The only reason I read this book the first time is this: I was quoted in it, Page 87: "Wrinkles show highlights of a soul's journeFirst, a disclaimer:
The only reason I read this book the first time is this: I was quoted in it, Page 87: "Wrinkles show highlights of a soul's journey through a lifetime." (From "Wrinkles Are God's Makeup: How You Can Find Meaning in Your Evolving Face")
How did I even learn about the honor of being quoted in this awesome book? Out of the blue, Janna Beatty and Sharon White sent me a copy. Inside the stylish, slim, paperback surprise -- opposite to the title page -- I found their warm-and-gracious thank you note to me. Reading it today, I'm bowled over once again: A clean strike.
Back at reviewing the rest of what's in my copy of "Quintessential Style," in my opinion, this book could help just about any woman, of any age, to present herself beautifully.
Since reading "Quintessential" and making a ton of notes, in 2014, I gradually developed the hobby of doing a decent-ish job of dressing myself. Over the past five years, I've benefited from every episode I could find of "What Not to Wear," then found some stellar fashion vloggers on YouTube (most notably, the brainy and generous Justine Leconte).
Now I'm in the process of grabbing old faves off bookcases at home, having the fun of reviewing them for the Goodreads community... and publicly thanking some of my favorite authors.
At this time, I can truly appreciate the wisdom and economy of "Quintessential Style." Will I ever achieve a "Signature Look"? Maybe not, but at least I can manage to appear somewhat soignee.
Thanks again, Janna Beatty and Sharon White....more
I'd give Robert Heinlein's science fiction novel ***** just for coining the word grok, a word I'd still feel comfortable using. (Or would if I were stI'd give Robert Heinlein's science fiction novel ***** just for coining the word grok, a word I'd still feel comfortable using. (Or would if I were still living in the 1970s. Or a time capsule. Or in the company the main character, Valentine Michael Smith.)
The range of meanings for grok? It includes "to drink" and "to understand" and "to be one with and "to love." Makes sense to me!
Also enthralling to me was the story itself, with its wildly unfolding plot and Valentine's beyond-human capacity to learn and to love.
This is one novel I would enjoy revisiting. Meanwhile, I remember it with great fondness....more
Seeking Enlightenment does not come with participation trophies. This non-negotiable fact lies behind the apparent tragedies of "The Journey to the EaSeeking Enlightenment does not come with participation trophies. This non-negotiable fact lies behind the apparent tragedies of "The Journey to the East."
People drop out of pursuing that journey... for any number of reasons.
Even when I read this novel in 1968, this fact of spiritual life seemed reasonable to me. Now, as an Enlightenment teacher, my appreciation of this is more nuanced.
Ever since 1968, Hermann Hesse has been my favorite novelist. Among his books, my favorite hands down is "Magister Ludi," aka, "The Glass Bead Game." However, his novel called "The Journey to the East," has been my second favorite.
You other Goodreaders who have read "Magister Ludi" may recall how Hesse refers freely to the Journey to the East. Personally, I like to think of it as "East Meets West." (A topic for conversation another day, or even some conversations at my personal blog.)
Bottom Line
I want to learn more about both of these magnificent books. Today, in honor of this Journey, I'm going to set up a new Goodreads shelf for myself: Books-to-REREAD.
P.S. As a spiritual teacher, I am convinced that seeking Enlightenment does not come with participation trophies. However, it's important to note:
Since the journey of spiritual evolution continues throughout each soul's multiple incarnations, hello! Whenever we like, we can grow-grow-grow.
In the context of each soul's iterative-and-cumulative process of spiritual evolution, each one of us can win every single lifetime....more
Loading...
