The Secret Lives of Dresses

Yesterday I was having "one of those days"...

I found refuge in a new book from the library.

The Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean

The stunning yellow dress on the cover is what first caught my eye.

  The story has a little fashion, drama and family paired with surprising twists.  I wrapped up in my favorite blanket and read all day long. It was a fun and easy read that kept me engaged.  It was funny though, while I connected with the main character (Dora), I often found the grandmother using many of the exact quotes that I use. (Her dislike of the word moist had me giggling.)

How often do you look down and say..."how did I get here" with your wardrobe? While I REALLY love fashion (I just watched Coco before Chanel again this morning for the 100th time), I am also realistic. I find myself wanting to blend into the crowd a lot more than I want to stick out in the name of fashion.   

On many occasions I have been tempted to call What Not to Wear on myself, but I'm working with very little right now.  Honestly, I feel a little foolish dressing up when I spend most of my time alone, at the library or trudging through the woods. On the flip side, my Northface polar fleece pants are begging for a break.

I'm a chameleon in my environment, but I'm true to myself.  Wherever I am there will always be a pair of fabulous black heels, an array of scarves and a nice handbag....  ok, there's most likely a pair of flip-flops just in case too.



What Difference Do it Make?

Sometimes we just get lucky... I was reading title after title trying to find a new book to read and without judging a book by it's cover I picked, "What difference do it make?" and luck was on my side.

This book follows, "Same Kind of Different as Me", but don't let that stop you from reading it first. There are clearly marked inserts from the first book that will allow you to jump right in and enjoy.

Ron Hall, a new spirited art dealer that has done very well for himself. Denver Moore, a man known for wise and insightful words despite his struggles with illiteracy. By the beauty of Ron's deceased wife, Deborah Hall, and her dream to help the homeless Ron and Denver set out to make a difference while forming a lasting friendship.

As the loss of his wife destroys his world, Ron works through the sadness by honoring his wife and her wishes, beyond any of their exceptions. After Same Kind of Different as Me, and the well received popularity, city after city placed more awareness on their homeless problems. As advocates, Denver and Ron went across the country making sure not only were their words being heard, but making sure action was taken.

Without re-typing the entire book I've picked two of my favorite paragraphs from the book to share with you:

Denver: "It really bothers me that white folks would go to all that trouble to catch a fish, then when they done caught it, just throw it back in the water"..... "So, Mr. Ron, it occurred to me: If you is fishing for a friend you just gon' catch and release, then I ain't got no desire to be your friend...But if you is looking for a real friend, then I'll be one. Forever."

Mandy: After reading about Deborah Hall's commitment to the homeless, Mandy knew she, too. wanted to make herself available for whatever God wanted her to do. Knowing she wanted to make a difference for kids, but not knowing how, she cried out to God in prayer. "Whatever You can do to help me find my purpose , Lord, just lead me" she prayed. "Let me fulfill Your purpose and, in doing so, be fulfilled. I know I'm here for a reason. Just show me what to do."

Without the cape of a super hero or the name dropping of the rich, people just like you and I enveloped the kindness of Debbie. Within the pages of What Difference Do it Make? you'll read how little kids and grown adults move from turning a blind eye to taking small steps for the homeless in their cities. These real accounts tug at your heart, make you smile and enhance your curiosity from "not me" to "maybe me too". (See Mandy above.)

If you want to focus solely on the words the messages are in the text. There is always the option to see how this book fits into your life by using the words to mold a better you.

If you would like to purchase this book for yourself or a friend go to the upper right hand side of my blog and click on HAND PICKED BOOKSTORE, my new Amazon bookstore. (This was not a request from any publisher or author...it's something I choose to do because I like the book that much.)

There's More to Life Than the Corner Office

Do you like to read books? Or should I ask...Do you have time to read books? I go through phases. I read a lot, then I stop for a while.

A few months ago I was contacted by some at Meryl L. Moss Media Relations. They were looking for people to read then review a book. I knew I would be nature bound and in need of some good reading material, so I was happy to oblige.

It was a sunny day on Flat Head Lake in Montana. I was with my old (not in age) landlord getting ready to bask in the sun. Together we toted books and magazines to the dock along with some tasty snacks and drinks. Within a few pages of, There's More To Life Than The Corner Office, (The Secret to Total Life Prosperity) I realized this book came at the perfect time and I was in the perfect setting to take it all in. Like the book states, “there are no accidents”....

One page turned to 45, then 45 turned into 100. I had to apologize to Karen for being so anti-social, but what started as a leisure read turned into a book that had words to alter my life, if I allowed them to. Application is always more challenging than just reading the words. Making the right choice means thinking. Follow through takes patience.

With a note pad and pen I started jotting down words...then paragraphs. I started asking myself questions along the way. I couldn't put the book down. As if it were just moment earlier when I started the book I found myself at the end. Under the dancing stars of the night sky I sat by myself. Although many words found their way into my mind I was taken back by these simple words that carry the weight of many wrong doings, “What happens to us in life is less important then the way we respond to it”..... If only I'd heard those words about 36 years earlier. I'm sure my parents tried to say something along that line but, as their kid it was my job to void all helpful comments or advise, right?


I do not want to give anything away...outside the fact that this book is motivating and inspiring. Lamar Smith's words are refreshing. The story of Patrick Mitchell could also be your story or someone close to you. With a few more Al Crafton's and a lot less John Carter's could just be the answer. <--- Now you have to read the book... isn't the curiosity getting to you?

Find some time.... fill your day with motivation..... Let me give you this. I am going to give one lucky reader the chance to win, THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN THE CORNER OFFICE (The Secret to Total Life Proserity) by, Lamar Smith and Tammy Kling. Simply leave a comment below. Tell me about the last compliment you received and how it impacted you...or just say “Hello”.