Another year has gone by and it’s my niece Rita’s birthday month again. She would have been 23 at the end of September and for this year I want to share more of her through her book, Shooting Stars and What You Meant to Me.

We’ve been thrilled to share this book with so many people already, but I believe there’s a wider audience still.

This is the book that Rita had started herself. Her goal was to have it published by the time she was 18. I’m sure she would have done it. Of course, it became something else as well, but Stephen (Rita’s uncle and my hubby) edited it and put it together keeping in mind Rita’s vision and what she would have loved.

I think it makes a special gift for a teenager. Rita was a voice for her generation. She was able to turn so much of the passion (whether angst or ecstasy) of being young, into art. I do believe that it could inspire a teen to find a way to express themselves, or just to comfort them with the knowledge that they are not alone. Rita was all about that.

And of course, anyone can appreciate the beauty of her paintings, photography, and poetry. Naturally, I’m biased and I love this book because it is the representation of a child, and a young woman and a joyful spirit that I loved so very much.

My sister Cassy (also Rita’s mother and founder of Rita’s Rainbows) would love to donate copies of this book to youth groups, libraries, teens in need, happy teens, poetry groups… basically to anyone who might enjoy it or benefit from it.

If you would be interested or have a group you’d like to support with this gift or would like more information, please let me know (comment here or through my contact page). Or share this post and idea with anyone you think might be interested.

I will never forget the moment, after Rita died, when my sister said, “I don’t want her to be forgotten.”

Well, she’s made sure that Rita’s Rainbows is continuing Rita’s legacy of caring for others with all the joy and love and creativity that Rita shared so effortlessly.

And now, here’s a sampling of Rita’s book.

 The book pages are just scanned in, the quality of the book is much better.

“Red Moon on Wood”

There’s such a mystery to you

there’s such A  MYSTERY to you
there’s a story in YOUR EYES
you let yourself seep through
yet there is something you HIDE
do you TALK WHAT you think
do you talk what YOU FEEL
TALK just to talk
or is your talk REAL

my thoughts, simply because i can
weird questions form a puzzle in my head
over and over droning on and on
thoughts get worn out
like that one thing left from your childhood
still there, yet somehow different
aged over time
rounded at the edges
the ticking clock sets pace for all things in my mind
all the thoughts i think, feelings i feel
what could be fake?
nothing
pure, untouched thoughts
trapped, not released in the world
not criticized or put down
not agreed with or complimented
images, words, sounds
zooming past in my brain
buzzing and revving
finally
passes out from exhaustion
is this my only chance at peace?
just to let them go?
not to find the answers?
oh no more questions I can’t answer
a cycle like this never breaks, unless forced somehow
but why force it?
that puzzle is me
to not complete your own self must be criminal!

Some Other Related Links:

My post about Rita, Remembering Rita

To see some of the wonderful things Rita’s Rainbows has accomplished so far (and where 100% of all donations go), check out their Projects page

For an easy way to save your Spare Change for Rita’s Rainbows and children in need visit Rita’s Rainbows Spare Change page and request a bank (it will be mailed to you completely free of charge). You can get one that’s already decorated or, for a fun craft to do with your kids request some that are blank and check out Spare Change, Craft for a Cause on this blog.

And for yet another way to raise funds for this and many other wonderful charities, please sign up for eScrip! It’s super easy and costs you absolutely nothing, yet gives back so very much. Remember to claim a school as well. If you don’t have kids in a school on their list, pick another. The funds will help so very much and they go nowhere if people don’t choose a school. And as usual, I have my own post about it. eScrip! A no-brainer, really.

Rita’s Rainbows Facebook Page

Rita’s Rainbows Causes Page

Laura at Laura Lives Life started a list of books she “should read, but won’t.” She inspired me, although I told her that I can’t let go of the hope (or delusion) that I still will get around to them eventually. Especially since I actually own most of them anyway.

When I read her list, I was a bit intimidated because she seemed to be so literary and wise. I couldn’t even think of any books I’ve loved so much or any classics I wanted to read. I decided I’d just go into our insanely overstuffed library and write down the first ten I saw that drew me. Stephen and I both have the problem of going into the library for one little thing and getting caught up in several others we’re reminded we are so interested in reading. We finally stopped bringing them out and piling them beside our bed, but it’s a challenge every time.

As I was in there I did start to remember some books that I would say are Favorites. These are the ones I’ve read more than once usually, and that I’ve given away (often more than once.)

BELOVED BOOKS
All over but the Shoutin’, Rick Bragg – I just can’t say enough about this book and the writing, the story, the depth. Reading it was like allowing a quiet but powerful wave of rhythms and sounds from another time and another world envelop me. (I think I need to read it again now.) I also recommend his other books, anything he writes. And I just noticed there are at least 3 more I’ve never read!

Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis  – This is a re-telling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche. Told from the perspective of Psyche’s older sister. The actual myth is there, but is not the real story. Again the writing is poetry to me, rhythms, a song. I can still conjure the first line at will even though it’s been at least 10 years since I read it… “I am old now, and have not much to fear from the anger of gods.”   Oh man! Now I need to read this again!!

The Odyssey, Homer – I’m a little bit fancy here because I did read some of this in Ancient Greek. (Please forgive my minor “brag”, it’s really my only way of utilizing my Classical Civilizations degree.) However, I enjoyed it the most when I listened to it while I drove alone across the country. I got the version read by Ian McKellen and it rocked so hard. It actually makes lots of sense to listen to this one. It was written to be told aloud. The repetition and rhythms are specific to that manner of story telling. I had a fantasy, during that drive, of memorizing big parts of it and just being able to “tell” them at will (at parties maybe, where some scholarly, and yet incredibly sexy fella would be entranced by me… I was single then.)

One thing I was especially moved by as I listened to this story, was the concept of the guest and of hospitality in ancient times. The guest was sacred. The idea was bigger than man or mortality. Even sworn enemies were honor bound to protect a guest in their homes. Okay, I can’t remember the details or the beautiful phrasing, but the idea sticks with me. It made me ponder how the world might be today if we carried that kind of deep understanding and graciousness. Especially as we have all become travellers. What if we thought of each person who appeared in need on our part of the earth as fortunes blessing for the opportunity they gave us to be our best selves, to please the will and promise of the gods?

I haven’t even gotten to the books I still want to read, but this seems long already. Stay tuned for Part 2, Books in the Pile!

And I’m adding a Lovely Linky in the hopes that you’ll share your own favorite books post. Whether it’s a new post or one you wrote long ago. I love to hear about books I might need to read and fall in love with. If you don’t have a blog, just leave some titles in the comments. Everyone can join in this party!

Books! Books! BOOKS!!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!

I LOVE this book, Anh’s Anger.

I got it when M. was in the insane 3′s, that age we’d never heard about until we had to start researching to see what had happened to our sweet, gentle daughter. Since then, I’ve seen so many other parents ask the same question. Usually half in a panic that they’d really missed something or somehow not given their child a vital piece of love or boundary or gentle discipline.

We did read it when she was 3, and she sat through it, wanted to hear it again and then forgot about it.

She suddenly fell in love with it herself. She’s 4 and 2 months old. She pulled it out of her bookshelf and had me read it to her. Then she spent some time “sitting with her anger” as Anh does in the book. And then she wanted to read it again.

This is exactly what we need right now. She’s so smart and so full of intensity. She wants, craves, needs tools to deal with her feelings. She’s also a control freak which can make gentle discipline a challenge. But the idea that she can be empowered to work her way out of a frustrating or overwhelming emotion like anger totally appeals to her. We’ve spent all these years doing everything in our power not to crush her spirit or ever tell her how she “should” be feeling. And now we see how necessary it is for her own happiness and growth that she learns that while all feelings are good, we are still responsible for our actions.

It is beautifully written and illustrated. It’s peaceful and powerful.

From the Amazon description: “Anh discovers a positive method by which to work through his feelings. This remarkable book teaches children to both acknowledge and resolve their difficult emotions…”

And here’s a really great, thoughtful and thorough review at The Children’s Book Review.

I hadn’t read a book just for pleasure since I had my daughter three years ago. At first it was all parenting books and then I was just too stinking tired to read a page of anything. The last year, I’ve felt like if I had any brain energy at all, I should be working. But, just about a month ago, I allowed myself to read again. It started because I was working on my own writing and wanted to get back into the flow with some writers I like. Then I was hooked. And it’s definitely past time. I’ve stayed up too late just to read.

Here are my recommendations for great escapist reads.

I don’t really do straight-up romance novels, but I have loved these four series and recommend them. They’re not those old school “bodice rippers”; they’re all something different and more. In my opinion, anyway.

Most literate and with the most depth is the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Historical/time travel (Scottish Highlands) and a great romance. She also is a brilliant writer and researcher. It’s so interesting in the historical descriptions of place and science, society and psychology. And that’s nothing compared to the powerful relationships.

Again, amazing quality of writing. Diana Gabaldon is brilliant.

Next is the Highlander series by Karen Marie Moning. Much, much lighter than Outlander, but in some ways even more fun. I devoured this entire series. It’s time travel again, along with those old Scottish Highlanders and her forte is the Faery realm mythologies. It’s a welcome change to the plethora of Vampire stories around these days. There are seven of these. I started with Kiss of the Highlander, which isn’t book one, but it worked great for me.

Karen Marie Moning has a second series called Fever series, where she goes much deeper into the Faery mythology. With a great kick-butt heroine and lots of mysterious, sexy males. I read some reviews on Amazon that really criticized her heroine for being too young and silly, but I like her. She got where she needed to be as far as I’m concerned. Oh, and they are all cliffhangers which does annoy a bit. That’s where I LOVE my Kindle… I just download the next one and keep on reading.
And again, the writing is extremely good.

Be forewarned however that the very last book, book five, won’t be out until January 2011. Good thing I had something to move right on to!

And lastly, the series I’m working on right now is Black Dagger Brotherhood, by J.R.Ward. I’m on book five now, and I’m enjoying them. This is about a world of Vampires that is very different from any I’ve read so far. The mythology is new and interesting and the Warrior Brotherhood is absolutely everything it needs to be. The series so far is taking one “Brother” in turn and telling his story. They have an interesting and disturbing enemy and the women characters are strong. For all these books, I direct you to Amazon for much more in-depth descriptions and lots more reviews.

For the most part I think she’s an excellent writer. The quality is good.  And the characters are absolutely alive. I’m very attached to all of them. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?

I don’t know yet where it will all go, but so far I’m never bored.

There are nine books and I think a few other “stories” that were released as novellas or short stories.

So, there you have it.

Please let me know if you try and enjoy any of these!! Or if you have any suggestions for me. I’m almost out of books!

Here is a list of books I like and recommend. I’m starting with books about Shamanism. I read most of these quite a while ago, but they are still my favorites and the core of my collection. Just some titles to consider, knowing that they are  just a tiny piece of the huge wealth of information out there. I’ll add more as I go along.

And I’ll be glad for any recommendations!

These are all linked to Amazon because that is where you will find the best prices. The few books we carry at Rock Paper Tree will be because they are particularly apropos to our collection and because we can actually beat Amazon’s price on those selections.

Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy -Mircea Eliade

Mircea Eliade is a scholar of Shamanism and comparative religions. This book is probably the main source material for many of the other books written about shamanism, especially if they are at all from an anthropological or historical perspective. Eliade covers shamanic phenomenon in many different cultures all throughout the world.

Through this comprehensive investigation, we begin to see the patterns that are similar in each diverse culture. This is the truly amazing thing, that no matter how different the religion or the mythology of the cultures or no matter how far apart they are  geographically, some of the basic elements of Shamanism are the same.

This book is translated from French and the language can be scholarly and difficult to get through. It is also quite old now and it is worth mentioning that there must certainly be revelations and resources not cited. Still, if  you are really interested in the roots of shamanic practices in cultures that embrace shamanism as part of their life and religion and reality, this is an amazing book.

The Way of the Shaman -Michael Harner

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Shamanism and who wants to begin to use Shamanic techniques in a practical way. Harner gives some history and background of Shamanism and then teaches methods to actually get started using the techniques right away for yourself.

I studied with Michael Harner and found his techniques to be effective, powerful and extremely empowering for the individual.

Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self -Sandra Ingerman

Sandra Ingerman was a student of Michael Harner’s and also a therapist. This book is really good if you are interested in moving into the more advanced Shamanic practices such as soul retrieval. It’s also very good just as a way to understand the process and psychology of soul loss and its effect in your own life.

I also did a workshop with Sandra and I was impressed with her integrity and commitment. I think she’s really grounded and centered. I would add that I would read anything by her.

Animal-Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small – Ted Andrews

This is one of my favorite books. It is really useful for looking up the meanings of specific animals you may encounter on your journeys either as power animals or messengers. What I especially like about this book is that he includes some description of the animal in ordinary reality as well as the more mythical or symbolic meanings.

There is also quite a lot of information about different techniques and ways to practice connection to nature and animal spirits.

Totems: The Transformative Power of Your Personal Animal Totem – Steiger

Interesting and good book especially if you have a particular affinity with power animals

Fire from Within -Carlos Castaneda

The Power of Silence: Further Lessons of don Juan -Carlos Castaneda

The Art of Dreaming – Carlos Castaneda

The Fire from Within was the first Castaneda book I ever read and I still like it the best. It kind of blew my mind at the time. Just by reading it, It allowed me to shift my consciousness and see things differently.
I strongly encourage everyone to try any and all of the Castaneda books.

The Myth of the Eternal Return: Cosmos and History – Eliade

Another book by Mircea Eliade. This is really good if you’re interested in the anthropological perspective of spirituality and man’s eternal need for meaning and connection. This is not a very long book and is fairly easy to understand.

More information about the symbolism of the Center and the three worlds.

Dancing with the Wheel: The Medicine Wheel Workbook – Sun Bear, Wabun Wind, and Crysalis Mulligan

This is a workbook for understanding and working with the Medicine Wheel. I like it very much. It’s basic and informative with a huge amount of practical guidance.

Medicine Cards: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals
- Samms & Carson

I really love these cards. The pictures are really nice and the descriptions and meanings are very poetic and beautifully written. (This and the Animal Speak book are my two sources for meanings of specific animals.)

Spiritwalker: Messages from the Future -Hank Wesselman

I recommend all of Wesselman’s books. He was an anthropologist living in Hawaii when he started having visions far into the future. This book chronicles those visions and how he transformed during the time he was having them, what he learned and how he brought that knowledge with him into his own time to share with all of us.