Books for Creatives

My friend Tonja is a teacher of the Celtic tradition of herbalism and connection to nature and ancestors. She’s put some of her magic into Wild Irish Roots: A Seasonal Guidebook of Herbs, Ritual and Connection. This guides us through the seasons with intention, ritual and tradition. It’s a wonderful resource that’s easy to tap […]

The New Paris by Lindsay Tramauta When people think of Paris, they may have a romantic, sepia-toned version in their minds, picturing cafes and museums old, venerable architecture. I’ve been going to Paris annually since 2000, and I can attest that it’s not a place dedicated wholeheartedly to the past. Paris is a vibrant, contemporary […]

A Glorious Freedom by Lisa Congdon I must admit, so far I have only read the first essay in this book. It’s by Caroline Paul and it’s about how at age 50, she taught herself how to surf. When reading this chapter, I was about to embark on SCUBA lessons. I was a little nervous. […]

The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker I loved this book. It almost changed my life when I finished it and thought, I want to facilitate these kinds of experiences Priya describes. Then I realized I don’t need to change my career to host more illuminating and connective events. This book will spark hope for […]

It’s Not Your Money by Tosha Silver I’ve been reading Tosha’s books for a couple of years now. Her basic premise is that if we turn ourselves and our actions over to the Divine, Love, God, whatever you call it, life will lead you to unexpected but wonderful places. She leads an online community and […]

A Beautiful Morning by Ashley Ellington Brown Morning routines are popular these days, and advice on the sometimes daunting routines we should be doing just make some of us want to burrow deeper into the comfort zone of our bed. Ashley pulls together interviews with a range of women to show a variety of ways […]

Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein and Julie Chai Sometimes there’s a hobby lurking in you that you didn’t even know was there. Last year, shopping for mother’s day on the Chronicle Books web site, I found this book. I knew right away I needed to own it. When it came, I breathlessly […]

It’s Not You: 27 (Wrong) Reasons You’re Single by Sara Eckel I was single for seven long, painful years before I met Steve. And I did all the things one suggests a single person do to connect. Let me tell you, it was frustrating and even depressing. Finally I found this book that helped frame […]

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb I just loved this book about a therapist, her patients, and her own mental health journey. It almost makes me want to change careers and become a therapist! Reading stories about the struggles her clients face allowed me to see my own challenges in new ways.