Synopses & Reviews
Sometimes we need to pause for a moment and absorb the quiet moments in life. Blessed is a compelling collection of stories that are true reminders of the everyday blessings that surround us-a reminder to take a deep breath and appreciate the things that bring us joy.
Whether sitting in front of the fire at her snow-covered cottage high in the mountains of her Vermont hometown, laughing with friends on the porch of a bungalow near the sea in California, gardening, baking or knitting, award- winning author Ellen Michaud offers an intimate glimpse into daily peaceful moments that frequently go unnoticed.
Entries include:
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 discovers engraved hallmarks that lead to a deeper understanding of its 200-year history, and her appreciation for the women who traveled with it grows.
Holding the teapot in my hands, I can feel its strength and sturdiness. I can run my fingers over its dents, study the cracks in its bone lid ornament, lightly stroke the scorch mark on its side. Was it ever dropped on a kitchen hearth? Thrown across a room? Washed by one of my grandmothers' tears? Given the chaotic world through which it has traveled over the centuries the answer's pretty obvious. The thing is, it survived. And I'm willing to bet that despite the fire, brimstone, and bullets that circle our planet today, this glowing little teapot-and the women who travel with it-will survive into the future as well. (Excerpt from The Teapot)
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.
Today I watch as she carefully spreads the napkin on her lap and explains to the hopeful dogs at her feet that, if they're good, she just might save them a bite-and I realize that I no longer believe that people can't change. They can. No matter what their age, they can remodel themselves and start over. (Excerpt from The Courage to Change)
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 salsa, 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.
Marjorie and I slide easily into conversation, as do women everywhere, and eventually Marian's tractor bumps over the ground toward the barn, stops, then rumbles into the farm's deep silence as she climbs to the ground and comes over to say hello. Clearly, she's busy as a cat with a new litter of kittens. But as she reaches out her hand to greet me, I realize that here, where the work it takes to run a farm, manage a herd, make cheese, and run a business is never done, there is always time to greet a neighbor, talk about the weather, and inquire into the nature of things. I slide into the rhythm of it without missing a beat. (Excerpt from Summer in a Jar)
Review
“ The book is a keeper. It has a new place of honor next to the coaster on my end table, ready to accompany a cup of tea during a break from my daily duties….It will gently deepen your appreciation for the blessings you enjoy, and you will perhaps find encouragement to step out of your routine and do something to help relieve a bit of suffering nearby or halfway around the world.”- Bella Online: The Voice of Women “What makes this collection differ from many others is Michauds unusual ability topaint word pictures that engage readers imaginations and equip them to share in theemotions, events and blessings she describes.”- The Examiner “Blessed-Living a Grateful Life is truly a memorable read. It makes a perfect gift for any woman and I highly recommend it.”- Mom’s Tree House
Synopsis
Blessed is a book of heartwarming stories about women and hope--and the courage to change no matter where you are in your life.
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. Blessed is a call to do just that. In this heartfelt collection of her online columns from Diane, the flagship magazine of the Curves women'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.
Synopsis
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.
Blessed is a call to do just that. In this heartfelt collection of her online columns from
Diane, the flagship magazine of the
Curves women'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.
About the Author
Ellen Michaud is an award-winning author who creates magazines, books, and website content that nurtures women. She has contributed articles to the New York Times, Washington Post, Better Homes and Gardens, Health Magazine, and is the former editor-at-large for Prevention Magazine. She authored Sleep to be Sexy, Smart, and Slim, along with several cookbooks, and writes the online monthly column “Blessed” for Diane Magazine at MyCurves.com. She lives in Bristol, Vermont.