Every once in a while, a character stays with you long after you’ve finished the book. Polly Shine, in Jonathan Odell’s beautiful historical novel, The Healing, is one of those characters. A slave bought by a plantation owner for her supposed healing powers, Polly is a force to … [Read more...] about jonathan odell talks about race, the importance of stories and “the healing”
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anne lamott talks about “help, thanks, wow: the three essential prayers”
If I had to pick one author whose words stay with me, inspire me and haunt me, it would have to be Anne Lamott. I have devoured every word the woman has ever written and I am as enamored as much by her attitude and subject matter as I am by her actual writing. So I was … [Read more...] about anne lamott talks about “help, thanks, wow: the three essential prayers”
when lois met michael
I don’t know if college students still do this, but back in the day – circa 1977 – when we needed a ride home for the weekend, we’d check out the ride board in the student union to see who was driving back to the city. I know this sounds like something out of an Archie comic book … [Read more...] about when lois met michael
put a cork on cancer!
Don’t throw out the corks from all those wine bottles you went through on Thanksgiving! We’ve told you before about how to recycle them, but here’s an even better way to use them to do good this holiday season. I saw this on Dawn Carroll’s Facebook page. Dawn is the co-founder … [Read more...] about put a cork on cancer!
25 things i’m thankful for
Shocking as it may seem, Thanksgiving is next week! One of my favorite holiday traditions – one we started when the kids were really young – is that each member of our family makes a list of 10 things they’re thankful for. We take turns going around the table, reading one at a … [Read more...] about 25 things i’m thankful for
anne lamott and cheryl strayed: a conversation between two of my favorite writers
I was so honored to be invited to join Anne Lamott and Cheryl Strayed in San Francisco for a private conversation about their writing – and so bummed that I couldn’t make it! I would have hopped on a plane in a minute but was leaving for Miraval that same day (yes, that was … [Read more...] about anne lamott and cheryl strayed: a conversation between two of my favorite writers
a letter to my 20-year-old self
Dear 20-year-old Lois, Please go take a cooking class. I know you won’t do it, but see that nice flat stomach you have in the picture? Years of always eating out will turn it into a muffin top (a much cuter name than it deserves, trust me) and result in your children … [Read more...] about a letter to my 20-year-old self
Congratulations, President Obama!
Congratulations, Mr. President, on another four years! This post originally appeared on my former blog, StyleSubstanceSoul.com. … [Read more...] about Congratulations, President Obama!