Bloggy Book Club

I am late with this post as with some book reviews I have done!
I have been in the midst of a pity party and if you have ever had one or been an invited guest...
then you know they aren't that much FUN !

I am reading Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol for October's book club and I am actually quite excited to read it! I could use some excitement...right about ... NOW!
Rules are easy...
Read and Blog Sunday, October 25, 2009.

Tangling with Tyrants

Tangling with Tyrants by Tony Deblauwe is a must read especially in today's economic environment where finding a new job may not be a quick or even a viable option!
I think, all of us have at one time or another experienced a difficult boss and all of us have tried varied ways of coping with varied levels of success.
Deblauwe gives great tips in determining exactly what is going on and a process to outline a strategy for change for a lasting solution!

The back cover states:
Through exercises and real examples taken from workplace, Tangling with Tyrants can help you break the conflict you have with your boss. Specific techniques demonstrate how to improve your thinking and change your behavior to ultimately enhance your power in a relationship.

I did learn quite a bit from this book...apparently you can teach an old dog new tricks!

I learned the role I have been playing in conflicts in my work environment ( I work with my husband!)
I now know which behaviors I have participated in that have undermined my power in our company decision making.

I have also learned that while turning things over to God in prayer is important you shouldn't just be "hoping" things will change without any work on your part.

I have also learned how to have a "plan" for lasting change.

Tangling with Tyrants is a great book that I highly recommend...it retails for $19.95 and it is a small price to pay for great career advice!

Is Your Ghost Holy by Shay Bills

I have just finished reading Is Your Ghost Holy
Eight Principles for evaluating Your Walk in the Spirit by Shay Bills. I am actually late in reviewing this book as I wrote the date down incorrectly when I agreed to read the book.

I was intrigued with the title and topic of this book...there are not many in my denomination, that feel comfortable talking about the Holy Ghost, Holy Spirit, Helper or Comforter. I am sure I have just made all my Presbyterian friends angry with this blanket statement and convinced the author of this book of our quick trip to hell...but I am just telling my experience. We, I believe as a denomination do not acknowledge what we know to be true and that is the evidence of the Spirit working in our lives.

The Back cover states:
Discover how his Word shatters residue doubt and uncertainty. Learn how to walk in the power of the Holy Ghost, by applying the Word of God and trusting His promises. His Holy Spirit will awaken and reveal the hidden crevasses of your heart, mind and soul and fill you with His wisdom. Called by some, a spiritual journey, Bill leaves no stone unturned when removing the superficial layers of spirituality.Once read, you will walk boldly and confidently in the knowledge that your inner man is holy, therefore you are called to holiness, according to Scripture. From uncovering Truth to understanding your Purpose, you will conclude this book having gained more wisdom, knowledge and power of the Holy Ghost that dwells inside of you.

First, as I mentioned I was supposed to have had this done two days ago but I wrote the date incorrectly on the calendar...had I done this two days ago I would not have had the opportunity to discuss it with my daughter beforehand. I think this matters as the conversation was enlightening to me and I know this blog entry will be richer and fuller because of it...Thank you my daughter! Thank you to the Spirit of God as well because I do know when it moves in my life.
As I wrote earlier, I was intrigued with the topic of this book and while the author and I do disagree with some theological aspects...she and I most definitely agree of the importance of the Holy Spirit in one's life!

Bills writes eloquently and knowledgeably about the Holy Ghost...my criticism is that while she writes in words that many Christians use everyday, this will make it difficult for people new to their faith to understand some of her better points. She is in essence preaching to the choir.

My favorite truth from this book is on page 84...
It is in regards to forgiveness and I believe many times in my live that without Spirit's help I would not have been able to do it!

You have to search deep within and make sure you are not harboring unforgiveness toward anyone, past or present. You have to dig to the marrow of your bones for any fragments of lingering emotions intertwined in unforgiveness. You have to do it. You have to be honest with yourself and forgive those you know who have deliberately wronged you, accused you, and abused you.
Forgiveness is for your healing...

If you are interested learning more about the Holy Ghost and evaluating your walk in The Spirit...I recommend this book...but I also want you to talk it over with someone you love!
You...do remember...Where two or more are gathered...

I Am No Longer with Stupid!

I am reading a great book that I think many people would enjoy. I am half way through it...life has interrupted my finishing it as quickly as I would like, however.

I am sure there are many of us out there that at one time or another have had jobs that have become impossible because of an awful boss! You know the kind where you dread getting up and going...you know in your heart it's bad when you wake up throwing up and you are happy about it because you won't have to deal with your boss!

I had a job once where I worked for a woman who was demanding and critical. She was paid according to her sales and God help YOU if something went wrong with any of her closings.
She once screamed at me over the phone...
"Are you STUPID?" while her customers sat across from me at my desk...so I replied "No" and then promptly proved my point by giving two weeks notice to the HR Department.

In today's economy I am sure many of us can't afford to just up and quit over an awful boss and from what I have read so far this book would be helpful in ensuring you maintain your sanity as well as your job!

Have any of you had an awful boss or supervisor?
What makes them so awful?

I have thought about this woman on occasion and I think she was very insecure and fearful of her own inabilities to do her job.
Let's just say she did not "play well with others" in the sandbox of her life, as I was not the only person she had problems being "human" to!

So...How about you? Having problems at work...Consider reading Tangling with Tyrants by Tony Deblauwe. I will do a book reveiw on Monday, August 24th!

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

My guest blogger for July's Bloggy Book Club is Lauren, my future Daughter-in-law and she loves reading as much as I do.


The Art of Racing in the Rain was a pleasant surprise and probably not a book I would have picked up on my own. I have a bad habit of sticking with the same authors and I am trying to branch out. The story is written from the family dog’s perspective which presents a completely different light to the triumphant and tragic events this family endures. Garth Stein does an incredible job capturing what the dog feels; a difficult task when the character is not capable of talking. You fall in love with the characters and find yourself crying when tragedy happens and rejoicing when grace falls upon them.

I believe that anyone, not just those who love dogs, should invest in this book. There are a great number of lessons learned along the way that anyone can relate to. One that I took away with me was you will stay here on Earth until whatever it is you are supposed to do is accomplished. Sometimes people die unexpectedly and no one really understands it, but just as the dog learns in the book it merely means their job here is done.

As a dog owner, I often wonder how my dog views the world in which he lives. He experiences my life in the most unfiltered way possible. He is a witness to fights, growing in relationships, tragedies, and triumphs. I am able to be vulnerable in front of him because I do not have any fears of him judging me. He loves me unconditionally and never questions the things I do wrong. Maybe this is because he cannot talk? Or maybe not? I truly believe that dogs are sensitive, caring creatures and that even if they could talk they would help you learn from your mistakes and, just like a mother or a sister, be behind you every step of the way.

Sunday Salon... Is There Really a Human Race?

I don't normally review children's books but I bought my one and only grand daughter a book for her second birthday! SHHHHH! I did not give her this book on her birthday as I am saving it for her party later...don't worry she got lot's of gifts on her birthday from Papa and Gigi, however!

This book is called Is There Really A Human Race by Jamie Lee Curtis and illustrated by Laura Cornell and it is my new favorite book! It has great truths for children and gentle reminders for grown ups...I love it! It is written so well and the illustrations are just beautiful! I love this book...
All of us should slow down and rethink what success is all about!
From the book....

"Shouldn't it be that you just try your best?
And that's more important than beating the rest?
Shouldn't it be looking back at the end
that you judge your own race by the help that you lend?
So, take what's inside you and make big, bold choices.
And for those who can't speak for themselves use bold voices.
And make friends and love well, bring art to this place.
And make the world better for the whole human race."

My favorite!!

It's Simple...really!

The book I am currently reading I found on a clearance rack at Books-a-Million...it's called Simplify Your Life and the author is Elaine St. James.
It is a very easy read...It has 100 ways to slow down and enjoy things that really matter...It is 100 chapters or ideas expressed in a couple of pages for each!
This is an older book, so some of the ideas are outdated but many are still relevant especially in today's economic climate!

The author started by deciding that her life had become unmanageable and she set out for weekend retreat to repair the damage...out of the experience she changed her life and this book was born. I love the ideas...and I was proud to realize I was already doing or not doing many of the ideas...
I no longer wear clothing that needs to be dry cleaned and I am building a simpler wardrobe that includes separates that I can dress up or down. I no longer need as many clothes as before.

Begin by simplifying your schedule...Say no to things that you no longer enjoy doing but feel a misplaced sense of obligation to continue to do.

I found this blog called Zen Habits that did a great review of this book and you may enjoy some of their ideas.

Drinks and Laptops...Not a Good Mix...

So... we are in Jacksonville...here on business...Hubby had the laptop at a restaurant and he spilt his drink all over it...so laptop is in the hospital and not expected to make it!

So, we have been without internet for about two days...not pretty!

I have been cranky...possible detoxing from blogging withdrawals! We bought a Aprire One Acer...I think it's called a Netbook...I like it, although it is tiny! I need it for email, transferring funds between accounts and OH... BLOGGING!



I realized I had a problem when I was at the pool and there was a preteen sitting by the pool with her laptop and it was all I could do not to try and take it from her...



Hi...my name is Ronda and I realize I am powerless over blogging and I am an addict!



I have been busy reading and I have read some great books...

My friend Carrie at Candid Carrie says she only writes non-fiction and I have read two memoirs back-to-back that reminded me so much of her and her sense of humor...I can see us all reading her books some day!

I read Carrie Fisher's Wishful Drinking ...this is her memoir detailing her life with celebrity parents, addiction to drugs and alcohol and her treatment for manic depression. It doesn't sound like it would be funny but it was very funny!

The second book I read was also a memoir and it was I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron ...this is a favorite author of mine and I love her real life story...she writes from her heart and she also happens to be hysterically funny!

I have loved biographies , autobiographies and memoirs since third grade when I read all the Presidents biographies which turned into a love of history. I now love to read memoirs because it's the authors version of history that is told and I find that an interesting perspective.

I have read the novel The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold for Blogging book club and I am dying to blog about it but I won't... I'll wait until after my guest blogger Rhonda from A Day in Rhonda's Life blogs first about it....
I will say that the real life story of Alice Sebold sounds more interesting to me than her novel...she has quite the survival story and I find that very inspiring!

Always Looking Up...

I just finished a great read that I highly recommend...Michael J Fox's Always Looking Up.
I am a fan of this guy so I guess it would not be surprising that I enjoyed his book...he is funny and charming whenever I see him in an interview or in any of his film work and I feel this comes across in his writing. He strikes me as someone who does not take himself seriously and I love that humble attitude.
The other quality I admire and one I have tried hard to acquire is the ability to disagree without being disagreeable...he is never mean spirited... even when others (Rush Limbaugh) are mean to him.
His most endearing quality however, is his optimistic spirit which I do not posses and his is evident throughout the book.

The cover states:
The last ten years, which is really the stuff of this book, began with such a loss: my retirement from Spin City. I found myself struggling with a strange new dynamic: the shifting of public and private personas. I had been Mike the actor, then Mike the actor with PD. Now was I just Mike with PD? Parkinson's had consumed my career and, in a sense, had become my career. But where did this all leave me? I had to build a new life when I was already pretty happy with the old one.
Always Looking Up is a memoir of this last decade, told through critical themes of Michael's life: work, politics, faith, and family. This book is a journey of self discovery and reinvention, and a testament to the consolations that protect him from the ravages of Parkinson's.


I think many of us with today's economy can relate to these themes...many of us feel we are standing on sinking sand even without having to experience a life threatening illness...there are so many uncertainties for many of us!
I think this book is also a testament to the saying..."We shall overcome!"

Sunday Salon

Sometimes...I feel sorry for myself! Sometimes I feel blue...maybe it's hormonal...if I have any hormones left! I read a really good book that I highly recommend...it's a short read ...easy for those who don't like to read.
I highly recommend it for those who have a bit of an attitude problem right now!
Many of my " friends" on facebook have sad little one liners on their "What's on your mind?" line... so...this book is just for you!

The Diving Bell and The Butterfly by Jean-Dominque Bauby is the memoir of the editor-in-chief of French Elle, who suffered a stroke that resulted in locked-in syndrome when he was only 43 ears old. He died shortly after the french publication of his book.
This book was recommended to me but the stark facts of the true story made me not want to read the book and so I didn't! I am sad to say...it was a sale at Barnes and Nobles that encouraged me to read it...I am a girl who loves a sale!
Buy two...get one free...this was my free book!

I am so happy to have been gifted this book...it is beautifully written and so very eloquent ...it is 131 pages of the power of human consciousness...it will make you aware of your own life and your simple wonders and pleasures.

Jean -Dominique Bauby was left after his stroke with complete paralysis and
could only move his left eyelid, only slightly...his mind however, is completely intact. With the help of Claude Mendibel who wrote down every letter that Bauby signaled with his eye to her with the aid of an alphabet screen, he painstakingly made letters form words, sentences and then paragraphs...to pages and then chapters...to a completed memoir... a very beautifully written memoir completed before his death.

I am left with such encouragement for my own life and the gifts I have been given...
After...my daughter reads this book ( it will take her no time at all)...I will mail it to the first person who asks for it...I just ask that you blog about it!

Happy reading!

Eat, Drink, and Be from Mississippi

I just finished Eat, Drink, and Be from Mississippi by Nanci Kincaid and I really liked it!

The book cover states:
At least the young man on Truely Noonan's doorstep is from the South. Truley and his sister, Courtney, are transplanted Mississippians who have made their fortunes in California, but they're due for a change. They have more money than they ever dreamed of, homes with spectacular views, and their brother-sister bond is sweet and strong.
But their marriages have disintegrated. Something inside rings hollow. They are both lost.
The young man, Arnold, doesn't exactly look like a savior. A troubled teenager from the streets, he is talkative, thuggish dressed, and clueless. Truley and Courtney turn Arnold into their mission, introducing him to books on tape, buying him new clothes. Arnold resists their good intentions at first, but he needs a place to stay, and at least he has good Southern manners. Then something shocking happens that show Arnold in a new light- and it's no longer clear who's been changing and teaching whom.

I received this book from a drawing at Lattes and Life and The Hachette Book Group sent me a copy...and boy, did I hit the Jack Pot! It was a great read...interesting characters that you were sad to stop reading about...and for me that is sometimes rare to find.
My only complaint...this book is told in the third person and it is from a male character who other characters basically describe as someone who doesn't want to see things...
Let's think about that a moment...I am reading the perspective of someone who doesn't want to see things!
Many times while reading this novel I was praying the next chapter would have another character tell what was going on because the character of Truley Noonan either didn't know or wasn't telling.
This left me with a feeling like I never got the full story...which I guess might be good as I let my imagination fill in the gaps!
I enjoyed this book none-the-less!

Deep Thinking The Human Condition...

I just finished reading S.A. Odunsi's book, Deep Thinking the Human Condition...not a light read by the way!
This book is the first four chapters in a series of books yet to come. Odunsi lets the reader know upfront that he feels Social Science, of Western Academia has a monopoly as designated problem solver and that they have failed to solve some of the world's most serious endemic problems.
He makes the argument that Social Science has failed to teach people to function in a way that facilitate economic development in the third world and eliminate "pockets" of persistent poverty in the developed countries. He states that Social Science has made no real progress and provided no real return on investment which has resulted in an acceptance that endemic world problems as a matter of fact.
I would like to say that this book would open up healthy debate...but it will not...those who agree with the author will and those who don't won't! The author feels that Social Science has a monopoly on how to handle the problems of poverty...he leaves completely out the topic of any organized religion or... disorganized religion for that matter. Whether flawed or not in their thinking many feel morally obligated to "feed the poor" or "comfort the sick" and this is not as he states a result of social science but rather a teaching of all major religions.
I have been to Honduras and have seen the influence of the Catholic Church...this is not Social Science but rather religion at work!
The argument that social science has not had any return on investment made me laugh out loud...Can you imagine him stating this to Mother Theresa?
I do not argue with any of his statements...but I didn't hear any real answers to any of his criticisms...he is right...The poor are still among us!
I guess if I were concerned about the poor...I would do something about it...something! If I were concerned about the money being spent on the poor... I would write a book!
This book was a difficult read...not just for content but it is written as a text book and as such is just not that interesting. If it were written differently...I think mainstream America would read it...as it is just Western Academia will...and as the author states they are already doing it wrong!

**First person to comment who would like a copy of this book and who will blog about it...I will mail them a copy!

Holding Fast

I just finished reading Holding Fast The Untold Story of the Mount Hood Tragedy by Karen James, this was sent to me by my blogger friend Rhonda at A Day in Rhonda's Life. Rhonda got it from Jill at jill jill bo bill who has a very personal take on the story as it was about Kelly James, a childhood friend of her husband's.
I didn't need this story personified anymore for me but this added dimension of it being some one's friend made it more tragic...maybe it's me but some times these news stories seem so sad, that we or again, I tend to put them in little boxes labeled something other than real!
Because I had read Jill's account of the story, I was primed for a sad story and it is... but Karen James brings such a testimony of faith to the telling of her story. Because of her faith and that of her husband's you are not left with a story about a life ending but rather a life that was well lived!
This is a quick and compelling read that you will ponder long after you have finished the book. It is the story of Kelly James, his death and his wife Karen's struggle to understand what happened.

Recently, My Hubby and I found out that a business associate took his own life while alone. We did not know him well, but what we did know about him was that he was troubled and unhappy, and struggling financially! He didn't have many good relationships and certainly showed very little faith and I can't help but contrast his death with Kelly James! The contrast itself was startling, one in faith and a life well lived...the other alone and isolated and in despair!
Both families are surely devastated...but because of God's love and James' love of God...life will continue for the James family while the other family may be consumed with a sad bitterness!
I often wonder if I could survive such a tragedy with my faith intact...I don't know... but I know I wouldn't survive it at all without my faith!
I had just finished reading Same Kind Of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore and I was startled to see their picture in the book and a review by them on the cover!
It would seem Karen has continued her painting and she had a joint art exhibition with Denver Moore in May 2008...I really enjoyed their book as well!

The first person who will commit to:
Read this book...
Blog about it and
Then pass it on to another blogger!
Just leave a comment on this post

and I will mail you this copy of Holding Fast by Karen James.

Don't forget my Give-away for a iPod nano! Vote For Sara Nelms!

A True Story of Following Spirit's Words to a Life of Meaning

I just finished reading No Experts Needed The meaning of Life According to You!

by Louise Lewis

It's a great Spiritual book and timely with today's economy the way that it is.

So many of us stay at dead end jobs or jobs that make us feel unhappy or unfulfilled...but what would happen if you were suddenly let go?

What would you do?

What would be your next step?

That is exactly what happened to Louise Lewis, she was let go and after being "set free" from her job she decided to take some time off and let God / Spirit guide her.

Out of that guidance came this book...that asks individuals ...What is the meaning of Life?

All different answers from all different people, some she knows and some she is related to and still others are strangers she meets on her travels! Some are famous and others just seem to be in-the-right-place-at-the-right-moment! But, Louise feels led to all of them by Spirit.

This is a light hearted spiritual book that may make you think about all those moments in your life, that in the past you felt were luck or coincidence... may have been actual spiritual moments.

At the end of the book...she asks the reader to define:

What is the meaning of life?

I am still pondering my answer!

Visit Louise Lewis for a free pdf version of the book.

A Jolly Good Read!

I just finished reading A Jolly Good Fellow by Stepehn V. Masse and it was a fun and unexpected read. It is well written and it is most deserving of it's Silver Medal from Independent Publisher Awards.

The book cover states:
Two weeks before Christmas, Duncan Wagner gets into his car for another attempt at kidnapping the son of his most despised enemy, State Representative Win Booker. When he drives into the wealthy Boston suburb, he is surprised to find the boy hitchhiking.
So begins Wagner's quest for revenge as he finds himself face to face with a real boy and without a clue about how to run a kidnapping. Wagner, a self styled charity Santa Claus, comes to realize that eleven year old Gabriel Booker is truly a runaway, much more curious than scared. Gabriel has no idea who Duncan Wagner is- or could be.
In an old apartment in downtown Boston, the odd pair makes an unforgettable team, providing each other with what they have been missing in life. Author Stephen V. Masse captures the friendship with a blend of suspense and humor, showing that love is a resource which can bring redemption to the most damaged souls.

This book certainly isn't the typical Christmas story...it reminded me that so many people do not live the typical Hallmark Christmas but rather sad and lonely ones.
A Jolly Good Fellow is a short read that surprises you with it's ending and touches you in it's telling of the relationship that develops between Duncan and the small boy, Gabriel.
I had wished the ending had been different but upon reflection realized it couldn't have ended any better for all characters involved. This is a sweet and sour Christmas story with humorous moments sprinkled throughout while telling the lovely relationship of a young boy and a lonely man during Christmas... and a kidnapping!
This would make a great holiday gift!

Tampa...My Kind of Town!

Friends visit us recently and we spend the day at Ybor City!

I am a fifth or sixth generation Tampan (or is it a Tampon?)...anyway, a girl from Tampa, Florida. I would know how many generations my family goes back if I ever finished our genealogy!! I love Tampa...not a perfect town but rich in history and flavor!
I have found this amazing book by The Turner Publishing Company called Historic Photos of Tampa, Text and captions by Ralph Brower. It is a collection of old photographs from Tampa, many that have never been published, and information about the history of Tampa to go with the pictures. I love this book...in fact so much so that since I have been invited to three parties this holiday season, this will be my hostess/host gift for each party!
If you go to The Turner Publishing Company web page...you will find other amazing books on other cities across America! Perfect Holiday gift!

For more friday fotos visit Candid Carrie!