Reader’s Corner – My Friends
Fredrik Backman is best known for A Man Called Ove, but you won’t be disappointed if you pick up My Friends. I’d recommend this book to anyone who had close friends in childhood — the kind of friendships that shaped a whole era of your life. That said, don’t be fooled into thinking this novel […]
Travel Corner – A Timeless Maine Village Worth Revisiting
Every summer, we celebrate our anniversary with a little excursion. This year we celebrated our 52nd anniversary with a return trip to Castine, Maine on Penobscot Bay, located on the midcoast, 138 miles north of Portland and 51 miles south of Bar Harbor. Castine is a beautiful historic village with breathtaking views and an incredible […]
Creating Your Whole Being Community
What creates a whole-being community, a place where people come together to enjoy the good life? Our well-being is shaped by many different factors and the ancient Greeks understood this well. Their gymnasiums were much more than places to exercise. They included lecture halls for learning, quiet spaces for reflection and meditation, and gathering areas […]
Reader’s Corner – Keeper of Lost Children
Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson is one of those books I did not want to put down. It is the poignant story of three characters whose lives are shaped by the aftermath of World War II, and it grew from Johnson’s extensive research for a previous book. Mabel T. Grammer, a journalist and […]
Sleep Well, Live Well
My phone gently reminds me each night at 9:30pm that it is time to wind down. By 10:00pm, I am usually fast asleep. A good night’s rest has always mattered to me, and over time, I have built a routine that supports it. My room is dark and cool, my bed is comfortable, and I […]
Reader’s Corner – Isola
From Allegra Goodman, an acclaimed writer of historical fiction, comes Isola, a stunning medieval thriller based on a true story of a young 16th century French noblewoman, who survived after being cast off on an uninhabited island off the coast of North America and lived to tell her story. After the untimely deaths of her […]
Reader’s Corner – Theo of Golden
There is a particular kind of novel that does not announce itself with drama or spectacle, but instead arrives softly, like a stranger in a green flat cap sitting beside a fountain. Allen Levi’s debut novel, Theo of Golden, feels like a loving hug. It is the story of a mysterious eighty-three-year-old man who arrives […]
Reader’s Corner – The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club
The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly is a historical novel inspired by true events in the lives of the author’s family members during World War II. The novel’s storyline oscillates between 1942 and 2016. Key characters during the wartime period are the Smith sisters, Cadence and Briar. In 2016, Mari Starwood, […]
The Vacation Mindset: Finding Adventure in the Everyday
Boarding the plane, I was excited for the adventure ahead. For months, I had been planning this getaway with great anticipation. Time with friends, visits to several towns and memorable excursions were all on the agenda. It felt like exactly what I needed: a break from my daily routine and an opportunity to explore new […]
Art and Dance Bring Joy to the GirlFriends
In April, the GirlFriends once again showcased their beautiful artwork. The art interest group, is led by Carol Ann Levi and meets weekly during season. It’s always such a treat to see their creations. Jeanne Basso, the founder of Grandezza GirlFriends in 2011, shared the history of how it came to fruition, including our butterfly […]