Book #4 - Izzy & Lenore

I was so excited to read Jon Katz's Izzy & Lenore, Two Dogs, an Unexpected Journey, and Me.

This book chronicles Katz's early adventures with Izzy the abandoned border collie and Lenore the silky, squirmy, loving, Lab puppy. Katz and Izzy tackle hospice volunteerism. Katz and Lenore tackle Katz's personal journey through what he sometimes calls the "territory of fear" - his sudden and nearly devastating depression.

A hero's journey on all accounts.

Granted, it was a little difficult to read about depressed and terminally ill individuals given what I've been through recently. However, the insights Katz offers and the poignant manner in which he offers them, ultimately left me feeling full of love and hope.

It's a quick read (only about 150 pages). As a bonus, the book contains a few of Jon's amazing photography.

A lovely, lovely book. . .and I'm not just saying that because I have a huge cyber-crush on Katz's blog: http://www.bedlamfarm.com/

New Common Ground

Dear friend R gifted me with a lovely little journal. Does she know me well or what? I'm always looking for ways to get pen to paper. Often it's a disorganized mess. I did well for a while but it was a large sketch pad and it proved burdensome in terms of portabilitiy.

But thank's to R, I have this lovely, convenient little journal. And also thanks to her, she presented it to me with a nonchalance and casualness that allowed me to feel no pressure to fill this little gem with profound thoughts. Gawd, friends are amazing.

I have decided this little book will see good, bad, mundane, and exciting. . .Much like this blog, If we need caraway seeds, if I need to remind myself to floss, it's in the journal.

One of the beautiful things about this portable little number is I can sneak in little quotes, quips, and thoughts. . .Here's the first:

"Sometimes you just have to close your eyes and jump. You have to disregard the limitations, expectations, and judgments of other people." - John Katz

Whoooo dooooogggggyyy! Is this time my sometime?

For more Katz, check out Bedlamfarm.com - the farm journal

Another Take on the "Voice" of Animals

For a more realistic take on domestic animals, especially dogs check out Jon Katz. Jon is a well-respected author of all things dog. He has a great new book out which focuses on the debate about whether animals have souls. He is also a wonderful photographer. His blog is insightful, energetic, and often inspiring. Check out the "Farm Journal" icon to get started. . .

http://www.bedlamfarm.com/

d's Fav Sleepless Internet Haunts. . .

Or even when I'm not so sleepless. . .In no particular order. . .Here's what I'm checking out tonight. . .

1. Jon Katz - Bedlam Farm Journal - He's known for his writing. Get to know his photos. The farm journal also gives you a glimpse into his heart. Katz inspires with enough regularity it's worth hitting the subscribe button. http://www.bedlamfarm.com/

2. Jen Lancaster - Jennsylvania - She's hilariously honest and mildy unkind towards herself and others. She's shown us behind her proper pearls is a riotous intelligent shrew and behind that is a genuine sweetheart. Big hugs and love to Jen Lancaster.
http://www.jennsylvania.com/

3. Danny Evans at Dad Gone Mad - He's hilarious, refers to his wife as "Hot Wife" clearly adores his children. He also bravely chronicles his bout with depression in a newly released book that is getting rave reviews http://www.dadgonemad.com/

4. Sonnie at Sunshine Recycles. She offers all the creative encouragement of your Mom. She offers more zen and centering than your yoga instructor. She offers all the wicked sense of humor of your best friend. She offers awesome environmentally sound advice and products. http://www.sunshinerecycles.com/

5. Anonymous Lawyer - we all know he's a fictional hiring partner at a major law firm. . .We all love him anyway. Jeremy Blachman continues to make my career path a continual (and far more interesting) adventure! http://www.anonymouslawyer.com/