I read All Creatures Great and Small - 4 Stars - Most people know by now that James Herriot wrote about his life as a country vet in the 1930s and ‘40s. I strongly recommend this memoir to every Anglophile and animal lover. The stories are hilarious in some parts and brought me to tears in others. It is books like these that teach me to appreciate all the little things around us. MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

So many of us experience this as we get older. If you need tips that may be helpful, let me know. I could start a thread if you're interested or just send you several messages. I have posted about hair loss prevention several times before. I just didn't want to bore anyone. Me neither, except that I don't feel like an underachiever. It doesn't bother me at all. I often wish that I was a great photographer. I'll work on that someday. I used to be good before digital cameras and all. You have been in my thoughts a lot, Stacia. :grouphug: I read Night a few years ago and remember being very moved by it. I agree that everyone should read it. I didn't know that it's part of a trilogy, so I recently ordered the rest and will re-read Night when I do so. I've tried and tried to read this a few times. It wasn't for me and yet I feel that I should keep trying everyone someone brings it up. :lol:

Yes! Mine is by my bed also :). I haven't read it yet, just skimmed through it. I plan on reading it very soon. I have her other books and love them. The only one that I don't have is her hair one. They told me that they don't plan on publishing an updated version. I wish they would.

Rebecca, what brand did you use? I use Lush. The smell is strong, but not the worst. My dh and ds don't mind it. Even our dog is okay with it. But my dd hates it and has to get away. I try to time most of my smelly and unappealing beauty treatments for when I'm able to have some spare time - early morning, etc. Not easy for all. This weekend was a henna weekend. It covered most of my greys, but the feel and texture is the best. I love how it makes my hair feel.

I read The Japanese Skin Care Revolution - 4 Stars - Skin care fascinates me. As a former esthetician, I love reading up on all that, but only as far as things that I can do myself: exfoliants, masks, massages, facials, and so forth. I’m in my late 40s and would definitely prefer to avoid botox, lasers, and any form of cosmetic surgery. Although a friend ran into me in the other day and suggested that I might want to try out someone she knows for botox in a few years. How about "no"? :lol: I’m not into that sort of thing at all. I think there comes a point when it starts to look fake, artificial, and a bit silly. I figure that we’re all going to get old. There’s only so much one can do before it starts to look like you're trying too hard. Besides, what's so bad about getting old? Every day is a gift. I’m more natural, the sort that wants to embrace aging. Not to judge others at all, but I don’t even dye my hair (only use henna for now) and I don’t wear make-up (does tinted lip balm and the occasional tinted moisturizer count?). I struggle with rating this book, since I haven’t yet attempted to do what she suggests. I definitely won’t be able to do everything since it seems quite time-consuming, but I would like to do some. I think I’ll have an easier time searching for some videos on You Tube. I’m more of a video person. In fact, I wish that this book was in DVD format as well. I’m glad that I have it since it is very informative. Yet for now, following her routine, which seems a bit daunting at the moment, has just turned into one more thing that I need to get done on my to-do list. MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

I have been using Lush Henna (Caca Noir shade) for a few years. I love it, except for the fact that I need to grate the block every time and that's just exhausting. If you do decide on Lush, I can share some tips, but your best option is to read the reviews, since their tips are more color specific. It's funny, since my hair is covered in henna as I type this. :) It covers most of my grays, but not all. I love how it makes my hair feel. I don't have Asian hair. I'm Middle Eastern. I use suflate-free shampoos and I do get a keratin treatment and relaxer once or twice a year to tame my frizzies. With Lush, because of the length of my hair (chin-length), I can cut each block into thirds. It lasts me for 9 weeks. I currently use henna every 3-4 weeks, one-third of a block. I found that this method works best for me for now. Trial and error. You will find what works best for you. My sister's been using Surya Henna for a few years now. I'm considering moving on to that, since it's easier to use. They offer more colors, including a gorgeous Silver Fox, which I'd love to try when I'm a bit older.

I have been using Lush Henna (Caca Noir shade) for a few years. I love it, except for the fact that I need to grate the block every time and that's just exhausting. If you do decide on Lush, I can share some tips, but your best option is to read the reviews, since their tips are more color specific. It's funny, since my hair is covered in henna as I type this. :) It covers most of my grays, but not all. I love how it makes my hair feel. My sister's been using Surya Henna for a few years now. I'm considering moving on to that, since it's easier to use. They offer more colors, including a gorgeous Silver Fox, which I'd love to try when I'm a bit older.

:grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: I'm so sorry, Stacia. I hope that 2016 will be better. I hope that something is found for him soon. This truly sucks.

:grouphug:

I read Columbine - 4 Stars - This book is an objective and compelling look at the events surrounding Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold's massacre at Columbine High School. Before I became a parent and when our children were very young, I remember always blaming the parents any time that a child or teenager had problems or didn’t turn out as perfectly as possible, whatever that’s supposed to mean. When the attack on Columbine happened in 1999, I was a mother of a toddler girl and we were expecting our second child. Like many, I was quick to judge and blame the parents. Now, that both my children are teenagers and as time has passed, I realize that always blaming the parents is not so simple and clear-cut. A few years ago, I laughed when I saw a title in a bookstore that I could fully relate to: “I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kidsâ€! Oftentimes, parents of younger children (and even individuals without children) have a little bit of smugness about them when it comes to judging how other kids, mainly teens, turn out. I’m embarrassed to say that I was that way. The brilliant book, “Yes, Your Teen is Crazy†describes this smugness far better than I ever could: “As the parent of a young child, you got used to winning control skirmishes. You usually could out-talk, out-think, and out-run your child whenever you wanted to. This was very bad. It gave you a feeling of control that created a false pride, particularly as you saw the abuse that other parents were taking from their adolescents. Outwardly, you were sympathetic. Inwardly, you were smug: ‘My kid will never act like that when she's a teen.’ Mother Nature, God, or fate hates smugness, and the payback is called adolescence.†So much of what most of us knew about the incident and the killers wasn’t in fact true. The killers were not Goths or picked on. They were the bullies. Dylan Klebold was an easily-influenced suicidal manic-depressive. Eric Harris was a cunning psychopath. His parents, like most, would not have known how to deal with that. Most parents can’t even diagnose it, never mind know what to do. I loved the detailed section describing psychopaths. Here is a quote from that section: “A correlation exists between psychopaths and unstable homes--and violent upbringings seem to turn fledgling psychopaths more vicious. But current data suggests those conditions do not cause the psychopathy; they only make a bad situation worse. It also appears that even the best parenting may be no match for a child born to be bad. Symptoms appear so early, and so often in stable homes with normal siblings, that the condition seems to be inborn. Most parents report having been aware of disturbing signs before the child entered kindergarten. Dr. Hare described a five-year old girl repeatedly attempting to flush her kitten down the toilet. ‘I caught her just as she was about to try again,’ the mother said. ‘She seemed quite unconcerned, maybe a bit angry--about being found out.’ When the woman told her husband, the girl calmly denied the whole thing. Shame did not register; neither did fear. Psychopaths are not individuals losing touch with those emotions. They never developed them from the start.†Both boys had seemingly normal family lives. Eric’s was one with traditional family roles, Dylan’s emphasized education, diversity, and nonviolence. The author spent ten or so years researching and writing this thought-provoking book. There is no answer as to why Eric and Dylan carried out such an evil act. If you’re looking for that, I wouldn’t bother with this. However, if you want to know what really happened, this is well worth a read. MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

Robin, I want that chair! :) I read Things That Matter: Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes, and Politics - 4 Stars - Charles Krauthammer is incredibly intelligent and articulate and I thoroughly enjoy his articles in “The Washington Postâ€, so I was eager to read this book. It’s a collection of his commentaries and essays. Reading this reminded me of another favorite of mine that I read almost two decades ago, “Think a Second Time†by Dennis Prager. Both are collections of articles that are brilliant and thought-provoking. The only reason that I’m giving it 4 stars rather than 5, is that some of the pieces are a bit dated. After all, this book is a compilation over the course of three decades. MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

Has anyone tried it? I've been using Lush Henna (Caca Noir) for a few years. The results are fine and it covers most of my grays, but it's a pain to apply, and I often wish that they had more colors. Surya has 15 shades, including Silver Fox, which I would love when I'm a bit older. I need to read up on it more and see reviews. If you've tried it or use it, would love to hear what you think.

I haven't seen the TV series, so I don't know, but according to others, yes, she would still enjoy them. Personally, I think it would be a lovely gift. :)

Just thought to let everyone know that Classical Stretch is having their annual Thanksgiving-period sale until December 9. 20% off all DVDs. 30% off all Bundles. Free shipping on 3 or more items.

Just thought to let everyone know that they're having their annual Thanksgiving-period sale until December 9. 20% off all DVDs. 30% off all Bundles. Free shipping on 3 or more items.

Shawne, what can I say? I'm delighted that you've enjoyed the Ayaan books also. Her husband is Niall Ferguson and he's so smart also. I saw her on CNN just the other day. You can find it on You Tube. It's about 10 minutes long. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to give links for these here or not, for the You Tube video and the WSJ article. I've been sharing her stuff on Facebook (very mildly, far and few in between, so as not to overwhelm). I've also been looking at some of her quotes on Pinterest. As to Jennifer Worth, my gosh, I love her also. She's had me go through a whole gamut of emotions in all of her books. This latest and final book of hers is one that I believe everyone should read. Sorry that I made you cry :grouphug: . It made me cry also, then my husband as well, when I read those excerpts to him.

Yes, Heather, thinking of you and sending prayers your way. :grouphug: I read In the Midst of Life - 5 Stars - My, oh my, what a beautiful book. 2015 has been a wonderful year reading-wise, since I’ve had the joy of reading all of Jennifer Worth’s books (well, most of them anyway – other than one on eczema and food allergies). This was yet another fantastic book by her and unfortunately her final one. It was about death and dying and very thought-provoking. I just realized that I’ve been reading quite a few books on death as well, not that I mind at all. Most people don’t like to talk about death, yet we’re all going to have to face it at some point, and for that reason I think that everyone should read this, but most especially those in the medical professions. I love how reading this encouraged me to have a new perspective on life – “life is short, enjoy it while you may.†I highlighted so many quotes and excerpts, here are a few of them. "In the natural course of events, the period when death is taking over a body is fairly brief. My grandfather (who had no medication) had about a fortnight of this period in his life. Today it can drag on for months or years." "There is not a single dying human being who does not yearn for love, touch, understanding, and whose heart does not break from the withdrawal of those who should be drawing near." "The husband of one of my dearest friends died in hospital of lung cancer, but she was with him most of the time in the last few weeks. She told me, ‘I was with him, and I could see that he was going to die, so I pulled the curtains round and lay on the bed beside him. I took him in my arms (he weighed almost nothing, he was so thin) and whispered to him and kissed him. He knew I was there. Then he just stopped breathing, but I didn’t move. I stayed there with him until he was quite cold. Then I got up and went to one of the nurses and told them that he had gone. The nurse came to check, and touched him. 'But he’s quite cold,' she said. 'When did he die?' '“It was at half past two – I know because I looked at my watch.' 'But you should have come and called one of the staff; it’s nearly four o’clock now,' the nurse said. '“No, I wanted to be alone with him, quietly, lovingly, giving him time for his soul to leave his body.' 'This is most unusual,' remarked the nurse, and gave me a very funny look. But I didn’t care what anyone thought. I knew that he was safely on his way to wherever we go after we die, and I left the hospital, happy.'" "As everything slides away, what I am left with is faith and love. Faith, which has been the cornerstone of my life, and love, which has been always with me. Love of my husband; our love for each other; love of my daughters and my grandchildren, and their surpassing care of me. And overall, and around all, the love of God. Thanks be to God." MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

I hope that you're feeling less stress by now. :grouphug: Everyone's given great suggestions. Sorry if I repeat some of them here. Diet Supplements - biotin is very helpful - 5-10 mg Many who suffer from hair loss also have low iron levels. I highly recommend a daily scalp massage. You Tube has some. I can give you links if you're interested, or just do a search. It only takes a few minutes and I believe that it really helps. Try to avoid shampooing and conditioning too often. Sulfate-free products are best. Alter your hairstyle and part in order to avoid constantly pulling your hair in the same spot or direction. Amish women, who wear their hair pulled back tightly the same way every day of their lives, experience baldness at their part. Hair loss is often from the eternal ponytail. Try to Avoid: • Hard brushing • Tight braids • Pulling hair back too tightly can make the hair thin in the front • Pulling hair too hard when blow-drying • Blow drying if and when you can • Commercial shampoos or rinses with artificial colors, preservatives, and dyes • Any shampoo with Sodium Laureth Sulfate. It's the ingredient that makes the shampoo foam up. • Harsh chemical products and hair spray • Pantene products causes hair loss for many • Never use a curling iron on wet or damp hair. This can cause serious breakage and damage in that spot. It is best to blow your hair all the way dry and not leave any wetness, not even a little. • Avoid backcombing or teasing hair. It is damaging, plain and simple. • Do not wash your hair with too hot water. • Do not wash your hair more than twice a week. • Do not comb the hair backwards. Use a good quality brush/comb. Avoid excessive brushing.

Robin, happy travels. :grouphug: Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods is one of my all-time favorites. I'm going to look into the other titles you mentioned. I read News of a Kidnapping - 3 Stars - I don’t generally watch much TV. My husband watches more than me and knows which shows I’ll like. We recently finished watching the first season “Narcos†about Pablo Escobar. This book was a nice addition to the TV series, although I prefer the latter. The book moved more slowly than I had hoped, yet it was a compelling look at that dark period in Colombia. There’s no doubt that Pablo Escobar was an absolute monster. One of my favorite quotes: “The most unsettling and dangerous aspect of his personality was his total inability to distinguish between good and evil.†MY RATING SYSTEM 5 Stars Fantastic, couldn't put it down 4 Stars Really Good 3 Stars Enjoyable 2 Stars Just Okay – nothing to write home about 1 Star Rubbish – waste of my money and time. Few books make it to this level, since I usually give up on them if they’re that bad.

This is an old thread and I'm a bit late to it. Not sure if anyone has mentioned Classical Stretch, but I love them. I try to do one session most days. Sometimes I do two. It all depends on my time. I notice a difference when I do them.

I have the same dilemma also, but this is one dilemma that I love. I have so many books to read (real books and Kindle), I'm not sure that I'll live long enough to finish them all. :lol: And then I keep adding more. Lovely. I worked in a hospital in NYC during my grad school years. She would often visit there for her check-ups, etc. I never got to see her, but my colleagues did. I wish I had!

I read this two years ago. Don't remember it at all, but I'm sure that I agreed with you. I gave it 3 stars at the time. One of my friends on Good Reads read and she also gave it 3 stars specifically because of the stupid ending. You are so kind. Thank you. :) Nice to know that I'm not the only one with regards to The Martian. Glad that you loved the Can't We Talk book. I adore that one, despite the depressing subject matter.

I loved this book. I admire you for being able to read it on the Kindle!

I tried and tried to read it, but I barely got through 5%. Usually before abandoning a book, I give it at least 10% (oftentimes more). I can't say if it was sci-fi. I didn't notice that. All I can say was that it really wasn't my cup of tea at all. I wanted to like it, since I keep hearing about it. Mark got on my nerves. :lol:

Robin, as an anglophile through and through, I would absolutely love to walk the Greenwich Meridian Trail! Yes, when living in Britain, I experienced this sort of thing time and time again. :) Kareni, Made in America will be arriving to me soon. Can't wait. I also can't wait to read his newest travelogue. I still have a few books of his that I haven't yet read. I do plan on re-reading most of his books. Too many books and too little time!