Inspiration by: Jenny Sandvik

I always seek inspiration so I ask people featured on the blog to answer questions on what inspires them.

Jenny is featured in a post I made from A Girls-talk a Thursday Evening in Stavanger, I’d love for you to read the whole story here.

If you could ask one inspiring woman one question, who would it be and what would you ask? It’s a cliche, but Oprah. I would ask her how she keeps motivated and inspired. This is a woman who had everything against her – poor, black, sexually abused, and overweight. She’s one of the most influential women in the world. And now that she’s achieved that level of success – how is she able to maintain the momentum? I also want to ask her why (oh, why??) did she retire her show (I miss it!) and also if I could apply for the job of her new BFF (f*ck Gail).

When are you curious? When I am reading or researching something – the information (overload) vortex of the web. In 2019 I plan to get a subscription to Master Class which offers online courses on anything and everything delivered by the best in the industry (Ron Howard on Directing, Annie Leibovitz on Photography, Margaret Atwood on Creative Writing….). I have been putting it off due to lack of time…. but also a legitimate concern that my family will find me locked in the basement without food or water or showering for weeks of binge watching….

How do you feel creative? When I produce something. Preferably something tangible or virtually tangible. Part of my job is developing content. That’s my favorite part. Coming up with ideas and writing texts for videos, animation, infographics or web pages. But I feel creative when I am proud of anything I “make” – it could be a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, a table decoration, a good meal, I just learned how to make biscotti…. especially when it’s enjoyed. Spending time alone in a beautiful place (which is a very rare luxury) usually inspires me by surprise. Sometimes I experience fits of inspiration as if someone is whispering in my ear. But the disappointing part is that it is fleeting and I am often not disciplined enough to act on it.

Who’s style inspires you? I am most comfortable in classics. Amal Clooney’s style is divine. I also love to see style go big, like Lady Gaga or Iris Apfel, she’s a style icon at 96.

What’s your favorite vacation destination, and why? Still looking, honestly. Places need to grow on me. I am starting to fall in love with Puglia (Southern Italy), but it’s taken some time. I have trouble deciding because I really love authentic experiences – not touristy. My favorite experiences have been in places where people I know have shown me a great time. But as much as I love authentic – I also really love some luxury and glamour. It’s difficult to find both :-)

Do you have a bucket-list, if yes – can you share one thing you haven’t crossed out yet? Nope. Bucket lists just make me feel like a failure. I have had writing a novel or screenplay on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. And since it hasn’t happened…. well…..

Do you have a recipe for something healthy, that takes 10 minutes or less to make? If yes, can you share? Not really, so please collect some here! For quick and healthy, I make pan fried salmon with cauliflower mash and a simple salad.

Do you have a favorite book you have read and one you want to read? Favorite books of recent years have been A Widow for A Year, The Goldfinch, A Little Life. On the night table right now is A Place for Us acquired by Sarah Jessica Parker’s new publishing imprint. I just started, but I will let you know.

Do you have a favorite app? If yes, which one and why? Vipps! Makes life so much easier. Piterest – guilty pleasure before bed. Shazam – you can always get the name of that song you hear and love :-)

Do you have a favorite podcast? If yes, which one and why? I like to listen to the GOOP podcasts while folding laundry (hosted by Gwyneth Paltrow – love her or hate her).