by Karen Creamer | Jan 29, 2019 | (it's all about the) food, Book Reviews, books, Comfort, Connection
Kitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love, and Food by Ann Hood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. The only thing that prevents me from giving it 5 stars is this: There is some repetition among the chapters/stories. I believe it’s because they were originally essays published elsewhere and then brought together into this one book. That’s fine, but I kept having to stop and think, “Didn’t I read this already…?” before I made that connection. Anyway, a lovely book. Great recipes, some of which reminded me of my own Italian Nana’s. Keep reading
by Karen Creamer | Dec 30, 2018 | Clarity, Connection
I’ve talked about the spiritual practice of My One Word every year for many years, and this year is no different. Usually I am writing about it (it’s even in my most recent book, Honor Your Health, Chapter 19!) but this year I tried something different. I gave talks and workshops about it. I have challenged others to engage in this powerful process for themselves.
Often a word shows up to the party long after I have already ‘chosen’ my word. For 2019, a mere two days away, I had my word all picked out, and now it’s not that. This is actually the second time this happened this year! My list of contenders included: Keep reading
by Karen Creamer | Nov 28, 2018 | Book Reviews, Clarity, Connection
I was so excited when I found out Seth Godin had a new book out!
I like to test drive books before I buy them (when possible) by getting them from the library.
As I was reading and starting my 8th page of notes on the book in my journal, I realized that this was a book I needed to buy.
Duh.
Seth Godin’s writing makes you think about your own life and examine your feelings about what you are–and are not–doing. He has a way of asking questions that cuts right through to get to the truth. This book has come along at the perfect time for me, as the really great books so often do. I have been re-evaluating all of my activities and this met me at exactly the place on this journey where I needed it. Keep reading
by Karen Creamer | Nov 23, 2018 | (it's all about the) food, baking, Book Reviews, books, Comfort, Connection, no fear, recipes, Spiritual Practice
I love bread.
Not just eating it! I love making it, too.
I started making bread over twenty years ago. I made all kinds of bread. For years I believed that there was only one way to make a yeast bread, and that way included quite a bit of kneading. Not my favorite thing. During one of those lengthy kneading sessions, I even made up a new word to describe it: tediosity
And then, around 2007 or so, I discovered Zoe Francois (with coauthor Jeff Hertzberg) and her new approach to making bread. I bought the book, Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day (note: there is now a newer version of this). All you need is yeast, water, flour, and salt. Keep reading
by Karen Creamer | Nov 18, 2018 | (it's all about the) food, author, Book Reviews, books, Clarity, Comfort, Connection, relationships, shopping
Who thought Carmen Shenk’s book about kitchen simplicity could change your thoughts about your own home?
I love how this book helped me see my home through the author’s lens of simplicity and how it jump-started new ideas for me about how to better organize my kitchen. Even now, weeks after I finished the book, I am still evaluating how I set up my kitchen, what’s necessary and loved, and what is just taking up space. I have a renewed energy for my de-cluttering efforts. I also loved Carmen’s approach of keeping her home a haven, and actively keeping out the negative energy that abounds in the world. Keep reading
by Karen Creamer | Jul 7, 2018 | Connection, Spiritual Practice
Many Saturdays you’ll find me at the Kennebunk Community Market with my books. There are a lot of other vendors there, of course, one of which I am going to talk about today.
Jim Decker is a Maine Artist who paints a variety of images ranging from animals to people to landscapes. He is often in the space opposite mine, so I am privileged, not only to watch Jim work, but to gaze at his paintings that are on display.
What inspired me to write about Jim is the way he connects with all different people of all different ages. I was also struck recently about how children seem to gravitate to him, and how kind he is to them. I have seen him put the paintbrush he was just using into the hand of a girl and encourage her to paint the painting he was just working on. Keep reading
Karen Creamer
