PHIL COUSINEAU is an award-winning writer and filmmaker, teacher and editor,
lecturer and travel leader, storyteller and
TV host. His fascination with the art, literature, and history of culture has taken him from Michigan to Marrakesh, Iceland to the Amazon, in a worldwide search for what the ancients called the “soul of the world.” With more than 25
books and 15 scriptwriting credits to his name, the “omnipresent influence of myth in modern life” is a thread that runs through all of his work. His books include
Stoking the Creative Fires,
Once and Future Myths,
The Art of Pilgrimage,
The Olympic Odyssey,
The Hero's Journey,
Wordcatcher and
The Painted Word.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Phil Cousineau takes us on another tour of intriguing word origins with by exploring the colorful back stories of the few hundred words in
The Painted Word. In this follow up to his popular 2010 book of word stories,
Wordcatcher, Cousineau lures readers by his love of language and inspires them to be more daring and playful with words.
To untangle the knot of interlocking meanings of these painted words, logophile and mythologist Phil Cousineau begins each fascinating word entry with his own brief definition. He then fills it in with a tint of etymology and a splattering of quotes that show how the word is used, ending with a list of companion words. The words themselves range from commonplace — like
biscuit, a twice-baked cake for Roman soldiers — to loanwords including
chaparral, from the Basque shepherds who came to the American West; words from myths, such as
hector; metamorphosis words, like
silly, which evolved from holy to goofy in a mere thousand years; and words well worthy of revival, such as
carrytale, a wandering storyteller. Whether old-fangled or brand new, all the words included in
The Painted Word possess an ineffable quality that makes them luminous. Every reader will relish this beautifully illustrated book complete with dozens of gorgeous artworks by
Gregg Chadwick.
The Painted Word is the perfect gift for every book lover.
PRAISE:
“A mystagogue, a carrytale and a thaumaturge, Cousineau makes us Argus-eyed to the ubuntu of the aprocryphal and Gemutlichkeit it provides, and if you don’t know what I’m talking about, then you definitely need this book.” —Lemony Snicket
"Reading the pages of this beguiling paperback, we sense Cousineau's delight and enthusiasm for words and their ability to enchant and mesmerize." —
Spirituality and Practice
Click here to listen to Phil Cousineau's interview for The Painted Word on KQED Radio's "Forum with Michael Krasny."
Join
Phil Cousineau on a small group journey in September 2013 on "A Pilgrimage into the Heart of Sacred Ireland with Phil Cousineau" through the West of Ireland, where the age of myth, mystery and magic live on.
Ireland is still a land where mysteries are etched as runes within ruins. Treading the mythic Irish past today, we encounter a rich culture that embodies the preservation of its magnificent oral tradition, ancient rituals, romantic poetry and literature, and vibrant folklore and music. Meander along scenic roads that hug the rugged Irish western shore, roam about the undulating countryside and rocky plains, ferry to the alluring Aran Islands, and journey deep into the very heart of Ireland.
This pilgrimage is designed to be a meaningful, spirit-renewing experience to nurture your creativity and help you understand the myriad aspects of one of the most inexhaustibly interesting cultures in the world. Ireland is truly a land that reaches deep into your heart, lifts your spirits and stirs you to your very core. Join us and explore this fascinating island.
Visit
The Mythic Heart of Ireland tour pages or contact
Sacred Earth Journeys for more information.
Enjoy
Global Spirit, the inspiring Link TV series hosted and co-written by author
Phil Cousineau and broadcasting on PBS stations nationwide in summer 2012.
Global Spirit features topics such as "The Spiritual Quest," "In Search of Ecstasy," "The Journey Towards Oneness," "Art and the Creative Spirit," "Earth Wisdom," and more. Each show features in-depth discussions with knowledgeable guests from around the world, together with compelling film segments or live performances.
Global Spirit offers insights into some of humankind’s deepest eternal questions, tracing our collective journey in the timeless quest for truth, wisdom and understanding. Each program highlights the trans-cultural, transcendent dimensions of human inquiry, from the ancient or indigenous wisdom traditions to the latest advances in science.
Global Spirit offers a glimmer of what's possible.
Explore the joys of "internal travel" and share the experience of Global Spirit on Link TV. Most programs are also available online after their original broadcast date.
Based on twenty years of teaching,
Phil Cousineau's
Stoking the Creative Fires will guide you on your creative journey.
~ What are you on fire about now?
~ Where does your fiery urge to create come from?
~ What do you do to rekindle the inner flame of creativity when it is nearly extinguished by despair or fear?
~ And what are you doing to pass on the torch of your inspiration?
These questions are at the heart of one of the greatest human mysteries of all—creativity. "Creativity is as natural as breathing," he writes. "To create is to grow, which in turn makes us feel vitally alive."
In this book, Cousineau explores many different types of creativity, from painting and writing to photography and movies, its use in psychological practice, its role in community life, the cultivation of work habits, the use of dreams and role of mentors, the dreaded creative block, the myth of genius, and the spiritual side of art. His goal is to demystify the creative process by revealing how every project is a creative journey that can be completed—if we keep moving with tenacity, humility, and heart.
"Inspiration is a flash of fire in the human soul," writes Cousineau. "There is a force within you that breathes divine fire and brings your work to life. Honor it at all costs."
Stoking the Creative Fires offers a multitude of stories, ideas, and exercises drawn from historical and contemporary figures, artists of all kinds, and lessons from Cousineau's own experience—giving people the tools they need to rekindle passion in all areas of their lives and the inspiration they need to live passionately and creatively.
TO:
- Invite
Phil Cousineau to lecture or lead a workshop on creativity, writing, pilgrimage, mythology, travel, sports, and more topics;
- Inquire about writing or film consultations with
Phil Cousineau;
- Invite
Phil Cousineau to lead your group on a customized travel program;
- Purchase autographed or other copies of
Phil Cousineau's books, films, postcards, broadsides, and more...
Fill out the
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PLEASE WRITE:
Phil Cousineau
Sisyphus Press
P.O. Box 330098
San Francisco, CA 94133 USA