Favorite Author: Ayn Rand

I don't keep a running list of favorite authors, but if I did, Ayn Rand would be darn near the top. Rand wrote during the 40s and 50s, warning America of the path its government and big corporations would take if we did not begin standing up as the individuals we are, instead of letting socialism run its course. Ayn Rand believed in the power of the individual: both their power to corrupt but more importantly, their power to have integrity.

A writer should make people truly consider their lives, and if a writer doesn't convince a person to change their lives they should at least make said person realize why they chose not to change their lives. When I read The Fountainhead this past year, I changed my life.

The wisdom and sensibility Rand possessed was unreal. If you don't read, which you absolutely should, then watch her interview on YouTube with Tom Snyder.

Ask yourself whether the dream of heaven and greatness should be waiting for us in our graves – or whether it should be ours here and now and on this earth. - Ayn Rand

Government “help” to business is just as disastrous as government persecution… the only way a government can be of service to national prosperity is by keeping its hands off. - Ayn Rand

It only stands to reason that where there’s sacrifice, there’s someone collecting the sacrificial offerings. Where there’s service, there is someone being served. The man who speaks to you of sacrifice is speaking of slaves and masters, and intends to be the master. - Ayn Rand

People create their own questions because they are afraid to look straight. All you have to do is look straight and see the road, and when you see it, don’t sit looking at it – walk. - Ayn Rand

6 Things I Want To Do

I have come up with a list of 6 things I want to do, hopefully in the next 5 years, that are either insane things that most people would never dream of or life long wishes of mine. I plan to add considerably to this list.

I think goals are like dreams: if you don't put them down on paper within 5 min, they'll be gone to you forever.

6. Own a Horse
   This has been a hope of mine since I was 9. Most girls love horses and collect all the little figurines and stuffed animals. I was obsessed. I learned everything there was to know about the breeds, how to take care of one, the terminology . . . everything. There wasn't anyone who knew me that didn't believe I was on track to become an equine veterinarian. However, it turns out that my love for drawing horses was a bit stronger than my love for taking care of sick ones. Still, though, there is no animal like a horse. If you think dogs are a man's best friend, think again.

   

   my dream horse: Shadowfax

5. Tag a City
   When I think about leaving my mark in art, this isn't exactly what I mean, but there is something about breaking the rules and making art that go hand in hand. I would love to go out a couple different nights in some city and make graffiti. I don't think this will happen in Findlay, but I definitely have kept an eye open for good spots.

4. Travel Across America
   This is more of a recent thought. I am thinking that hiking it would be for me, but a small part of me wants to get a motorcycle and do it (I have Motorcycle Diaries to thank for that). I really don't know what I would hope to accomplish by it, but the idea of all the people I would meet along the way, all of the places I would see, and all of the experiences I would have . . . it's enough to make me want to pack right now.

   

   a possible route

3. Hike the Appalachian
   I can't explain all of why I want to do this. All I can really say is that I love the mountains, I love hiking, and the idea of what it means to make that hike.

   

   
   

2. Go to Ireland

I wrote a whole post about this: Oh, Ireland. This may have to be the second to last of the 6 that I complete (right before number 1), because I'm not sure I could come back. This goal is so important to me that if someone handed me a plane ticket today I would go. Today.

1. Open My Own Business
   What my business will be isn't completely settled, although I have my ideas. I watch every road for a good building. I watch marketing, packaging, and branding trends. I think of what name I would give my business. The layout of the store. What kind of people I would hire. How I would get all the work done. Who I could hire trustworthy enough to allow me to still travel. I constantly go over the details. I do think I will end up doing something with either furniture design or art showing. This would be my baby.

Quote on dreams: A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world. - Oscar Wilde