Currently Reading

Dreaming in French: The Paris Years of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, Susan Sontag, and Angela Davis by Alice Kaplan.  “A year in Paris . . . since World War II, countless American students have been lured by that vision—and been transformed by their sojourn in the City of Light. Dreaming in French tells three stories of that experience, and how it changed the lives of three extraordinary American women.”

The Blessing Of A Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children by Wendy Mogel.  “In the trenches of a typical day, every parent encounters a child afflicted with ingratitude and entitlement. In a world where material abundance abounds, parents want so badly to raise self-disciplined, appreciative, and resourceful children who are not spoiled by the plentitude around them.  Dr. Mogel helps parents learn how to turn their children’s worst traits into their greatest attributes.  The Blessing of a Skinned Knee shows parents how to teach children to honor their parents and to respect others, escape the danger of overvaluing children’s need for self-expression so that their kids don’t become “little attorneys,” accept that their children are both ordinary and unique, and treasure the power and holiness of the present moment.

Inner Excavation: Exploring Your Self Through Photography, Poetry and Mixed Media by Liz Lamoreux.  “There are clues all around you – sounds, textures, memories, passions – just waiting for you to shine a light on them, and unearth the most intimate form of expression – the self-portrait. Inside Inner Excavation, author Liz Lamoreux will be your guide, along with eleven inspiring artists, as you discover more about who you are, how you got here and where you wish to go. Prompts and exercises will show you how to express who you are through the photos you take, the words you write and the art you create.”

Elevate the Everyday: A Photographic Guide to Picturing Motherhood by Tracey Clark.  “Focusing on the beauty of ordinary moments, Tracey offers inspirational ideas that will jumpstart your photographic energies and enable you to see your children and yourself in a new way through the lens of your camera. Each day of a mother’s life is full of photographic potential, and Elevate the Everyday gives you the tools to take moments and situations that might be easily overlooked and turn them into memorable and lasting photographs. With a host of creative ideas, technical tips, poignant stories of motherhood, and inspirational images that go far beyond traditional posed shots, Tracey shows you how to unlock your creativity and document your everyday life.”