I'm Over All That: And Other Confessions by Shirley MacLaine

When Shirley Maclaine writes, it feels more like a conversation with her. So, this won't be a review so much as a comment or two. I feel the need to mention that I love her madly, and feel that she has never written a book that was not at least interesting, if not fascinating. I also feel that she has never given a performance on screen that was anything but stellar. I guess you could say that I am a fan. I have been a fan since I saw her on tv, way back in the distant past. It was either the movie My Geisha, or a clip. I am not sure of anything except I saw her and was immediately drawn to her and have never lost that feeling of connection. Past life connection perhaps? Maybeso. Like Shirley, that is part of my belief system. 

I have read all of her books except Saging While Aging , because somehow that one fell off my radar. 

I have enjoyed them all, and always feel that the most recent is my favorite. This hasn't changed. As in her other books, I'm Over All That is full of her thoughts and opinions. She share freely and she explains why she feels the way she does. I love the  idea of her "wall of life". I saw it on Oprah when she was there to be interviewed recently. She has a lovely home. It looks right for her. And the idea of having a place to go in your home to simply remember times and people who have shared your life is 

brilliant. I might just try a variation of it myself. I am not a celebrity, but my life is mine, and the people and times are my own. I like it.  Stay tuned. 

We hear about her relationships with some of the leading men in her life, as well as men she has met and men she simply fell in love with at the time. There were a lot of them, but I truly believe that she loved them all. She is so open and honest, and interested. Yes interested as well as interesting. I share her trait of being an individual who questions. I want to know why, how and when. I want to learn . There are many things like religion, politics and spirituality where we share similar questions, Shirley and I . 

There are some references to journeys she has taken in other books, in fact there are references to journeys he has taken in other lifetimes. So often she is validated in strong and simple, yet meaningful ways.  For instance, a cross she had owned in a previous lifetime came back to her this time. How much more validation can you get? To find out how this happened you need to read the book. I encourage you to read the book, because it is filled with answers. And questions, and love. She is a loving person, and a down to earth one. She is still beautiful, by the way, she isn't over that.. 

I am over many of the same things she is, by the way.. Thanks Shirley!

The Holistic Health Guide

Natural Care for the Whole Dog

by Dr Doug Knueven

Most of us who have dogs in our lives consider them part of the family. We all know how it feels to not know how to help them when they hurt. We have all been in a position where we just don't know where to turn. Even the simple questions can sometimes be difficult to answer.We are fortunate to live in a time when science has made great strides in dealing with health issues for not only ourselves, but our pets as well. We also have the benefit of the ancient wisdom of eastern medicine. With all of these opportunities why just take advantage of one or the other? Dr Doug helps to find the answers. He uses his experience with both Eastern and Conventional medicine to explain how a balanced body, mind and spirit is important not only to ourselves but to our canine companions as well. This is not only an informative read, but an entertaining one.

Are you questioning the need for vaccines? Do you wonder if you should use a flea treatment for your dog? Does acupuncture really work? What about those herbal remedies? Chiropractic for my dog? Do you just not know the best way to ensure that your dog is getting the best possible care? Does massage really help my dog? What is homeopathy anyway?

This book shows a typical pet lover how to care for their dogs in the healthiest and most compassionate and helpful ways. You will never regret having this book on your shelf, or in your hands when your little friends need you most.

Stand By Me: A Holistic Handbook for Animals, Their People, and the Lives They Share Together… by Douglas E. Knueven

Stand By Me: A Holistic Handbook for Animals, Their People, and the Lives They Share Together… by Douglas E. Knueven

This is a book that was written with the Cayce readings in mind. It is book for those who love their animals and want to understand them more completely. It has a completely holistic view of how animals fit into our lives. Written simply, and beautifully, it is like having a conversation with the author who is clearly an animal lover as well as an animal healer.

Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog… by Ted Kerasote

Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog… by Ted Kerasote

I am having a hard time giving this book the credit that it deserves. This is a beautifully written book about a beautiful and loving relationship between a dog and his person. I loved this dog. Mer;e's story is about a fun loving, respectful and respected dog. His early months were a mystery, and he found his home with a loving person while living as a stray. His story is that of one of those once in a lifetime dogs. A dog that knows what his person is thinking and how to make his person understand his own thoughts and needs.
I was in love with this dog from his first appearance on the page.
I took a chance on this book. I rarely buy books about a dog, a cat or specific pet. As we are all too sadly aware we too often lose those we love most, and with our four legged family, it is always too soon.

This book made me sad.

This book made my dog happy, because after I read it and cried into his golden coat, I went off to the store to buy him a bag filled with beef soup bones and chicken backs, took him for a long walk and massaged his ears until he nearly swooned.