Dear Jessica Brennan,
Before I get into the content of this blog, let me start by saying that as the holidays approach, I have found the perfect gift to give anyone on your list — especially that person who has everything.
You’re welcome. (No, I have not been paid to say this.)
*You can purchase this perfect gift here.
What is it?
Recently I was sent a book from author Heidi Herman, called “On With The Butter – Spread More Living onto Everyday Life”. Heidi is of Icelandic heritage and has written in many genres, but she found a real love in writing Icelandic Folklore, inspired by her mother’s published childhood memoir.
This, I found particularly interesting because the first books I ever wrote were for you as a child, Dear Jessica, and of course they featured fairies and gnomes that may have in fact run into Heidi’s trolls along the path of their adventures. We must ask them.
The book Heidi sent me though was not a book of folklore, nor was it her cookbook, “Homestyle Icelandic Cooking for American Kitchens”, which sounds fantastic, but instead she sent a book about how to keep living once you’ve become, shall we say, a person of a certain age.
This book is absolutely full of great advice, much of it inspired again by Heidi’s mom, Ieda Jonasdottir Herman also an author, and a woman who really knew how to live. At 94 she completed a year of new experiences proving that a person is never too old to enjoy life.
Some of what this book offers is very practical like, “Connect with your Heritage”, and some is more philosophical and frankly difficult like “Challenge Your Comfort Zone”. It includes checklists and ways to be playful; challenges at every turn and a wonderful section on giving back and volunteering.
I don’t know about you, but as I get older, I feel like I get a bit more cautious. I’m not sure why, but thanks to Heidi and Ieda, that ends now.
This is not the kind of book that requires a large amount of spending for the reader to accomplish the goals that it sets out. The whole point is, as Heidi says, “Keep Moving, Keep Doing, Keep Living”, and isn’t that great?
Absolutely full of wonderful stories and observations, “On With The Butter – Spread More Living onto Everyday Life”, is a book for everyone, not just those beyond 50. In fact it should definitely be given to someone as advice on how to start out on their own as they leave home for the first time. For new parents and those who are a bit road-weary at any age, this is a great book to have on hand.
Usually I read books, then give them away, but I won’t be giving this one to anyone because it is a perfect reference book too, for those days when you need to kick your own butt into action.
Regardless of your age, if you have stopped trying new things, if your life seems mundane, if you have found yourself lonely, if your boldness and courage seem to have disappeared, if you’re sad; this practical and gentle book is for you. Also, if you want some ideas on how to contribute more, have more purpose or learn new things, again, this uplifting and inspiring book is for you. I’m sure you will read it and keep it, like me.
If you can’t find something to do in this book that will improve your life, I’m not sure what to say. There are so many ideas and suggestions on little fun things, along with life altering challenges, that it is a book for every person.
In case you missed it, don’t ask to borrow mine.
For one thing, I need it for the Cauliflower Banana Muffin recipe. Buy your copy here and get one for your guest room bedside table too.
Love,
Mum xo
*again, I have not been paid to endorse this book…I just like it 🙂