Books

THE LOSS OF AN ICON . . .

November 3, 2008 – 10:13 am

Back in 1996, I decided I wanted to write a book with a Native American theme. At the time, the only knowledge I had of any of the Native American tribes came from what I’d seen on TV or in the movies. A supplement came in our Sunday paper that told the story of Kit Carson’s rampage of the lands of the Navajo people, the forced Long Walk, and their eventual exile in Bosc Redondo. It fascinated me, and I decide that the Navajos would be the tribe I would showcase in my book.

So I bought books, books and more books and began to research the Diné, the People. While I was deep in research, a friend asked me if I had ever read any of Tony Hillerman’s books. I hadn’t and, in truth, had never heard of him before. She loaned me several of hers– DANCE HALL OF THE DEAD, SKINWALKERS, and THE BLESSING WAY–and in just a few pages I was completely immersed in them. When I’d finished the ones she’d loaned me, I went in search of more. When a new one was released, I was first in line for a copy.

Little did I know that reading Mr Hillerman’s books would change not only my perception of the Navajos and the Native American community as a whole, but it also helped mold a book that I had dreamed of writing, EYE OF THE DREAM. I am by no means comparing my book to any of Tony Hillerman’s. But I believe that without having read his masterfully constructed books, I would never have taken the step to write mine.

While writing my book, I found that the research I’d done was incomplete. I was missing small facts that couldn’t be found on the Internet or in research books–such as the color of the Navajo Tribal Police uniforms and the insignia on the doors of their patrol cars or the deeper meaning of the Navajo word hozho–the sacred belief in the harmony of the Diné. So, I screwed up my courage and wrote to the one person I was sure could help me–Tony Hillerman. I told him what I was doing and asked for his help with the facts that remained elusive but were essential to my book.

To my amazement, he took time from what I’m sure was a busy writer’s schedule and wrote back to me, detailing all the answers to the questions I’d asked. I founds his letters (yes, there were many more) not only gracious, but also laced with his unique sense of humor. When I asked something he couldn’t answer, he pointed me to the Navajo Tribal Museum Bookstore and paved the way by letting them know I would be writing to them.

A few days ago, I was given the news that Tony Hillerman had passed away on October 26th. I will miss his books and his presence in the publishing world. While his peers honored him with some of their most prestigious awards in his genre, I’m sure that the honor the Navajo bestowed on him–Special Friends of the Diné Award–is the one he no doubt treasured most.

Tony Hillerman, you will be missed, but you have left behind a legacy that will be hard, if not impossible, to equal. Rest in peace.

Blessings,

Diva Elizabeth

By DivaElizabeth | Comments (1)

What I’m Reading: WHEN THE VOW BREAKS-Judith Leigh

October 22, 2008 – 5:17 am

October is breast cancer awareness month, so I have to tell you about my friend’s book, When the Vow Breaks. But first let me tell you about the author, Judith Leigh.

When Judy wrote When the Vow Breaks, she had just celebrated twenty years of being cancer-free after being stricken with breast cancer (It’s now 21+ years!). Judy is one of the most generous and sensitive women I know, but she’s also a fighter. She made the decision to tackle her disease and live what life God gave her to the fullest. Her optimism and positive attitude are contagious. I’m lucky to call her friend.

She wanted to write about her personal struggle but in a way that would inspire others, both victims of the disease and their loved ones affected by it. As her critique partner, I was privileged to help her polish the final version of When the Vow Breaks. Set in 1948, it is rich with period detail in its setting.

Jilly and Morgan, a captain in the U.S. Air Force, have been married for five happy years when the doctor delivers the news that she has breast cancer. In 1948, a woman’s only options are mastectomy or death. Jilly chooses to fight for her life and goes under the knife, even though she fears it will leave her disfigured and unattractive. But never in her wildest nightmares does she think her loving husband will desert her in her time of need.

Morgan walks out on Jilly, but not because he’s unheroic. As a young boy, he suffered a shattering loss that still haunts him. That old fear, coupled with faulty information, chases him away and into a dangerous assignment. Meanwhile, Jilly is shocked at Morgan’s desertion but doesn’t let it defeat her. A strong, resourceful woman, Jilly rebuilds her world without Morgan. Unfortunately, life throws a lot more roadblocks her way, from her painful recovery from surgery and unexplained dizziness to a house fire. Then she must deal with a new job, unexpected company, and then a repentant husband who hopes to win her back.

This book has something for every reader: romance, inspiration, even a bit of Cold War intrigue and adventure. A portion of Judy’s royalties are donated toward breast cancer research. I may be a bit biased on this one; but I recommend this book to all, especially any one whose life has been impacted by breast cancer.

Diva Cheryl

By DivaCheryl | Comments (10)

Jean Nidetch’s Weight Watchers®

October 13, 2008 – 4:42 am

While talking with my sister about weight loss products and dieting, I made the remark, “I wish I had the old, original Weight Watcher’s Plan, the one Jean Nidetch developed with the help of physicians and nutritionists, back before she sold the franchise to Heinz Corporation.”  I forgot about the conversation until days later, when I received an e-mail telling me that my copy of Jean Nidetch: WEIGHT WATCHERS COOK BOOK ©1966 had been shipped.  My sister had found the book for me on eBay, and  I’m sure she paid more than the $4.95 cover price! Bless her heart, she’d granted my wish. Sisters are like that. :D

I’ve enjoyed reading every page, and I’ve not been disappointed.  Some of Nidetch’s original ideas (no cereal) have resurfaced in The South Beach Diet Phase I, and other plans.  Others (eating 5 servings of organ meats per week) would make most cardiologists cringe.  But you know what?  I still prefer her original plan to today’s “anything goes” points system.  For the most part, it’s basic stuff from grade school health class, requiring lots of vegetables, fish, fruit, and milk but not much starchy food or fat.

For those of you too young to remember the ’60s, Jean Nidetch’s biography is an inspiring success story.  She didn’t start out to build a franchise empire.  All she wanted to do was wear a size 12.  Always overweight, she was a self-described “compulsive eater” obsessed with thoughts of cookies.  In 1961, she enrolled in a ten week weight loss program at the New York City Board of Health and lost twenty pounds.  Determined to continue losing weight, she stuck to the eating plan and continued to lose weight.  Soon she lost her resolve and enthusiasm and worried that she couldn’t stay the course.  So when six obese friends asked her for her menus from the program, she invited them to her home for a meeting.  That small meeting evolved into  weekly support meetings. By 1963, she had incorporated, and Weight Watchers® became one of the most famous support groups in the world.

Why do I prefer her plan over today’s version?  I guess I’m one who needs structure to my meal planning.  If you’re going to stay thin and healthy, you don’t get to eat everything you want.  No matter what spin the various diet plans put on it, that’s the bottom line.  Nidetch says no to some beloved foods but requires so many others, I hardly notice.  You must eat fish five times a week, you must eat three servings of fruit a day (and one must be either an orange or a grapefruit, for vitamin C), you must eat two servings of milk a day, etc.

I found a lot of good recipes in the book, dishes that are “retro” by today’s standards but still yummy.  For instance, here’s a recipe that’s easy and healthful (but not low in cholesterol!):

CHICKEN-LIVER KEBABS

1 pound chicken livers
8 cherry tomatoes
1½-inch squares of green pepper
2 Tablespooons Worcestershire sauce

Cut chicken livers in half; snip out any veiny parts or skin with scissors. Thread long thin skewers this way: Chicken liver half, cherry tomato, chicken liver half, pepper square, chicken liver half.  Allow about ¼ inch between each. Place on rack in broiler pan; brush with part of the Worcestershire sauce. Broil, 6 inches from heat, 7 minutes; turn. Brush with remaining Worcestershire sauce, then continue broiling 7 minutes, or until done as you like it.  Two dinner servings: meat and limited vegetable.

There are some rules I don’t understand.  For instance, why are onions limited?  Why is canned salmon in Group A (A minimum of 5 servings per week) but fresh salmon is limited (Group B)?  In the Rules for Using Meat and Poultry, skinless white meat of chicken is limited, yet it’s the staple of most diets today.  No wonder we ate so much tuna when we dieted back in the day! Finally, why are mature green beans a limited vegetable, yet young, French cut green beans are unlimited?  Only one limited vegetable is allowed per day, and it must be eaten at dinner.

Yes, the plan seems a bit too structured, but it works because it is a plan.  If you follow Nidetch’s original program, you won’t need a multi-vitamin or mineral supplement, and you won’t need antacids or laxatives. The book has lists for guidance and food sheets for accountability.  It works better for me than knowing that eight Tostito Corn Chips equals one point.

But that’s just me.

Cheryl, a W.W. life member from the old days

Diva Cheryl reading the book

Diva Cheryl reading the book

By DivaCheryl | Also posted in Kitchen & Recipes, Outstanding Women, Well-being & Fitness | Comments (3)

Are You Reading?

July 28, 2008 – 4:54 pm

Today, I’d planned an article on Literacy and how our reading habits are changing.   And then I ran across an article in the New York Times on this subject and saw that they’ve been working on this–and confirming my fears and more.

So I’m going to defer, and ask that you read this article today.  The information is enlightening, the potential impact startling.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/books/27reading.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Love to hear your comments.

Blessings,

Diva Vicki

By DivaVicki | Also posted in Heart & Soul | Comments (0)

What I’m Reading Now: Lisa Williams

April 26, 2008 – 4:33 pm

Have you ever read a book, and while reading it, you just don’t want it to end?  You’re torn between reading slowly and savoring or whether to read it in a great gulp because you’re enjoying it so much?

That was the case for me with this memoir.

I first came across Lisa Williams a year ago on her Lifetime TV program.  I understand the show has since been canceled which I find disappointing since I discovered her so late.  In LIFE AMONG THE DEAD, Lisa details her past and reveals how she became a renowned psychic and clairvoyant.  I already liked her from her TV show, but after reading the book I’m a true fan.  She’s got such lovely energy!

 

LisaW

By DivaKC | Also posted in Fun & Fame | Comments (0)

What I’m Reading Now

March 16, 2008 – 5:34 pm

THE GIFT OF FEAR by Gavin de Becker

GiftofFear

You will absolutely want to share this non-fiction book with the women in your life — your mother, children, friends and co-workers.

The first line on the back of the book says it all: True Fear is a Gift.

De Becker is a renowned behavior expert.  In this book he shares tips and suggestions that will validate your inate sense of when something is wrong.  He suggests that we listen to and trust our gut instincts.  He shares tips on how to recognize subtle signs of danger and how to protect yourself from violence.

I’m finding this book both riveting and empowering.  He covers topics such as domestic violence, stalkers and how to assess threats.  Reading it has brought to mind the times I trusted my instincts and the instances when I didn’t.  I only wish I’d read it sooner.

 Diva Kathy Carmichael

 

By DivaKC | Also posted in Well-being & Fitness | Comments (0)

What I’m Reading Now

February 17, 2008 – 11:14 am

I’m currently reading a non-fiction book entitled WILL STORR VS. THE SUPERNATURAL and subtitled, One Man’s Search for the Truth about Ghosts.

WillStorr

This is a remarkably intriguing book.  While I’m admittedly an aficionado of all things ghostly and have hunted specters myself, the appeal of the book isn’t so much about these otherworldly creatures.  The reason the book is hard to put down is because of Will Storr’s search.  A journalist by trade, he admits to being a “proud hard rationalist,” which I take to mean at the least an agnostic.  When he’s thrown into the realm of the supernatural, it’s his search for meaning that grabs me by the arm and tugs me along on his investigations.

Perhaps his spiritual journey is a substitute for my own.  I can’t help but root for Will to find meaning and substance as he meets various ghost hunters, psychologists, and philosophers.  Maybe my anxious wish for him to find proof of something beyond humanity’s five senses is in fact evidence of my own desire for the same.

I highly recommend this book, whether you are interested in ghosts or are on a spiritual journey of your own.

By Kathy | Also posted in Fun & Fame | Comments (0)

BLOG DAY: THE LIAR’S DIARY BY PATRY FRANCIS

January 29, 2008 – 12:30 pm

   Patry Francis is an International Thriller Writers member with a new release, THE LIAR’S DIARY, and is unable to interact with readers at this time, as she is healing from cancer. There is an in-depth article on my website: www.vickihinze.com in the blog, which has an extensive amount of information (audio, video, bookseller links, etc.) on this inspiring woman, her book, as well as links to outlets where we can support her by purchasing her book. I hope that you’ll drop by and take a look, visit her site and wish her well!  You’ll also find a listing of the 300 authors who are blogging on her behalf today.  I’m privileged to be among them.  Blessings,Diva Vicki 

By DivaVicki | Also posted in Fun & Fame, Heart & Soul, Outstanding Women | Comments (0)

What I’m Reading Now

January 7, 2008 – 10:36 am

 During the month of December, I had some serious fun with my reading. 

For the past few weeks I’ve been glomming Harlequin Presents novels.  It’s been a number of years since I had read any.  I’ve really enjoyed reading these books and particularly liked their Royal House of Niroli sub-series.

The Presents line is all about falling in love amid a glamorous international setting.  While the heroes are alpha males, they aren’t domineering — just masterful and passionate.  The setting is glitzy but never overshadows the heart of the books: romance.

The highlight of my reading was The Tycoon’s Princess Bride by Natasha Oakley.  It’s part of the Niroli series, but it works quite well as a stand-alone book.  I’d never read anything by Oakley previously and this book was an extremely pleasant surprise.  I particularly liked her voice and the fresh take she gave to the series.

Oakley

By DivaKC | Also posted in Fun & Fame | Comments (0)

How Do You Feel?

January 3, 2008 – 11:53 am

At the beginning of each new year, who doesn’t spend a little time thinking of how they can make their life better this year compared to last. I do. And invariably I pick up a self-help book or two for my first of the year reading. A book I’ve had around for awhile but never got around to reading is one by a former Navy SEAL, David Michael Ferruolo. It’s Elements of Life Success: A Practical Guide for Making Your Dreams Reality.

Ferruolo’s book–and if you’ve read many self-help books, you know most of them say the same things, they just say them in different ways–has a few new ideas, or at least ones that I haven’t heard before. I love his chapter on listening to your gut. (And at some point, I AM going to learn to listen to mine a little better. For example, last month I renewed my car tags and my son came by that evening. Right after he left, I thought, “Darn. I should have asked him if he renewed his tags.” I had a gut feeling I should call him. I ignored it. Later that evening, he got stopped and ticketed.)

Anyway…not only does this book discuss following our instincts along with the goal setting and affirmations, etc., but the author also tells you to listen to your body. He says, “Like our emotions, our bodies will also give us physical signals that are either positive or negative if we are paying attention. Checking in with your body–doing a complete head to toe scan–will give you clues as to which direction you should go.”

Next time you’re in a quandary about how you feel about something or a decision you’re trying to make, try Ferruolo’s ‘body scan.’ Look for positive signals vs. negative ones. Are you relaxed, smiling, wide-eyed, loose, sitting up straight, arms at your side when you consider one choice and tense, slouching, cold, looking away instead of paying close attention, speaking slowly or softly when you think of the other. The loose and relaxed choice is probably the one you should make.

And check out Ferruolo’s book for his (extensive) goal setting techniques. I thought he had some great twists on the process.

Hope all your goals are sprinkled with magic shimmer, dream come true dust in 2008!

A

By DivaAlfie | Also posted in Heart & Soul, Well-being & Fitness | Comments (0)