Audrey ...

P just received Just Being Audrey for her birthday last week (she's six now and can't wait to lose teeth!) and it couldn't have come at a better time. This year, in her 1st grade class, 50% of the required reading must be non-fiction. So of course I thought what could be better than starting out with some Audrey? It was a great little story for P to understand and the discussion we had about Audrey's style was priceless.

Thanks Auntie Annette!

Now ...

"It is not uncommon for people to spend their whole life waiting to start living."

Right now I'm reading a book called The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. To some of you this might be old news since it was first published in 2004, and was one of Oprah's book club picks. The crazy thing is I've owned this book for six years and just recently felt compelled to pick it up off of our bookcase and start reading it like a mad woman. It's funny how things work because I'm not so sure I would've gotten as much out of it six years ago as I am now. 

I'm about half-way through the book, but I had to share what I've read because it has been such an amazing read. I've re-read so many sections because of many "aha!" moments (so Oprah). The gist of the book so far focuses on how we all have the ability to experience "Being" (deep states of love, joy, and peace). And how time, other than this very moment, is an illusion. Tolle also describes our conflict with the past (identifying ourselves with past experiences, guilt, regret, etc.) and future (stress, worry, wanting what we don't have, etc.). Other than this precise moment, neither past nor future exists. Isn't that fascinating to think about? It truly is an uplifting read and one that I see myself referencing for some time.

Some of you might think reaching enlightenment or a state of "Being" might be an overwhelming, or even unattainable goal. It's not, but it is a practice. Just like doctors are always practicing medicine. We are always practicing life. Aren't we?

Again, I'm only half-way through this book so I'll be back with a wrap up post once I finish. Can't wait.

Photo: Autumn De Wilde

Parenting Books ...

So I never set out to read any parent books. They just sort of happened. Prior to going on our trip to Paris last month I had been hearing about the book about French parenting through an expat mom's eyes called Bringing Up Bébé. If there's one thing I noticed in my short jaunt to Paris, it was indeed the chemistry between the women and their children. I found it interesting how cooperative and behaved the kids were that I'd see around town. So naturally, I had to start reading this book when I returned home.

Then there's the book that my friend Alexis blogged about that really struck a chord with me called Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids. I like to think that Eric and I go the way of simplicity when it comes to our kids, but there's always something to learn so I was super anxious to read this one too! It reminded me of the documentary Eric and I saw called Born Rich about children of the "insanely rich," directed by Johnson & Johnson heir, Jamie Johnson. It showcased the exact opposite of simplicity. It was fascinating (and a little bit sad) to watch these kids who literally have everything at their fingertips still struggle with feeling lost in life. There were definitely lessons to be learned from this film for every type of family.

So tell me, has anyone read either of these books? Seen the documentary? What did you take away? Oh and fyi, Alexis is hosting a virtual discussion of Simplicity Parenting on her blog May 7th if you'd like to join in. I'm sure the discussion will be great. You know what they say ... it takes a (virtual) village.

P.S. I did a Mother's Day gift round-up over at The Post Social. Check it out!

Weekend Score ...

So over the weekend I stopped by a few estate/yard/garage sales. Usually I go out with the idea that I'll score a vintage Birkin that's been hiding away in someone's garage for fifty years, or an excellent mid-century piece that the owner has no interest in whatsoever. However, sometimes the treasures we find are the least we expect. Enter Ed Emberley's Little Drawing Book of the Farm. I was drawn (no pun intended) to this little gem by its vintage looking cover and graphics. Sure enough, this little book was printed in 1973 and was in excellent condition!

I love the clear and concise intructions. The woman I purchased this book from was a former kids art teacher and she said she used this method of teaching all the time. Even for adults. My 5 y/0 took to it right away and sat drawing from it for a good hour. She loves it.

How wonderfully, bright and happy are these colors together? After some research it turns out this little book is now out of print, but you can still purchase used copies here. The prices start at $11, which makes it even crazier that I purchased it for .25 cents. Yes, .25 cents! Best .25 cents I ever spent.

It's About The Experience ...

This is exactly what it looked like when I walked into Assouline Publishing's new shop in South Coast Plaza yesterday. The boutique atmosphere harkened back to the bookstore days of yore. The kind I remember visiting as a kid that you just don't see anymore. Allow me to digress for a moment ... I heard author Jonathan Franzen say something on Oprah about there being so much noise in today's culture. He continued to say something along the lines of "if you can cancel out about 99% of it, you can start to see things one at a time." That's exactly how I felt walking into the Assouline boutique compared to say, walking into a giant chain bookstore. Don't get me wrong, I do partake in the convenience of the bigger chains, but it's the "experience" of spaces like this one, with walls lined in such pronounced style and design, that I put a greater value on.

This particular Assouline shop is one of four in the world. So do yourself a favor if you're in the area and pay a visit to Teri, the manager, who was gracious enough to let me peruse the latest release from Cecil Beaton and shared some Slim Aarons prints that had just arrived from The Met. It made my morning. That and the $20k Goyard for Assouline trunk that greeted me as I walked in. Luxury at its best!

Floating Book Ends ...

Love the bookend look of these free floating shelves. The lower compartment is to accommodate oversized art books (finally!) and the frame of course functions as bookends.

Photo: Here

T-Shirt Coffee Table Book ...

We all like t-shirts and music in one form or another. So I think we'll all like this coffee table book "Ripped: T-shirts from the Underground" in one way or another. The book is by vintage fashion collector Cesar Padilla and exhibits great t-shirts from The Ramones and Talking Heads to Madonna. Also included are contributions from Betsey Johnson and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth ... all selling points for me! Besides, I like a little post-punk and indie culture history to compliment my pink peonies on the coffee table:)