Lately I have been feeling inspiration all around me, as if beauty and brilliance were suddenly right at my fingertips. Not my brilliance, although I am 
counting on some of this exposure to seep in. Rather, the genius of artists, actors and architects, men and women of talent and foresight.
I just returned from wandering the Hudson River Valley. I had planned too much, so rain was not an option, and Mother Nature cooperated with gorgeous late summer days, and cool crisp nights, perfect for wandering cemeteries. But more on that later.
I started with the inspirations of language and history by touring the Franklin Roosevelt Library in Hyde Park, meandering through artifacts of the depression and US entry into WWII. I was wowed by how daring and risky FDR’s actions were – and how far reaching. His leadership brought us Social Security, Medicare, infrastructure that we take for granted and art beyond measure.
His words inspired too. There on display was his famous, “a day that will live in infamy” speech complete with his hand-written corrections. The original phrase? “A day that will live in world history.” Doesn’t have the same power, does it? Roosevelt understood that words could inspire patriotism and action.
No less remarkable, if less historic, was the Culinary Institute of America. Would they be offended by being called the Harvard of culinary schools? I hope not. I dined at “American Bounty” their farm to table restaurant, Watching the kids working in the kitchen throughout the meal was mesmerizing. They are so focused, dedicated and excited. The plates were glorious combinations of textures and flavors that tempted with their presentation before bursting in my mouth. The squash soup alone was worth the trip.
The next day I visited Kykuit (pronounced Ky – kit), the estate built by John D Rockefeller. Trust me on this one, even my beguiling bachelors would be overwhelmed. Envision Pemberley, and you have some idea. Long driveway, glorious landscaping, a nine-hole reversible golf course (does anyone even know what that means?) The house is a masterpiece. The gardens are better. There are waterfalls and grottos and a basement – yes basement! – overflowing with modern art (check out the tapestries by Picasso). I was transported to a different world. Even I was unable to imagine access to that kind of wealth and we know I love my men filthy rich. I see new characters inspired by this visit…
The scenery was gorgeous, inspiring painters like Frank Church. I saw his lovely mountaintop home. Olana, filled with paintings from the Hudson River school. I wandered small towns with interesting histories and oozing charm. I crept through Sleepy Hollow cemetery after dark. No headless horseman when I was there but the images from the story danced in my imagination.
Alas, all good things must come to an end. Or must they?
First day back I saw “Hamilton”. The Tony Award winning play just opened here in Chicago. I had heard the hype so I expected something special. Frankly, I was blown away. It was unique, brilliant and imaginative. Every word was chosen for its rhyme, it’s rhythm, because it was succinct, or clever. As a writer, I was awed. As a viewer, I was on the edge of my seat, transported to another time.
I am no Lin-Manuel Miranda. I will never have the talent of Frank Church. I will not build art collections envied the world over. I will never sit at a table and solve problems with Winston Churchill or amass a fortune to rival a Saudi king. But I enjoy the genius of others while I plan a menu and enjoy the fruits of my efforts. I can choose my words, write romance novels with characters you enjoy and plots that keep you awake into the wee hours.
You can share my enthusiasm. Read about these people. Visit KyKuit, Olana or another historic site. Visit a museum. Wander a garden. See how others made their mark. Appreciate their hard work, their skill and talent. Enjoy a fine restaurant, or better yet, be your own Top Chef. Tap into your creativity.
We are all surrounded by genius and we all have a bit of genius inside ourselves. Go get in touch with yours. Go get inspired.
I invite you to share your inspirations with the rest of us. Add your comments below.