Living Juicy: Daily Morsels for Your Creative Soul

by SARK

LIVING JUICY is jumping for joy on the inside. Sark gives us the juice to nourish our creative souls with this map and miniature guidebook. Weekly topics include "procrastinating," "energizing," "adventuring," "aging," and "shouting." Each daily affirmation is designed to stop those dry and cracked feelings and give us those sweet, wild moments we crave.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Inspirational, Art, Reference, Spirituality, Psychology

380 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

About the author

SARK (a.k.a. Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy) is an American author and illustrator of self-help books. Five of her sixteen books have been national bestsellers, and she has sold more than two million copies of her books.

Reviews

[Sukyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers are supposed to read one page a day of this book, because in each page the author talks abut something that should be thought about and practiced. But I couldn't, and kept reading until I finished it, in approximately half a month. Now I can reread it as it should be read.

Living juicy is about finding the right and most delicous juice to nourish our creative souls, as the author says, and start seeing life differently. As a matter of a fact, it made me look at it in the innocent way I used to when I was a wee child, and eveyone can guess how delightful is that.During my read, I had to bear the wisdom tooth's dreadful pain, and the blissfully dear book made me forget it for few moments and relax. Yes! It can be that powerful!

All of its pages are ornamented with simple and beautiful drawings that inspired me to include some in my diary, and it turned out to be a very great idea.

S.A.R.K. offers in her book 52 lessons, to fit the 52 weeks of the year, and each page provides one part of the lesson of the week in question (I hope it makes sens for you), just so you get an idea about the book's curious structure.

I'd like to conclude with one of my favorite quotes that sums it all up:
"A day can shift into a profound place by the reading of a single perfect sentence, at the perfect time."

[Linda Louwho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot express how deeply this book affected my life. This literally became my self-therapy "Bible" before I even got involved as a client in the behavioral/mental health system. I discovered and was deeply impacted by her poster "How to Become an Artist" back in the 90's and it wasn't until many years later that I excitedly discovered she had become an amazing, life-changing author who bravely shared her journey of "recovery" with her readers and who, by example, showed that not only is it possible to overcome the tragedies from our past, but it is a necessary
path to empowerment, release, and victory in our pursuit of our inner passion and fulfillment of our dreams.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother gave this to me nearly 30 years ago, and I finally got around to reading it all the way through this year! How timely! It's a collection of daily affirmations on weekly topics such as: procrastinating, reading, raging, and meditating. It's great inspiration for a journaling practice. You can read it daily or weekly...or in whatever way inspires you! I read it weekly. I enjoyed the whimsical and vibrant drawings throughout.

[cat franie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanted to start journaling again this year. Started reading this book everyday. Love the positivity in the book. It ignited my creativity again.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daily uplifting creativity-focused inspiration. Essential.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, fun, a few neat words of wisdom.

[Zulmara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper

Starting with a Writer’s Manifesto that welcomes us to write our truth, from the heart, with no expectations or comparisons…just pure, unequivocal joy, Sark’s book, Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper invites the writer to come in and partake of a writerly journey that is joyous, reflective, abundant, and nourishing. As you enter this world of writing to honor the essence of your soul and spirit, you give voice to the inner you in a way the world has never experienced you before.

With eight delightful chapters, you can start anywhere and follow it to anywhere. As with all Sark’s books, there is no right or wrong, left or right, here or now. There is just joy in discovering something about yourself, your muse, your creative energy, and your way of knowing the world.

Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way said, “SARK is a sparkler who jump-starts the creative process. Her ideas are user-friendly, innovative, and pragmatic.” What a beautiful description of a friend that you can take with you anywhere and who will always be there. The wonderfully colorful pictures, drawings, designs, and layout welcome you to just open the book and let your mind go with whatever is on the page.

If you believe the universe will conspire to get you what you need when you need it, then Sark is for you, because you will find within the pages of all her books, just what you need to nurture your muse, get reinspired as a an artist, break through a block, and honor the artist within…with love, care, and kindness.

[Nomy · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read the majority of this book while getting my hair done at a salon about seven or eight years ago. i just had to add this book when i saw it on someone else's list so that i could talk about sark for a minute. this lady has built an empire with her artsy doodles and enthusiastic attitude. which i respect, in a way. her advice is generally good. her work is instantaneously recognizeable, and probably brings a lot of joy to mainstreamish women who feel stuck and drained. i'm willing to bet sark is a smart and interesting person, but her books are so simplified and generically cheery that it's actually kind of creepy. (oh man if you can find it you should call her hotline some time - it's hilarious) sometimes i get worried that my own writing is sounding too sarkish, i.e. "inspiring" in a bossy, simplified way.

[HeavyReader · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've decided to give up on this book, although I like SARK so much. I feel kind of bad about giving up, but I never seemed to manage to read the pages on the days they were intended. I always ended up reading at least three or four pages at a time. Then I ended up skipping around looking at pages of the future. Few ideas I read about resonated with me or stimulated my desire to write or create.

So I'm going to give it up and use my time on something that excites me more. Other books by SARK really do make me feel excited and creative, so I'll stick with those.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just the tonic at one time - I suppose the colors alone were worth the price of admission. I admired her spunky tone and her open door policy to her feelings and wished I was that brave in the rough waters. Periodically, I take this book out and let it flop open and enjoy what appears. It is like peeling an orange - the smell, the effort to try and peel the entire orange in one go, the sections of sweet delight. . . Sark is a great pick-me-up for the doldrums.

[Jackie Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've purchased at least 3 copies of this book. The first I used on my desk every day for at least 3 years. I wrote in it, add photos of loved ones whose Birthday was on that day and finally cut it up to share with people as I felt moved. Then I bought a new copy for myself, and another for a friend who was gong through a tough time. I cannot remember if this was my first SARK book, but I know it is my favorite.

[Valarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book overall, but some of the ideas and activities were a little more juvenile than I prefer. All in all though, it was nourishing to the soul and a good reminder not to take so much in life too seriously.

[Summer Rae Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for books that tell me what to do. I am an android. It make me feel like at least someone has a plan for me even if it is this wounded wacko with too many crayons.

[Dottie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daily reminders to be real, be one's true and authentic self, be kind -- laugh, love, live.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A guide book to brighten your day to day life. Illustrated like a childrens book, Living Juicy has fun suggestions for 365 days a year on how to make life more full of joy and happiness.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy SARK books. She's so upbeat and courageous in her writings, while at the same time upfront and honest. This book puts Life into perspective.

[Dioscita · Rating 3 out of 5]

After a while, Sark gets repetitious. She's still a lot of colorful fun, though.

[k8beeZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A day to day book of inspiration...the usual Sark goodness! Very nice, I do recommend it!

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I start this book over on January 1st, every year. It never gets old, in fact I find that what doesn't apply to me one year, applies to me the next.

I read this book everyday.

[The · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like its unconventional nature.
Some stuff I'm not buying, but I like the overall vibe of stretching one's preconceptions and introducing some new patterns.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every day is a new inspirational thought to get you through the day. I love it! Would be a great book to give as a gift too.

[Dre Guerra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished and I am starting it all over again! Love this!

[Gillian Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Sark reminds us that it's okay to be an adult and see life through the eyes of children. In other words have more fun with life by using what you have.

[Connie T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I've read this book. It's time to go through it again, as I find SARK so inspirational.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE Sark's books!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgot about this one, wish I still owned it. Upbeat and inspiring.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO helpful & inspiring!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all things Sark