May is Get Caught Reading Month 2015, so I thought I'd share a bit of my current reading list. I just finished a best- selling book called: the life-changing magic of tidying up – The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, by Marie Kondo (translated from the Japanese.)

Self-improvement books, though often edifying, are sometimes dense to get through. So it's a special pleasure to find a book like this. It's a delightful, breezy read, but at the same time has a lot of wisdom and great ideas. I'm pretty organized and pared down, but the book made me want to grab a roll of black garbage bags and start going through the house! The book has sections with titles like: "Tidy a little a day and you'll be tidying forever", "Sort by category, not by location", " Arranging clothes: the secret to energizing you closet" and "Don't underestimate the 'noise' of written information". It's a little book that's a great read!
Next on my list is: The Blue Zones Solution – Eating and Living Like the World's Healthiest People, by Dan Buettner. This is a follow up to Buettner's best-selling 2009 book, The Blue Zones. In that first book the author and his team identified five places in the world where a disproportionate number of people lived active, healthy lives into their 90's and even over 100 years old. This included places like Ikaria, Greece and a region of Sardinia, Italy. All well and good, you might think. If you spent your life chasing mountain goats in Sardinia, you might well still be doing it in your 90's. But what about if a good portion of your time is spent sitting on the 405 Freeway? That's where, to me, things got really interesting – because one of his Blue Zones is Loma Linda, California. Yes, that Loma Linda, one of the smog capitals of Southern California!
So now in this new book the author and his team have harnessed the secrets of what he calls "longevity hot spots" around the world to create a viable plan for Americans to live longer, healthier lives. I've always been into nutrition and health and welcome new insights, so I'm really looking forward to reading this book!

Self-improvement books, though often edifying, are sometimes dense to get through. So it's a special pleasure to find a book like this. It's a delightful, breezy read, but at the same time has a lot of wisdom and great ideas. I'm pretty organized and pared down, but the book made me want to grab a roll of black garbage bags and start going through the house! The book has sections with titles like: "Tidy a little a day and you'll be tidying forever", "Sort by category, not by location", " Arranging clothes: the secret to energizing you closet" and "Don't underestimate the 'noise' of written information". It's a little book that's a great read!
Next on my list is: The Blue Zones Solution – Eating and Living Like the World's Healthiest People, by Dan Buettner. This is a follow up to Buettner's best-selling 2009 book, The Blue Zones. In that first book the author and his team identified five places in the world where a disproportionate number of people lived active, healthy lives into their 90's and even over 100 years old. This included places like Ikaria, Greece and a region of Sardinia, Italy. All well and good, you might think. If you spent your life chasing mountain goats in Sardinia, you might well still be doing it in your 90's. But what about if a good portion of your time is spent sitting on the 405 Freeway? That's where, to me, things got really interesting – because one of his Blue Zones is Loma Linda, California. Yes, that Loma Linda, one of the smog capitals of Southern California!
So now in this new book the author and his team have harnessed the secrets of what he calls "longevity hot spots" around the world to create a viable plan for Americans to live longer, healthier lives. I've always been into nutrition and health and welcome new insights, so I'm really looking forward to reading this book!

Mindel and The Misfit Dragons by Xianna Michaels is a beautiful fairy tale told in verse about a little girl of eight who has a serious problem to deal with and manages to solve it beautifully

with the aid of three rather unorthodox dragons. To begin with, the book is printed in black and white in the manner of a medieval illustrated manuscript, with each page displaying decorated capital letters, the text inscribed in Carolingian minuscule (as best I can tell) and with miniatures or full illustrations on every page throughout.
Mindel and her parents live in a drafty castle called Draconmere and although they love their home dearly, it presents a number of problems that may require their leaving it. Sir Benjamin, Lady Leah and Mindel wish very much to keep the Laws of the Sabbath in proper Jewish fashion but there is the problem of the castle gate which relies on the grinding wheel for its power and alas, that is not allowed on the Sabbath. Further, Lady Leah's cholent stew puts the guards to sleep and the drafty castle keeps blowing the Friday night candles out. Such unusual problems call for unusual solutions and this is where the three dragons—each unique in his or her own way—come to the rescue.
There are also some dastardly dragon eels, but you will get to them in good time and, as the book is in verse, you will get there all too swiftly as the story sings itself along before you can give each beautiful page the admiration it deserves.
Xianna Michaels has given us an unforgettable book perfect not only for her Jewish grandchildren to whom it is dedicated, but for all children who love castles and dragons and who, given pen and paper, could probably make some very wonderful decorated capital letters of their own. Bookreview.com suggests that, with a few simple art supplies tossed in, "Mindel and the Misfit Dragons" would make the perfect gift for the eight-twelve year olds on your list.
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: M.K.Turner
Category: Children's Books
Publisher: Alcabal Press
Website: www.alcabalpress.com

with the aid of three rather unorthodox dragons. To begin with, the book is printed in black and white in the manner of a medieval illustrated manuscript, with each page displaying decorated capital letters, the text inscribed in Carolingian minuscule (as best I can tell) and with miniatures or full illustrations on every page throughout.
Mindel and her parents live in a drafty castle called Draconmere and although they love their home dearly, it presents a number of problems that may require their leaving it. Sir Benjamin, Lady Leah and Mindel wish very much to keep the Laws of the Sabbath in proper Jewish fashion but there is the problem of the castle gate which relies on the grinding wheel for its power and alas, that is not allowed on the Sabbath. Further, Lady Leah's cholent stew puts the guards to sleep and the drafty castle keeps blowing the Friday night candles out. Such unusual problems call for unusual solutions and this is where the three dragons—each unique in his or her own way—come to the rescue.
There are also some dastardly dragon eels, but you will get to them in good time and, as the book is in verse, you will get there all too swiftly as the story sings itself along before you can give each beautiful page the admiration it deserves.
Xianna Michaels has given us an unforgettable book perfect not only for her Jewish grandchildren to whom it is dedicated, but for all children who love castles and dragons and who, given pen and paper, could probably make some very wonderful decorated capital letters of their own. Bookreview.com suggests that, with a few simple art supplies tossed in, "Mindel and the Misfit Dragons" would make the perfect gift for the eight-twelve year olds on your list.
Rating: Excellent!
Reviewed by: M.K.Turner
Category: Children's Books
Publisher: Alcabal Press
Website: www.alcabalpress.com

I love this book! Mindel is a wonderful book about a smart and a wise-beyond-her-years girl who is determined to save her family home, Castle Draconmere.

I think this book is remarkable on so many levels. Thematically, the book brings together medieval folklore and dragon-lore with traditional Jewish themes, and although it is unexpected, it fits so beautifully and poignantly together. Mindel teaches young Jewish children that they can balance their traditions with their aspirations and that they do not have to be mutually exclusive. It also teaches children to embrace their identity and to realize that even if they havenít quite figured it out just yet, every individual has their own special place in the world.
The bookís hand lettering and illustrations draw the reader into the world of Mindel and one truly does feel as if one is poring over an ancient medieval manuscript. The rhyme scheme of the book also reinforces the immersive experience and makes it that much more fun to read aloud with young ones.
I think children of all ages and adults will finish this book feeling as if they have been enriched, enlightened and entertained. Highly Recommended!
Ruby Assis, Goodreads

I think this book is remarkable on so many levels. Thematically, the book brings together medieval folklore and dragon-lore with traditional Jewish themes, and although it is unexpected, it fits so beautifully and poignantly together. Mindel teaches young Jewish children that they can balance their traditions with their aspirations and that they do not have to be mutually exclusive. It also teaches children to embrace their identity and to realize that even if they havenít quite figured it out just yet, every individual has their own special place in the world.
The bookís hand lettering and illustrations draw the reader into the world of Mindel and one truly does feel as if one is poring over an ancient medieval manuscript. The rhyme scheme of the book also reinforces the immersive experience and makes it that much more fun to read aloud with young ones.
I think children of all ages and adults will finish this book feeling as if they have been enriched, enlightened and entertained. Highly Recommended!
Ruby Assis, Goodreads

Mindel and The Misfit Dragons was an amazing book. I love how she was so persistent and how even though the dragons looked to be misfits, they had a place where they belonged.

I think that the moral is no matter how much it may seem that you’re a misfit, G-d puts you in this world for a reason and every person and thing has its place.
My favorite character is Pointilla, and not just because I’m a girl. She knows that even though her flames are small she could still light up the world, and I admire that.
Sarina, age 11

I think that the moral is no matter how much it may seem that you’re a misfit, G-d puts you in this world for a reason and every person and thing has its place.
My favorite character is Pointilla, and not just because I’m a girl. She knows that even though her flames are small she could still light up the world, and I admire that.
Sarina, age 11

Apparently May is “Get Caught Reading Month.” Who knew?

I am currently reading, and enthralled by, the book: The Sistine Secrets – Michelangelo’s Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican, by Rabbi Benjamin Blech and Roy Doliner. The book was published in 2008 but seems especially timely now with the recent canonization of Pope John Paul II, with whom Rabbi Blech had an audience in 2005. Pope John Paul II sought to create bridges between Jews and Christians. In this book the authors discuss Michelangelo’s knowledge of Judaic texts as well as his Kabbalistic training and the secrets thereof which he embedded in the magnificent Sistine Chapel. It’s an altogether extraordinary book to read!

I am currently reading, and enthralled by, the book: The Sistine Secrets – Michelangelo’s Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican, by Rabbi Benjamin Blech and Roy Doliner. The book was published in 2008 but seems especially timely now with the recent canonization of Pope John Paul II, with whom Rabbi Blech had an audience in 2005. Pope John Paul II sought to create bridges between Jews and Christians. In this book the authors discuss Michelangelo’s knowledge of Judaic texts as well as his Kabbalistic training and the secrets thereof which he embedded in the magnificent Sistine Chapel. It’s an altogether extraordinary book to read!

When I’m not working – or reading – I love taking my grandchildren to the bookstore. My four-year-old will make a bee-line for the children’s section and judiciously choose not only a book for

herself but for various siblings and cousins who are not there. She knows exactly who’s into Lego, who likes trains, and who likes Hello Kitty. She herself prefers princesses.
Then there’s my seven-year-old, who discovered he could move beyond the I-Can-Reads and read a super hero book all by himself. I sat down on the floor next to him and almost cried.
Sometimes I get near-frantic phone calls: “Nana, do you have Book III of Harry Potter: I’m almost done with Book II!” or “Nana, I need Book IV in the so-and-so fantasy series! I have nothing to read at bedtime tonight. Can you get it for me, please?” or “The new Lisa-so-and-so book is out. Can we go to the bookstore and get it right away?”
You bet we can, or I will, if at all humanly possible. Sometimes I think it doesn’t get any better than this. And, oh, we do need bookstores in this world!

herself but for various siblings and cousins who are not there. She knows exactly who’s into Lego, who likes trains, and who likes Hello Kitty. She herself prefers princesses.
Then there’s my seven-year-old, who discovered he could move beyond the I-Can-Reads and read a super hero book all by himself. I sat down on the floor next to him and almost cried.
Sometimes I get near-frantic phone calls: “Nana, do you have Book III of Harry Potter: I’m almost done with Book II!” or “Nana, I need Book IV in the so-and-so fantasy series! I have nothing to read at bedtime tonight. Can you get it for me, please?” or “The new Lisa-so-and-so book is out. Can we go to the bookstore and get it right away?”
You bet we can, or I will, if at all humanly possible. Sometimes I think it doesn’t get any better than this. And, oh, we do need bookstores in this world!

“Formation” was written at the beach and completely surprised me.

I thought I was simply writing about seagulls. But it turned out to be about something else entirely.
Formation
Seagulls in precise formation.
The shape: a children’s kite.
Above the waves a constellation
Of gulls in graceful flight.
Then one falls out, goes off alone.
The others circle round,
Escort him back, reclaim their own.
The raucous cries resound!
  Does he feel joyful, thus included,
  Or weep at freedom just eluded?

I thought I was simply writing about seagulls. But it turned out to be about something else entirely.
Formation
Seagulls in precise formation.
The shape: a children’s kite.
Above the waves a constellation
Of gulls in graceful flight.
Then one falls out, goes off alone.
The others circle round,
Escort him back, reclaim their own.
The raucous cries resound!
  Does he feel joyful, thus included,
  Or weep at freedom just eluded?

“Whispers” is a poem for children about writing poetry.

It came unexpectedly to me as I prepared to give a poetry workshop to third grade girls!
Whispers
I do not know where morning went;
  It up and ran away.
I did not see the time I spent
  On my new poem today.
For I was caught surprised again;
  It nabbed me in the shower.
So dripping wet, I grabbed my pen
  And then forgot the hour.
I did not eat; I’m barely dressed.
  I know I’m running late.
But I’m elated, not distressed,
  For nothing feels so great
As when a poem is coming through
  And I am hardly there.
The only thing that I must do
  Is stay alert, aware.
With pen in hand I write the words
  Whispered in my ear
By fairies, elves, or little birds
  Or maybe… G-d is near,
Giving me these words to write –
  It’s been this way before.
I pray my poems will bring delight
  And please, G-d, give me more.

It came unexpectedly to me as I prepared to give a poetry workshop to third grade girls!
Whispers
I do not know where morning went;
  It up and ran away.
I did not see the time I spent
  On my new poem today.
For I was caught surprised again;
  It nabbed me in the shower.
So dripping wet, I grabbed my pen
  And then forgot the hour.
I did not eat; I’m barely dressed.
  I know I’m running late.
But I’m elated, not distressed,
  For nothing feels so great
As when a poem is coming through
  And I am hardly there.
The only thing that I must do
  Is stay alert, aware.
With pen in hand I write the words
  Whispered in my ear
By fairies, elves, or little birds
  Or maybe… G-d is near,
Giving me these words to write –
  It’s been this way before.
I pray my poems will bring delight
  And please, G-d, give me more.

I don’t have most of my childhood poems, but I’ve never forgotten the very first one.

Written at the beginning of the school year, it was called simply, “The Fall.”
The Fall
(New York, 1959)
Some leaves turn red and some turn brown,
Then the leaves come tumbling down.
The birds fly south and go away;
They will come back in April and May.
Now we can’t go in the pool
Because we have to go to school.
Before we know it we’ll have snow –
I like the summer better, though.

Written at the beginning of the school year, it was called simply, “The Fall.”
The Fall
(New York, 1959)
Some leaves turn red and some turn brown,
Then the leaves come tumbling down.
The birds fly south and go away;
They will come back in April and May.
Now we can’t go in the pool
Because we have to go to school.
Before we know it we’ll have snow –
I like the summer better, though.

“Release Me” is a sonnet written during an unaccustomed period when I could not seem to carve out time to write.

It is unnerving for me to read it today, because about two years after I wrote it I suffered a literal, catastrophic fall and broke my jaw and my ribs. It tells me we ignore our inner promptings at our peril.
Release Me
I prayed for light, dear G-d, so I could see;
I’d groped around in darkness far too long.
So You lit up my sacred path for me
With painful shocks whenever I went wrong.
And so I learned, but still my courage fails me.
But why? What power holds me in such thrall?
I beg You, G-d, please heal whatever ails me,
But I cannot take another major fall.
And while it’s true I know my path by now,
Yet others’ wishes still take precedence.
Does fear of censure override my vow
To You, or do I doubt my inner sense?
  Whatever phantom captor stills my pen,
  Release me, G-d, that I may write again.

It is unnerving for me to read it today, because about two years after I wrote it I suffered a literal, catastrophic fall and broke my jaw and my ribs. It tells me we ignore our inner promptings at our peril.
Release Me
I prayed for light, dear G-d, so I could see;
I’d groped around in darkness far too long.
So You lit up my sacred path for me
With painful shocks whenever I went wrong.
And so I learned, but still my courage fails me.
But why? What power holds me in such thrall?
I beg You, G-d, please heal whatever ails me,
But I cannot take another major fall.
And while it’s true I know my path by now,
Yet others’ wishes still take precedence.
Does fear of censure override my vow
To You, or do I doubt my inner sense?
  Whatever phantom captor stills my pen,
  Release me, G-d, that I may write again.