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| ARLENE'S CORNER |
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What does summer mean to you? For me, it is warm, even hot steamy days, corn on the cob, fresh tomatoes, meals cooked on the grill, flowers in the garden and plenty of time outside. When I moved to Woodstock 13 years ago, I was blessed with a group of new friends who had all recently purchased the book, “Simple Abundance”. If you are not familiar with this book, the premise is to follow a program for a complete year and examine your life. Examine your likes and dislikes, not someone else’s and to live a more authentic life.
Here I am, thirteen years later, still reading my Simple Abundance book daily, still a member of that original group, still examining my life, constantly tweaking what is working and what is not. Over the past year, I have had a few life challenges with aging parents, parenting teens and young adults, and trying to keep our heads above water during the change in the economy. Many of you have not been aware of these times, some of you have. It has been a year of growth, and I am thankful that I had begun the work of searching out my authentic life long ago, as I was provided with a supportive framework that carried me through these times.
I believe I have found another such book to share with all of you, The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin. I was so enthralled with this book and its message that I have been talking up a storm about it! In fact, we at RBTL, are beginning our own Happiness Project book club. Please read the information located on this website about it and RSVP if you would like to join us for dinner and learn more.
I also realized the importance of relationships and friendships. Many people are looking to go back to simpler times. I hear many are looking back on childhood memories and bringing back friendships that they have let slide, rekindling the relationships of past. Many are moving back to their hometowns if feasible. I too, have looked at relationships that were of great importance to me during my childhood and college years. I am now working to stay in closer touch with those special persons, as moving back will not work for me. What is it that is important to you? How can you improve your current situation? Over the past 12 months, I have constantly sought to improve, look to the future and not get stuck in the doldrums. Was it easy? No way! Was it worth it? Most definitely! My life is richer and fuller than ever before and I am looking forward to a fruitful future.
I am forever amazed at how books shape our lives. I relish my time reading and it is one indulgence that I allow myself in the summer. I just finished, “The Art of Racing In the Rain” by Garth Stein. It’s a teary read for us dog lovers, but a heart-warming one at that. I am going to go back and jot down a few quotes from the book, to remind myself of the nuggets of wisdom shared by “Enzo”, our canine protagonist. Next up will be “That Old Cape Magic” by Richard Russo, I’ve watched numerous people pick up copies and rave, now it’s my turn. I’ll let you know what I think next month! Until then, keep on reading and stop in and share it with us!
See you soon,
Arlene
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Simple AbundanceLake by Sarah Ban Breathnach
With the grace of Anne Morrow Lindbergh's Gift from the Sea and the wisdom of M. Scott Peck's The Road Less Traveled, Simple Abundance is a book of 366 evocative essays - one for every day of your year - written for women who wish to live by thier own lights. In the past a woman's spirituality has been separated from her lifestyle. 'Simple Abundance' shows you how your daily life can be an expression of your authentic self, as you chose the tastiest vegetables from your garden, search for treasures at flea markets, establish a sacred space in your home for meditation, and follow the rhythmn of the seasons and the year. Here, for the first time, the |
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Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. "The days are long, but the years are short," she realized. "Time is passing, and I'm not focusing enough on the things that really matter." In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project. In this lively and compelling account of that year, Rubin carves out her place alongside the authors of bestselling memoirs such as Julie and Julia, The Year of Living Biblically, and Eat, Pray, Love. With humor and insight, she chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons |
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Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.
On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side.
A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope—a captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it |
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