5 comments about Sarah Ban Breathnach's Mrs. Sharp's Traditions: The Art of Domestic Bliss.

1. This book is wonderful to have and explore for those women and families with children who love to take time to enjoy simple, natural treasures and to observe old-fashioned family traditions. It is a wonderful source to find out WHY we celebrate some holidays in the ways we do and to take a trip down memory lane as you rediscover some of the older traditions you might remember your grandmothers or aunts or great-aunts observing. I am definitely adding it to my home collection to use with my own family. The only negative note I might have is that the persona the author writes with has some strange sayings "Dear Reader" this and "Dear Reader" that. A little annoying, but definitely not worth NOT getting the book!



2. It is Thanksgiving Day as I write. I have used this book extensively over the past week as I write down the activities we will do as a family this holiday season. We are a family with young children (8, 6, 3, baby), so we are only now starting our family traditions. It is VERY important to me that the children have family memories to keep them reminded of their happy childhood. This book has been a wonderful keepsake. I have already started purchasing it for others, as it is beautifully written and breathtakingly beautiful. Do not hesitate to buy this book. It will enhance your library like few others. I am wishing for another book like this one, but have not found it yet.



3. I love the noble simplicity of the Victorian age. This book is an invitation to experience simple rituals in your daily life. I especialy enjoyed the beautiful art work and many pictures. This book takes the reader on a gilded journey through the entire year with wonderfull passages describing a myriad of traditions and daily rituals for living. If you cherish the victorian tradition then you simply must have this book. Buy it new or used, read it, experience it, and pen a review to spread the joy, this truly is home.



4. I found this book inspiring and full of practical and lovely ideas. Some of them are relatively easy to implement; others take a bit more effort/preparation. The holidays discussed are American. The book presents simple ways to make daily living special and to take note of holidays, seasons, and other occasions.



5. This book comes with beautiful illustrations and a plethora of ideas separated by month of the year. It includes crafts, recipes, games, and holidays I've never even heard of. Some of them are fairly elaborate, but most are simple and easy to implement.
   
   I am especially impressed by her consistent message that gentle parenting is the best kind of parenting, and that family togetherness is precious. It even includes sections on what to do on those of days when children are simply impossible, how to comfort a sick child, and making travel with children fun.
   
   It does remind me a bit of the Waldorf philosophy of education, since it incorporates an observance of the seasons, emphasizes creativity, and includes lots of fantasy play and fairy folklore.

5 comments about A Man's Journey to Simple Abundance: A Man's Journey.

1. The writers seemed to be reaching hard to delve some deep female part inside when they would rather be marlin-fishing or something. I found the discussions of intimacy the most readable, possibly because having sex is apparently the only thing men have in common with women. In trying so excruciatingly hard to show feelings, many of the writers turned to, you guessed it, life and death situations such as a spouse's cancer, war in Africa, parental loss. The kinds of things it takes to get guys to emote, I suppose. Could you perhaps let us know how you felt to see your child be born? Ease a child's anxiety over some imagined terror? Let us know why you hate, really hate, the guy in the car in front of you? So you would throw yourself down the stairs if it would make the Vikings win. Uhuh. And sex is the closest thing to God. Gotcha. Now we know you write with it, in addition to thinking with it.



2. Ms. Breathnach collaborated with Michael Segell to teach us women that men actually do think and feel differently from the females in their lives. It was through his wife, Winnie Gallagher, that the two found each other and produced this informative journal.

   There are fifty-two diverse contributors selected and edited by Mr. Segell. For ages we've known of the contradictions between recollections by the different sexes; this was published to bring them closer together by revealing some similarites not just the differences. It was a definite challenge. Whatever else you could say, they are perhaps true. I can see why they chose Mark Winegardner's "Like Mother, Like Son,' to get off to a good start. It is rewarding to read how he credits his mother with his creativity. I told son Zachary that he got his writing ability from me, but he was doubtful. Like me, Mark has trouble "forgiving."

   In this series of essays, we strive to understand male emotions, their historic lack of commitment, their great pride and self-esteem from the professional lives (I wonder, did they see the new STEPFORD WIVES movie?), and the uniquely male perspective on life's problems.

   Some years ago, I worked through SIMPLE ABUNDANCE, A Daybook of Comfort and Joy and learned what is really important to women. Now, they attempt to turn the tables, so to speak, to educate women about the men they love but have difficulty understanding.

   She gives her view of the creation, using Spirit as God, Eve as the first 'soul mate,' spiritual awakening; I waited to see if the Spirit was a woman who presented this version: It's not good for man to be alone; something or someone was missing.

   Merle Shain stated it clearly, "There are no perfect men, of course, but some are more perfect than others, and we can use all of those we can get." Men feel they 'deserve' respect (ha), they should seek it by their actions.

   Some of these essays are provocative and most are complicated to a woman's sensibilities. It's possible that some of them may move you to laughter or tears. Men are good at faking emotions they don't feel. And some can act up in public and embarrass an innocent woman for something the man mistakenly assumed.

   I was most interested in those written by Southern humorist, Roy Blount, Jr., and Reynolds Price, another Southerner with the longest bibliography. Jake Jacobsen was the most original, listed only as a 'hermit.' He hates women, it seems.

   Some are Pulitzer prize winners in their fields. They use thoughtfulness, intelligence, and sometimes wit to get their individual points across. I heard this on the Wink Martindale show recently on the Music Of Your Life radio network, "You are born an individual; don't die a copy." Men will always be men and we can value them for the creatures they are, for better or for worse.




3. For the most part I enjoyed the book. There were certainly many diverse and varied experiences written about in the book. Not anything earth moving but thoughtful and entertaiing. Would make a good gift to any male reader in your life.



4. Several short peices about men and then commented on by the author who collected everything. There are a lot of great enecdotes and life lessons in this book.



5. The book was "almost new". The cover was perfect, no highlighting or marks inside. The binding seemed to have been "seconds" as the pages weren't lined up and it didn't look as nice. But it's still readable! However, I would have liked to have known that before purchasing.

5 comments about Romancing the Ordinary.

1. I have never enjoyed a book as much as this one. I have given 3 of my sisters a copy along with all of my girlfriends. This book has changed the way I live. A must for all women over 35! I have also bought extra copies to give my daughter-n-laws when they get older!



2. "Do you remember when you were little and jumping into the deep end of the pool was one of the most daring things you could do? Once a sense of play introduces a little deep-end jumping into each ordinary day, you'll want to keep doing it again and again. And you were meant to."
   
   Thus begins one of the chapters of Breathnach's wonderful book. And reading this book is much like jumping into the deep end. Each chapter is replete with sage wisdom, witty humor and examples of ways in which we can all make each 'ordinary' day wondrous. From chapters such as "She Who Should Be Obeyed," which speaks to, and honors, a woman's sixth sense of "Knowing," to the delicious quotes which precede each chapter, and are scattered throughout the pages, this book speaks to indulgences intended to restore weary feminine souls -- soul wisdom evident on nearly every page, rituals for body, mind and soul, decorating tips for making your retreat a soul haven, scrumptious recipes, feminine fashion and helpful gardening hints.
   
   A welcome theme that is woven throughout the book like a scarlet thread is the subject of self-nurturance and the importance of being wedded to oneself. In a society that indoctrinates single women with the fallacy that life apart from a romantic relationship is a failed life, Breathnach affirms the fact that the most important love relationship a woman can have is with herself.
   
   I highly recommend this book to any woman interested in rejuvenating her spirit....and perhaps particularly to women who find themselves in mid-life with feelings of regret and longings for adventure. By the time you finish this book, you will recognize that 'something a simple as a rainy summer afternoon can provide us with some unorthodox adventures on the wings of memory.'



3. I bought several sets of tapes for my family gift giving but when I played one I decided to put them in the charity box instead. Far too much religion in it. Self improvement and joy of living does not HAVE to be god related. I am sorry because I really do think she has great talent. If she could just write and leave religion out of it.



4. Reading the other reviews I was surprised to see how many people appreciated the asthetics of this book in hardcover - I'm almost sorry I have the paperback version!
   
   I have not read any of Ban Breathnach's former books, so my review does not suffer from comparisons to what most reviewers consider to be a far superior book "Simple Adundance". However, I will be sure to hunt that book down now, given the glowing reviews it has been given.
   
   I found this book to be sweet and simple. I appreciated the structure of the book and liked that there were not dated entries - I feel this gave the book a more flexible, organic feel. Some of the entries were quirky, others insightful and a few were almost bizarre. But I feel the purpose of this book was to give people a focus for seeing the gifts in their own lives, most of which we don't see in the manner of not seeing the forest for the trees.
   
   I recommend this book, although I have my usual complaint of the seasons always being for the northern hemisphere, leaving us southern hemisphere people wondering what to do with 7 pairs of socks in January, the height of our summer.



5. Sarah Ban Breathnach has been one of my favourite authors for a while now. I picked up Simple Abundance a couple of years ago, and it came to me just at the right time. I eagerly followed up on Sarah's work with The Simple Abundance Companion and Something More, but I found Romancing The Ordinary to be her best work yet. The book is a light and inspiring read, and like your best friend, Sarah encourages you to come in a little closer and share in some "secret women's business". And almost everything she suggests - from creating a Holiday Memory Book, to mixing your own bath salts - are easy, fun-filled ideas to help you find beauty in the ordinary.
   I loved this book so much that almost every third page has been highlighted with quotes and ideas that have inspired me. And I would encourage any reader, who is looking to bring a bit of romance back into the every day, to pick up a copy of this gorgeous book.
   
   
   
   Zara Stevens
   Boy Meets Girl: A Pocketful of Wedding Stories

2 comments about Simple Abundance: Living by Your Own Lights.

1. In our stressful lives, Sarah Breathnach's calm voice outlines a path to sanity. She advocates nurturing our spirits, our relationships and creating serene spaces in our lives.
   I want to play this over and over, so it soaks into my consciousness. I want to share this message with all the frazzled women I know. She blends literature and a variety of religions without being preachy. Quotes from Star Wars, Bhudda, Irish proverbs and Shaker writings are sprinkled throughout serving to launch her essays.
   Over all, it is about tuning into ourselves and paying attention to our basic needs (no, not material possessions, though she does not advocate a spartan lifestyle).
   For women who feel there is no time to tend to their inner needs and who find the daily demands at times overwhelming, I wholeheartedly recommend this.



2. I found this book quite by accident at a Barnes and Noble one day. After reading it I went back and bought one for all my close friends and sisters. Sarah Breathnach has defined in this book what is really important in life and helps you get in touch with these things. It's too bad we don't figure most of this out until later in life. Easy reading and a "feel good" book for someone who wants to enjoy life to the fullest.