Green Things: Tips, Ideas, and Humor for the Garden and the Gardener
by Rhonda Watson
ISBN-10: 0972636609
Review by Heather Froeschl
An A to Z guide to all things garden, this is a gem of a book to have around. My copy is already dog-eared and cherished! Did you know that that Amaryllis flower bulb you got for Christmas could very well produce blooms for 75 years? Not in my hands, but if you follow the tips in the book yours just might! Did you know that Zinnias were grown by the ancient Aztecs? I had no idea!
You may have already nourished your plants but are unsure how to go about harvesting those fruits of your labor. The second section of ôGreen Thingsö is an abundance of tips on enjoying those rewards to the fullest. From Almonds to Zucchini, there is more to gathering the goods than sharing with neighbors. A bouquet of asparagus, complete with water and vase, will be a wonderful gift to yourself and will keep for several days. Boiling corn on the cob or even worse, boiling it in salted water, takes away most of its nutritional value and makes it tough to chew. Did you know that the strawberry is a member of the rose family, and is the only fruit to grow its seeds on the outside? Or that the watermelon is actually classified as a berry?
The final section of the book is right up my alley. Tending to the gardener is an imperative part of gardening! Here you will find tips on dealing with those muscle aches and back pains, stains on clothing, relaxing baths and the dreaded poison ivyàall with things from the garden.
Not forgetting the mind of the gardener, dispensed throughout the book are garden giggles that will turn your frustrated grub concerned frown upside down. Along with tidbits of trivia like the gross amount of insects we all consume by the year, the giggles will lighten your load. It helps to laugh about things like weeds growing at the precise rate of our pulling them out.
My advice is to buy two copies of this book, for once you show it to a friend, they will want to borrow it forever, and you'll want to keep one for yourself as a guide that you will return to time and time again. You never know when you'll want to know what sex your African violets are, or just what type of manure is perfect for your needs.
Tuesday, March 25, 2003
Saturday, February 8, 2003
Cookbook Review
Cooking With Bananas
by David Woods
ISBN-10: 0595242731
Review by Heather Froeschl
If I ever get stranded on an island covered with banana plants, I hope I have a copy of this book with me! David has covered the complete possibilities of the banana in "Cooking With Bananas". Call me conservative but I'll likely stick to the bread and dessert sections. However, for the more daring there are such dishes as Chicken and Banana Casserole, Banana Citrus Seafood Stew and Tropical Fruit Stir fry.
I don't know if Elvis preferred mayonnaise on his "Nanna" sandwiches or not, but David offers a recipe for one. My kids are very interested in the sweets section, including the Banana Nut Pops and Frozen Chocolate Bananas. Whatever gets them to eat more fruit is fine with me!
David has been kind enough to give us a little introduction to this versatile fruit, with nutrition values and choices of varieties available. I love David's cookbooks. They offer a new look at staple foods, with a unique twist. The occasional typo, here and there, only adds to the charm of these titles. Have fun with your food!
by David Woods
ISBN-10: 0595242731
Review by Heather Froeschl
If I ever get stranded on an island covered with banana plants, I hope I have a copy of this book with me! David has covered the complete possibilities of the banana in "Cooking With Bananas". Call me conservative but I'll likely stick to the bread and dessert sections. However, for the more daring there are such dishes as Chicken and Banana Casserole, Banana Citrus Seafood Stew and Tropical Fruit Stir fry.
I don't know if Elvis preferred mayonnaise on his "Nanna" sandwiches or not, but David offers a recipe for one. My kids are very interested in the sweets section, including the Banana Nut Pops and Frozen Chocolate Bananas. Whatever gets them to eat more fruit is fine with me!
David has been kind enough to give us a little introduction to this versatile fruit, with nutrition values and choices of varieties available. I love David's cookbooks. They offer a new look at staple foods, with a unique twist. The occasional typo, here and there, only adds to the charm of these titles. Have fun with your food!
Fiction/Paranormal Review
A Ghost Among Us
by Debora ElizaBeth Hill
ISBN-10: 1929374143
Review by Heather Froeschl
Never before have I encountered a ghost I like so much as Sir Jerome Kennington. We should all be so lucky to have a spirit so full of life in our homes.
Three women rent a house in Hampstead that comes furnished with antiques and its own resident earth bound spirit. What follows is a wonderful story of the three living together, as only women can, sharing and supporting each other through career challenges, men troubles and decisions of what to wear.
Deirdre Hall is a television show host who falls for a guest rock star. Charlotte Lewis is a photographer who wants desperately to capture the essence of the souls in London, and Natalie Ladd is a painter who ends up wowing the crowds at a gallery showing. In between the inspiring lives these ladies lead, they find the time to make love with their boyfriends, liberate a lab full of test animals and help sort out the mystery that has their ghost remaining on the earthly plain.
Jerome was murdered, and he needs to discover why and by whose hand. There is an evolution here of this lost soul. At first he can only be seen by the three women, the first in 200 years to do so. Then he discovers that others can see him as well. He was trapped in the house that at one time was part of his own estate, but as time goes by, with the women to help him, he finds he is able to travel about. Jerome shares with the girls, his understanding of life and death and reincarnation: shocking one of the boyfriends.
And then there is Deidre's boyfriend, the rock star, who looks exactly like Jerome. Though he is not a Kennington, it is possible that he is a descendant and turns out to be a clue to a piece of the puzzle.
The author has succeeded in bringing a group of friends to life for the reader, even the character who has been dead for so long. Attention to detail is given at just the right moments. The research that was involved, in portraying Jerome's story from the 1800's, was obviously enjoyed by the author, as the details of the period are wonderfully vibrant.
I savored this book to the very end, which turns out to not be the end after all. The second novel, Jerome's Quest, I am told will be available shortly. I look forward to it with much anticipation.
by Debora ElizaBeth Hill
ISBN-10: 1929374143
Review by Heather Froeschl
Never before have I encountered a ghost I like so much as Sir Jerome Kennington. We should all be so lucky to have a spirit so full of life in our homes.
Three women rent a house in Hampstead that comes furnished with antiques and its own resident earth bound spirit. What follows is a wonderful story of the three living together, as only women can, sharing and supporting each other through career challenges, men troubles and decisions of what to wear.
Deirdre Hall is a television show host who falls for a guest rock star. Charlotte Lewis is a photographer who wants desperately to capture the essence of the souls in London, and Natalie Ladd is a painter who ends up wowing the crowds at a gallery showing. In between the inspiring lives these ladies lead, they find the time to make love with their boyfriends, liberate a lab full of test animals and help sort out the mystery that has their ghost remaining on the earthly plain.
Jerome was murdered, and he needs to discover why and by whose hand. There is an evolution here of this lost soul. At first he can only be seen by the three women, the first in 200 years to do so. Then he discovers that others can see him as well. He was trapped in the house that at one time was part of his own estate, but as time goes by, with the women to help him, he finds he is able to travel about. Jerome shares with the girls, his understanding of life and death and reincarnation: shocking one of the boyfriends.
And then there is Deidre's boyfriend, the rock star, who looks exactly like Jerome. Though he is not a Kennington, it is possible that he is a descendant and turns out to be a clue to a piece of the puzzle.
The author has succeeded in bringing a group of friends to life for the reader, even the character who has been dead for so long. Attention to detail is given at just the right moments. The research that was involved, in portraying Jerome's story from the 1800's, was obviously enjoyed by the author, as the details of the period are wonderfully vibrant.
I savored this book to the very end, which turns out to not be the end after all. The second novel, Jerome's Quest, I am told will be available shortly. I look forward to it with much anticipation.
Tuesday, February 4, 2003
Historic Novel Review
The Texas Republic
by Joe L. Blevins
ISBN-10: 1553691407
Review by Heather Froeschl
The birth of the great state of Texas was a bloody battle on many fronts. History can be quite interesting when told through the journal entries of a freed slave, a brother to the Cherokee, a soldier in Sam Houston's army.
Andrew teaches himself to read and write, using the Bible for his primer. In his journal he details life and death, chores and challenges and even sketches the important people and places in his life. Through his words we see the history of Texas and the people who built it. Attacked on the trail to a land grant, Andrew is wounded, his wife killed. The Cherokee take him in and heal him, adopting him as a brother. He later marries the tribe's dream interpreter, Say-te-qua and eventually they have a son.
The Cherokee are asked to be scouts for Sam Houston's army in the struggle to free the Texas territory from Mexico. Andrew and his brother-in-law, Red Bird, take up arms and join the battle. Through it all, Andrew finds comfort and guidance in the Bible, and finds a friend in Sam Houston.
Andrew's family grows with the birth of sons and the adoption of others. Their farming community develops into a settlement, complete with schoolhouse, church and blacksmith. Through trade with the forts and local tribespeople they are able to exist. For a while, the people live side by side in guarded harmony. Later, with the threat of Indian War, Andrew and Red Bird help Sam Houston to broker peace among the tribes.
This book is full of real history, from Texas being a Mexican state, through its being independent, to the days of its becoming the 28th state of the US. But more so, it is the history of the Native Americans and the freed slaves, and the settlers of the land. It is the description of the day to day living that makes this book so interesting. The realities of life and the struggles of conflict, an acknowledgement of the reality of how the native peoples were treated by our government, are details which cannot be overlooked.
The author has relayed stories that were passed down in his own family. He has compiled and drawn from research over the past 25 years in order to make this book as historically correct as possible. His illustrations add a colorful flavor to the tales and added glossaries give understanding to the reader. There are countless references to the Bible that add to the depth of the story and demonstrate the impact that it must have had on freed slaves, the native people, and settlers alike.
For anyone wishing to understand better the history of our nation or the state of Texas, I cannot think of a better source that would be as entertaining and personal.
by Joe L. Blevins
ISBN-10: 1553691407
Review by Heather Froeschl
The birth of the great state of Texas was a bloody battle on many fronts. History can be quite interesting when told through the journal entries of a freed slave, a brother to the Cherokee, a soldier in Sam Houston's army.
Andrew teaches himself to read and write, using the Bible for his primer. In his journal he details life and death, chores and challenges and even sketches the important people and places in his life. Through his words we see the history of Texas and the people who built it. Attacked on the trail to a land grant, Andrew is wounded, his wife killed. The Cherokee take him in and heal him, adopting him as a brother. He later marries the tribe's dream interpreter, Say-te-qua and eventually they have a son.
The Cherokee are asked to be scouts for Sam Houston's army in the struggle to free the Texas territory from Mexico. Andrew and his brother-in-law, Red Bird, take up arms and join the battle. Through it all, Andrew finds comfort and guidance in the Bible, and finds a friend in Sam Houston.
Andrew's family grows with the birth of sons and the adoption of others. Their farming community develops into a settlement, complete with schoolhouse, church and blacksmith. Through trade with the forts and local tribespeople they are able to exist. For a while, the people live side by side in guarded harmony. Later, with the threat of Indian War, Andrew and Red Bird help Sam Houston to broker peace among the tribes.
This book is full of real history, from Texas being a Mexican state, through its being independent, to the days of its becoming the 28th state of the US. But more so, it is the history of the Native Americans and the freed slaves, and the settlers of the land. It is the description of the day to day living that makes this book so interesting. The realities of life and the struggles of conflict, an acknowledgement of the reality of how the native peoples were treated by our government, are details which cannot be overlooked.
The author has relayed stories that were passed down in his own family. He has compiled and drawn from research over the past 25 years in order to make this book as historically correct as possible. His illustrations add a colorful flavor to the tales and added glossaries give understanding to the reader. There are countless references to the Bible that add to the depth of the story and demonstrate the impact that it must have had on freed slaves, the native people, and settlers alike.
For anyone wishing to understand better the history of our nation or the state of Texas, I cannot think of a better source that would be as entertaining and personal.
Friday, January 24, 2003
Non-Fiction/Spirituality Review
Spiritual Enlightenment: The Damnedest Thing
by Jed McKenna
ISBN-10: 0971435235
Review by Heather Froeschl
Bookstore shelves are filled with how-to books and numerous volumes telling us what we should think, believe and feel. There are aisles of texts that claim to be the path to enlightenment. If you read them all you might come away with one passage, here and there, that makes an impact on your soul's journey. You may indeed discover fodder for thought and contemplation. You will certainly find a good deal of conflicting information and a whole lot of stuff that just fills the pages between the covers and makes a pretty penny for the publishers. Where do you turn when you want some straight answers, but your neighborhood simply does not have it's own guru upon the highest hill?
"Spiritual Enlightenment, The Damnedest Thing" by Jed McKenna. Why this book? Why this guy? It takes a true master to take a topic that has been studied since humans could communicate and describe it in simplicity. It takes a teacher who is fluent in the language of butterflies to convey the message to the awaiting caterpillars, that it is indeed possible to make the transition through chrysalis and emerge glorious. One simply must let go of being a caterpillar. It is the how of it that complicates things for people.
Jed McKenna introduces the reader to his current life and the atmosphere that surrounds it, in eastern Iowa, where he lives among the students who have sought him out. Here we see the interaction of teacher and student and the wisdom that is relayed. Having been through it all already, Jed knows how to help his students by challenging them to find the answers for themselves, and not simply quoting the masters as law.
The book is not full of fluff and fancy. Jed does not take you by the hand and lead you through your journey. But he does take the mystery out of mysticism. He does show us what enlightenment is, or rather, is not. I have only one other time found an enlightenment book to be so readable and engaging as this. Referring to Walt Whitman, Tao Te Ching and Bhagavad Gita and the teachings of Zen Buddhism, while using examples such as skydiving, Lara Croft, and watching a thunderstorm, Jed attempts to shed light on questions many of us have on our journeys. And he does. He explains why so many have failed to find enlightenment and how this can be avoided. Once you are on the journey though, once you have made the breakthrough, if it is right, you will become obsessed with uncovering the truth.
Each reader may find something just a bit different from the next to connect with and utilize in this book. You may uncover a truth within yourself or you may lose yourself. Which takes you further toward enlightenment? You'll have to read it and see what it does for you.
by Jed McKenna
ISBN-10: 0971435235
Review by Heather Froeschl
Bookstore shelves are filled with how-to books and numerous volumes telling us what we should think, believe and feel. There are aisles of texts that claim to be the path to enlightenment. If you read them all you might come away with one passage, here and there, that makes an impact on your soul's journey. You may indeed discover fodder for thought and contemplation. You will certainly find a good deal of conflicting information and a whole lot of stuff that just fills the pages between the covers and makes a pretty penny for the publishers. Where do you turn when you want some straight answers, but your neighborhood simply does not have it's own guru upon the highest hill?
"Spiritual Enlightenment, The Damnedest Thing" by Jed McKenna. Why this book? Why this guy? It takes a true master to take a topic that has been studied since humans could communicate and describe it in simplicity. It takes a teacher who is fluent in the language of butterflies to convey the message to the awaiting caterpillars, that it is indeed possible to make the transition through chrysalis and emerge glorious. One simply must let go of being a caterpillar. It is the how of it that complicates things for people.
Jed McKenna introduces the reader to his current life and the atmosphere that surrounds it, in eastern Iowa, where he lives among the students who have sought him out. Here we see the interaction of teacher and student and the wisdom that is relayed. Having been through it all already, Jed knows how to help his students by challenging them to find the answers for themselves, and not simply quoting the masters as law.
The book is not full of fluff and fancy. Jed does not take you by the hand and lead you through your journey. But he does take the mystery out of mysticism. He does show us what enlightenment is, or rather, is not. I have only one other time found an enlightenment book to be so readable and engaging as this. Referring to Walt Whitman, Tao Te Ching and Bhagavad Gita and the teachings of Zen Buddhism, while using examples such as skydiving, Lara Croft, and watching a thunderstorm, Jed attempts to shed light on questions many of us have on our journeys. And he does. He explains why so many have failed to find enlightenment and how this can be avoided. Once you are on the journey though, once you have made the breakthrough, if it is right, you will become obsessed with uncovering the truth.
Each reader may find something just a bit different from the next to connect with and utilize in this book. You may uncover a truth within yourself or you may lose yourself. Which takes you further toward enlightenment? You'll have to read it and see what it does for you.
Friday, September 13, 2002
Non-Fiction/Spirituality Review
Beltane: Springtime Rituals, Lore and Celebration
by Raven Grimassi
ISBN-10: 1567182836
Review by Heather Froeschl
May brings thoughts of celebration and embracing the power of nature. Many cultures today continue to hold May Day festivals that include a Maypole. We see it as a symbol of spring, but what does this tradition mean? Where did it originate and what is the purpose? Raven Grimassi explains it all, and so much more in Beltane: Springtime Rituals, Lore & Celebration.
Today's society is one that often shies away from coexisting with nature. Many are not even aware of the glory mid spring, blooming in its entire splendor, because they work in offices all day, or dwell in cities where little is seen of the signs. As a whole, we have gotten off track from our synchronicity with nature, and we can all benefit from trying to remedy this.
May Day celebrations, today, are a way of putting that honor for Mother Nature back into our lives. But it all began in ancient fertility festivals. May Day has a wonderfully rich history and this book explains it all, from the Maypole to the Beltane fire. So who were these festivals for, originally? In honor of many! The Green Man, a symbol of life, fertility and growth, is just one of the many spirits of May that are brought into the light here.
A spring evening bonfire wouldn't be complete without stories of little people, and Raven shares many for you to pass on. Hikes through ever greening forests just wouldn't be the same if we didn't imagine the faeries peeking from behind woodland blooms. The warmer weather turns our thoughts to Mother Nature's helpers, since ancient times. Here you will find many stories and legends that are delightful to read and reflect on. For those with green thumbs, the book includes lists of flowers and their meanings, trees and their associations to faeries and plants associated with goddesses. You will be well learned in the meanings behind your greenery and will be able to plant special gardens that are rich with lore.
What festival or even a quiet celebration would be complete without spells and recipes to try? Attracting love in spring is a tradition we cannot deny. "In the spring, a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love," Tennyson tells us. Why not try it? A serenity spell might be just what is needed to face final exams. Recipes for custard and May wine are just the things to begin your own personal celebration. If you are new to the old rituals, complete instructions are provided to help you honor Mother Nature, either on your own or in a group, even including directions for decorations.
Beltane, or May Day, is celebrated around the world. There are many traditions to choose from. However you celebrate, Raven Grimassi's book can help you understand and enjoy the holiday, and embrace the warmer weather that everyone welcomes.
by Raven Grimassi
ISBN-10: 1567182836
Review by Heather Froeschl
May brings thoughts of celebration and embracing the power of nature. Many cultures today continue to hold May Day festivals that include a Maypole. We see it as a symbol of spring, but what does this tradition mean? Where did it originate and what is the purpose? Raven Grimassi explains it all, and so much more in Beltane: Springtime Rituals, Lore & Celebration.
Today's society is one that often shies away from coexisting with nature. Many are not even aware of the glory mid spring, blooming in its entire splendor, because they work in offices all day, or dwell in cities where little is seen of the signs. As a whole, we have gotten off track from our synchronicity with nature, and we can all benefit from trying to remedy this.
May Day celebrations, today, are a way of putting that honor for Mother Nature back into our lives. But it all began in ancient fertility festivals. May Day has a wonderfully rich history and this book explains it all, from the Maypole to the Beltane fire. So who were these festivals for, originally? In honor of many! The Green Man, a symbol of life, fertility and growth, is just one of the many spirits of May that are brought into the light here.
A spring evening bonfire wouldn't be complete without stories of little people, and Raven shares many for you to pass on. Hikes through ever greening forests just wouldn't be the same if we didn't imagine the faeries peeking from behind woodland blooms. The warmer weather turns our thoughts to Mother Nature's helpers, since ancient times. Here you will find many stories and legends that are delightful to read and reflect on. For those with green thumbs, the book includes lists of flowers and their meanings, trees and their associations to faeries and plants associated with goddesses. You will be well learned in the meanings behind your greenery and will be able to plant special gardens that are rich with lore.
What festival or even a quiet celebration would be complete without spells and recipes to try? Attracting love in spring is a tradition we cannot deny. "In the spring, a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love," Tennyson tells us. Why not try it? A serenity spell might be just what is needed to face final exams. Recipes for custard and May wine are just the things to begin your own personal celebration. If you are new to the old rituals, complete instructions are provided to help you honor Mother Nature, either on your own or in a group, even including directions for decorations.
Beltane, or May Day, is celebrated around the world. There are many traditions to choose from. However you celebrate, Raven Grimassi's book can help you understand and enjoy the holiday, and embrace the warmer weather that everyone welcomes.
Thursday, May 9, 2002
Fiction Review
Beneath A Mountain Moon
by Silver Ravenwolf
ISBN-10: 1567187226
Review by Heather Froeschl
In a classic battle between good and evil, I found "Beneath a Mountain Moon" to be a breath of fresh air in it's encompassing an exciting bit of fiction with a realistic use of positive witchcraft. Typically, fiction that involves the craft tends to run long on the dramatic, feeding on the media hype of green skinned witches and brewing cauldrons. This book, however, shatters the myths of media and while it does involve the spirit of a blue-faced hag, she does not cater to the typical by any means.
Elizabeyta is a modern heroin, who happens to be the destined savior of her covenstead. Blessed with the magickal heritage of her Scotch-Irish family, she returns to Whiskey Springs in search of the one who killed her grandmother. She knows it is not safe for her there, but discovers that she has inherited a dangerous, generations-old, battle between her family and one of dark powers.
With an interesting bit of past life influence, the characters are intertwined and lead a fateful existence as they struggle to discover who they are and how they can help each other. With the help of a local healer, a few family spirits and a deity or two, the reader is brought through many an exciting chapter and turn of events.
Silver Ravenwolf most certainly knows her facts, being the author of 16 other titles on, or about, witchcraft, not to mention being the Clan Head of the Black Forest Family that includes 15 covens in the United States. It is no wonder that this book demonstrates so many aspects of the craft, but is also very professionally written. The drama, horror and depth of feeling throughout the book make it a wonderful work of fiction.
For anyone looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, and positively bone-chilling at times, "Beneath a Mountain Moon" is the book for you.
by Silver Ravenwolf
ISBN-10: 1567187226
Review by Heather Froeschl
In a classic battle between good and evil, I found "Beneath a Mountain Moon" to be a breath of fresh air in it's encompassing an exciting bit of fiction with a realistic use of positive witchcraft. Typically, fiction that involves the craft tends to run long on the dramatic, feeding on the media hype of green skinned witches and brewing cauldrons. This book, however, shatters the myths of media and while it does involve the spirit of a blue-faced hag, she does not cater to the typical by any means.
Elizabeyta is a modern heroin, who happens to be the destined savior of her covenstead. Blessed with the magickal heritage of her Scotch-Irish family, she returns to Whiskey Springs in search of the one who killed her grandmother. She knows it is not safe for her there, but discovers that she has inherited a dangerous, generations-old, battle between her family and one of dark powers.
With an interesting bit of past life influence, the characters are intertwined and lead a fateful existence as they struggle to discover who they are and how they can help each other. With the help of a local healer, a few family spirits and a deity or two, the reader is brought through many an exciting chapter and turn of events.
Silver Ravenwolf most certainly knows her facts, being the author of 16 other titles on, or about, witchcraft, not to mention being the Clan Head of the Black Forest Family that includes 15 covens in the United States. It is no wonder that this book demonstrates so many aspects of the craft, but is also very professionally written. The drama, horror and depth of feeling throughout the book make it a wonderful work of fiction.
For anyone looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, and positively bone-chilling at times, "Beneath a Mountain Moon" is the book for you.
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