March 2022 Reading List

The byline is very enticing – “Four strangers and a secret that will change their lives forever”. This gave me the expectation that you would slowly unwrap that secret as the book progressed, but no, it’s pretty much declared from the start – a guy was a sperm donor who fathered four children. He is dying and we get to know about him and his children who have led very different lives. They all eventually meet one another only to find out their similarities.

I would have liked the story to delve a bit further into the relationships between the siblings, but it comes to a sudden end. It left me wanting more.

My sewing space isn’t perfect and I’m always on the lookout for new ideas. So when I came across this book at the library and had a flick through I thought it was worth taking a look at. Even though I classify myself as a dressmaker rather than a quilter, it had plenty of valuable information.

The book covers ergonomics, fabric storage, works in progress storage and room layouts. Called a Quilter’s triangle Lois explains why the sewing machine, iron and cutting table are commonly used so should be placed in a triangle, much like what is recommended in kitchens. Lois goes on to break it down even further by having a U shaped set up so when at your sewing machine you have a secondary pressing station on your left side and a secondary cutting station on the right. Preventing the need to have to get up and down during a sewing session.

The last section of the book details the transformation of seven quilting rooms that the author has designed. There are before and after room layouts as well as a description of what the client/s needed. These are quite varied on space sizes and needs, but are all truly inspirational.

The Wild Silence follows Raynor Winn’s first book The Salt Path, which I read in March 2021. It has quite a different feel to The Salt Path, and it took me a while to get into it. There is a lot of reflection on where her life is now and it’s impact from her earlier life.

It’s one I will have to read again now that I know the rhythm of her writing style.

If you want to read Raynor’s work I highly recommend The Salt Path. It has some wonderful imagery that details how a couple survives after losing their home and choosing to walk the South West Coast Path in the UK.

Another Wayne Dyer book. Published in 1995 it discusses being on a “Sacred Quest”, aka a journey to discover our sacred self where we will find love and inner bliss.

When we have a sense of peace we are connected to our higher self. But if we feel inner turmoil, anxiety or fear, then that is the ego at work. To control the ego we need to look within, not externally. We shouldn’t judge, compare, doubt, dominate, or correct others. We should not be offended, need to be right, approved of or noticed. We need to take time daily to meditate and listen to our inner guide.

The practice that I need to work on is being a “compassionate witness”, whereby you notice your thoughts, feelings and actions. No need to squash them, just notice them, and see where improvements can be made.

The major lesson in this book is that we are all connected. No one is special. No one is superior. So stop the comparisons and get on with one another.