Tag: personal essays

What I'm Reading

Favorite Books of 2021

My favorite book of the year was The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris. After the Emancipation Proclamation, two brothers find work on a Georgia farm but the community is not as open-minded as their landowner employer. Conflict ensues as the brothers continue to struggle for freedom. This novel has gorgeous prose, memorable characters, and a beautiful ending.

A close second was Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Set in late 16th century England, a Latin tutor and his unusually talented wife deal with the effects of the Black Plague on their marriage and family. Also beautifully written with a memorable ending.

Other notable fiction I enjoyed include:

We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
The Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner
The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
Her Last Flight by Beatriz Williams
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

Favorite non-fiction & inspiration:

Taste (My Life Through Food) by Stanley Tucci. A  fun read, especially if you watched his CNN series traveling throughout Italy on gastronomical adventures. While reading the book, I could hear Tucci’s distinctive voice.

Incidental Inventions by Elena Ferrante. A year’s worth of personal essays originally published in The Guardian. I love everything written by this reclusive, talented author.

Devotions by Mary Oliver. The poet curated this final collection of her favorite poems. It makes a calming bedside companion.

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. My mother introduced this book to me decades ago. It was a sort of bible to her and I see why. I’ve read it several times and, like she did, I keep it on my nightstand.

What was your favorite book of the year?

Happy reading and Happy New Year!

Memoir, Musing Off the Mat, Writing Life

My TV Interview

Recently, I was interviewed by a local TV station about my books, Musing Off the Mat and Jimmy and Me, A Sister’s Memoir. Take a look!

You can purchase the books on Amazon or BN.com.

I really enjoy book club meetings, so contact me to arrange a date.

Happy Summer! Happy Reading!

 

Musing Off the Mat

Toes Up Time

A yoga friend told me she reads Musing Off the Mat while waiting for her son at appointments and school functions.

“It’s funny, charming, and calming, three things greatly needed in current times!” she says.

Another friend told me that her boyfriend likes reading the short personal essays in the bathtub because it helps him relax.

I’m humbled and honored by these comments. My goal with this book was to provide readers with a diversion from their hectic days. Read it from beginning to end or simply fan through the pages and select a short essay to free you from worry or routine. You’ll laugh, nod in agreement, and maybe even shed a tear.

Whether you’re waiting in the pick-up line, soaking in the tub after a hard day’s work, or just having toes up time, my stories will take you away for a few moments. Order your copy on Amazon. Buy one for a friend, too!

Musing Off the Mat

For the Love of Reading

Ashlin found a comfy spot to read.

In the preface of my book, I explain how the title Musing Off the Mat came to me while practicing yoga.

On Saturday, June 24th, Kristin Olson graciously hosted a book signing for me at her studio, Home Yoga, where I am a regular.

While chatting with friends who attended the event, I noticed Kristin’s 8-year-old daughter Ashlin reading my book. The image of her nestled there on the couch in the lobby of the studio warmed me.

Many kind people have complimented me on the book, however watching this precious young girl read my personal essays was the most gratifying part of the day and better than any book sale.

Thank you, Ashlin. Read for life and love.

Musing Off the Mat, Writing Life

My First Book!

Welcome! Readers like you inspired me to launch my blog, Musing Off the Mat, in 2013. For four years, I wrote about the simplicity of everyday things involving family, food, yoga, and more. The result is my first book. Thank you!

On this blog, I’ll write about my new role as a published author. I’ll share my experience with self-publishing (not so easy!) and what I encounter promoting and selling a book. And I’ll continue writing about those daily happenings that make me shake my head in wonder.

Writing is a solitary endeavor. Yet, I did not achieve the goal of self-publishing a book on my own. Along the way, several people helped me and I want to thank them.

First, my writing partner, Kathleen Molloy Nollet (Education Spring). Kathy was with me before I launched the blog, met me at the local library countless times, and answered my calls. She prodded and always encouraged me. We had a lot of laughs along the way.

I’m indebted to Kelly Pelissier at Sage Hill Design for her design expertise of the book’s interior and cover. I know my limits and it was clear that I could not complete the layout without the technical skill required for a quality product. Working with Kelly was fun. She taught me a lot and I’m excited to be working with her on my forthcoming memoir.

Kieran Chapman introduced me to Kelly and built this web site. He is knowledgeable, talented, and efficient. Both Kelly and Kieran are very responsive and easy to work with.

Ellen Alden is a new author who provided encouragement and advice about self-publishing.

If you’re new to my blog, thank you for stopping by. If you were a follower of my first blog, thanks for sticking with me.