5 comments about Romancing the Ordinary.

1. "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.'



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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



5. Loved this book. I read this one first b/f her first book and it is my favorite. I bought copies for family members as well. Just a wonderful, insightful book. Would highly recommend it.

5 comments about Imagine: What America Could Be in the 21st Century.

1. Developing scenarios for how worthy goals might be accomplished is one of the best ways that people make progress. The circumstances never end up being like that, but the insights prove to be worthwhile nevertheless. This thought-provoking book of essays uses that method to come up with many worthwhile observations and useful ideas. If you know the particular essayist's work, in most cases you won't find much new. Some, however, have created new materials that are extremely insightful.

   The volume's main weaknesses are two: the viewpoints of the essays' authors aren't varied enough, and the "desirable" outcomes are too easily assumed in many cases. I graded this brilliant book concept down two stars for these weaknesses in execution.

   Almost anyone would find benefits from reading this book. Even if you disagree with its premises, you will end up learning about the thinking of a lot of America's top authors.

   I was honored to receive this book as a gift from one of my sons, reflecting his knowledge of my desire for assisting social progress through personal effort.

   The book contains almost 40 essays, grouped into the following sections:

   The Soul of a Nation (What it means to be an American)

   Pillars (The basics that we need to flourish from health to meaningful work)

   The Rewoven Fabric (Community and identity)

   To Whom We Belong (Our relationships and ways of relating from family to divorce to aging)

   In God We Trust (Spirituality)

   The New Civitas (The new American governmental system)

   Each author was asked to think about America 50 years from now in creating a more positive environment. Two essays in the group stood out to me in capturing the essence of the issues throughout the book. The first was by Peter Senge (of Fifth Discipline fame). He points out that there are three ways to think about the future. First, extrapolate current trends. That doesn't work, because "aspects of our present ways of living . . . are not sustainable." Second, we can create a vision of the opposite of something we don't like now. He calls this "reactive imagination." This is "only a disguised version of the present." He correctly points out that many of the essays are of this nature. Third, we can "become agents of creating a future that is seeking to emerge, by becoming more aware of the present." "How did we get where we are?" is a question that begins this investigation. From those roots, we can help establish the foundation for moving into a better direction.

   If you read this book, start with Senge's essay. The book will make a lot more sense if you do. It will give you a star to guide by. This essay inexplicably begins on page 167, rather than at the beginning.

   The second key essay is at the end by Margaret J. Wheatley (starting on page 401). She did a little experiment. She recruited a group of teenagers to think through these questions about what they want for 50 years from now. Basically, they want a fairer, more cooperative, and more sustaining world. They see a "networked, boundaryless world" unconstrained by the geographical and psychological limits of America. Read this essay second. It gets past a lot of the personal agendas in most of the essays into touching closer to what is universal in our visions. Young people always seem to get these points best.

   Few of the essays made it into Senge's third category. As I read the better ones (such as those by Dean Ornish, Lance Secretan, and Peter Gabel), I came away with a vision of our suffering from poor decisions because people are not yet good at thinking through the consequences of their daily decisions. We optimize what is visible and closest to us, even when the distance effects (in time and space) are vastly counterproductive to the modest benefits we receive from what we choose to do today. (An example is eating poor quality food to save money individually, and having society incur hundreds of thousands of dollars in health care costs to "repair" us from our own misguided "money-saving" efforts.)

   In a sense, I came away with the notion that if we all learned from Senge and Wheatley, it wouldn't take long to arrive at a better society for all. After you master those lessons, be sure to read Sam Daley-Harris's fine essay on "Activism."

   Make the future into what it can best be, consistent with the visions of both those who agree with you . . . and those who do not! Read Thomas Moore's views on "Religion" for useful thoughts about this perspective.

   Imagine a better world in Peter Senge's third way!





2. I almost did not buy this book, and I say that because an awful lot of really smart folks might be inclined to turn away on the basis of the title and the possibility that this is a fairy tale wishful-thinking la la land kind of book. It is not. It is practical (and political), it is enriching, and it is over-all a very high quality endeavor that has been well executed.

   Four "great truths" are articulated many times over across the various readings, and they merit listing here:

   1) Campaign finance reform is the absolute non-negotiable first step that must precede every other reform. Until the people can reassert their great common sense for the common good, and restore the true democratic tradition, nothing else will happen.

   2) Neighborhoods are the bedrock of both democracy and sustainable development, and we have spent fifty years building in the wrong direction. New legal and economic incentives must be found to redirect both urban and suburban real estate management back in the direction of self-contained neighborhoods.

   3) Local production of everything, from electricity to food to major goods like automobiles) appears to be a pre-requisite for deconflicting high quality of life needs from limited resource availability. The book includes several very intelligent discussions of how this might come about.

   4) Networking makes everything else possible, and by this the book means electronic networking. I was especially fascinated by some of the examples of near-real-time sharing that electronic networking makes possible--everything from a neighborhood car to scheduled hand-me-downs of winter coats from one family to another. We have not progressed one mile down the road of what the Internet makes possible at a personal and neighborhood level, and I would recommend this book for that perspective alone.

   The creative editorial role must be applauded. From the identification and recruitment of the contributors, to the selection of the photographs that each tell their own story, to the quality of the paper used to create the book, all testify to the competence and knowledge of the editor.

   Lastly, it merits comment that the book serves as a very fine calling card from something called The Global Renaissance Alliance, a spiritually-oriented group that nurtures Citizens Circles and uses a web site to provide pointers to resources and other like-minded folk.




3. We can all agree that the world would be a nicer place with more personal connection, a real sense of community, freedom to pursue dreams, security to safeguard those dreams, pluralistic tolerance, etc, etc. I do. But in a haphazard series of essys, beyond platitudes and some bad science fiction, I see little in the way of real thinking about the problems that confront the world, or well-reasoned, rigorously analytical responses to those problems. Instead, they range from the laughable to the dangerous--see one author proposing a monolithic Department of Peace with millions of officers devoted to everything from crime to regulation of interpersonal communication to domestic life to workplace interactions. How can somebody who claims allegience to personal freedom cry out for something so Orwellian? These liberal-minded egalitarian essayists would invest more unilateral power in government than John Ashcroft ever had wet dreams about.
   
   The prose, often stilted, blowsy, pretentious or oblivious to its own ridiculousness, is workmanlike. To those that seek out the book, the pronouncements will be comforting. The implementation of its ideas--imagine!--will not be.



4. This is a great book, that is doubly-powerful (no TRIPLY, no QUADRUPALLY powerful!) because so many inspiring thinkers are in it: from Deepak Chopra to Neale Donald Walsch, from James Redfield to Anne Lamott. And these thinkers come from all sectors of society: from John Robbins, a whistle-blower of the food industry, to the actor Peter Coyote; from Eric Utne, founder of the Utne Reader, to educator Dee Dickenson. What Marianne Williamson has assembled is a collection of ideas covering all sectors of society representing the viewpoints of very unique individuals each with differing backgrounds. And the beauty of this diversity is that all the contributors are unified in fundamental ways, all visualizing a more accepting, more loving, more grounded future that can truly celebrate the individual. It is a vision of what can WORK given our true natures, and given the tuggings of our soul for a more love-based world. Everyone in the world ought to read this book! If you're skeptical, go ahead and buy it and try it out. You'll be glad you did, even if it provides fodder for a time for all the reasons you dislike new-agey spiritual types. And for all of you who like me are already new-agey spiritual types, or compassionate open-hearted types, go ahead and check this book out, because you're going to love it!



5. What a wonderful book. I have to admit, there are some areas of the book, and some ideas in the book that I don't necessarily agree with, but at least these authors are talking. They are beginning a conversation that is long over due.

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

1. 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.




2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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. I will admit the bias that defines a MAN is that it he is a strait man,and that gay men are a sub division ,So I resist the broad assumed strokes that lack that awareness,even with this book I got that impression when I began reading it ,and no it was not due to internalized homophobia,just awareness.
   I got so much out of it that the bias did not matter,A few stories at the end i just passed over ,even though it seemed like listening to someone's own experience ,there was nothing in reading it that hit home for this reader.Try it for yourself,The book put me in a good place and opened me up to deeper insights.A great book for the journey .

No comments about Peace and Plenty: Finding Your Path to Financial Serenity.

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

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. Probably through no fault of her own, the author writes from the voice of a middle or upper class perspective. As a low-income homeschooling mom, I felt frustrated with how many of "Mrs. Sharp's" suggestions read like an old-fashioned Martha Stewart-style advertisement. This is no big surprise if you realize that the author got most of her ideas from a trunkful of antique victorian-era ladies magazines (quoted liberally throughout the book). Apparently women's magazines have always had that cutesy-positive "you should just buy this/make that/organize the other thing and your life will be soooo happy!"
   
   Here's a quote describing the fictitious Mrs. Sharp: "wearing a pretty apron to putter in while she tidied her house as she listened to opera, using freshly laundered Irish-linen dish towels to make her glasses sparkle, or writing down her voluminous "To Do" lists in enchanting floral notebooks tied with a ribbon."
   
   What about wearing old jeans and stained shirts to do the farm chores in, putting on a library-copy Swan Lake CD so the ballet-loving kids can dance while I'm making breakfast, wondered where I am going to get more washcloths after the threadbare ones finally get tossed out, and using the back of an old shopping list for phone messages? I was hoping to get some good ideas on incorporating ritual and routine into our lives, and while there are a few of these, for the most part I get totally sunk reading about how I should have a "Rainy day cupboard" that only gets opened on rainy days. Where am I going to get a house big enough for a cupboard dedicated entirely to rainy day projects?
   
   Here's my favorite idea: On April Fool's Day, kids and adults switch rolls, so the adults act like children and the children take care of the adults. That sounds like fun, and it doesn't cost any money, or require infrastructure that is out of our reach. Thank goodness! And too bad this is one of very few ideas that don't need bought materials.
   
   Also, if you are not Christian, you may have trouble with the repeated references to prayer, godliness, and Christian holidays. These references are accepted within the text as cultural mainstream fact, and not looked upon in an anthropological way.
   
   I should have just stuck with "Circle Round" and decided I had enough holiday ideas.



5. Love this book! Great for mothers, aunts, grandmothers. A great handbook for every woman with children for every season of your life!

5 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.



3. This is a soothing comforting book for women of all ages. I have listened to it on tape, a couple of years later read the book, and am reading it again in 2009. Creating a "gratitude book" as she recommends in this book is one of the most positive things I have ever done for myself.
   
   She recommends several things to do that I could not possibly fit into my schedule but I feel that if I take her words to heart and do the exercises that are important to me then that is enough. And that is what I think she wants women to take from her book.



4. This book's title sugests that it might be Christian. It is not. It is filled with New Age philosophy and practices. Beware of the humanistic road to "comfort and joy". It is only the living, ever present God, Jesus Christ who can offer these things on a consistent and permanent basis.



5. This audio presentation opens my heart and mind to joy, gratitude and happiness and helps remind me that God put me here for a purpose. I originally got a copy of this from my public library and benefited from it so much that I ordered it from Amazon. No where in Amazons description, or on the cover of the product itself, does it imply it's "Christian" based but Breathnach does speak often about our spirituality. This is a truly worthwhile investment; it really does put your life into perspective. Highly recommended!!!