« harnessing the wind »
Yesterday, I was sitting in my studio, having a very difficult time getting motivated to do anything. I've been in this funk for a few days now -- you know, one of those moods where you know you have a ton of work to get done, but you really don't know where to start, and what's the point anyway, it's not like any of it really matters in the grand scheme of things, and besides, it's probably all been done before?
Yeah.
Anyway, then a friend of mine tweeted the link to a CNN article about a young man, William Kamkwamba, living in poverty in the African country of Malawi. One day, when he was 14, he checked out a book in the library about windmills -- and then decided to build one using discarded junk in order to bring electricity to his home.
William is nothing short of incredible. Because of his determination, often in the face of ridicule from his family and friends, he has been able to absolutely change his future and that of his family.
You can meet him and hear his story in the 6-minute video, below:
And -- get this -- you can read his blog, here.
Also? There's a book.
I'm just so blown away.
I'm also realizing it's time for me to go create. In fact, we all need to create, despite the fact that we might believe that it doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, or that it's all been done before.
Because the truth is, no one has ever done like we will do it. And that, alone, matters.
Song: Tidal by Imogen Heap
Image: Windblown blossoms, photographed with Nikon D300, 50mm manual lens.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at 12:00AM
Reader Comments (17)
What an inspirational story! I will be tuned in to the Daily Show on Wednesday night to watch him tell the story himself. Thanks for sharing.
such a lovely post. the inspiration that you took from William's story is wonderful. i had the privilege of meeting him briefly at a conference early this year. what an amazing young man.
He is amazing. So inspiring...thank you!
Thanks for sharing the inspiration :) Have a wonderful day!
What a wonderful companion for my morning tea. Thank You!
THANK YOU. HOpe to get back to write more. Am just on to get your contact to send you an email with an invitation....
I really needed this. Thank you!
So inspirational!! Thanks for sharing.
we all have our own "windmills" to build----very inspiring
It's high time I stopped lurking and thanked you. I enjoy your blog almost every morning, and lately in a sea of lousy news in my personal life your insights, photography, smiling daughter, musings, and general ability to find positive energy in the world has been a bit of a lifeline. So YAY YOU! Zzzzaaapp! I send you motivational energy to un-funk and sense how powerful and beautiful the things that you write and create can be in the lives of others. I am benefiting daily. THANKS.