The Four Agreements

Because of a recommendation on one of the blog I follow, I picked up The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz at the library. Over the next 2 days, I skimmed most of the first 24 pages but read the rest of the book. I liked the ideas presented so much that I bought the book and the companion book, The Four Agreements Companion Book: Using the Four Agreements to Master the Dream of Your Life (Toltec Wisdom). I feel this is a book that deserves rereading.

Porch Lights by Dorothea Benton Frank

A nice, light summer "beach" read. Romance without the porn. The main character is a recently widowed nurse who served in Afghanistan.

The Accidental Book Club

I picked up this book and another by this same author at the library by mistake. I thought this Jennifer Scott was the same Jennifer L. Scott that wrote the Madame Chic books. On the first page of the novel I realized there was a definite difference in the language and style. But thought is was maybe the change from non-fiction to fiction. I didn't like the dysfunctional actions of the people but the characters did keep me coming back each night to read more. A bit like passing a car crash and not wanting to look but somehow you look anyway. The ending couldn't be described at "happy" but maybe "hopeful" would apply. Now whether I will read the other one sitting on my nightstand, the jury is still out on that one. But I do wish I belong to a book club and had these women for friends.

At Home with Madame Chic

I finished At Home with Madame Chic this morning. Liked this one also. Most of the guidance reaffirmed the cleaning regimes I already employ. It encouraged me to return to my meditation which is centering prayer. I also use a homemade vinegar cleaner but did not know about the addition of lavender or tea tree oil. So lavender oil is on my list. I have completed my summer 10 item wardrobe. I really need to update my closet which these books nudge me into doing. Got rid of 3 bags of clothes, scarves, and costume jewelry I didn't wear were bad purchases, or were worn out. I added 2 dresses, 2 new tops, a white tee, replaced my black flats, and some exercise clothes. Now I have some recipes for tea sandwiches.

Polish your Poise with Madame Chic

 

I have Jennifer L. Scott's first book Lessons from Madame Chic on my Kindle. I enjoyed it so when I discovered this new one at the library I picked it up only to discover there was one written between these two, At Home with Madame Chic. This one on poise was a refresher course, for me, of the first book with some additional ideas. It is a fast read at 271 pages but takes much more time to implement the principles presented. For me it was a reminder to check my posture; make sure my electronic devices (ie. IPad & IPhone) I own don't appear at the table during breakfast, lunch or dinner; and the need to review the 10 item wardrobe concept. I need to be present in the moment and enjoy the food, drink but most of all the people at my table. After all, if I cared enough to sit down with them to eat I should care enough to give them my full undivided attention. Polish your Poise with Madame Chic is definitely worth your time. So I am off the library to pick up the 2nd book, At Home with Madame Chic.

Summer Reading

I have taken a vacation in June from any serious reading. But have been enjoying some light reading material. I started off with Dorothea Benton Frank's, an author new to me, All the Single Ladies. I liked it enough to get a couple more of her novels but I think I might tire of this style shortly. Then I moved on to Rita Mae Brown's Tail Gate. It was better than her last two which I couldn't really get into and never finished. Then I enjoyed the Janet Evanovich's Tricky Twenty-Two. I always find her cast of characters entertaining.

John Muir Laws recent book

Recently I purchased  The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling on Amazon. I had bought his book for drawing birds last year and found it to be an excellent resource. Therefore when I discovered he had a new book out I bought it sight unseen. I was not disappointed. It collects all the nfo his tube videos provides and more all in one location. This is what got me interested in doing my Walks with Jake sketches.