The Spirit of Animal Healing - Book Review

As I sit here reflecting on The Spirit of Animal Healing, I find my mind fixed on Finn and Blessing.  Engaging in the healing journeys of these dogs has taught, and is teaching, me much about the nature of wellness and how to be an agent of healing.  Though Dr. Marty Goldstein's new book touches on many essential aspects of holistic, or integrative animal care, I cannot imagine anything much more important than his emphasis on invoking the residual healing properties that exist within all living creatures.  

Healing and well-being are not so much about disease.  They are about the elements that enable body, mind, and spirit to work together with appropriate therapies to move systems toward a natural balance.  Dr. Marty speaks about the combined power of all types of good medicine: the right nutrition, supplements, and immune system boosters that prevent unnecessary illness and promote quality of life.

Some of the topics covered in The Spirit of Animal Healing, in addition to the three mentioned above, include: homeopathic medicine, nutraceuticals, acupuncture, vaccinations, cancer, pet food, magnetic wave therapy, and the importance of finding an integrative veterinarian who will come to intimately know your animal.

As one who interacts on a daily basis with rescue animals in great need of healing, I found this to be a valuable and thought-provoking read.  Even though I constantly consume books about animal health, I found much that engaged me in new ways.  I was particularly taken with the discussion about Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEFT) and the Schumann Resonance.  To learn how the earth's electromagnetic waves and the resonant frequency of the atmosphere are thought to be the frequency of life itself was astounding.  Even DNA sequences communicate at that same frequency of 7.83 Hz.  Stunning!

There is so much yet to discover about healing.  Dr. Goldstein encourages us to be open to every possible avenue of healing and to seek the sweet spot between conventional and alternative, or integrative, medical practices that have the potential to help our animals thrive.

I wish to thank NetGalley, and St. Martin's Press, for the opportunity to preview The Spirit of Animal Healing.  I received a digital galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reading, The Gift that is Helping Many Through "Covid" Times

Through these last few months many friends have taken up reading to get them through lock-downs and the inability to be with others!

Reading books can take you away from where you are, just let the words sink into your mind.  You could be travelling to India, Switzerland, Russia, the Historical Midwest or a thousand other places.

It is all possible within the covers of a good book!  But where, oh where do you find all those GOOD BOOKS?  Let me help you with that!

Review This Reviews.com has always had a wonderful group of writers that are willing and able to  share their reading preferences with you.  Everyone loves a good novel, autobiography, the latest How To, and so much more.

Sometimes we are drawn to a book because it has spent some time on the Best Sellers Lists of several Newspapers, The New York Times for example.  Other times we are drawn to a book because other literary giants are endorsing this new Title or Author.  Or if we are Amazon people,  they also rate their books too!

There are several ways to find out what's trending in reading materials and also several places to find totally new authors and titles.  

If you are a member of GOODREADS, you can sign up for their newsletters and see what others are reading.  If you don't know about GOODREADS, then you can sign up here! You can also recommend books to friends who are also members of this reading community.  I love Goodreads, because it helps me keep on  track to reading a certain number of books a year.  It's also a great place to leave a review and even follow an author. 

Why would you want to follow an author?  Well I can think of a few reasons.  If you really like a book they have written and you are following them, you might be one of the first to know when a new title is coming out.  You can sometimes join an authors night and hear what this person has to say about their own books, giving you insights that may not have come across at first reading.  But most importantly you are part of the group of people who encourage an author to continue honing their skills in telling a story. 

 

There are two more places that I love to find my next book to read.  These are two places where you can get Advanced Readers Copies (ARC).  These books have not yet been published, but are made available to avid readers.  Their only conditions are that you leave a review for the author!   Netgalley is one and Voracious Readers is the other!

Each of these sites are geared to new authors and new titles!  You can sign up with them and they will want an indication of your preferences.  Simple to do!  Then just watch your email "inbox".  It is that simple and that easy to do.

You will need an electronic book, Kindle or iPad to download the books.  These are electronic books you will be receiving.  Once you download them, you are free to start reading and enjoying a new author!

Facebook also has a page I love to find new books on.  My Book Tribe  has about 12,000 plus members.  Quite often new authors and established ones will have book give aways that you might be interested in.   If not, it's still a great place to find new titles and new authors.

Of course right here on Review This Reviews you can find lots of great books that have "our" stamp of approval. Just clicking on the Tab at the top for Books and a whole list will drop down for you!  Read a review and then get your book, it's that simple.

Just remember, that reading can take you to places, when you have no where to go!

 

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Pam Jenoff's Lost Girls of Paris Book Review

With the novel The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff, I once again reviewed life in Europe during and just after World War II. The book is fictional but based on the true story of Vera Atkins and her female special operations agents.

THE STORY

I struggled at first to settle into the pages of this book but when I did, I was rewarded with the story of a woman named Eleanor Trigg and a group of women she recruited and trained to become secret agents. Those women would eventually be sent from England to occupied France as part of the resistance movement’s effort to disrupt the advance of the German army. The women were employed as couriers and radio operators and were eventually lost. 

The book travels from Europe to New York City when a suitcase containing photographs of the missing women is found in Grand Central Station. The story of these female special agents would have been totally abandoned and they themselves left unaccounted for if it were not for the efforts of one woman after the war.

REVIEWS

Reviewers on Amazon peg the book quite correctly as romantic in nature. Some question some of the historical facts and many of the decisions made by characters in the book. Some felt that the book had too many coincidences and that it did not always ring true. However, despite these criticisms, the book received 86 percent four- and five-star ratings, which does not seem too bad to me so I looked further.

U.S.A. Today called this Jenoff work of fiction “a gauzier, more florid and awkwardly romantic account” of the true story of Vera Atkins and her team of  spies saying that the book has “all of the tension of a Hallmark card.” I agree. It definitely is romantic and nice version of the story and is not the best historical fiction book from that time period that I have read.

Kirkus calls the book, “a sadly slapdash World War II adventure”, which references, I believe, some of the factual problems readers have with this book. The problems are in errors with the details. Did diners (restaurants) have television sets in the 1940s? Would those TVs have been broadcasting the news while diners ate their meals? How could you have planned a honeymoon aboard the Queen Elizabeth II, which was not built until the 1960s? Was renting a car possible in those days? Were the terms single mother and Ms. in use? Was duct tape available to the public or just the military? How many states were there in the United States in 1946? I have not fact checked any of these questions and some of them I did not jump out at me when I was reading the book. A few of them could have and hopefully have been easily corrected in subsequent printings.

Finally, the readers at Goodreads give The Lost Girls of Paris a score of 3.88. Once again, that score is not too bad in my opinion. On that platform, reviewer Matthew said, “I liked the story, but in the realm of WWII fiction it is not in the upper echelons. Maybe you will enjoy it more than I did and can look past the issues…” Personally, I am inclined to agree with that score on Goodreads and with Matthew’s comments. 

I would RECOMMEND but NOT highly recommend the historical work of fiction that is The Lost Girls of Paris.

If you enjoy historical fiction set in World War II, Europe, or if you are looking for a book with interesting female protagonists, you should enjoy this book. That is, if you are willing to accept it as written and not be tripped up by historical inaccuracies like those referenced above.

If you want to learn more, you can find The Lost Girls of Paris on Amazon by clicking right here. If you do read the book, be sure to come back and let us know what you think.

I will end with a question. How important is historical accuracy to you in your historical fiction books? Do mistakes like those mentioned above ruin a book for you or are you happy to discount them as part of an author’s work at crafting a compelling story?

See you
At the book store!
Brenda

More World War II Fiction:

Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale book review.

Andrew Gross The One Man book review.

Across the Winding Water book review.

Heather Morris Cilka's Journey book review.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas movie review.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Handmade Pottery Mugs by Worthington Pottery

I have just purchased a beautiful handmade pottery piece by Jackie of Worthington Pottery. I am over the moon about my mug and very excited to introduce you to Jackie and her artwork.

Reviewing Worthington Pottery on Review This!

I have planned on buying a few handmade mugs for some time. They've been on my long list of things to have for the new house. One of my splurges. Little pieces of functional art for my new kitchen. I only had a vague idea of what I was looking for in mugs; that they must be handmade by a small shop owner and they must reflect or celebrate the natural world. Beyond that, I hadn't a clue where I would shop.

I had been watching Etsy for awhile, following the recommendations of others. There are so many artists creating so many beautiful mugs that I was more than a bit overwhelmed by all of the choices. Add to that the current supply chain problems and my home construction moving at a snail's pace (or slower) that had led to me feeling as though there is no rush to make a purchase. Also, I didn't feel that I had to have any of those mugs right now. 

Yes, there are many, many handmade pottery mugs available that are gorgeous. Created by many talented potters. But artwork is a very personal thing and none of those mugs called my name.

Then one day on Instagram, I saw pottery on the_crazy_potter_lady account and fell in love. I saw this snowflake mug, on a cold and snowy day, and knew I had to have it. 

The snowflake transfers are clean and cool, like newly fallen snow up at The Shack. The glaze at the top of the mug looks like an abstract painting of my view of the woods down the ridge from my future bedroom window.

The view from my future home with colors ever-changing

The colors of that glaze!

Cleary, I bought this mug because of the emotional response I had to it. Here are some factual bits about my mug:

• Large size, holds the contents of a 16.9 fl oz soda bottle
• a light, porcelain-like feel - but strong (I was concerned it would weigh a ton)
• food, dishwasher, and microwave safe
• beautiful glaze colors
• sturdy, beautifully curved handle 
• the snowflake transfer is permanently applied

My mug was mailed the day after my order/payment was complete and arrived safely in a priority mail box, marked fragile, wrapped in paper, and cushioned by packing peanuts. This card was also included:

Jackie Worthington aka The Crazy Potter Lady

Not only do I like Jackie's nature-themed pottery, I also like her presence. I look forward to her posts on Instagram.  She is genuinely warm and welcoming toward her followers and attempts to celebrate each day.  

Jackie also does short live videos while she is creating her pottery. I have always been intrigue by pottery wheels and it is extra cool to see the artist creating the mugs that are being sold. It is a cool process - one I had always wanted to learn but my hand-eye coordination is the pits. I think it is beyond cool that Jackie invites us to watch as she works.

Jackie currently sells her items via pre-sales. Contact her via Instagram, Facebook, or her webiste to discuss what you would like to pre-order. I was fortunate, and the mug I purchased was waiting for me on her website thecrazypotterlady.com. She is currently working on pre-orders and does not have a restock/release date for her store.

Jackie is a veteran (as is her husband - thank you both for your service) and it is quick to see that she is concerned with issues of mental health and PTSD. She uses the hashtag #throwingforptsd to bring awareness to Veteran suicide.  

She has this message for Vets:

"Never give up on yourself. It gets rough at times but always remember to take care of yourself first". - Jackie

 

I am so happy to have found Worthington Pottery. I prefer to support artists, small businesses, and Veteran owned businesses when I am able. How wonderful that my beautiful mug came from such a business.

Related Links:

Although time gets away from me and I don't write as frequently as I would like, you can read more about my adventures on my land at Treasures, Travel, and Tales and see a brief tour of my home under construction here.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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10 Free Things You Can Do For Valentine's Day

Review of Ten Free Things You Can
Do for Valentine's Day

In these pandemic times, money can be scarce. We don't have to spend money to show those we love that we're thinking about them. Where money is avoided, time is required.

Below are ten free things you can do for Valentine's Day.

1. Create a Video Memory Collection

For my step-daughter's major milestone birthday this year, that's exactly what we did. It takes a bit of time, but a memory video dedication can last a lifetime and be used for multiple family occasions. 

If you don't have a video/photo program and have Windows 10, type "Photo App" in the bottom search bar. The One Drive App should pop open. Across the top are menu items you can choose from. Select "Video Editor," then begin to create. I found it easy to use, and I hadn't tried it before. It also gives you the ability to add music to the background. There's a wide selection of music to choose from. I was able to upload the video to Facebook, for my step-daughter, without issue.

Once your video is completed, share it via email or social media.

2. Plan a Group Song for that Special Person

Dad or mom, get the kids together, either in the home or via Zoom, and sing a collection of love and thank you songs to that special someone. Who cares if you can't sing! Sing anyway. Embrace the lovely, horrible, wonderful sounds of a family singing together.

3. Make a Meal for Your Significant Other

This one is obvious, yet rarely done! Don't just plan a meal; plan a sit-down candlelight dinner. Plan a meal featuring foods that you all like. If it's for the whole family, have each person pick their fave food item.

4. Plan a Valentine's Day Candy Heart Treasure Hunt for the Kids

On Easter, the kids hunt for eggs. For Valentine's Day, do the same thing with Valentine's Candy. Granted, you'll have to buy the candy, so that part isn't free. Or, if you'd rather skip the sugar-high, make hearts for the hunt. Let's face it, the candy is more fun!

5. Plan an Outing at the Park

Weather permitting, pack a lunch, and head to the park. For those with kids, it's a lovely way to get outdoors and spend time together. 

For those living in snowy areas, go sledding! That's so much fun. There's fishing, biking, golfing, or a day at the beach swimming in warmer climates.

6. Bake Together With the Kids

Plan a day of cake or pie baking with the young ones. Most children love being involved with dessert creation. Use a heart-shaped cake pan, and create Valentine's cake.

7. Have a Movie Day or Game Day at Home

Get the popcorn and snacks ready, select several movies, and spend the day cozied up under a blanket, snacking and watching movies. Just don't chew in his ear because, yah, annoying. :)

You could also binge-watch a series together. It's not hard to do that!

If movies aren't your thing, play games, lots of games. Make it a retro-game-day; Monopoly, Scrabble, Sorry, Yahtzee, Operation, Mouse-Trap, Cards.

8. Re-Write Your Vows to Each Other 

Whether you're married or not, write or re-write your vows. Place them in a pretty sealed envelope, open them over dinner, and read them to each other.

9. Trade Foot Massages

Oh yes. This. Give each other the gift of touch. Agree to spend a half-hour on each other's feet! If feet aren't your thing, how about the back or neck and shoulders?

10. Agree to Spend the Day Paying Each Other Only Compliments

Absolutely no nasty remarks for the entire day. Make Valentine's Day a day dedicated to kindness, goodness, and grace. Seriously, this could be tough at times, lol - but you can do it! 

Make a vow that for Valentine's Day, the full day, you both have to give at least ten compliments spread throughout the day to each other. Yes, count and keep track.

So, not only do you have to be nice to each other all day, you have to say at least ten nice things to each other. 

Bonus Suggestion: Do nothing! Couch, sleep, snacks.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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