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BOOKS DANCING WITH CATS by BURTON SILVER and HEATHER BUSCH $16.95 (softcover) reviewed by Cat Saunders I fell in love with this book just by looking at its cover. There's a woman crouched in a dance step with her hands outstretched like animal claws. Her fiery hair stands impossibly on end as if it's made of flames instead of hair. Next to her stands a cat on its hind legs, as upright as the woman, its front paws outstretched with real claws flared, its eyes turned toward the woman in total focus. When I looked at this photo — and many others in the book — I found myself wondering how they ever got a cat to do that, knowing, of course, that you can never get a cat to do anything it doesn't want to do. Frankly, the cover photo is nothing compared to the acrobatics — or should I say acrocatics — of the felines that grace the inside pages of this delightful book. Photograph after photograph of astonishing dancing cats accompany narratives by cat dancers of all sizes, shapes, ages, and genders. Although the book was apparently striving to show diversity in its dancers, one key element of diversity was overlooked: all the dancers are white. Surely this oversight was not the fault of the cats, seeing as how they themselves come in all colors (highly integrated beings that they are). In any case, cat dancing is truly an art form — with some downright scientific principles of physics thrown in. The humans featured in the book have many practical, magical, and meditative suggestions for enticing cats to dance. Their personal anecdotes touched my heart, stimulated my imagination, and tickled my funny bone. The creators of this masterpiece of movement definitely have a solid sense of humor. I read most of this book within the first half-hour of getting it. For the next couple of weeks, I showed it to everyone who came within five feet of me. When I went for walks, I eyed all the neighborhood cats in a new way, wondering which ones would make good dance partners. I think a few of them knew what I was wondering, but I was too shy to open myself to such an intimate process right there in the street. Dancing with Cats scored yet another direct hit with me because my name was legally Cat Dancing for a year when I first changed my name in 1975. I appreciate the book's unwitting use of this name in the context of its subject matter. For example, "Cat dancing perfectly expresses the eloquence of pure form." Nice inspiration for a woman whose friends still call her Cat Dancing! Personal considerations aside, I was impressed by the book's compassionate and respectful suggestions for relating to, joining, and, ultimately, dancing with cats. In some mysterious and yet mundane way, this book teaches how to truly relate to any being, human or otherwise. Because its principles can be applied universally, it would make a good guidebook for relating to young children, autistic people, or people in comas, because it shows how to build bridges and join others in their world, instead of expecting them to join you in yours. Dancing with Cats is a wonderful, playful, uplifting book. It's one of my favorites of all time. The truth is, it's worth the price of the book just to see the tantalizingly subtle shoulder gesture of the debonair tabby on page six! ECHOES OF THE SOUL The Soul’s Journey Beyond the Light — Through Life, Death, and Life After Death by ECHO BODINE New World Library $12.95 (softcover) reviewed by Arlene Arnold Coming from a mainstream upbringing in Midwest America, it wasn’t until she was 17 that Echo Bodine realized that she had psychic abilities. She soon found that her whole family was psychic. After studying with a medium for many years, she became more confident of her abilities, and eventually made a living assisting others through what others might consider extraordinary faculties. This included a business with her brother of "ghost-busting." In Echoes of the Soul, you will find answers to many of the questions you may have had about life: What is the soul? What is heaven like? What do they mean that we are here to learn through our life experiences so that birth becomes like going back to school? How can I release my fear of death? Is there really a life after death? What’s it like? Who is God, anyway? Echo presents information in a straightforward manner. Throughout, she refers to experiences with clients, some bringing surprises and new information to her, causing her to expand her own understanding. At one point, she is taken into heaven because she had asked God for greater knowledge of the other side. She felt like she was dying. She saw the same tunnel she had seen ghosts move through as they went into the light. He brother sat with her, grounding her body as she crossed over. She was shown different levels of heaven, and how souls continued their journey on the other side. Reading Echoes of the Soul may confirm what you have already felt or known, or it may cause you to question some long-held belief. Either way, it can bring you a firmer foundation within your own understanding. As Nick Bunick, author of In God’s Truth, says in the forward, "Your heart and soul will ring with truth, as you come to have a greater understanding of the journey you are on and the true purpose of your life." INTO THE FOREST by JEAN HEGLAND Bantam Books $12.95 (softcover) $21.95 (hardcover) reviewed by Kate Lin How would the world change if the infrastructure upon which we have come to depend — electricity, phones, automobiles — suddenly ceased? This is the backdrop for Hegland’s novel Into The Forest. Two sisters, Eva, age 18, and Nell, age 17, live a relatively normal life in a rural area of northern California, when a distant war results in a collapse of the services that they have always taken for granted. Nell has dreams of attending Harvard, while Eva is determined to be a ballet dancer. When the electricity ceases, Eva can no longer dance to recorded music and must dance to the sound of a metronome. Nell, determined to improve her chances at being accepted into Harvard, resolves to read her way through the encyclopedia. They are eventually left to their own resources after their mother dies of cancer and their father dies in an accident. They are essentially in limbo, waiting for power to be restored and for their lives to become normal again. Waiting to be rescued, they initially continue living as they always have, both working toward their dreams of college and of ballet. A significant shift occurs when they realize that they may never be saved and that they are going to have to create their lives anew. Nell begins researching the medicinal properties of the plants that grow in the woods around their home. They learn how to survive without modern conveniences and how to take care of each other. Interestingly, as they get more and more in tune with nature, the information in the encyclopedia becomes less and less useful. This is a coming-of-age story as Nell and Eva learn about their own power, explore their feelings of sexuality, and become strong, independent women. A large focus of the book is the exploration of the complexities of the emotional bond that exists between the two sisters. Not having any sisters, I have never experienced this type of bond. I gave the book to my neighbor, however, who has five sisters. She liked the book so much that she immediately passed it on to one of her sisters to read. Into The Forest explores the relevant theme of living a "modern" life vs. living a life that is more in tune with nature. We are called to question what is of true value and what is actually necessary for our happiness and survival. This book is both compelling and thought provoking. Once I got involved in it, I had a hard time putting it down. THE WHOLE PARENTING GUIDE Strategies, Resources, and Inspiring Stories for Holistic Parenting and Family Living by ALAN REDER, PHIL CATALFO, and STEPHANIE RENFROW HAMILTON Broadway Books $20 (softcover) reviewed by Carole Crane The Whole Parenting Guide covers a wide range of topics, and is a valuable starting point for those who want to parent their children with intention and conscientiousness. Subjects include Conscious Pregnancy and Birth, Holistic Healthcare, Education, Nutrition, Money Matters, Spirituality, and others. Each chapter is followed by an extensive resource list, primarily books and organizations from which to get more information on a given topic.While many parents might otherwise discover much of this information as they travel along their parenting paths, this book will make it easier to find information that is outside the mainstream. If a subject is of significant personal importance, it will likely be necessary to refer to one of the suggested resources, as this book does not attempt to cover any topic in great detail. But with its good introduction to a wide range of topics and its in-depth resource lists, this is a book to turn to first. The Whole Parenting Guide is a book to own, to keep on the center shelf, and to refer to often during the many years of parenting. THE MOTHER LINK Stories of Psychic Bonds between Mother and Child by CASSANDRA EASON Ulysses Press $12.95 (softcover) reviewed by Carole Crane The Mother Link Between the stories are interesting comments and interpretations by the author, but the book would be almost as powerful without any commentary. The greatest gift this author has provided is to have gathered these beautiful stories together and shared them with us. For any mother whose seemingly irrational impulses to respond to her children have been criticized by well-meaning relatives, this book will feel like a burst of fresh air. For those who are coping with the loss of their own child or mother, there are healing stories about the eternal bonds that transcend even death. For anyone not wanting to succumb to the fear perpetuated by daily reports of danger to children, this book can help to strengthen our spiritual connection so that we might relax more and enjoy our precious children, trusting our intuition to direct us in times of critical need. THE FLOWER IN THE SKULL by KATHLEEN ALCALÁ Harvest Books $12 (softcover) A novel exploring the complexities of heritage, identity, and assimilation, while exposing the mysterious nature of place, spiritualism, and faith in the lives of extraordinary "ordinary" people. GLIMPSES OF A MYSTICAL AFFAIR Spiritual Experiences of Swami Sivananda Radha by JULIE McKAY Timeless Books $35 (hardcover) The story of this renowned spiritual teacher as told from the perspective of her close devotee, interweaving past and present, personal and impersonal, in a timeless dance between guru and disciple. THE PATH OF PARENTING Twelve Principles to Guide Your Journey by VIMALA McCLURE New World Library $14 (softcover) Vimala applies principles she learned through Taoism and tai chi to parenting, bringing encouragement and empowerment to parents. BRUSH MEDITATION A Japanese Way to Mind & Body Harmony by H. E. DAVEY Stone Bridge Press $14.95 (softcover) This book, based on traditional Japanese shodo (calligraphy), introduces beginners and artists alike to working with brush and ink as a form of "moving meditation." CLEAR YOUR CLUTTER WITH FENG SHUI Free Yourself from Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Clutter Forever by KAREN KINGSTON Broadway Books $10 (softcover) The simple act of clearing clutter can transform your life by releasing negative emotions, generating energy, and allowing you to create space in your life for the things you want to achieve. INFINITE ABILITIES Living Your Life on Purpose: A Story by IVY HELSTEIN Oakhill Press $19.95 (hardcover) Using her own mystical experiences with a most unusual woman she met as a young girl in New York, Ivy has created an inspiring novel that teaches readers to trust themselves and live their lives with purpose. SENSE ABILITY Expanding Your Sense of Awareness for a Twenty-first-Century Life by DORIS WILD HELMERING Eagle Brook $23 (hardcover) "A rare combination of compassion and on-target honesty. There is much to gain from reading her remarkable book."—Wayne Dyer, author of Your Erroneous Zones ASTROLOGY FOR REGULAR PEOPLE by PLUTO PROJECT illustrations by TRISH BREWER Pluto Project $24.95 (softcover) Clears up the mysteries of traditional astrology in plain language, with flamboyant, colorful illustrations and charts. WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? The Healing Power of Your Sacred Self by CARLOS WARTER, M.D., Ph.D. Bantam Books $12.95 (softcover) It is in rediscovering our true identity — the timeless divinity within each of us — that we find the ultimate key to healthy living for body, mind, and spirit. THE POWER OF MEDITATION Energize the Mind & Restore the Body by CHRISTOPHER TITMUSS Sterling Publishing $19.95 (hardcover) Make the power of meditation work for you! Dozens of techniques will enhance your experience as you develop your skills and strengthen your mind and body. EXPECT MIRACLES Inspiring Stories of the Miraculous in Everyday Life by MARY ELLEN Conari Press $11.95 (softcover) By reading these stories shared by people from around the world, you, too, will begin to expect miracles in your life. A great antidote for the daily news! AUDIO THE FOUR AGREEMENTS A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by DON MIGUEL RUIZ Amber-Allen Publishing, Inc. $17.95 (two audiocassettes) Reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on an ancient Toltec code of conduct that can bring freedom, true happiness, and love. MUSIC FIRST TAKE PETER ELMAN Real Dream Music reviewed by David A. Young The dog ate my homework. Okay, not quite, but my cat's recent illness and death did usurp my plans to cover this album a couple of months ago. During my grieving, I found First Take's unabashed exuberance as annoying a reminder of what I didn't feel as I had found it contagiously irresistible at first. Now that I'm back on track, I am once again willingly surrendering to its insistent spell. There are just enough rock-tinged flourishes in both the attitude and the charts to qualify this as crossover music, especially on the radio-friendly "Cherokee," but it still falls comfortably into the adult contemporary genre. Pianist Elman is a longtime favorite of these pages (this is his fourth album) and his evolving musical statements continue to satisfy. Opting for the classic four-piece combo in realizing his upbeat vision, the composer gets first-rate support from the other musicians, achieving an outstanding unity of purpose. The chorus of the first cut, "Waterloo," reminds me of that of Belinda Carlisle's "Circle in the Sand," and gently sets the mood for the music to follow. Elsewhere, the jauntiness of "Resurrection" may put one in mind of Horst Jankowski's "A Walk in the Black Forest," and the influence of the soaring Kitaro guitaro style is a recurring theme throughout (especially on "Joe's Song"). "Hurry My Heart," Elman's first foray into vocal music, is extremely effective (singer Lisa Dreams makes a lovely first impression), and the similarity between the titles of his "Leilani" and Eric Clapton's "Layla" causes me to wonder whether I'm the only one that catches a similarity in the spiraling spirit of the two. The album of ten originals closes with "Vaya Con Dios," reminding me not just in title but in essence of the healing power of God, time, and music itself. Yes, there are times when music this happy is not a good match for one's state of mind, but when one is centered (or willing to be), this album offers an instantaneous and infectious way to reconnect with pure joy. Therefore, on God's schedule, not mine, I offer First Take as our album of the month — providing you're "up" for it! (Real Dream Music, 5378 Boyd Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618) THE SILENT PATH ROBERT HAIG COXON R.H.C. Productions, Inc. reviewed by Arlene Arnold "Soothing," "angelic," "hopeful," and "moving" might all be words I would use to describe The Silent Path. However, that’s only part of the story. The first time I meditated to this music, I found myself surrounded in a pool of light. I was taken deep into myself, and yet outward to connect with more light. It also attracts many angelic beings. Synthesizers, sacred bowl, cello, classical guitar, angelic voices, and flute combine to bring a healing presence through each piece: "Towards the Light," "The Silent Path," "Angelic Love," "Finding Peace," "Gabriel," "Infinity," and "The Light." Invariably, when I sit down to quiet myself and center, I pick this music to play. I can understand why Lee Carrol (author of the Kryon books) would endorse this CD above others that are available. If you are a healing practitioner, try it. Your clients will want to hear it again. (R.H.C. Productions, P.O. Box 4172, Westmount, Quebec, Canada H3Z 3B6) SOUNDSCAPE GALLERY VOL. 3 VARIOUS ARTISTS Lektronic Soundscapes Features original new compositions by three generations of outstanding performers of atmospheric, minimalist, and sequencer-based electronic and electro-acoustic music. WALK BETWEEN WORLDS Native American Flute Music with Accompaniment GOLANÁ Oginali Productions Ten compositions of flowing melodies. Debuted at #2 on the NAV "Airwaves Top 100" chart. Radio airplay top 10 for 3 consecutive months. SACRED TREASURES II Choral Masterworks from the Sistine Chapel: Gregorior Allegri "Miserere" VLADIMIR IVANOFF and METAMORPHOSES Hearts of Space Joins the ethereal harmonies of the Osnabrück Youth Choir with the elegiac brass tones of the cornetto, recreating the mystery and timeless beauty of this sacred classic. ONLINE Tarot Magic <http://www.visionarynet.com/htbin/html.cgi?file=tarot/homepage.html> A new online interactive tarot site. Fun! Safety Net <http://www.cybergrrl.com/dv.html> If you are in relationships with people that drive you crazy, you might find some new tools to help you protect yourself. Test Your PC's Y2K Compliance <http://cgi.zdnet.com/zdy2k/y2k.pl> ZD Virtual Labs offers a free opportunity to make sure your machine will be there for you after December 31, 1999. Feng Shui and the Spirit of Change <http://www.bartlettdesigns.com/bart1.html> This splendid overview of Feng Shui concludes, "Love and Embrace your environments as part of you and it will joyously give back to you Love and Universal Peace. This is Feng Shui in its purity." For a Computer Break…Dance! <http://www.mrznet.com/smile2.html> If you or someone you know has been sitting too long at the computer, here's the perfect lighthearted antidote. Elana Lindquist publishes Fun with Success Online; sign up for her free newsletter at <http://www.seanet.com/~lindquist, e-mail <lindquist@seanet.com>, or call (253) 858-7969. |