A mother’s midlife memoir paired with a gardening book?
What, you might well ask, could these two volumes possibly have in common? And why would a married mom of two and a resolutely single, encyclopedically knowledgeable, former-Martha-Stewart-publishing-executive-turned-rural-hermit ever become writing partners, let alone dear friends?
Well, if age teaches us anything, it’s that life is full of surprises – and that the relationships that bloom and blossom in the langorous afternoon of life are often quite different from those of its bright morning. No longer bound to our friends by social stratifications, proximity, or the shared duties of parenthood, we find ourselves connected, instead, at a soul level. “Friendship,” writes C.S. Lewis, “is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What? You too? I thought I was the only one.’”
And so it was with Margaret Roach and me. Coincidence brought us together (we share a publisher, and our editors had given us galleys of each other’s last books). But it wasn’t until we met in person, at a bookseller’s convention two years ago, that we each experienced that unmistakable “click” that signals this is someone who is meant to be in my life.
Reading Margaret’s work, I knew right away I was in the presence of a kindred spirit — someone who finds pleasure in the small moments, who draws sustenance and inspiration from the frogs in her pond and the flowers at her doorstep, who is more at home stirring a pot of home-made soup at the stove than hobnobbing with fellow writers at literary soirees.
Becoming her friend for real, spending overnights in her guest cottage and sharing countless dinners together, only confirmed what I’d already suspected: different as our lives may be on the surface (Margaret never has to postpone a writing project because a son needs help on his college application; I wouldn’t know a Chaenomeles x superba if one was in full bloom in my own yard), we nevertheless have much to offer each other – gifts of time and support and perspective on the universal challenges (and joys!) of growing older and, hopefully, just a wee bit wiser.
So maybe it’s not so surprising after all, that when we exchanged manuscripts of our most recent books, we each found ourselves scribbling excited “Yes!” notes and exclamation points in the margins. There were so many common themes that we had to laugh. And then we realized that of course our readers would probably enjoy getting to know one another as much as the two of us had.
Since our books came out last month, Margaret and I have appeared together at bookstores all over New England – and we can now report that our hunch was right. The conversations are lively, our joint readings fun for all, and the connections and cross-overs always surprising and delightful.
So, consider this your invitation to come join us! Win our books (signed, personalized copies), hear us speak, or if you can’t make it to one of the events below — jump in to our free online chat starting Monday on Goodreads.
Duets with Margaret
The goodreads.com event
Goodreads is like a giant online book club that never sleeps. It’s amazing, and it’s free; a great place to get tips from other keen readers on books to look out for, according to your interests, and to “talk” to authors. Margaret Roach (author most recently of “The Backyard Parables: Lessons on Gardening, and Life”) and I will be there Monday February 25 for an open forum, to answer your questions about our new (or older) books, about writing, or about whatever you feel like asking about.In our in-person events recently, the topics have ranged from finding midlife friendship, to raising adolescent boys (or unruly plants), to recipes we’ve swapped and books we’ve both read, to our writing “process” (Margaret paces, I sit still for hours on end)—no kidding, that wide a range, and more. Fun! So come share whatever’s on your mind. Won’t you sign up and join us?
The in-person events
- Sunday, February 24, 3 PM: POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER. Reading and conversation with author Margaret Roach from our two new books, her “The Backyard Parables: Lessons on Gardening, and Life” and my “Magical Journey” An Apprenticeship in Contentment,” at the Concord (MA) Bookshop.
- Thursday, February 28, 7 PM: Reading and conversation with author Margaret Roach at the Arts Center of the Capital Region, Troy, NY, hosted by memoir-teacher and author Marion Roach Smith.
- Sunday, March 3, afternoon: Two events, same location: 2 PM, “The 365-Day Garden” slide lecture by Margaret Roach. 3 PM, a reading and conversation with me and Margaret from our two new books, at Battenkill Books, Cambridge, NY.
How to win the signed books
To enter to win a signed copy of “The Backyard Parables” and one of “Magical Journey,” too, simply comment below, answering the question:
What’s the last book you read that you recommended afterward to a friend, and why?
Then to double your chances to win—two sets are being given away on each of our websites—scurry over to Margaret’s book giveaway now and paste your comment there as well.
No answer to the question, or simply feeling shy? No worry; just say “count me in” or something to that effect, and we will. Winners will be drawn at random after entries close at midnight on Wednesday, February 27. Good luck to all.
The last book I read that I recommended to a friend was your book, “Magical Journey.” I shared it first with my sister and then with many of my friends who have also spoken highly of its message and impact on their lives. This book was as if you had read into my mind, felt my feelings, and then captured them in ways I’m simply not capable of expressing.
The last book I referred to a friend was Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
Nothing yet this year that I have recommended-many last year-Arcadia by Lauren Groff, The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides, The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg, Devil in Silver by Victor LaValle…many more! I hope to read your book and share it with my sister whose daughter is getting married in a few weeks-hard time for her.
11/22/63 by Stephen King. I had never read one of his books before. I always thought he wrote horror genre, but this book was recommended to me by a few people as a historical time travel story that turned out to be very enjoyable!
I’m still reading it, but enjoying Flourish by Martin Seligman. Coming out of an age when we all felt the world would make sense if we could just control one more thing, he examines happiness in terms of well-being, as less a matter of mastery or control, and more outcome of acceptance, peace, connectedness, purpose, etc.
The last book I recommended to a friend was “Room” because I needed someone to talk to about it with when I finished it.
The last book I recommended was Magical Journey! I recommended it to my book club as we are all upwards of 49 years and many of us having children flying the nest. This was the perfect book at the perfect time!
The last book I read was “Crossing The Deep” By Kelly Martin. I recommended it because it’s a great Christian fiction read that is great for both young and old.
The last book I recommended to a friend was Magical Journey! Such a beautiful book to follow-up Ordinary Day. Thank you Katrina, I look forward to meeting you on Sunday. We share a good friend, Tracy Tobias 🙂
I adore Tamar Adler’s “An Everlasting Meal.” It sings to me. Used her technique last night of adding beet roasting juices to my homemade vinaigrette and it sprouted wings and flew me to heaven. I look forward to reading your book Katrina. Thank you!
“Bring Up the Bodies” by Hilary Mantel. One of the best books I’ve ever read.
Please count me in. Thank you.
Michael Ondaatje’s “Anil’s Ghost” – beautiful writing, haunting story. I suggested it to my book club and can’t wait to discuss it with them.
I love SHES COME UNDONE, Wally Lamb. May have given copies to many of my women friends and family.
The last book I recommended to a friend was Cataloochee because she is from the mountains of NC, as am I, and it is set in the Appalachian mountains.
How It All Began by Penelope Lively
Generational perspective of the same events was interesting sine I enjoy observing same in my own life. And,of course, the catalyst for the story to begin; random occurrences that create ripples in many lives.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. Very Insightful, so interesting, especially as I raise my 4 kids, all unique.
The last book I recommended was MWF seeking BFF. By Rachel Bertsche. I enjoyed it. It’s about making friends as a young married woman in her 20s in Chicago.
I’ve recommended Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh; every time I read it I think of yet someone else in my life whom I think would share in my wonder of he insights
Last book was Women, Food and God. The premise is the answers to issues are there so don’t look away, when you welcome what you want to avoid we connect with a part of ourselves that is fresh and alive, evoking divinity itself. Awesome book! Te title is Women, FOOD, and God but you could substitute your own addiction in its place….drugs, overachievement, sex, alcohol … Your reaction to your issue is a mirror of your feelings about love, fear, anger. So interesting.
It might seem a little too….too.
But the last book I recommended to a friend was your own The Gift of an Ordinary Day. My friend is having some separation anxiety as her two sons are growing up and I know it will be perfect for her.
I have recommended your book, Katrina (Magical Journey) to so many mamas because of the way you poetically capture the subtleties of the spiritual journey. Thank you for this exquisite offering. xo
Have recommended The Art of Racing in the Rain.
I love your blog.
“Quiet. The Power of Introverts in a World That Won’t Stop Talking.” Fantastic read! I’ve lent my copy four times already.
You will laugh, but the last book I recommended to a friend was your book, Magical Journey. I just loved every part of it, and went back and reread the part about your training at Kripalu before I gave it to her. I have just started my 200-hour training, and was feeling overwhelmed by the introduction to the course, and was so glad to read your description of your training. Hopefully, I will get through my course as gracefully as you did!
Janisse Ray’s Ecology of a Cracker Childhood. I’m starting her newest book now, and love it as well.thanks for the chance!
I can’t believe you wrote a book with Margaret. I am a fan of both of you. I read her book “I Shall Have Some Peace” and your book “A Gift of an Ordinaty Day”. I even wrote to you in an email once. I envy both of you that you live your lives enjoying everything about the simple things. Both your books will be on my bookshelf forever. I will have to look into your new book/s. I am so excited.
Sandy P.
Reading and Loving The Gift of an Ordinary Day! It is soooooo relatable! After a FB friend posted the short reading and I cried I knew I had to see what your books were and realized I had read Mittenstrings…many years back!
Falling Upward, by Richard Rohr. A great read on spirituality in the second half of life.
The Stardust Lounge: Stories from a Boy’s Adolescence by the late great Deborah Digges. Every word is a gift.
Please count me in and thank you very much for your generous giveaway.
A book that I have recently recommended to a friend is ‘Creating Room to Read,’ by John Wood.
I just mailed a copy of Magical Journey to a dear friend from the past I just reconnected with. She will get the package as a surprise and I know it will touch her heart. I am havIng so much fun sharing this beautiful book! My best to you.
It was with great joy that I read, and later shared with a friend your lovely book, “The Gift of An Ordinary Day”. As I had been feeling quite “lost” in maneuvering the waters of mothering my son in the midst of his teen years, your book filled the loneliness and voids I was experiencing. I shared it with a mom friend, a mother of two sons, one whom she has recently sent off to college, and one to follow very soon. Thank you, Katrina. I consider you a comrade and friend. Keep writing!
Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin. It reminds us that it’s up to us to make ourselves happy and your surroundings do make a difference.
I read S.J. Watson’s “Before I Go to Sleep” and recommended it b/c I couldn’t remember the last time I couldn’t put a book down b/c I HAD to know what happened. It’s fun when that happens in fiction. Thanks so much the giveaway! I love your books.
Just recommended Midnight Riot (by Ben Aaronovitch) to my friend today. I saw a rather apt description of it as ‘What if Harry Potter grew up and joined the Metropolitan Police?’ Quite well written. PS – Loved seeing you and Margaret at RJ Julia’s last month. So fun to discover you and your books!
I follow your webpage and Margaret’s also-even made her easy freezer tomatoes last fall and own you mittens book and her first book. I would love to win copies of your bo0ks-please!
Last book recommended to a friend was 2 books- Solomon’s Oak and Finding Casey by Jo-Ann Mapson bcause her books are all wonderful delightful reads.
The last book I recommended to a friend was Twelve Kinds of Ice which reminded me of when I was a kid, ice skating on the flooded and frozen baseball diamond at the local park.
The Devils Knot by Mara Leveritt. It had opened up a lot of peoples eyes about the West Memphis Three.
Behind the Beautiful Forevers, by Katherine Boo. She is able to convey the grim reality of being born into poverty in Mumbai, and at the same time sees humor, and grace, among those who live there. Overall, a reminder that the belief that working hard is what gets you ahead is just not the case for most people in this world.
Just gave a friend your book Gift of an Ordinary Day because it resonated so deeply with me.
The last book read was Omnivore’s Dilemma. Just a really well-written “food” book.
The last book I recommended to a friend was Daily Joy to inspire her to make time in her really busy life for a moment of joy at least once a day. The book has wonderful quotes and the most gorgeous photography. After I gave the book to her, she sent a copy to *me* for the same reason.
Please count me in too! Would enjoy to read this.
Count me in! I would love to read Katrina’s books. I saw a video of The Gift of an Ordinary Day on Facebook and it made me look into Katrina.
I told my daughter she needed to read The Best of Me. She is a big Nicholas Sparks fan and the end caught me by surprise.
I have not read any of your books yet, but plan to soon. Maybe yours will be the next I recommend….
The last book I recommended to a friend was No Greater Love by Levi Benkert. I am traveling to Ethiopia in April, this book was recommended to me as I will be meeting the author and I found it both heartbreaking and inspiring.
The last great book I read (I’m still reading it, actually) is a new release called Love and Salt, a memoir of the spiritual friendship between two women, through the medium of their letters to one another. Lovely!
I recommended The Art of Racing in the Rain to my co-worker. Loved it. I love your blog, and so enjoyed your book, The Gift of an Ordinary Day. I am also the mother of 2 boys and found so many feelings in common! Thank you!
Count me in!
I’ll be there in Troy! Can’t wait.
The most recent book I read was The Gift of an Ordinary Day. I bought a copy of it for a friend because I enjoyed it so much and was confident she would, too.
I look forward to reading your new book, Magical Journey! Thank you for offering this opportunity to win a copy.
Dr. Jim Garrow’s book, The Pink Pagoda: One Man’s quest to End Gendercide in China was the last book I read and recommended. His work has impacted the lives of thousands and propels me to do more.
I recommended “Magical Journey” to my sister-in-law who is going through a difficult time right now. I told her to be sure to read page 266, which really touched my heart.
The last book I read that I recommended was “Watership Down”, and I actually reread it as a student of mine was reading it and it sparked a memory……I recommended it to my daughter who is reading it now. What a lovely giveaway, sure would love those books…:) Thanks for the opportunity!
Im currently reading burpee and johnny select seeds……id love to branch out a bit!
Both favorites of mine!
The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani…a great story and great characters. One of those that you stay up late to keep reading.
The last book that I read was “Magical Journey”. I checked it out from the library. I would love to have my own copy though. I have 6 children and know that I will probably need to read it again as each of them leaves. I immediately recommended it to my mom, who is finally an empty nester after 40 years of raising 9 children.
The last book I read and recommended was the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. I loved them and she has a new one that should be released soon.
Would love to win these books!
The last book I recommended to a friend was A Midwife’s Talke by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, because it’s a fascinating peek into a woman’s life in early 19th century rural Maine. Every bit true, through her diary accounts.
The most recent book I have read that I would recommend to a friend is Farm City by Novella Carpenter.
The last book I recommended was “Inspired Rug Hooking” by Deanne Fitzpatrick because it’s filled with so much about rug hooking, inspiration and life.
A friend gave me ‘Truth and Beauty’ by Ann Patchett and I am about to pass it on to another friend. please count me in.
I recently recommended “The Island at the Center of the World” by Russell Shorto to a Hudson Valley native who had moved away a long time ago. She loved it.
Reading everyone’s recommendations above and furiously adding some of them to my “to-read” list on Goodreads.
I can’t remember the last book I recommended! I do, however, remember recommending A Jane Austen Education: How Six Novels Taught Me About Love, Friendship, and the Things That Really Matter to my ex-boyfriend this past fall. I loved it and thought it explained so much, not just about Austen but about ME. He didn’t read it. Did I mention he’s now an ex?
The last book I recommended to a friend was “Magical Journey.” I bought it just a few days before leaving for a five-day program at Kripalu, having absolutely no idea that an important part of the book deals with Katrina’s experience in yoga teacher training there. I ended up reading most of the book while at Kripalu and then recommended it to some of the other like-minded women I met in my program!
Just one of many serendipitous connections I have felt while reading Katrina’s books….from raising two boys, to losing a close friend to cancer, to appreciating the ordinary moments, to now learning to move forward in my midlife with appreciation and grace. Thank you Katrina!
Doctor Who Encyclopedia for my son for the joy of geeking out to trivia.
THE ART FORGER. The Isabella Stewart Gardner museum is one of my favorites and it is featured. Happy to be introduced to your books.
I just finished reading, “Dragon Seed” by Pearl Buck. Discovered recently at a local public book sale I thought I had read all of Pearl Buck’s books in my 20’s. And then I discovered “Dragon Seed”. I love how Pearl transports her readers to life and culture in China.
I recommended “Caleb’s Crossing” by Geraldine Brooks. Not only was the story wonderful, but her writing and descriptions are beautiful.
I gave a friend The Art of Fielding. Wonderful story and characters. I would love to win your new book, Katrina, and Margaret’s too. Wish I could come to your joint book talks!
I just went on a beachy vacation and read a lot of fiction. I read a couple of mysteries by Elizabeth George and they were fantastic–passed them on to friends….
I just recommended “The Gift of an Ordinary Day” to one of my co-workers. She has two children who are growing up so quickly. Your book changed my life and my relationship with my adult children. What a blessing it would be to win these two books.
I suggested the author m.c. Beaton to my grandmother
The last book I read was “I’m Dying Up Here” by William Knoedelseder, which is about the standup comedian era in the 70′s and 80′s. The book is a great read and gives the reader an intimate inside view of all the ins and outs of what went on during the standup boom!
I HATE fiction – I ONLY read biographies, autobiographies, true history, horticulture, nature, reference, etc., etc. I like reality (but NOT reality shows).
Currently reading The Bible – highly recommend it!
“The Round House” because of place, the story, and the writing.
Believe it or not, “The Gift of an Ordinary Day” is the book I most recently recommended to many friends, and then mailed to one of my oldest and dearest friends. We had our first babies together, then she moved away when they were 2. We have maintained the relationship all these years, and now those babies are graduating in May. Your book is a perfect fit. I’m so glad I stumbled upon it this winter!
I am looking forward to reading both books, whether I win or not. 🙂 Thanks!
A Visit from the Goon Squad, by Jennifer Egan, is the book I just read and immediately passed on to my husband, reading buddy (not to mention best friend). I will be recommending it to my sister and others, as I do with most of my enthusiasms. Garden season is beginning here in western Maryland–at least for those of us who start seed indoors and do late-winter pruning of shrubs and grasses. So my heart is open to Margaret and Katrina, fellow middle-aged wise women!
The last book I recommended and then bought for a friend and my sister was Magical Journey. Your words have given me strength and healing on my journey. Thsnk you.
“At Home” by Bill Bryson.
He researched and wrote about the structure and origin of many items in the home, on a room-by-room tour of typical UK/US type homes, sometimes going back centuries, eg the history of illumination in the home, what was tried, what worked, what didn’t and why), corrects myths, explains the origins of terms (eg “in the limelight,” and “curfew” both came from the history of indoor lighting); in short, a compelling read that will change how you view common items around you, every single day.
The last book I read that I recommended to a friend was Ian McEwan’s “On Chesil Beach.” The writing was so beautiful and the story wonderfully romantic. It made me go out immediately to the library to pick up MeEwan’s book, “Saturday,” completely different in subject, but one that held me the whole way through.
‘Blind Fury’ by Elizabeth George. I really like the strong female protagonists she writes about, similar to her ‘Prime Suspect’ series on TV.
I’m new to your blog (referred by Margaret Roach)and looking forward to it.
The last book I read and recommended to a friend was “A Chance to Die-The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael” by Elisabeth Elliot. A great read!
Just finishing up Field Days, a Year of Farming, Eating and Drinking Wine in California. Wouldn’t that be a lovely way to spend a year! Would love to win the books.
The Resiliant Gardener by Carol Deppe. You should read this book.
Growing Green: Organic Techniques for a Sustainable Future by Jenny Hall. I absolutely love this book!
I read and then recommended The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan to my sister-in-heart (who is also my sister-in-law)! Janet had many parallels to Kelly and I knew this book would strike a chord with her. Kelly made us laugh, cry, think, pray, and really reflect.
Just saw “The Gift of an Ordinary Day” video on facebook today and know that I will love reading Katrina Kenison!
the third Sally Gunning book — The Rebellion of Jane Clarke. just plain great historical fiction!
The Orchardist: A Novel by Amanda Coplin
The story is engaging from start to finish. More than a few passages compelled me out of bed or off the sofa in search of pen and paper.
I haven’t read a full book in a LONG time, but it is one of the more enjoyable things that I have done in the past. With a 4 yrs old and a 5 yr old, so many other things take the higher spots on my to-do list, but I am realizing as time goes by that I need to get back to the things that bring me joy! I would love a copy of your book!
Thanks!
Angelica
It’s not exactly a book, but I’ve been reading and keeping close Harrowsmith’s Truly Canadian Almanac for 2013. It’s full of incredibly useful and interesting tips and bits, and it’s a reminder to me that yet I’m a city dweller, my goal is country life. I would recommend it to all. Cheers to you, Margaret & Katrina.
I have justed recommended The Light Between Oceans and also
The Schoolmaster’s Daughter. Both great reads.
Please count me in!
I’m currently reading A. M. Homes’ May We Be Forgiven and telling everyone to read this hellaciously funny novel of family dysfunction and sibling rivalry.
Van Goghs Untold Journey, highly recommend to anyone interested biography:-)
Count me in! And I’ve been buying Stir Frying to the Sky’s Edge for just about everybody… I think Backyard Parables will be next on that list, because I LOVE IT so far. I feel like Margaret is talking right to ME (which of COURSE she IS).
The Life of Pi!
Count me in!
Te last book that I have recommended to a friend is Never Fear Cancer Again. I loved this book. Lost my husband to cancer and I am going to change me diet because of this book. I actually met this author this year by chance. You need to read this book.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith –
loved it at age 14 and love it still 50 years later
The last book I read and recommended to a friend was Quiet. This book about introverts and their bountiful gifts in accepting who we are naturally can lead to tremendous success and growth instead of pushing to become something we are not.
Don’t throw it, GROW IT! 68 windowsill plants from scratch. Deborah Peterson and Millicent Selsam. Recommended it to my daughter because we like to start plants and herbs from scratch.
The book I am currently reading, loving, and recommending is “An Italian Journey”… makes me homesick for the hospitality I experienced visiting my daughter in Florence.
Count me in for the book giveaway!
The most recent book I recommended is a children’s book titled, The Moody Cow Meditates. It is absolutely adorable and introduces children to the idea and practice of meditation. I think you would love it!
Please count me in! Thanks!
Please count me in!
The memoir, The Rose Hotel, because it gives another view of growing up in Iran during the Iranian Revolution. A really great read.
Please count me in!
The last book I read was “Magical Journey, Apprenticeship In Contentment”..written by a woman I have known since her childhood.And I will welcome,into my library, Margaret Roach’s newest release. Headed to my local bookshop tomorrow! Katrina, I love you!
count me in
Hoping to win. Getting ready to read both!
I recommended The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin. A great read for book clubs about Ann Morrow Lindbergh, an amazing woman in her own right and her struggle to find her voice being married to the famous aviator.
“Quiet: The Power of Introverts” by Susan Cain. A great read!
The last book that I read and then recommended to someone was TURNING HURTS INTO HALOS and SCARS INTO STARS (Robert H. Schuller) because a friend of mine paid it forward to recommend this book to me when I was having some difficult days, and I wanted to pay it forward to another friend who was having difficult days.
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I listened to it on CD and then went out and bought it in hardback I loved it so much. A wonderful, multi-generational story with memorable characters. A great one to curl up with!
God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons for Life’s Little Detours by Regina Brett. Like Mitten Strings that I read many years ago when my kids were smaller, this book has helped me recently to keep my focus on bigger issues when I’m feeling bogged down.
The last book that I recommended to a friend was “Magical Journey.” Just this week, I recommended this book to 5 friends! I borrowed the book from the public library, but clearly I need my own copy to read and mark up. There was so may moments of resonation and loud exclamations of “YES!” while I read.
In the interest of full disclosure, I also recommended Stephen Cope’s “The Great Work of Your Life.” It, too, is a good read, though quite different from “Magical Journey”in many ways (though I did not expect to find references to Kripalu in BOTH…having just returned from my first intensive at Kripalu myself!)
Lately, I have been reading Karen Kingsbury books one after another. I am
currently in the middle of the The Bailey Flanigan series. But before I got going with he Above the Line series and on to where I am with Bailey Flanigan – I read her Unlocked. I totally recommended this to my sister. Unlocked is not in a series, but is a “stand alone”. It is about an autistic boy, but I learned so much about myself. I recommended this book to her because she works with autistic children, and because of how it touched me in a personal way.
The last book I recommended was a wonderfully written and fascinating book about the disease Celiac… ‘Celiac, A Hidden Epidemic’ by Peter H Green. It’s fantastic. I’m ready for something more philosophical, though. 😉
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier Love her recipes and her fun blog!
The last book I read was your book “Magical Journey”. Actually I read it twice and then made notes of some of my favorite parts. I have reccomended it to my neice who’s children are just now starting to leave home.
I am currently reading “the gift of an ordinary day”. I am finding your books very meaningful altho I am in my early 70’s. Retirement has been a dissapointment to me as I have felt my life has little meaning. I struggle with this and your books have given me pause to think. I remind myself that ” we do not have to reinvent ourselves; just do better with what we are”. I’m working on that.
Count me in! (: