Lady Reads: Journey through Womanhood

"This book celebrates our multilayered lives. Imagine a family or a group of women all the roles represented in this pages relaxing around a kitchen table. What an enriching scene for all concerned. The energy and innocence of one generation interacting with the maturity and wisdom of the others, feeding each other, nourishing each other, the women interrelating to create a richer, better whole. And then envision all the roles represented here being naturally internalized within each person present. This is not a vision of an ideal world. The experience is here and now. All we have to do is look for it, recognize it, and work toward it." ~ Tian Dayton, Ph. D.

This is what I want for all women. To stop the caddy, back handed judgement that can go on between us, and sit across from each other, differences and all and
DISCUSS. SHARE. SUPPORT.

We all have our own experience, baggage, outlooks, etc. Why not LISTEN to each other and RESPECT each other. We can't experience everything in one lifetime. So, why not share with each other with open ears and open hearts and live through each other; with each other? Wouldn't that be a nicer world to live in ?

This book breaks down every role we meet as women into prominent archetypes: The Virgin, the Huntress, the Warrior, the Lover, the Wife, the Mother, the Martyr, and the Wise Woman. Then, the book gives a meditation/affirmation to work with. Each allow you to face, greet, and be at peace in the encounter. In the same way that this generation posed, "Am I a Carrie/Miranda/Charlotte/Samantha?" Thanks to "Sex and the City" women were able to feel validated their thoughts and emotions because they were able to relate to those characters at different points/situations in their lives. These archetypes in this book go further with that and it is fascinating! You will find inspirational and challenging messages no matter the path you are currently on. This book is KEY for every female and Her LadyMess says to put it on your Must-Reads this year :) xoxo

Lady Tools: Morning Pages

Julia Cameron is one of the most inspiration and artistic women of our time. I have completed her 12 week course in spiritual creativity twice. The book is called "Artist's Way" and I have given it to countless friends and even advised it to some crazy lady who would not leave me alone in the dog park. (I thought I would give her something positive and constructive to do with all that crazy... kind of like on Sex and The City when Jennifer Coolidge turns her divorce crazies into purses!)

The tool I want to point out from her books are the Morning Pages. I do them every morning currently because I am into another book of hers : Vein of Gold
I have already discussed the importance of journaling to Her LadyMess readers. But, there is something about waking up and having to write three pages right away.

Before you wash your face, or pour your coffee, or turn on the news even. It's a form of meditation in the way that you get everything out of your head and onto the page. It only takes about thirty minutes and I am here to say it will change the course of your whole day. It doesn't have to be anything deep. It can be : My stomach hurts over and over and over... eventually though, you will have a breakthrough and something beautiful will come from your pages. I find them grounding and inspiring. Inevitably, I always end with the knowledge that I am grateful to be here, and beginning your day with gratitude is the way to go :)

Thanks, Julia :)

xoxo
Her LadyMess

Lady Reads: ATTENTION RECESSION BOOK BUYERS

Borders is going out of business and having Amaze-ball sales on everything from books, dvd's, cd's, box sets... aka- GET ON IT! Stock up for Christmas, birthdays, special occasions. No shame in a deal people! GAME ON!
xoxo
Her LadyMess

Lady Reads: The Glass Castle

For me, life it too short to read books that are average. I will only read recommendations from trusted advisors!

This is an intoxicating memoir. You will never believe that this is a real story from a daughter's perspective about how her parents raised her and her siblings up in the lifestyle of homeless people. It's inspiring, heart wrenching, and so lyrical it will take your breath away. If you do nothing else today, buy this book on amazon.com or at your local used book store! If you have a kindle, forget about it ... :)

The Help

"The Help" is a must read before the movie comes out. I have not talked to one person who has not loved, loved, LOVED this book. Go out and buy it right now! Or better yet, go on Amazon.com and buy yourself a used copy. I am a HUGE supporter of used books! Kindles make me sad. I LOVE the experience of a book. And YOU will love THIS book:

Lady Reads

Lady Reads :
  I am a strong advocate for great reads! I feel that books have shaped me as a human being and propelled me forward into grander thinking. I plan on sharing my "must reads" over time in this blog.
But today, I will share the my top three favorite fiction reads. If you are looking for a book to devour mindlessly while you travel, by the pool, or just with a glass of jesus juice in the park, then get into these little beauties :
  1) Summer Sisters , Judy Blume
       This has to be one of the best all time ficiton novels. It is the only book that I have read three times over. Life's too short to read the smae book twice... and yet, this book is MAGIC everytime. Total teen fiction. Get into it!
  2) The Pact, Jodi Picoult
       On the back of the book you read a basic summary that says roughly : A gun shot sounds. The teenage girl is dead in her boyfriend's arms. The rest of the novel goes back and forth between the past and present and you see the entire tale unfold before your eyes.. Did he kill her or not? Guess ya just have to read it. You will not be able to put it down.
  3) Hunger Games Trilogy
       I didn't think I would get into this tomboy teenage fiction, but I admit it, I got SUCKED in. Books 1 and 2 were brilliant! And from what I have heard, the 3rd one is okay to skip :)