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I am continually amazed by how quickly Richard metabolizes and moves and by how much he's able to put out into the world at such a high level. Everything Richard creates is incredibly beautiful and special and thoughtful. I became close friends with Richard around the time when he was launching Flamingo Estate, which is his home and garden, and also the brand behind the most imaginatively crafted soaps, candles, pantry items, rare gifts and so much more. This week he brought something else into the world too, a new book called The Guide to Becoming Alive, and I use this as an excuse to bring him back to Pulling the Thread. He joined me last year to talk about creativity and friendship As a writer who sometimes feels like my own work is all words and no action, I love talking to Richard about doing things about where we can find momentum and growth about moving forward and tending to the garden that is right in front of us. I'm also very excited to share what it means to ripen your banana. I know this sounds vaguely sexual, but it's actually one of Richard's most profound metaphors. After the conversation, stick around for a minute and I'll share another practice I love from Richard's book, but first, here's Richard.

The Guide to Becoming Alive

Flamingo Estate

Episode 1: “On Cultivating Creativity and Abundance”

RICHARD:

Let me start. This book would never have happened without you. It's true