A Delightful Little Book on Aging ~ Lone Star Book Blog Tours Notable Quotable & Giveaway!

A DELIGHTFUL LITTLE BOOK ON AGING

by

Stephanie Raffelock

Genre: Inspirational / Spiritual / Essays / Self-Help
Publisher: She Writes Press
Publication Date: April 28, 2020
Number of Pages: 119 pages

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All around us, older women flourish in industry, entertainment, and politics. Do they know something that we don’t, or are we all just trying to figure it out? For so many of us, our hearts and minds still feel that we are twenty-something young women who can take on the world. But in our bodies, the flexibility and strength that were once taken for granted are far from how we remember them. Every day we have to rise above the creaky joints and achy knees to earn the opportunity of moving through the world with a modicum of grace. 

Yet we do rise, because it’s a privilege to grow old, and every single day is a gift. Peter Pan’s mantra was, “Never grow up”; our collective mantra should be, “Never stop growing.” This collection of user-friendly stories, essays, and philosophies invites readers to celebrate whatever age they are with a sense of joy and purpose and with a spirit of gratitude.

PRAISE for A Delightful Little Book on Aging:

“Where are the elders? The wise women, the crones, the guardians of truth here to gently, lovingly, and playfully guide us towards the fulfillment of our collective destiny? It turns out that they are right here, in our midst, and Stephanie Raffelock is showcasing the reclamation of aging as a moment of becoming, no longer a dreaded withering into insignificance. A Delightful Little Book on Aging lays down new and beautiful tracks for the journey into our richest, deepest, and wildest years.” – Kelly Brogan, MD, author of the New York Times bestseller A Mind of Your Own

“A helpful, uplifting work for readers handling the challenges of growing older.” – Kirkus Reviews

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HALL WAYS REVIEW: AUDIO BOOK / PRINT COMBO. Love, love, LOVE this little book that packs a big punch by putting aging into a positive, but realistic and new perspective. Stephanie Raffelock is both an excellent writer and narrator, and her book, A DELIGHTFUL LITTLE BOOK ON AGING, is just that. DE-LIGHT-FUL! I went into reading it with the expectation that many of the messages would be ones I already have heard -- been there, done that, you know, since I am several years past the 50 mark. Two pages into the prologue, I was already giggling and flagging quotes. Raffelock gets it and has plenty of pieces of advice that were new, but also a few already known and just in need of reinforcement.

 

Is this book inspirational? Absolutely. But Raffelock is no Pollyanna.  When she said, "I'd like to kick the whole "positive only" movement in its little ass," I knew I had found one of my tribe. She reminds us that not only is it unrealistic, but it's unnatural to always be positive. To be authentic is to allow some transparency and acknowledge all the feelings: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

“I learned quickly that I had to choose carefully what I invested in because I cannot do it all.”

Raffelock's words and experiences are thought provoking and readers need to let them soak in before moving on to the next section. Hearing her narrate her own stories and share her observations made them even more powerful. She is believable and lovable, and my guess is she is like Velcro in attracting friends. I know I want to sit around and shoot the bull with her.

A DELIGHTFUL LITTLE BOOK ON AGING is best consumed in delicious chunks to be savored and mulled over; the audio is the same. There's too much good information to listen straight through (though I did – you kinda can’t help it). But I will be revisiting both book and audio, a little at a time, for a quick fix when I need it. Raffelock reminds us of the perks that are easily overlooked when we are caught up with the numbers -- and she's good for a giggle.

I HIGHLY recommend A DELIGHTFUL LITTLE BOOK ON AGING for women in their mid-forties and older who are looking for laughs and a fresh outlook on aging.

Stephanie Raffelock is the author of A Delightful Little Book on Aging  (She Writes Press, April 2020). A graduate of Naropa University’s program in Writing and Poetics, she has penned articles for numerous publications, including the Aspen Times, the Rogue Valley Messenger, Nexus Magazine, Omaha Lifestyles, Care2.com, and SixtyandMe.com. Stephanie is part of the positive-aging movement, which encourages viewing age as a beautiful and noble passage, the fruition of years that birth wisdom and deep gratitude for all of life.  She’s a recent transplant to Austin, Texas, where she enjoys life with her husband, Dean, and their Labrador retriever, Jeter (yes, named after the great Yankee shortstop). 

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TWO WINNERS: Signed hardcover copy of A Delightful Little Book on Aging + a set of 50 pocket inspirations
ONE WINNER: A set of 50 pocket inspirations
JULY 7-19, 2020

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7/9/20 Notable Quotable That's What She's Reading 7/9/20 Review StoreyBook Reviews 7/10/20 Review Carpe Diem Chronicles 7/10/20 BONUS Post Hall Ways Blog 7/11/20 Author Video All the Ups and Downs 7/12/20 Guest Post Chapter Break Book Blog 7/13/20 Author Interview Texas Book Lover 7/13/20 Review Forgotten Winds 7/14/20 Review Momma on the Rocks 7/15/20 Podcast The Clueless Gent 7/15/20 Review Kelly Well Read 7/16/20 Review It's Not All Gravy 7/17/20 Guest Post Missus Gonzo 7/17/20 Review Sydney Young, Stories 7/18/20 Review Books and Broomsticks 7/18/20 Review Reading by Moonlight

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Frosty the Soulman

FROSTY THE SOULMAN

By Don Lubov

Self-Published: October 4, 2013

32 color pages

Children's / All Ages / Spirituality

ABOUT THE BOOK: As a picture book, Frosty introduces important concepts to the young reader. His story of life is inspirational in a generic sense that appeals to both secular and religious audiences. In 612 words, Frosty the Soulman experiences love, death, the wonder of creation, the joy of popularity, the pain of abandonment, a cruel death, transcendence, and enlightenment.

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☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃

The book's spine is across the top!

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HALL WAYS REVIEW: If I had to sum-up Frosty the Soulman in one word, it would be "unique." From the unique format (the spine is on top, so you flip the pages up) to the unique concept, there is nothing cookie-cutter about this story. Don't let the book's title fool you -- this is no knock-off story about Christmas magic; rather, it's a metaphor for the cycle of life and death and afterlife.

 “Fortune shines on me. I am truly complete.”

Lubov’s writing style is also unique. The majority of the story is told from Frosty’s point-of-view in a somewhat stream-of-consciousness approach. Readers share as Frosty becomes sentient and grateful, then proud and haughty, then alone and scared and dying. The sentences vary from simple and straightforward to poetic and rhythmic, with a nice play on words to end the story.

Author Don Lubov is also the illustrator, and he credits his wife with painting the sketches. The pops of color really add dimension to the book, and the sketches are quite expressive and complement the text so that Frosty has real personality and human characteristics.

As for the format, I’m not a huge fan of the book being arranged with the spine at the top. That switch from the standard combined with the size of the book will make it cumbersome for little hands to hold it and flip the pages.  However, the text size and font are appropriate, and there is lots of white space, so young readers won’t feel overwhelmed with words. My copy had some ghost-text that showed on many of the pages (and not bleed-through text). Overall, the format detracted and distracted from the story for me, but it didn’t ruin it. Hopefully there will be a reprint at some point.

“This book is dedicated to adults who read to children.”

In keeping with the author’s dedication, I recommend Frosty the Soulman as a read-along for parents and their children. A snowman is brought to life, briefly fêted and quickly abandoned, suffers a painful (and somewhat gruesomely illustrated) death – and then, he lives! Given the emotional extremes that happen in just thirty-two pages, a child needs an adult – but not just any adult -- to comfort and counsel.  And that’s my warning: The themes are heavy and open to a variety of very personal interpretations. Kids are going to ask questions; as such, educators and those who aren’t personally related to a child could get stuck in a tough spot trying to explain the story to a little one.  

For something completely different from the norm, give Frosty the Soulman a try and challenge your children -- and yourself -- to think at a deeper level.

Thank you to the author for providing me a print copy in exchange for my honest review – the only kind I give.

☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃☃

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Don Lubov has written about spirituality and stress relief since 1971. He is the author of 9 books. 10 years successfully teaching his “Six-Step Path” at College of Central Florida Sr. Center, MTP College, and The Lifelong Learning College in The Villages, FL. He has taught his unique brand of meditation to over 2,000 people, who subsequently achieved a level of inner peace. Don has been happily married since 1976. 

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Gratitude: The Art of Being Thankful ~ Lone Star Book Blog Tours Promo, Review, & Giveaway!

GRATITUDE:

THE ART OF BEING THANKFUL

by

Vickie Phelps

Genre: Non-Fiction / Inspirational / Devotional

Publisher: Inspire Books

Date of Publication: July 11, 2017

Number of Pages: 92, 4.5" x 6"

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This ninety-two-page gift book is a compilation of devotions, poems, prayers, and lists of things to be grateful for. The difference between having what you want and having what you need is a principle some people never grasp. In the reading of this book, you may realize you have much more to be grateful for than you were aware of.  Use this little book as a daily devotional or pick it up at random times to remind yourself that you are a blessed individual.

PRAISE FOR GRATITUDE: THE ART

OF BEING THANKFUL:

"This little gem of a book arrived before we left on vacation, so I took it along. It became our shared devotional and 'thought for the day' outlook…and colored our time away with gratitude. This unique discovery is one to treasure." – 5 Star Review, Amazon verified purchase 

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✪✪✪✪✪

HALL WAYS REVIEW: Gratitude: The Art of Being Thankful by Vickie Phelps is a perfect, pocket-sized pick-me-up! Just looking at the beautiful cover is calming and uplifting, and of course, there’s something about tiny things that makes them more precious.

Author Vickie Phelps offers whimsy poetry, pertinent scripture, quotes from Greek and Roman philosophers and French novelists, and shares personal stories to spread the message of being mindful and grateful for what we have. The variety of different sources breaks-up the monotony of the repeated message, but that message is one that needs to be repeated. Phelps, via many voices, reminds us that our real treasures aren’t in material things or bank accounts but in the small, everyday blessings like hearing laughter or being able to see a sunrise.  

“True gratitude comes from the heart.”

In Gratitude: The Art of Being Thankful, the faith message is strong, and the Bible quotes and short prayers give God all the credit He’s due for the blessings that abound – even when life’s tough. The bite-sized messages make it a perfect daily devotional or quick source of inspiration when one’s glass feels more empty than full. A daily dose of the book will help with any needed attitude adjustments.

The lay-out of the book also contributes to the book’s calming influence. There is lots of white space, each page has a border (and sometimes, a small butterfly illustration), and the text is double-spaced. There are several fonts used to signal a shift in gears, and the larger font size makes it easy on the eyes. This reader is thankful (no pun here) that Gratitude: The Art of Being Thankful is cleanly edited so that there are virtually no impediments to enjoying the words on the pages. The book is written in a casual tone, and Phelps writes informally about what she observes. Whether she is reflecting upon the privilege of being American, warts and all, or feeling the wind – or the air conditioning – on your face, readers are encouraged to slow down and appreciate the miracles of life and all that goes on around each of us.

“Now, as I inhaled the warm, rich scent of my morning coffee, I breathed a prayer of thanks for the cup in my hand.”

BONUS POINTS AWARDED: And yes, folks, gratitude for the daily cuppa gets its moment! Okay, maybe the point’s not really about the java as much as taking the small things (well, this one’s HUGE to me) for granted. But still, COFFEE! Tea drinkers don’t despair. Because the book is balanced, there is thanks for the cup of tea, too… and gratitude for the beauty of well-written words and the people who create them… and so much more.

Thank you to Lone Star Book Blog Tours and the author for providing me a gorgeous print copy, and a much-needed tweak to my attitude, in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give.

The book packs a BIG punch despite being only 6" tall!

Vickie Phelps writes to encourage, inspire, and influence. She has published 200 articles, devotionals, and essays in more than fifty magazines and contributed to several anthologies. Vickie is the author of the novels, Postmark From the Past, Moved, Left No Address, Waiting for Joy, and a devotional book, Psalms for the Common Man. Vickie is co-author with Jo Huddleston of the gift book, Simply Christmas, and Writing 101: A Handbook of Tips & Encouragement for Writers. 

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1st Prize: Signed Copy of The Art of Being Thankful + $5 Amazon Gift Card + Simply Christmas & Psalms for the Common Man (non-fiction themed pack)

2nd Prize: Signed Copy of The Art of Being Thankful + $5 Amazon Gift Card + Postmark from the Past & Waiting for Joy (holiday theme pack)

3rd Prize:  Signed Copy of The Art of Being Thankful  

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NOVEMBER 7-16, 2018

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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:

11/7/18	Author Interview	That's What She's Reading
11/8/18	Review	Hall Ways Blog
11/9/18	Review	Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
11/10/18	Excerpt	Kelly Well Read
11/10/18	BONUS Review	Maida Malby
11/11/18	BONUS Review	The Clueless Gent
11/12/18	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog
11/13/18	Guest Post	Max Knight
11/13/18	BONUS Review	Rainy Days with Amanda
11/14/18	Notable Quotable	Sybrina's Book Blog
11/15/18	Review	Forgotten Winds
11/16/18	Review	StoreyBook Reviews

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