – On life doesn’t run smooth. It’s going to be an exciting story… I adore art. My grandparents are painters. Many of my friends are artists. My walls are covered with pictures. I gaze at them while writing, their magic helping me to create my own. One of my favourite artists is my friend, Ella Wolfnoth, who gave me a gorgeous gift: her own vision of HOPE. Isn’t it lovely?!
June 16, 2013
cake & hope
“Where there is cake, there is hope. And there is always cake.” – Dean Koontz
Do I even need to add to that? A pretty perfect quote, as far as quotes go. It reminds me of something I wrote in Men, Money & Chocolate, oh so many years ago: “you can’t say you’ve failed to achieve something until you dies, or until you’ve tried absolutely everything; and you haven’t really tried everything until you’re dead.” In other words, as long as you’re still breathing, there’s always hope.
Pic: enjoying cream tea in Peggy’s kitchen in the real house at the end of Hope Street.
