helena Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 :) Life's been a little hard lately. I'm trying to stay in a positive place, but I'm getting tired and sad about the state I'm in. I'd like to hit the library tomorrow and get some books that are beautiful, or make me feel glad to be alive. I'm loving my garden right now so anything to do with nature or gardens would be nice. Something that lifts the spirit. Thanks for any ideas! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Subbing. I need this, too. :grouphug: 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reflections Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 This one sounds promising. http://www.amazon.com/The-Forgotten-Garden-Kate-Morton/dp/148621343X http://www.amazon.com/Light-Between-Oceans-M-L-Stedman/dp/1451681755/ref=pd_cp_b_3 :grouphug: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 I'm sorry you're struggling right now. I don't do a lot of nature type stuff but here's my list Not sure any of these books will be in the libraray, but some can be gotten cheap at Amazon: The Other Side of the Dale by G. Phinn - he's been called the James Herriot of School Inspectors - the stories are funny. Out of Africa - lots of nature by Isak Dinesen - not like the movie (I read this every couple of years) Anything by James Herriot Twelve Babies on a Bike by Dot Dunn I hope you find some good books to read and lift your spirits. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 How about reading or re-reading some good children's literature? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 These four books will take you off the to the Greek Island of Corfu with Gerrald Durrell, a place of beauty, humor, and laughter. My Family and Other Animals http://www.amazon.com/Family-Other-Animals-Gerald-Durrell/dp/0142004413/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid= Birds, Beasts, and Relatives http://www.amazon.com/Birds-Beasts-Relatives-Gerald-Durrell/dp/0142004405/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y Fauna and Family http://www.amazon.com/Fauna-Family-Adventures-Durrell-Nonpareil/dp/1567924417/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 The Garden of the Gods http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Gods-Gerald-Durrell/dp/0002162687/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 I am seconding Chris in VA's idea to look towad children's lit for happiness! (But not Young Adult lit! Not happy!) 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Have you read Enslaved by Ducks? It's by Bob Tarte; he's also written one about cats that I must get now that I know it exists! lol http://www.amazon.com/Enslaved-Ducks-Bob-Tarte/dp/1565124502/ref=pd_cp_b_0 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 The Enchanted April. It would be perfect for you. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sun Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 I'm sorry to hear you're having a hard time. :grouphug: I heartily second Kalmia's recommendations for My Family and Other Animals and Durrell's other books. They're laugh-out-loud funny. I can't help but love any book that can make me wish we could have a pet tortoise. If you like gardening books, I read Slug Tossing several years ago and loved it. It's basically a woman's story, told in a humorous voice, of moving into a new house and learning to garden. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rzberrymom Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Growing a Farmer and Growing a Feast by Kurt Timmermeister. I especially loved the feast one, and you'll be wanting to run off to cute and quirky Vashon Island after you read them: http://www.amazon.com/Kurt-Timmermeister/e/B003MCHP2E This one is a wonderful, hysterical read: http://www.amazon.com/Farm-City-Education-Urban-Farmer/dp/0143117289 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 I think Gone Away Lake is a lovely book - reminds me of being a child when life was so simple. It is a "young reader." I also love Roxaboxen and Miss Rumpus, which are picture books. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendy not in HI Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 I like the books by Sarah Addison Allen - Garden Secrets, Sugar Queen, etc. They are not deep books, just easy, sweet books. A little magic, small town, a little love. Hope you feel better! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Upward Journey Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 This book is OOP, Land of Milk and Omelets by Ken Kraft, but maybe your library will have it. It's about packing up and moving to the country: well written and very humorous. :) I think it's my most favorite back-to-the-land book. http://www.amazon.com/Land-milk-omelets-Ken-Kraft/dp/B0006AW3YK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426263235&sr=8-1&keywords=Land+of+Milk+and+Omelets The following are in a different vein, but also delightful and visually lovely (and in print ;) ) The River Cottage Family Cookbook http://www.amazon.com/River-Cottage-Family-Cookbook/dp/1580089259/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426265058&sr=1-1&keywords=river+cottage+family+cookbook Homemade by Yvette Van Boven http://www.amazon.com/Home-Made-Yvette-van-Boven/dp/1584799463/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426265100&sr=1-1&keywords=homemade The Weekend Homesteader by Anna Hess http://www.amazon.com/Weekend-Homesteader-Twelve-Month-Guide-Self-Sufficiency/dp/1616088826/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426265126&sr=1-1&keywords=weekend+homesteader Simply in the Season. I love the Children's version http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Season-Childrens-Cookbook-Community/dp/0836193369/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426265147&sr=1-3&keywords=simply+in+season Fairy Houses ... Everywhere! http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Houses-Everywhere/dp/097081044X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426265189&sr=1-1&keywords=fairy+houses+everywhere I've also found some wonderful, wonderful titles through this bookstore. http://www.waldorfbooks.com/ Do be sure to check out their "Working with Nature" section! Keep clicking 'til you get to the book descriptions. And finally two Christian books (don't know if these appeal to you or not) but when I'm in a bad place they are my absolute, go-to favorites. They help me to get outside of the yuck and focus on other things. One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss I hope you feel better soon :grouphug: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 You might see if your library has Edith Holden's The Country Diary of An Edwardian Lady: A facsimile reproduction of a 1906 naturalist's diary. Or for a lighter read (no gardens though) ~ any of Giovanni Guareschi's Don Camillo books. Regards, Kareni 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 The Enchanted April. It would be perfect for you. :iagree: :grouphug: , Helena. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Mousie Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods William Alexander's The $64 Tomato So sorry to hear you've had a tough spell. :( I hope some laughter and happy nature stuff bring you peace and hope. :grouphug: 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted March 13, 2015 Author Share Posted March 13, 2015 Thanks so much everyone!! I knew you guys could help me. :001_wub: I'm making my list now and heading over to the library. A few I already have, like My Family and Other Animals. I actually scored on an old VHS set of the movie version a while ago. Maybe I'll watch it when I"m done with the book. Thanks for the well wishes. My body is so weak right now, but my mind wants to be joyful and light iykwim. I feel like that's one thing I can work on here at home without a diagnosis or pill. Peace and hope. :) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne in CA Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 I would recommend Harry Potter for a feel good getaway. Also, The Secret Garden is so beautiful and a good "getaway". 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Hope you feel better, helena. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 When I need to travel, but the budget won't allow, I like to grab my 'Under the Tuscan Sun' and Bella Tuscany' books by Francis Mayes. (?) She takes me to Italy, renovates a house, gardens, eats! and plays tourist. I love these books. Nora Robert's Born in.... series is romance set in Ireland. I always feel as if I've been there after reading them. When I'm not well and need to rest I find watching Jane Austen movies to be incredibly soothing. Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion are my favorites. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wonderchica Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted March 13, 2015 Share Posted March 13, 2015 Discovering Isaac and sequels. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertBlossom Posted March 14, 2015 Share Posted March 14, 2015 Edenbrooke is a super sweet love story. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeghansMom Posted March 14, 2015 Share Posted March 14, 2015 Hugs and prayers. Hope you enjoy the suggestions. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 14, 2015 Share Posted March 14, 2015 The link takes us to Nordstrom's. HAHAHAH! I don't know why I find that hysterical, but I do. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 I thought of another lovely book, The Sunny Side by AA Milne. It's a wonderful collection of short stories he wrote for adults. Perfectly soul soothing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 How about reading or re-reading some good children's literature? :grouphug: Lots of hugs and get well soon wishes! Yes! Heidi, Kipling's Just So Stories, Robert Louis Stevenson's books -- children's literature can be quite wonderfully escapist. I also highly recommend Terry Pratchett (especially the Disc World books) and Jasper Fforde (yes, that's how he spells it) for lots of silliness and word play. Do pay attention to the publication dates if some of their references seem a bit dated. Here's a small giggle -- I had a typo above and almost wished you "lots of jugs".... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Mousie Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 Thanks so much everyone!! I knew you guys could help me. :001_wub: I'm making my list now and heading over to the library. A few I already have, like My Family and Other Animals. I actually scored on an old VHS set of the movie version a while ago. Maybe I'll watch it when I"m done with the book. Thanks for the well wishes. My body is so weak right now, but my mind wants to be joyful and light iykwim. I feel like that's one thing I can work on here at home without a diagnosis or pill. Peace and hope. :) So, what did you get from the library? :lurk5: I hope today is a good day for you, Helena. :grouphug: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sun Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 The link takes us to Nordstrom's. Oops! Now you know the dress I was thinking about... I think I've fixed the link, but here it is just in case. I usually go back and double check my links, and look what happens when I don't! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 Have you read Enslaved by Ducks? It's by Bob Tarte; he's also written one about cats that I must get now that I know it exists! lol http://www.amazon.com/Enslaved-Ducks-Bob-Tarte/dp/1565124502/ref=pd_cp_b_0 I loved that one too. Bill Bryson's I'm a Stranger Here Myself and A Walk in the Woods always make me laugh as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted March 16, 2015 Author Share Posted March 16, 2015 Miss Mousie I'm reading A Place in the Woods. I thought I owned A Walk in the Woods, but found the other instead. :) I'm waiting for Enchanted April and Slug Tosser to be delivered at the library. I also put Farm City (on audio) on hold. That way I can work and enjoy at the same time. I pulled out Fairy Houses and decided to add a fairy house to my outside garden. Thanks again for all the well wishes. Just got back from a dr visit where she found a lump in my breast. :bored: When it rains, it pours... It's happened before though, and it was all fine. I'm trying to keep calm and stay positive. darn darn!! DARN!! POOP!!! POOP!!! :blush: 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Mousie Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 . I pulled out Fairy Houses and decided to add a fairy house to my outside garden. To the bolded: fabulous! :hurray: To the last bit: :crying: :cursing: :crying: :grouphug: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguin Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 Sending you healing thoughts, helena. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tammyw Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 I third Enslaved by Ducks and all of his other books too - hilarious. I'll have to dig out a few more titles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bookbard Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 Love nature? Read The Hidden Life of Trees. It is magical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nd293 Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World is non-fiction, but fascinating and amusing. From Wikipedia: Pollan presents case studies that mirror four types of human desires that are reflected in the way that we selectively grow, breed, and genetically engineer our plants. The tulip, beauty; marijuana, intoxication; the apple, sweetness; and the potato, control. I believe one of his books deals with gardening. Everything I've read by him is enjoyable. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating deals with nature and illness. It's a lovely read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monica_in_Switzerland Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 If you want escapist stories that will keep you engrossed, maybe try Daughter of the Forest and its sequels (they are all good) or Outlander and it's sequels (the first few are good). Not necessarily uplifting, but light and entertaining and definitely page-turners. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 No idea if you enjoy romance at all, but if you PM me, and read ebooks (either kindle or on your phone/computer/whatever) I can set you up with some of mine. All happy endings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TechWife Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penguin Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 (Not that I am bothered by new replies, but the original post is about a year and a half old.) Helena, I hope you are feeling better now :) Your homeschooling ideas have inspired me many times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 Zombie thread :zombie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne in CA Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 Six of Crows and The Crooked Kingdom are super fun reads, written beautifully, but they are about a gang of thieves who pull off a big heist. The language is beautiful and it is a totally different world to escape to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 :) Life's been a little hard lately. I'm trying to stay in a positive place, but I'm getting tired and sad about the state I'm in. I'd like to hit the library tomorrow and get some books that are beautiful, or make me feel glad to be alive. I'm loving my garden right now so anything to do with nature or gardens would be nice. Something that lifts the spirit. Thanks for any ideas! :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted November 6, 2016 Share Posted November 6, 2016 (Not that I am bothered by new replies, but the original post is about a year and a half old.) Helena, I hope you are feeling better now :) Your homeschooling ideas have inspired me many times. OH, great, zombies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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