Sophia Sees the World
Voices & Visions of YA & NA on the issues our world is facing
now and in the future -
because it's time for the world to listen!
Sophia Sees the World-upcoming 5 book series
Sophia Sees the World - Book 1
The first book in the series, is about a young woman named Sophia and her travels. She shares her way of "Seeing", which goes far beyond just sight-seeing. It's a heightened awareness that reveals the richness, radiance, varied textures, and stark contrasts of the diverse cultures, people, and lands that grace our planet. Sophia believes travel can provide fuel for the imagination, and may even "light the way" on one's journey toward finding meaning and purpose in today's troubled world. We hope this series will also help guide you on your way.
Sophia Sees the World......the Dao of the Doll - Book 2
A real Sophia, who is 20, had read the first book, then wrote me a letter to express her astonishment at the coincidences of name, travel to some of the same places, and even a physical resemblance to the Sophia character in book one. She wonders if we'd ever met, which might explain some of this. Equally baffled by these coincidences, I reply to thank her for writing, and her appreciation of my book. I tell her that I don't recall ever meeting, but would like to hear from her again, so we might explore this further. While she continues her travels as a YA/NA columnist-blogger, Sophia Sata writes often. As our correspondence continues, more synchronicities begin to emerge, creating a sense of a deeper connection between us........
Gut Fish, Hard-Boiled Eggs & Wild Geese - letters to Sophia - Book 3
The third book of the series explores the joys, challenges, and insights of traveling. I share memories of my travels, from the time I was a young girl, into late adulthood, including my struggles with less-than-positive-experiences, and how they affected my world view. But the best moments expanded and deepened my pov even more. And memories can change over time.......like dreams, they can ease pain or stir it up to be faced once again. It's no mystery that in order to fully grasp the interdependence of all things, we must be willing to plumb the depths of our joy, and be willing to explore its sandy bottom......
PlanetSpin - the world according to YA (& Sophia)-Book 4
A collection of Sophia's interviews and comms with YA & NA around the world - their thoughts, dreams, goals, and concerns about everything that's going on in the world. You'll read about how it affects them now, how it will likely be in the future, what changes they want to see, and if they feel they can make a difference. In light of these interviews, Sophia begins to seriously question if her own work is making enough difference.
Self-Emulation - awakening into an unordinary life
In this final book of the series Sophia shares her personal journey to find her "true" self and purpose. A pattern of powerful recurring themes, symbols, and "signs" in her life helps point the way, and she learns that what we pay the most attention to deeply affects the quality of our lives. Sophia's vision quest reveals to the reader, the depth of her character; her courage to confront doubts and obstacles; her grace and clarity of vision; and ultimately her choice to prioritize conscience over comfort.
My personal Brain Blog
About Me
Writing-
I've been writing since my college days in the 60's, when I got a BS in Journalism at Boston University. Since then my writing has taken many forms including long and short non-fiction essays; poetry; journaling; fictionalized autobiography; and travelogues. - Obviously being a true "journalist" just wasn't for me......
Art-
Art has been part of my life since childhood, and has included watercolor/oil/acrylic painting; cartooning/caricature; photography; clay sculpture; 3D paper constructions/collage/card-making; fabric and paper doll-making; model-making.
I'd say the artwork I’m most “proud” of were exhibit design, fabrication, and installation for two art galleries and three museums in California.
For the museums, I also illustrated exhibit flyers, brochures and newsletters; a hands-on K-12 science program manual; and a handout-book for a natural science exhibit "Life Underground". I was assistant designer for an exhibit, “Step Into Our Pond”, and I planned, designed and helped install my own experiential exhibit "To Touch the Earth".
Travel-
I've also been an avid traveler since childhood and (so far) have visited 23 countries and 33 US states (or is it 34?). Photographing and writing about these trips has been a great source of inspiration.
Psych-
Along with an MA in Adolescent Psychology, all these experiences sharpened my focus on multi-cultural and social issues; psychology; person-centered education; giftedness and creativity.
Shortly after earning the MA I created a program for teens called the “Synergy Projects”, based on my thesis research which confirmed that each individual creates and learns differently. The very talented participants chose a variety of themes, then we created multi-media environments to share with the public. It was truly an inspiring experience, and reinforced my belief that young people are our best (and maybe only) hope of saving our planet and its diverse cultures and people!
Ultimately I was moved to write a book entitled "Sophia Sees the World", about travel as a way to explore the inner (and outer) aspects of one's life, including self-discovery, and learning to see the world with open eyes and a more open heart and mind.
Since then I've written three of the five books planned for a "Sophia Sees the World......" series.
Would love to hear from you, get feedback! Anna
