Saturday, August 20, 2011

Today We Are Rich

What I really enjoy about this motivational book, is that it is woven into a fascinating story about Tim's boyhood in New Mexico, being raised by his smart and loving grandmother, Billye. Today We Are Rich is an uplifting, thoughtful story. I'm keeping it loaded in the Reference collection on my Kindle so that I can refer back to the principles often.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Prosperity

Prosperity is a state of consciousness.
Charles Fillmore, co-founder of Unity School of Christianity, explains the biblical principles of Prosperity in this thoughtful and timeless book written published in 1936.
This is my second time reading the book and I expect to turn to it again in the future as a reference reminding me that GOD is my source.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

How Can I Talk If My Lips Don't Move

Last night I finished How Can I Talk If My Lips Don't Move?

My Amazon Review: Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay (Author) is a fabulous communicator. I felt that I could truly understand the influence of Autism on Tito's interactions with the world. I highly recommend this book for anyone with a desire to understand what it means to live in this world and be Autistic. Thanks to Tito for a comprehensive explanation of your life experiences.

I downloaded the book for free in July. I rated it with 5 stars, as did the 12 Reviewers who posted before me.

Friday, July 15, 2011

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is well worth the time to read. The book gave me more insight into Ben Franklin's amazing contributions to the founding of our great nation. I had been soured on my admiration of Benjamin Franklin after reading Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. I was greatly disappointed by the neglect of his wife and family while he was partying in France.
Now that I've read Dr. Franklin's own words, I have a clearer idea of his thought process. He had a brilliant mind; and yet uncovered simple solutions to life's large and small inconveniences.
I loved rereading his plan for self-improvement, focusing on one character flaw each week for a week at a time until he had improved 13 character traits; and then repeating the process every 13 weeks, 4 times a year.
I found it interesting that 'orderliness' was the one habit that he had the most difficulty in achieving.
There were many times during the reading that my thoughts drifted and I didn't remember what I had read; but it was still worth the time for what I did learn.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Message: The Book of Proverbs

I usually enjoy reading the Proverbs of King Solomon. The book of Proverbs contains wisdom for everyday life activities. At first I was enjoying the hip language in this translation. After awhile I started comparing verses to the ESV version; and the other version was more articulate and understandable. I question the accuracy of Message: The Book of Proverbs translation.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Fun, useful, information from the Amish culture that will benefit anyone who wants to save money.

Money Secrets of the Amish was a fun, functional, entertaining, and informative story, emanating from the author's observations and interviews conducted in Amish homes and workplaces in Michigan.
Ms. Craker is respectful and admiring of the work ethic and frugality of the Amish families she visited. She gives pointers that Englishers will use to their benefit if they are willing to practice similar habits of Repurposing, Reducing, and Reusing.
Among the quotes I took to heart: ". . . the Amish believe that a gift given too easily robs children of the joy of earning it themselves."
A frugal tip that the author shares and that I will try, is to reuse aluminum foil by balling it up and putting it in the dryer with wet laundry. "It removes static and never has to be changed." I love those household tips that incorporate avoidance of adding chemicals to the environment. Of course, the Amish women more likely wash with a washboard and hang their clothes on a clothesline for the benefits of solar drying.
Ms. Craken reminds us that "the Amish view debt as a very real plague. . . . It goes completely against the grain for the Amish to go into hock to pay their expenses. Instead, they will find extra jobs or things to sell to come up with the extra cash."
I liked this book a lot; and I found lots of suggestions that will help me with good ideas for reasonable frugality in the "Englisher" world.
I highly recommend Money Secrets of the Amish: Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving by Lorilee Craker.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Beautiful Hawaiian Romantic Adventure

I just finished In the Middle of the Third Planet's Most Wonderful of Oceans for Kindle. I really like Everett Peacock's laid back Hawaiian stories. I plan on reading all of his books. It's just fun, feel-good reading; although the tragedy in the cane fields did shake me up a bit. I wasn't expecting that. It may have been a true or true to life event that was depicted. I put the book away for a few days after reading that part; then when I went back to the story, it turned upbeat again.

After reading two of Everett Peacock's Hawaiian adventures, I'm a huge fan. I love his writing style; and I love visiting the Hawaiian Islands. Now I know I'll go back again and likely enjoy being a Tourist even more than the first two times.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

60 Life Lessons for 60 Years of Life

1. Forgiveness is everything.
2. I cannot change anyone else
3. “All is well.”
4. Gratitude is a blessing.
5. Life is learning. Learning is life.
6. I have no control. Surrender is peace.
7. “As above, so below.” What I experience creates a world experience.
8. My thoughts guide my experience.
9. Watching the news on TV is depressing.
10. I wouldn’t trade lives with anyone.
11. Outward experiences are temporary. The glow of a new car, a new house, or new clothes wears off.
12. When my house is messy, my soul is not getting enough of my attention.
13. My choices make a deep impression. When I treat someone badly, I can’t walk away from the consequences.
14. Death isn’t really the end. I still have a relationship with loved ones who transitioned before me.
15. A cemetery can be a blessing.
16. I don’t have all the answers, but I usually think I do.
17. “Silence is golden.” If fills my heart with room to grow.
18. The devil is just a voice in my head.
19. Breathing is more important than I knew for assessing the situation.
20. Home cooked food matters.
21. Sauteing an onion is a wonderful way to fill my home with blessings.
22. Crying is good.
23. Everything that seems important today passes.
24. The sun on my skin is nourishing.
25. There are too many rules.
26. Beauty is awesome. Art and music create rich experiences.
27. Sometimes I need to complain, blame, and get out the nasty energy.
28. Falling in love is a temporary condition.
29. Be polite.
30. The consequences of bad behavior last longer than the fun of being nasty.
31. Resentments are evil. They make life miserable.
32. Sometimes I disappoint myself. There’s always a brighter day ahead.
33. Saltwater cures cold sores.
34. Zinc can stave off a sore throat.
35. Hot, hot, hot weather is a good excuse to stay indoors.
36. Fresh air is an amazing mood enhancer.
37. Each decade of life holds a different experience of what matters.
38. Chocolate can be addictive.
39. Perfectionists are irritating.
40. Friendships change.
41. Staying in the “now” is harder than it sounds.
42. Tastes in music are surprising.
43. Sometimes asking God for help is the only way to resolve a situation.
44. Advertising is designed to make me feel unworthy.
45. Salespeople often seem to have a personal interest in me only until the sale is made or declined.
46. Everyone is not my cup of tea.
47. Metaphors are the way I understand the world.
48. I can get irritated unreasonably. It’s not always their fault.
49. Health is nice; and often people who are unhealthy are experiencing a rich spiritual life.
50. Our paths are amazingly different.
51. Truth is not as simple as it used to be.
52. “An enemy is a double friend.” The lessons learned in betrayal stick with me.
53. Not everyone agrees on what is fascinating.
54. Out paths through life are incredibly varied.
55. I love routines. They provide structure.
56. I can do one thing that’s in front of me to do.
57. Retirement is a new start, like putting new tires on the car.
58. “Work is love made visible.” –Khalil Gibran
59. “Keep the focus on myself in the here and now.”—12 Step Saying
60. Goals must be written and put on the calendar. High achievers Prioritize and focus on one immediate goal, then assess it daily

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

This book left me craving a Hawaiian vacation--June 1, 2011

I downloaded The Parrot Talks in Chocolate (The Life and Times of a Hawaiian Tiki Bar) to my Kindle when it was offered for $0.99, after reading rave reviews on the May 2011 Informal Poll.

I'm so glad that I was referred to this book. It is uplifting and inspiring--with vivid descriptions of life, adventure, and romance on the beautiful island of Maui.

The book is a fast read. I finished it in 3 days, mostly a chapter or two a night before going to sleep.
After putting the book down each night, I would start visualizing moving from my Arizona home to live on one of the Hawaiian islands. I may just do that sometime. Hawaii is one of my all time favorite places.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

A Relaxing Saturday Afternoon Read--May 28, 2011

I just read The Zoo, a sweet, romantic Short Story about a widowed gentleman in his early 60s, who becomes a Volunteer animal caretaker at the local zoo. It was a relaxing, enjoyable read.

I downloaded this story as a free e-book on May 17th. I'm glad that I read it and I would read more stories by the author.
There were several typographical errors and I think I would have enjoyed a little more drama in the story.

Friday, May 27, 2011

This Book Has Me Back on Track--May 27,2011

The Forever Young Diet and Lifestyle is a super dooper, motivational diet, exercise, and lifestyle book.

As a lifetime Weight Watcher member, this book supports all of the nutritional guidelines I've learned through Weight Watchers; and it explains the science behind food, nutritional supplements, exercise, sleep patterns, and so many other quality of life choices.

I'm back on track with my food and exercise because of reading this book. I've also added baby aspirin and Omega 3 supplements to my daily regimen.
There are 2 other supplements that I intend to add to my daily vitamins after I observe any differences I note with the current additions.

For anyone with an interest in Health, Education, and Quality of Life, I highly recommend this e-book.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

A Pretty Good Read Aloud for a First or Second Grade Classroom--May 19,2011

Today I finished reading Hailey Twitch Is Not a Snitch to a classroom of first graders, on their last day of school. The kids responded well and seemed to enjoy the book and remember the content over the two weeks we spent on this Read Aloud. I liked it, but not quite as well as Junie B., First Grader (at last!). The kids love ALL of the Junie B. adventures.
This is a good chapter book for young readers.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

A Fun Read-- May 15, 2011

The Last Little Blue Envelope was fun, quick, and easy to read in short spurts.

Ginny Blackstone, 17 years old; travels Europe with only a simple, ugly, green backpack, 13 sealed envelopes, and $1000.

Ginny is guided by Aunt Peg's letters--each opened sequentially after completing one travel task.
Following her deceased Aunt's written instructions, Ginny relives the last few months of her aunt's travel experiences.
Ginny experiences the loneliness and frustrations of a naive 17 year old girl traveling alone through Europe as she meets Aunt Peg's caretaker, Richard; and a young theatrical male friend, Keith, who both help her to understand herself and her beloved and frustrating runaway aunt.

I downloaded this book to my Kindle when it was offered for free.
I like the series and plan to read the sequel: The Last Little Blue Envelope.
Comment

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Inspiring, Entertaining, & Informative--April 24, 2011

I LOVED reading, The Final Summit, by Andy Andrews.
This is a truly inspirational story.  I'm now hooked on this author, and I'll be reading everything he's written.

David Ponder is the central figure in the story.  His wife has recently died and he is sad and lost without her companionship.  David has lived a wonderful life and practiced principles of courtesy, caring, kindness, and wisdom in his personal and professional life.

Recently widowed, and alone, at age seventy-four, David doesn't have much hope for the future.  Alone is his skyscraper penthouse, David is going through mementos from an astounding adventure that occurred earlier in his life.  The archangel Gabriel appears to David and tells him that he has been selected to meet with 'Travelers' from the past, in order to find the means to continued existence of human life on the planet.

David meets with recognizable historical figures to discover the two words that will enable humanity to solve its most urgent problems.

The Final Summit is the meeting of some of the most extraordinary leaders and achievers of all time.  Their quest for answers is a magnificent, inspirational story that gives guidance to all who choose to do their best.
Along the way, the reader discovers some amazing and accurate historical details concerning famous and not so famous people who have lived and died in a way that made things better for all of us.  

I give this book 5 stars.  It is truly entertaining and inspiring.
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Inspiring, Entertaining, and Informative, April 24, 2011

I LOVED reading, The Final Summit, by Andy Andrews.

This is a truly inspirational story. I'm now hooked on this author, and I'll be reading everything he's written.

David Ponder is the central figure in the story. His wife has recently died and he is sad and lost without her companionship. David has lived a wonderful life and practiced principles of courtesy, caring, kindness, and wisdom in his personal and professional life.

Recently widowed, and alone, at age seventy-four, David doesn't have much hope for the future. Alone is his skyscraper penthouse, David is going through mementos from an astounding adventure that occurred earlier in his life. The archangel Gabriel appears to David and tells him that he has been selected to meet with 'Travelers' from the past, in order to find the means to continued existence of human life on the planet.

David meets with recognizable historical figures to discover the two words that will enable humanity to solve its most urgent problems.

The Final Summit is the meeting of some of the most extraordinary leaders and achievers of all time. Their quest for answers is a magnificent, inspirational story that gives guidance to all who choose to do their best.

Along the way, the reader discovers some amazing and accurate historical details concerning famous and not so famous people who have lived and died in a way that made things better for all of us.

I give this book 5 stars. It is truly entertaining and inspiring. The Final Summit: A Quest to Find the One Principle That Will Save Humanity

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Doesn't seem to follow an outline, April 21, 2011

I downloaded this book because it was free on the Kindle. I expected a romance, but got a bizarre, meandering, dream filled story, that just seemed to follow whatever thought popped into the author's head.
The book started out as a somewhat humorous story of a mother to 14 children, trying to survive after the downfall of a political system.
The drawings were cute and the story had some excitement, drama, and humor. After a few chapters I was hooked, but then the outline of the story seemed to take off in too many unexpected directions.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Kiss Me Stranger by Ron Tanner

I downloaded this book because it was free on the Kindle.  I expected a romance, but got a bizarre, meandering, dream filled story, that just seemed to follow whatever thought popped into the author's head. 
The book started out as a somewhat humorous story of a mother to 14 children, trying to survive after the downfall of a political system. 
The drawings were cute and the story had some excitement, drama, and humor.  After a few chapters I was hooked, but then the outline of the story seemed to take off in too many unexpected directions. 
I gave this book 2 stars on Amazon.com.

Sabbath, by Dan B. Allender

I read 3 chapters of Sabbath: The Ancient Practices and enjoyed it in a quiet, sweet way.
The subject of the Sabbath really does not require an entire book.
Allender's explanations and examples at the beginning are good.
I think this would make a better article than book.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Learning Curve on Days 1 & 2, April 17, 2011

The Kindle 3 is fantastic.
I've been exploring it for 2 days.

With the help of the $0.99/monthly blog "Free Kindle Books Plus a Few Other Tips", I've loaded the Kindle with 11 free GOOD books and five Games.
I adjusted the lettering size to make it easy to read, tried the "text to talk"; but turned that off fairly quickly.

I've emailed an e book from my computer to the Kindle, and explored the menu and Settings. It's addictive;)

I had problems the first day with the keyboard. I needed capital letters to enter the password to my router. The caps are difficult to locate. (The up arrow key is actually the CAP key)

The keyboard could be more user friendly. The rest of the Kindle is amazing. I highly recommend the Kindle3 wi-fi. I'm really happy that I bought it.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

TITHING Test me in this by Douglas Leblanc

Mr. Leblanc interviews tithers representing an array of denominations.
 
Chapters consist of  tithing individuals or couples, who have continued the practice over a substantial period of time. Each tells the story of how they decided to become a tither, and why they choose to continue the practice. 

The interviewees include conservative and liberal Christians--lay people, missionaries, pastors, priests, activists, and non-activists; Episcopal, Mennonite, Methodist, Catholic, and Seventh Day Adventists; and an Orthodox Jewish rabbi.

Reading their accounts, one is impressed with the humility and simplicity of the decision to tithe.

John and Sylvia Ronsvalle, in chapter 11, claim simply, "It is . . . a conscious way to resist the self-worship that accompanies greed and stinginess."

This book is a quiet reflection.  It is not exciting or dramatic, but thoughtful. 
I am glad to have read the stories. 

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Greatest Secrets of the Coupon Mom by Stephanie Nelson

I'm a newbie at couponing; and I can see that this is a wonderful, fun, exciting path to travel.  Some women can stretch a dollar and purchase $40.00 worth of Groceries and Toiletries for about $5.00. 

I want to learn how to do that!  I've taken my first stab at couponing and I've saved about $15.00 a month by clipping coupons.  Well, that's not good enough! 

Stephanie Nelson has some tips and tricks that make this 'game' produce better results and more success. 

In chapter 7, "Virtual Coupon Organizer to the Rescue", she reveals that it's not necessary to clip and store coupons until the time comes to combine the available coupons with sale prices.  The flier gets marked with the name and date, and when the time comes, only the necessary coupons get clipped and presented to the checker.  What a time saver!  No more sighing customers waiting in line for me to pull out just the right little square of paper. 

This book will save the reader far more in Grocery and Toiletry bills than the cost of the book. 

I feel like a winner:)