LifeRhyme Notes
Summer 2003
By Rev. Rochelle Melander, Coach
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IN THIS ISSUE...
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1. Of Nudgers
2. The big summer reading list.
3. In the News: Summer groups starting now.
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OF NUDGERS
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I've been thinking about how God works in our lives. When my daughter was
learning to walk, I would sometimes provide tiny "nudges" to keep her from
harm. I never changed her direction. I let her go where she wanted to (for
the most part). I did do some gentle "adjusting" -- away from ledges and
sharp edges. As I look back on my life, I see that there have been people
present, nudging me toward my passions.
One of my favorite professors, Dr.
Timothy Lull, died on May 20th at the age of sixty. He was a gifted
professor. As I thought about the many ways he and his family brought grace
into my life, two experiences stand out.
The first was Tim's encouragement that
I write. It's rare to find someone who encourages you to do what you are
good at instead of what they are passionate about. Tim Lull was one of those
rare people. For my final paper in his Theology class, I wrote a short
story. He encouraged me to get it published. It was one of the the first
times someone had given credance to my passion -- writing.
The second experience was the way Tim
talked about books. Lull insisted that we read outside of our profession. He
believed that reading mysteries taught pastors how to think critically. He
believed that literature taught us about the character of individuals. While
I was a graduate student, he recommended many authors that have become
favorite friends, among them Barbara Pym and W.H. Auden. Largely because of
Tim's encouragement, I began a personal reading program that has grown and
flourished.
And that brings me to the meat of this
issue....the summer reading list. Thanks to the nudgings of Tim Lull, I have
discovered that some of the best "nudgers" in life are the books we
encounter. In times when God seems absent and life is unbearably lonely,
books have been my spiritual companions. Books keep me up late into the
night. Books give comfort in the wee hours when sleep becomes a stranger.
They teach me about people I have never met and ideas I have not yet
considered. Books take me to places I may never visit and times in history
that I cannot visit. Their stories create new landscapes in my imagination.
As my summer gift to you, I offer a few of the books that have moved and encouraged me in the last year. Enjoy. And, please, pass the list onto other book people!
SUMMER READING LIST
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Fiction
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Revenge of The Middle-Aged Woman by Elizabeth Buchan
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Reminiscant of Elizabeth Berg's Open House, Buchan's book tackles the
popular theme of a woman whose husband leaves her for a younger woman. Like
Open House, this book is filled with hope and possibility. Buchan is able to
let the book take unpredictable turns -- which is surprising in a story with
such a common theme!
The Monk Downstairs by Tim Farrington
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What happens when a man leaves a monastery, after 20 years as a monk, and
moves into the basement apartment of a single mother? This is a delicious
treat of a novel that delves into both romantic and spiritual themes.
Happiness by Will Ferguson
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When a writer creates a self-help book that cures everyone, the world's
economy is turned upside down and inside out. If you love to hate self-help
books, this read will be a hilarious ride!
Evenings at Five by Gail Godwin
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This autobiographical novella chronicles the long-term relationship of a
novelist and her life-partner, a composer. As the novella begins, the
composer has died and the novelist must face their cocktail hour alone. It's
a poignant story from one of the best novelists writing today.
The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse by Bruce
Hale
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This is the first in a series of books for middle grade readers. It's a
hard-boiled detective series featuring 4th grade detective Chet Gecko (and
he really is a gecko). It's appropriately gross and funny and smart enough
to keep a grown-up reading. It would be good to read to your kids and
kid-friends!
The Miracle by John L'Heureux
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One priest questions his calling while another is dying from ALS. As these
two seek to help each other, a miracle haoppens in their parish. It's a
riveting, well-written tale of God acting in the lives of ordinary people.
Grace by Elizabeth Nunez
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This literary novel is about a small family -- a couple and their child --
who are poking around the issues of commitment and passion. Nunez's
characters are deep and rich. This is a love story that has much to teach
about being family and staying true despite the whims and whispers of other
longings.
I Don't Know How She Does It by Alison
Pearson
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It took me a while to get into this book -- but once I did, I was hooked.
I'd call it a Bridget Jones Diary for the married-
working-pulling-her-hair-out-harried-mother. This book has "beach" written
all over it!
Crampton Hodnet by Barbara Pym
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I love everything by Barbara Pym. She has a keen eye for character and a
flawless British wit. If you decide to pick up this or another of her
novels, you need to know that almost nothing happens and no one will ever
change. Once you accept that, you can settle down for a delightful read.
Duplicate Keys by Jane Smiley
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Lock your doors and settle in for this eerie mystery, where the practice of
sharing keys has murderous results. This is a book that will send chills
down your spine and have you calling your locksmith when you finish reading!
Non-fiction
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Proverbs of Ashes by Brock and Parker
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Two feminist theologians tell their own stories of violence and family
secrets as a way of comprehending -- and revising -- the Christian doctrine
of atonement. This riveting memoir reads like a novel.
Looking For Mary: Or, the Blessed
Mother and Me by Beverly Donofrio
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The author of Riding in Cars with Boys is an unbeliever who seeks help from
the mother of Jesus. The memoir chronicles her study of Mary, first as a
skeptical writer and then as a believer. Travel with Donofrio to Medjugorje
and Mexico.
Practicing Resurrection by Nora
Gallagher
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In this memoir, Nora Gallagher loses her brother to cancer, struggles with
her faltering marriage, and considers her call to ordained ministry. It's an
insightful journey that Gallagher allows the reader to take with her.
Food and Loathing by Betsey Lerner
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For women who struggle with eating too much and loving their bodies, this
book by agent and editor Betsey Lerner is filled with valuable stories. If
your struggle is with bulimia or another eating disorder, there is no better
book than My Name is Caroline by Caroline Adams Miller. Published in the
late eighties, this book tells the riveting tale of one woman's triumph over
an eating disorder.
Into the Night
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It always happens. I often finish a book at 8 PM -- leaving me with the
unhappy task of getting to know a new cast of characters at bedtime. Because
of this frequent dilemma, I always keep a stack of series mysteries handy. I
know the detectives -- only the mystery is new. Here are a few writers I
recommend.
Irene Allen writes about the
60-something clerk
of a Quaker meeting who solves mysteries in her
free time. These are quiet, cozy mysteries.
Deborah Crombie writes about Scotland
Yard
detectives Dincan Kincaid and Gemma James in these
police procedurals. Amanda Cross, who is really writer
and professor
Carolyn Heilbrun, writes academic
mysteries featuring
English professor Kate Fansler.
Elizabeth George writes about British
detective
David Lynley and his cohorts in these literary police
procedurals.
Lee Harris writes about a
nun-turned-housewife Christine
Bennett, who teaches English and digs into old murder cases.
P.D. James has two series and a few
stand alone novels.
Choose the one that suits you best! These are literary gems.
Stephen White writes about a
psychologist who just
happens to fall into detecting murders in Boulder.
IN THE NEWS!
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I am offering three classes by telephone this summer. All you need to
participate is e-mail access and a telephone!
The "GET THE CRAP OUT OF YOUR HOUSE" group Are you sick to death of moving,
dusting, managing, and stepping over stuff? Do you long to get organized and
create a system to stay that way? Do you need a kick in the butt to do it?
Sign up to:
* Consider what you want your life's
space to look like.
* Clean out the crap.
* Discover how to profit from the process!
I am offering this three session class at an unbelievably low price of $75.00. Groups are starting in the second week of July and August. If you are interested, send an e-mail to me at organize@liferhymecoaching.com E-mail now -- space is limited!
"PUBLISH YOURSELF, MAKE MONEY" Are you
a business person with ideas that could make you rich? Are you seeking a way
to help your clients? Do you have the key to life in a book, but can't find
a publisher? This two-session class will provide
--ideas for self-publishing your material.
--resources for doing this easily and economically.
--a system for organizing your ideas into a saleable product.
--tips for the writing process.
--tips for naming, marketing, and selling your product.
Every participant will get an additional half-hour private coaching session
with the coach.
What's stopping you from publishing your ideas?
Cost $100 for two group sessions and a 30-minute private coaching session.
Class will be offered in July and August.
Space is limited to 12 participants so act now! Send an e-mail to
publish@liferhymecoaching.com
THE WOMEN'S RETREAT: *
Our Spiritual Journey This is for women who long for spiritual content in
their life but who do not belong to a church or are a part of a church that
does not offer retreats. It's a three session retreat by telephone.
The class is only $75.00. Sign up with a buddy and listen to your life. Send
an e-mail to journey@liferhymecoaching.com
GOT A BOOK IDEA??
WANT TO USE YOUR IDEAS TO SELL YOU?
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I also offer writing coaching! As an experienced author and editor, I can
support you in putting your thoughts on paper ...AND GETTING THEM PUBLISHED!
Visit my web site: http://www.writingcoaching.com Or contact me for details:
rochelle@liferhymecoaching.com
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LIFERHYME NOTES 2003 is a free monthly e-mail newsletter designed to consider how we can integrate spirituality into our daily lives. It is written and produced by Rochelle Melander, personal and professional coach. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to: rochelle@liferhymecoaching.com. I would love to hear from you.
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COPYRIGHT 2003, ROCHELLE MELANDER, ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED. If you need to send me anything via snail mail, call or
e-mail to get the new address. Our e-mail address HAS CHANGED, so use the
one below.
New phone number: 414-963-1222
E-mail address:
rochelle@liferhymecoaching.com
COPYRIGHT 2003, ROCHELLE MELANDER, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.