This book is one of the most beautiful books that I have ever seen. Dinah has taken amazing time to think about her dolls, name them, and write according to the personalities of the people for whom they sit. I appreciate her work and the beauty of our culture being so eloquently represented. Wonderful!

This book will not only make you want to buy it, but will also tease you to start collecting dolls! Dolls from plain to the unique are captured beautifully and held spellbound with prose and print that is purely captivating!

Young and old alike will enjoy this book, which must be read aloud with attitude! A sure mother/daughter pleaser!

Children remind us that dolls enchant, comfort, inspire loyalty, and buoy our imaginations. All will find this true in Sitting Pretty, as author and educator Dinah Johnson shares her collection of black dolls.

Poetry and marvelous photographs reveal each doll's individual personality - there is Charnelle, an adorable baby doll clad in pink, Retta, an exotic West African doll, and, of course, the quintessential church lady - Miss Frona in her elaborate and lacy bib-collared Sunday best.

Author's notes reveal the origin and further information about each beguiling doll. This is a unique contribution to the annals of doll books, and a first rate one!

We love CO and Jon's book brings it right into our home. It is the only book that we place out on our coffee table for others to enjoy. The book is like a vist to the best that there is in the west. Thanks for the sharing of such beauty, Jon.

The images captured by Jon are truly amazing. You turn each page looking forward to the next breath taking view. You close the book feeling like you have just taken a journey, living each picture reflected. A great coffee table book.

Someday in a place out west by Jon Sheppard
Jon captures the imagination and wanderlust in us with his beautiful photography. He draws us in to the romance and history of the old West, its peoples and places, with incredible stories and poetry. Truly an uplifting and inspiring book!

Seldom does one book manage to capture the mood and feeling of the hidden energies behind the mysterious synchronicities in our lives as well as Phil Cousineau's scintillating SOUL MOMENTS. From the first opening pages, this book transports the reader to a universe in which any and every synchronous experience is possible, and may well happen to you.

Just as Cousineau noted that synchronous events became much more prevalent in his life as he worked on SOUL MOMENTS, so too will the reader find these wondrous experiences begin to grace this otherwise hum-drum, workaday world. Suddenly we discover there is magic all around us, and it's for real!

I would love to tell you which synchronicity stories are my favorites from this beautiful collection -- but in truth, I find them all to be sparkling in clarity and bright with inspiration. After reading the moving accounts shared by observant individuals from all walks of life (including Larry Dossey and Huston Smith), even the smallest things no longer seem insignificant.

Treat yourself to a deeper view of the world that grows on you with each passing story, and get yourself a copy of SOUL MOMENTS. This is a book you'll treasure for years to come.

this book presents synchronicity in a non-technical, easy to read format...reading the stories makes us appreciate our interconnectedness with the rest of the cosmos giving us a reason to hope and not to despair...

Soul Moments: Marvelous Stories of Synchronicity -- Meaningful Coincidences from a Seemingly Random World, Conari Press (Reviewed by Carroll Straus) I may perhaps be biased, as my story is in this book. But the deep sense of peace I came away with after reading Soul Moments came from two sources. First, the realization that at both ends of the process of finding myself in the pages of such a book, meaningful "coincidences" pointed me in a direction that has given my life deep meaning, and second, after reading, it, I knew with absolute certainty that the "coincidences" are real, and that I am not alone in experiencing them. The forward to this book was written by Robert Johnson, whose gift for clarity in the otherwise esoteric realm of Jungian writing knows no equal. He writes that Jung thought that "synchronicity" -- apparently opportune "coincidences" that seem deeply meaningful and perhaps signs of grace -- should be taken as seriously as dreams in individuation; the "unfolding of the unique life of the soul." Of course, mainstream thought has not yet arrived here. This beautiful, thoughtful volume may do much to help change that. Among the contributors to this collection are Mark Watts, son of the late Alan Watts, so evocative of the sixties; Roberto Takoaka, a dermatologists in Brazil; Trish Sanders, a dancer in San Francisco's Bay Area; Madiline Nold, a psychotherapist from Brookline, Mass; Nick Carrington, a disc jockey in England, and Dr. Larrey Dossey, a leader in the field of spiritually based mind-body medicine -- among others. Oh -- and yours truly, a lawyer in Mission Viejo, California. Each of us, a square in a patchwork quilt whose pattern we could not see, seemed to tell our stories with the same delicacy, the same sense that not many would accept, uncritically, the numinous realities we had each experienced. But what is clear from the pattern which emerges is that these are not isolated events -- not in any way. Reading this collection, one never needs to feel isolated again, and I surely do not. I can only hope everyone else who bravely tendered such a moment from their lives received as exquisite a gift as I did. The writing and submitting of this story made me one cherished new friend, pointed me toward healing as a way to practice law, and gave me heart to believe this vision can and will come to pass. Anyone who reads this book will, I am sure, come away with the same comfort I did. Those who recognize this grace in their own lives are invited, on the final page, to join in the journey by sending their stories to Phil. I invite you, too. Soul Moments is an exquisitely crafted gossamer web -- of all of our lives.

I'll make this short...For anyone interested in Chinese history, literature, or culture, this volume is an absolutely essential collection of primary sources, and includes prefaces and explanations by China scholars. There is no one better than de Bary, and this new edition includes everything from the 1960 edition up through the Jiang Zemin era.

I've read a little of this and that about Chinese history and religion, and I needed a book to fill in the basics and the details. This was perfect.

First, the selections included excerpts of almost everything I'd ever heard of: Shang Oracle Bones, the Analects of Confucius and the Confucian classics including the I Ching; Mozi; the Tao Te Ching; Zhuangzi (who famously dreamed that he was a butterfly); Mencius; Xunzi; the Zuozhuan; Sun Tzu's art of war; all kinds of stuff about Chinese schools of Buddhism including the Lotus Sutra and the Flower Garden Sutra and the history of Guanyin and Wutai Shan; Li Po (Li Bo) and Tu Fu (Du Fu); and neo-Confucianism (which was so influential in Korea). In short, this is really, practically the "Eatern Canon" and the selections are deserving of such a label. I was in turns morally and intellectually challenged, uplifted, informed and surprised; but rarely bored and never disappointed.

Second, the introductory essays were exactly what I wanted to know: who might have written it, and when, and who read, and what it meant to them. For all that information, they were still brief and the bibliography was sufficient to help me chase the points that left me curious. An important thing these essays did was to cover the political, historical and social backgrounds (and foregrounds) of the texts, so I learned about Chinese history as well as literature and religion. If that is what you want to do, this book will serve you well.

The binding is excellent, and while the price might look steep I have to say it's a bargain considering what you get.

I didn't read Volume Two, and so I don't know if it is as good. It is certainly a lot smaller!

This second edition of a classic provides an update on a reference recommended for college-level collections specializing in Chinese literature. Sources of Chinese Tradition has been recognized already as a scholarly staple: in its new form Sources of Chinese Tradition has been extended to include the Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin eras of China and includes invaluable source readings on history and literature of the times, from the 18th-century Qing civilization onward.

As an active Relief Society attender, I found this to be a hoot. I think its healthy to have a good laugh at least once a day, and this innoculated me for the entire year! Don't miss this.

I didn't think I could have as much fun as to sit within an audience watching as Laurie Mecham turns into Fonda AlaMode [as well as into Fonda's daughter, Crystal]. But this book is that much fun! It would be wonderful if Ms. Mecham could take her so-special Mormon-insider humor into a more widely understood church-woman comedy. I can't help envisioning Ms. Mecham as a deeply disappointed wife of a Promise-Keeper! But until then, anyone who has experienced Mormonism's women should not miss, "Special Living Lessons." Signed, A Utah-Mormon Escapee

This book proves all over again that the unbearable can be made tolerable -- even wonderful -- by a sense of humor. Anyone who has sat through countless Mormon meetings without losing her mind will find it hilarious.

This remarkable, engaging little book can save you and your children from years of tears. It can protect you from unnecessary frustration, struggle, anger, and sadness, and can help you and the children you love grow in understanding and self-esteem. Solidly rooted in almost fifty years of published research and clinical experience, Temperament Tools shows readers, with insight and skill, how to understand and work with children's inborn traits.

Different children react differently to the world around them from the very start, and their inborn temperament traits usually persist. Active babies are likely to become active toddlers and preschoolers. The same is true, too, for babies who are sensitive, or persistent, or resistant to change, or easy to soothe. On the basis of their own extensive professional experience, authors Helen Neville and Diane Clark Johnson help readers assess children's temperament traits, understand the interactions between children's and parents' patterns of behavior, and learn how to provide the loving structure and support that can prevent challenges from becoming catastrophes. Ultimately, they provide practical, detailed, and accessible guidance for us in our efforts to help the children we care about learn to love, know, and respect themselves and others.

As a pediatrician working with parents, professionals, and friends to protect children's well-being during and after divorce, I draw freely and often from the material presented in Temperament Tools. As a professional or non-professional, you can expect heartfelt thanks from the relatives, teachers, and pediatricians to whom you give copies of this book. Beyond that, you can take pleasure in knowing how much you're helping the children whose lives they touch.

I stumbled across this book at my library, and it has helped me understand my daughter more than any other book. The practical explanations of temperament traits are excellent. But better yet are the "temperamental" descriptions of the different children--my daughter is Tiganda Tiger 100 %! My husband and I have used many of the techniques recommended for dealing with our daughter and found them to be very successful. I have become such a convert that I am now teaching temperament traits to my students in middle school.

Easy to read guide to understanding my child. It has been helpful when working with other children in a professional way. Can highly recommend it to parents and prfessionals. This book gives new insight into how a child ticks.

Allen Johnson has the rare gift of being able to see and appreciate the jewels in the heart of ordinary circumstances. This is a positive, up-beat book which affirms that everyday life is brimming with significance.

Allen is a masterful story teller! Every life is a story and stories have the power to impart valuable lessons. It is obvious that author Allen Johnson has carefully observed and reflected on the lives of people around him. In his book "This Side of Crazy," Allen has artfully crafted those stories for maximum impact and takes his readers on insightful and emotional journeys. This book will help anyone realize that the journey we experience is as rich as any story he might tell. The book is an easy read, but don't let this fool you. The lessons are profound, powerful and personal. Laugh, cry and learn...these stories could just as easily be your story or mine!

Dr. Johnson has captured insights and principles for living a high-integrity life. Through humorous stories and tales taken from his own life this book provides pearls of wisdom that are much needed today.

I highly recommend this book for anyone on a path of spiritual growth and for those who seek ways to improve their character.

Funny! Insightful! Charming!

A lot of useful inspiration and practical information from the world's spiritual and religious traditions has been brought together in this psychic survival guide for teenagers. With many quotes from both modern writers and sacred traditions, the focus is on learning to be strong in oneself and compassionate towards others, what Johnson calls being a spiritual warrior. The tools and insights are directed toward the transition from childhood to adulthood - learning to be an independent person in the world. Johnson calls this time, which people are called upon to face in their teens and early twenties, the thundering years. Native American wisdom is used as a principle guide, but many sources of wisdom are brought in - Christian, Buddhist, Sufi, modern psychological. Young people are encouraged to live creative lives and to tells their stories. A cornucopia of techniques for living a vital life and dealing with its challenges are presented - everything from meditation, working with dreams, drumming, and various forms of exercise to helping others, connecting with nature, and creating rituals to mark the changes in one's life. Many useful books, resources, and Web sites are included at the end of each chapter. As most topics have to be dealt with relatively briefly, these references allow readers to delve more deeply into areas which they are drawn to. This is an inspiring guide and companion, not only for young people, but anyone hoping to ride the waves of modern life more effectively, and enjoy the ride.

This is a well-written book that promises to be helpful to therapists as well as to teens. I found the ideas thought provoking and sound. Vera J. Elleson, Ph.D.

I am so excited to see a book available to teens that confirms for them....and for us their parents, that their loud confusion, creative depressions, outbursts of truth and pain, all have such an important place in the process that is life.

Having waited until mid-life to honor the journey, I look forward to the process found in this book assisting society, teen by teen,person by person,in honoring our place here, by connecting us with the planet we are on and the energy we all share. I encourage teens every where to read up........and Thunder On!!!!!!!!!!!

This has long been one of my Favourite novels ever by RAH. Not only does it tie up all the loose ends with his previous Lazarus Long Novels, but it gives an insight into his ideas on life, love and relationships. "Mama Maureen" gives us many words to live by and I can only hope that I would be as strong as she is in similar situations. Heinlein gives such "historical" detail to his novels that you can almost believe that this is what should have actually happened - even when his history goes off in odd directions. This is a novel I go back and read over and over again.

What a wonderfully refreshing view! Women around that time period are so often portrayed as prim and proper, completely dependant on their husbands for everything. Maureen is tough, practical, and intellegent. As for the writing, once again Heinlein's tone is lush and sensual (as is Maureen!) with a sense of adventure and Heinlein's ever- present political commentary. He is called the grand master of sci-fi for an excellent reason! Another success- his best ever!

This is my favorite Heinlein book of all time! Maureen's practicality and stand-for-nothing attitude are wonderfully refreshing to read in an era of vaporish heroines. At the same time, she has a remarkable blend of old-fashioned values and a tendency to thumb her nose at "Mrs. Grundy". Also, after reading "Time Enough for Love" and "Number of the Beast" it was fascinating to get another perspective on some of the same events. Maureen is a woman afer my own heart, and I will not tire of reading this book, nor can I wait until my daughter is old enough to read it!

Being a leader in today's world is not what it used to be. There was a time, when a leader was tough, rugged and quiet. That time is no more. It is time for leaders to let their guard down, to show their true selves, to lead by following and to lead by example. The Transparent Leader shows many of today's national leaders in this light. It shows them being transparent, vulnerable and initially with no protection. Along the same lines of Jesus, they step into the worlds of other people and lead them, ultimately showing the way to the one true God. It shows who these leaders were, the situations they were in and how they succeeded in becoming great leaders. All of them have one thing in common; they all know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

The text shows leaders who have failed, where they failed, and how they came to succeed. The leaders within the compilation tell their story, either via testimony or anecdote. Some open their entire lives to the reader so they can see the heart of the storyteller. Although the booklover might not be able to identify with all of the passages throughout the book, there is no doubt that more than one will hit the heart and soul of the reader.

Should this book be required reading for all future leaders of the world? I believe that it should. It offers inspiration to those people who are not yet world leaders and it offers a reality check for those who are in the top echelon of leadership.

Leadership can be defined as influencing others in a positive way to attain organizational goals, or put another way, getting things done by, with, and through people. The assumption is that effective leadership will foster acceptance of, and commitment to, organizational goals, generate a degree of enthusiasm for the task at hand, elicit voluntary cooperation, promote teamwork, and result in maximum levels of motivation and productivity on both an individual employee and group basis. Whether it be in business, sport, government, or a nonprofit or volunteer organization this is the challenge which faces everyone who assumes a leadership role. This book is a must for all who are in position of leadership. It is testimonial of 19 well known and successful men who have faced similar difficulties as others will face in their role as leaders. It will prepare them to learn from intensity, integrity, intelligence, determination, devotion, and dedication of these men in order to become spiritually, financially, and morally successful.

I've read plenty of books dealing with leadership...but none like this one. As the CEO of a 100-employee firm myself, I'm well aware of the tendency for those of us in leadership (and men in general) to suppress and contain our own struggles...often eventually to our own detriment.

This book provides a refreshing alternative view featuring several well-known and successful men revealing the freedom and power they have realized in their personal, spiritual, and business lives -- by transparently sharing their struggles, failures, and successes.

Though I was already aware of these concepts prior to reading the book, the real-life examples and willingness to share by these men are compelling - some of the stories even riveting - and all are an inspiration. It doesn't matter if you're a professional burger-flipper or the leader of thousands...at least some of the short accounts in this book are sure to speak to you.