The Secret

“In silence, Love found them.”

Those of you, parents and grandparents, may remember being enchanted as youngsters by Disney’s animated “Cinderella” – all right, boys maybe not so much. The story is familiar. Downtrodden maiden meets charming prince, he falls for her, she flees the scene as the clock strikes 12. He sets out to find her.

Heard it all before? Probably not as told by Cynthia Rylant, and probably not with the exquisite renderings of artist Mary Blair, who created the vision for Walt Disney’s Cinderella.

Even the cover suggests something a little different is afoot. A tiny dot of an eye and puff of blush on a maiden’s face suggest a hurried, harried state as curtains billow in her wake.

Rylant is a gifted and prolific storyteller, whose words are crafted with economy and intelligence. Come see for yourself.

Click here to discover more about the author and Cinderella

My mom went to the neurologist today. He confirmed she has mild to moderate dementia, something our family doctor suspected after a round of tests in early July.In “The Secret to Health,” Byrne says when we listen to people talk about their illness, we are “asking for it” and will only draw illness to ourselves. We’re to change the conversation to “good things.”I wonder what my mom would think if I changed the subject on her. I think I (more…)

While I was heading to work this morning, something very odd showed up on my face – a big grin.I was surprised to find it because it’s been a trying week to say the least. But I realized there was a reason for my lightened mood. It was the song I had on in the car, The Beatles’ “Getting Better” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.“I’ve got to admit it’s getting better, a little better all the time.”Listening to Paul McCartney repeat that line in the refrain filled me with optimism. I started singing along in my car. I got weird looks at a red light. I absolutely didn’t care, (more…)

While clearing out some flowerbeds over the weekend, I came across something I never realized grew in the suburbs: poison ivy.Having spent my whole life in a rural area, I thought poison ivy only showed up in the woods. Who knew it could crash through the city limits? Apparently, I’m pretty naive.(I was working at the house I’m going to move into (more…)

 The book doesn’t explain how to deal with this.I’m taking care of my family’s golden retriever, Marmie (who, interestingly enough, is Beckham’s sister), while my parents are out of town this week.Marmie’s been acting mopey and lethargic, but I thought it was doggie depression. She usually spends all day, every day, with my mom.Yes, I thought it was weird a 2-year-old dog didn’t feel like playing fetch Sunday, but she (more…)

 I am so happy and grateful now that Marmie the pooch is home and safe.I am so happy and grateful now that Mom and Dad are home from vacation and can commence wiping Marmie’s drippy wound.The vet still isn’t sure what caused the horrible bleeding from Tuesday night, but he knew Marmie had an some kind of infection.She stayed at the vet until Thursday afternoon and came home with a good portion of her fur shaved off. Oh, (more…)