Blessed : Living a Grateful Life

by Michaud, Ellen

• ISBN13: 9781606521922
• ISBN10: 1606521926
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-03-17
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Summary

Sometimes we just need to stop for a moment and absorb the quiet moments in the world around us--to take a deep breath and appreciate the things in life that make us thankful and bring us joy. Summer in a Jaris a call to do just that. In this heartfelt collection of her online columns from Diane, the flagship magazine of the Curveswomen's fitness center organization, author Ellen Michaud reminds us of the everyday blessings that surround us, but we all tend to overlook. Entries include: Summer in a Jar:On a 200-acre farm known for its Jersey cows and prizewinning cheese, two women harvest a cornucopia of produce that looks like it came from the Garden of Eden. Although the visit was intended to pick up ingredients for "one of the finest salsas in the near world," the end result is a view of a fertile valley, the rich smell of vegetables freshly tugged from the earth that speaks to the soul, and the natural rhythm of friendly conversation. The Teapot:During a snowy winter storm, the author pulls her great- grandmother's worn silver teapot down from a shelf. As she polishes the teapot's tarnished surface, she contemplates its long journey over an ocean and through the generations. As she discovers engraved hallmarks that lead to a deeper understanding of its 200-year history, her appreciation for the women who traveled with it grows. Welcome Home:As an Airbus 321 begins its descent toward the coastal lights of Los Angeles International Airport, the pilot makes an overhead announcement that stills the restless and rustling passengers. What follows are moments of contemplation about the sacrifices of soldiers and, how regardless of one's politics, there is still a shared sense of love and respect for those who fight for our freedom. The Courage to Change:After a lifetime of self-built barriers, the author's 88-year-old aunt overcomes discouraging memories and years of grief to prove that it's never too late to open yourself to new experiences, take risks, and start over.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. 9
Introduction	p. 10
A Quiet Space
A Time to Listen	p. 14
The Perfect Apple Pie	p. 16
By the Sea	p. 19
Summer in a Jar	p. 21
The Quiet Time	p. 24
The Storm	p. 26
Finding Meaning
Welcome Home	p. 30
A Faith Community	p. 33
A Vermont Thanksgiving	p. 35
Cleaning House	p. 38
Digging in the Past	p. 42
Christmas Fire	p. 45
The Teapot	p. 47
Making a Difference
A Philadelphia Wedding	p. 52
Girls Matter	p. 55
Gracie's Friend	p. 58
I Love Frankie	p. 62
The Heart and Soul of Dorothy Selebwa	p. 64
The Cookbook	p. 68
The K9 Connection	p. 72
Jambo!	p. 74
A Christmas Blessing	p. 77
Village 2 Village	p. 80
One Day, One Thousand Dresses	p. 84
Eat, Pray, Knit	p. 87
Swapping Fire for the Sun	p. 91
Reinventing Who You Are
The Secret	p. 96
The Perfect Weight-Loss Motivator	p. 99
Survival	p. 102
The Courage to Change	p. 105
An Iowa Perspective	p. 108
Faith @ Home	p. 110
Are You Living the Life You Were Meant to Live?	p. 112
The Farm Market	p. 115
The New Frugality	p. 119
Women Who Ride the Dragon	p. 122
How Much is Enough?	p. 126
A Celebration of Friends & Family
A Garden for My Mother	p. 132
Love in a Pyrex Bowl	p. 135
The Lady	p. 137
Traveling with Pots	p. 139
The Ladies of North Coventry	p. 142
A Good Community	p. 144
The Garden Club	p. 147
Dinner by the Lake	p. 149
A Woman's Strength	p. 152
The Gruesome Twosome Ride Again	p. 155
The Lady's Song	p. 157
A Vermont Season	p. 160
My Secret Garden	p. 162
Ted's Gloves	p. 165
Auntie's Dilemma	p. 167
The September Garden	p. 170
Acknowledgments	p. 174
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