Saturday, January 16, 2010
Blog Post on “Between the Moon and New York City”
http://betweenthemoonandnewyorkcity.blogspot.com/
Sisters Singing
It was just one of those days. Someone's negativity was beginning to build up to a toxic level and I was feeling trampled down by it. My escape for these situations is to hit the bookstore. Meandering around I was hoping for a good antidote to what was ailing me - and I found it! A delightful book called, Sisters Singing, Blessings, Prayers, Art, Songs, Poetry & Sacred Stories by Women edted by Carolyn Brigit Flynn. Here is an excerpt from its introduction:
" A few years ago I learned a term from the world of carpentry that delighted me. A piece of wood attached alongside an existing beam for extra support is called a sister joist. And the verb describing the particular and specific action of providing essential, side-by-side support is known as sistering. Thus we see from an ancient handcraft of brothers a truth so old, so necessary, so obvious, that it comes unbidden outside the world of women. To sister is to provide an extra bit of vital support, to stand beside, right next to, to support invisibly - to hold someone up.
And of course, in truth, we all know what a sister is.
Most of us have one, a true one, if we are lucky. Some of us are gifted with sisters through blood and family lines. But beyond that, we find that our sisters simply emerge along the journey of our lives. Here, at this moment, this woman came forth at just the right time. She brought me tea, or good whiskey. She let me put my head in her lap. She held me to her breast and let me cry. She listened. She did not need me to be more, or different, less broken-hearted, more wise. She knew I needed simple reinforcement, help where I felt weak. She provided that help. She held me steady. She sistered me."
How can you not love a book like this? I am richly blessed with a biological sister who has been all of the above to me time and time again. I am also blessed with sisters of the heart who journey with me through this life as the invisible support to my sometimes shaky beams! Go get this book - it is a treasure!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
My heart sings...
April 26, 2009
Lori Peters, Clearlake, CA
What a powerful book! My hearts sings....
When you need to fill your well drink from this book.
Meditate a moment. When you are ready, open the book. The page will inspire you!
Thank you for sharing....
Lori Peters, Clearlake, CA
What a powerful book! My hearts sings....
When you need to fill your well drink from this book.
Meditate a moment. When you are ready, open the book. The page will inspire you!
Thank you for sharing....
Thanks for bringing this into my life
April 8, 2009
Sharon Willen, Mills River, NC
I am SOOOOOO enjoying Sisters Singing!
I was moved by the opening night in Asheville, and the book has even outdone that experience.
Thanks for bringing this into my life.
Sharon Willen, Mills River, NC
I am SOOOOOO enjoying Sisters Singing!
I was moved by the opening night in Asheville, and the book has even outdone that experience.
Thanks for bringing this into my life.
Just open to any page
April 8, 2009
Jill Drama Rose, Capitola Book Cafe, Capitola, CA
This beautiful book is one to turn to again and again. You can read it right through or just open to any page and find something valuable, a quote you needed for that day, or an image to inspire you. The poetry is lyrical, the stories are profound and the artwork is lovely.
Give it as a gift to your favorite friend or anyone who needs some personal healing. Get one for yourself and practice the songs with your family...that's what I'm doing!
Jill Drama Rose, Capitola Book Cafe, Capitola, CA
This beautiful book is one to turn to again and again. You can read it right through or just open to any page and find something valuable, a quote you needed for that day, or an image to inspire you. The poetry is lyrical, the stories are profound and the artwork is lovely.
Give it as a gift to your favorite friend or anyone who needs some personal healing. Get one for yourself and practice the songs with your family...that's what I'm doing!
Giving much comfort
March 29, 2009
Judy Phillips, Santa Cruz
During the holidays, I sent a copy of Sisters Singing to my in-laws, Chris & Ray Phillips in Maui. Last week, I received a memorial card acknowledging the passing of Eva Johnson, Chris' mother. Printed inside the card was Jean Mahoney's "Prayer For My Mother" from Sisters Singing. I happened to see Jean that night and showed it to her. She was so moved that the poem now had a life of its own.
Talking to Chris yesterday, she said she had earmarked about 30 pieces that she read to her mother at her bedside, giving much comfort.
Judy Phillips, Santa Cruz
During the holidays, I sent a copy of Sisters Singing to my in-laws, Chris & Ray Phillips in Maui. Last week, I received a memorial card acknowledging the passing of Eva Johnson, Chris' mother. Printed inside the card was Jean Mahoney's "Prayer For My Mother" from Sisters Singing. I happened to see Jean that night and showed it to her. She was so moved that the poem now had a life of its own.
Talking to Chris yesterday, she said she had earmarked about 30 pieces that she read to her mother at her bedside, giving much comfort.
All of the incredible energy
March 29, 2009
Miriam Chaya, Berkeley
Last night I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. re-reading our book. I came home and read my husband the introduction. Deena's Forward, Alison Bermond’s stories, and lots and lots of poetry. I loved reading aloud to him, singing to him and showing him the art work. He loved it all and we felt very close.
All of the incredible energy from this book will be distributed where ever we go......over and over and over again as each person picks up the book, holds it in her hands, and feels the wisdom of our words, our songs and our art.
This is a new wave, a new time, a new change. WE ARE THE BEINGS WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR. The seven years of terror, fear, hatred and anger are over. It is our time for our voices to be heard, Thank you, thank you, thank you for including me in the birth of joy, spirit, and love.
Miriam Chaya, Berkeley
Last night I stayed up until 2:30 a.m. re-reading our book. I came home and read my husband the introduction. Deena's Forward, Alison Bermond’s stories, and lots and lots of poetry. I loved reading aloud to him, singing to him and showing him the art work. He loved it all and we felt very close.
All of the incredible energy from this book will be distributed where ever we go......over and over and over again as each person picks up the book, holds it in her hands, and feels the wisdom of our words, our songs and our art.
This is a new wave, a new time, a new change. WE ARE THE BEINGS WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR. The seven years of terror, fear, hatred and anger are over. It is our time for our voices to be heard, Thank you, thank you, thank you for including me in the birth of joy, spirit, and love.
Reading a few pages every night
March 9, 2009
Sheila, Nashville, TN
Thank you so much for Sisters Singing. It is beautiful. Cindy is reading a few pages to me every night when we get in bed. What an amazing collection! I’ve already sent the book and how to purchase it to many of our friends. We really enjoy the messages in the writings.
Sheila, Nashville, TN
Thank you so much for Sisters Singing. It is beautiful. Cindy is reading a few pages to me every night when we get in bed. What an amazing collection! I’ve already sent the book and how to purchase it to many of our friends. We really enjoy the messages in the writings.
Encouraged to get my poems out of the top drawer
March 28, 2009
Katie, Seattle, WA
The woman sitting next to me at the Nov 8 Sisters Singing reading in Santa Cruz was so excited. She said, “You know, hearing these poets read their work encourages me to get my poems out of the top bureau drawer. They’re really worth bringing out of the dark.
Katie, Seattle, WA
The woman sitting next to me at the Nov 8 Sisters Singing reading in Santa Cruz was so excited. She said, “You know, hearing these poets read their work encourages me to get my poems out of the top bureau drawer. They’re really worth bringing out of the dark.
Sisters Singing traveling
March 28, 2009
Katie, Seattle, WA
Just this afternoon I sent my last copy of Sisters Singing to an old childhood friend in California who will have her 69th birthday on April 10th. As she is suffering from Huntington's disease, she may not be able hold the book, but her family members will read to her. Old friendships, like old trees, are held by invisible deep sister- roots.
I've sent Sisters Singing traveling — 1) to an editor of an independent women’s press in Wyoming, a courageous advocate for earth and women, and a fine, bold poet and bush pilot, 2) to my wonderful Greek fisherwoman/designer-hairstylist friend who just cut and fluffed my hair, 3) to a bright, warm-hearted Iowa farmer friend of my husband. She insisted I go on a combine ride with her, weekend before last when we visited. My “thank you” to her for the ride through the rows of corn was Sisters Singing.
Thank you all for offering a safe house to old friends and new ones too.
Katie, Seattle, WA
Just this afternoon I sent my last copy of Sisters Singing to an old childhood friend in California who will have her 69th birthday on April 10th. As she is suffering from Huntington's disease, she may not be able hold the book, but her family members will read to her. Old friendships, like old trees, are held by invisible deep sister- roots.
I've sent Sisters Singing traveling — 1) to an editor of an independent women’s press in Wyoming, a courageous advocate for earth and women, and a fine, bold poet and bush pilot, 2) to my wonderful Greek fisherwoman/designer-hairstylist friend who just cut and fluffed my hair, 3) to a bright, warm-hearted Iowa farmer friend of my husband. She insisted I go on a combine ride with her, weekend before last when we visited. My “thank you” to her for the ride through the rows of corn was Sisters Singing.
Thank you all for offering a safe house to old friends and new ones too.
Personal and broad at the same time
March 25, 2009
Marianna, Larkspur, CA
I’m about a third of the way through Sisters Singing, and I want you to know how much I appreciate its strong, affirming, open theme—personal and broad at the same time. I like reading the little bios of the women at the end, too. Thanks so much — it’s been a comforting accompaniment to my “recovery” -- a few pieces now and then at night before settling down to sleep — maybe even paving a path to the quiet, introspective time.
Marianna, Larkspur, CA
I’m about a third of the way through Sisters Singing, and I want you to know how much I appreciate its strong, affirming, open theme—personal and broad at the same time. I like reading the little bios of the women at the end, too. Thanks so much — it’s been a comforting accompaniment to my “recovery” -- a few pieces now and then at night before settling down to sleep — maybe even paving a path to the quiet, introspective time.
Ramblings From the Tractor Seat
March 28, 2009
M.C., Iowa
Thank you for your book. I read the front, then the back.
Related to Wild Girl Publisher description — running free,
riding my horse with only a twine rope in her mouth,
swimming under the railroad trestle.
Your cover artwork touches me. Women, sisters, rooted in the earth.
Reaching to the heavens. I look out the tractor windows, east towards Aurelia.
Town skyscrapers in white... Grain silos for the farmer’s Elevator.
God makes artwork too. Ever-changing and never-ending. Thank you Lord.
It’s turning dark. Crew’s tired. Combine driver husband hurts.
Cornfields have been hard going.
Tears for losses of 25 to 30 bushels per acre.
But the land grows us good yields.
Start in the dark.
End in the dark
Eat a bite
Fall asleep reading “Sisters Singing”.
Thank you Lord
for Friends, longtime and short
For Words and books
For Intellect and emotions shared
Thank you, Lord, for visits that honor us.
Thank you.
M.C., Iowa
Thank you for your book. I read the front, then the back.
Related to Wild Girl Publisher description — running free,
riding my horse with only a twine rope in her mouth,
swimming under the railroad trestle.
Your cover artwork touches me. Women, sisters, rooted in the earth.
Reaching to the heavens. I look out the tractor windows, east towards Aurelia.
Town skyscrapers in white... Grain silos for the farmer’s Elevator.
God makes artwork too. Ever-changing and never-ending. Thank you Lord.
It’s turning dark. Crew’s tired. Combine driver husband hurts.
Cornfields have been hard going.
Tears for losses of 25 to 30 bushels per acre.
But the land grows us good yields.
Start in the dark.
End in the dark
Eat a bite
Fall asleep reading “Sisters Singing”.
Thank you Lord
for Friends, longtime and short
For Words and books
For Intellect and emotions shared
Thank you, Lord, for visits that honor us.
Thank you.
I wish I could purchase for each of my friends
March 16, 2009
Marty, Santa Cruz
I just want to say "thank you" for creating this book. I am enjoying it so much. I purchased two books (one for me and another for a friend) and plan to buy a few more. I wish I could afford to purchase one for each of my friends. Again, thanks for bringing the voices alive! Congratulations on this accomplishment!
Marty, Santa Cruz
Marty, Santa Cruz
I just want to say "thank you" for creating this book. I am enjoying it so much. I purchased two books (one for me and another for a friend) and plan to buy a few more. I wish I could afford to purchase one for each of my friends. Again, thanks for bringing the voices alive! Congratulations on this accomplishment!
Marty, Santa Cruz
Singing to everyone
February 26, 2009
Ziggy, Santa Cruz, CA
I have four brothers and four sisters and I gave each of them a copy of "Sister's Singing". I spoke to my brother yesterday who lives in LA and is a year younger than I am. He has been going through some tough times in the last couple of years. He told me he has been reading the book and keeps it by his bed. "There are some really beautiful things in that book, he said, It has kept me company." This is a guy who watches basketball and the financial page. So, we are singing to everyone.
Ziggy, Santa Cruz, CA
I have four brothers and four sisters and I gave each of them a copy of "Sister's Singing". I spoke to my brother yesterday who lives in LA and is a year younger than I am. He has been going through some tough times in the last couple of years. He told me he has been reading the book and keeps it by his bed. "There are some really beautiful things in that book, he said, It has kept me company." This is a guy who watches basketball and the financial page. So, we are singing to everyone.
One of the reverberations
February 25, 2009
Maria Papcostaki, Philadelphia, PA
Dear Carolyn, Undoubtedly by now you have heard it a thousand times how very wonderful everything was during the celebration of our book and that we all hold you in gratitude. So I'll tell you another story.
Right before my beloved friend Carol died from ovarian last December, she was moved from the hospital back home to be cared by hospice as well as by her many friends and family. Her sister Sally and brother-in-law came from Ohio to care for her. Sally is one of those women who reliably takes care of all that needs to be taken care of lovingly and caringly but without being maudlin. One can hardly say thank you to her without her demurring.
When I came back from California from our reading, I gave Carol a copy of our book. That night Carol could not sleep and one of our friends who stayed the night, read her some of the pieces from the book, including your preface. The next day, Carol sat her sister by her bedside and read her your piece about sistering. Telling me about this, Carol cried, I think because she was able to find a way to tell Sally what her care has meant to her. And Sally on a separate occasion, without telling me this story, told me how much she liked your piece! Just one of the reverberations!
Maria Papcostaki, Philadelphia, PA
Dear Carolyn, Undoubtedly by now you have heard it a thousand times how very wonderful everything was during the celebration of our book and that we all hold you in gratitude. So I'll tell you another story.
Right before my beloved friend Carol died from ovarian last December, she was moved from the hospital back home to be cared by hospice as well as by her many friends and family. Her sister Sally and brother-in-law came from Ohio to care for her. Sally is one of those women who reliably takes care of all that needs to be taken care of lovingly and caringly but without being maudlin. One can hardly say thank you to her without her demurring.
When I came back from California from our reading, I gave Carol a copy of our book. That night Carol could not sleep and one of our friends who stayed the night, read her some of the pieces from the book, including your preface. The next day, Carol sat her sister by her bedside and read her your piece about sistering. Telling me about this, Carol cried, I think because she was able to find a way to tell Sally what her care has meant to her. And Sally on a separate occasion, without telling me this story, told me how much she liked your piece! Just one of the reverberations!
A bucket of hope
February 25, 2009 6:12 PM
Kathy Blaine, Springfield, VA
I have given a copy of this wonderful book to friends and extended family. I feel as though I have given each of them a bucket of hope. We agree that in the words we rediscovered our own belief that we can each make a difference.
Kathy Blaine, Springfield, VA
I have given a copy of this wonderful book to friends and extended family. I feel as though I have given each of them a bucket of hope. We agree that in the words we rediscovered our own belief that we can each make a difference.
Like a love affair
February 25, 2009 10:54 am
Mary Thomas, Santa Cruz, CA
This is what I wrote the day after bringing home Sisters Singing:
It is like a love affair! It's hard to sleep, too much amazement and joy, more exciting than I imagined. At first, I dip in at random. There's Maggie's piece, “Musings of a Prolactin Junkie,” and I realize that I will send the book to my best friend Nancy (who is an atheist) for her birthday, and she will LOVE it. Then, I start from the beginning with Deena and Carolyn, and travel on ...
When I finally turn out the light, I lay the book at my side on the
bed, not realizing that I will feel compelled to reach out and touch it during the night. I wake at four a.m., telling myself to go back to sleep, I haven't had enough, I have to go to work today, but I give up after a while, turn on the light, reach for the poems and photographs and prayers, grief and comfort and beauty, and here's a poem I know, remember being read aloud for the first time, "Just Brushing the Lips Of." What a delight.
Mary Thomas, Santa Cruz, CA
This is what I wrote the day after bringing home Sisters Singing:
It is like a love affair! It's hard to sleep, too much amazement and joy, more exciting than I imagined. At first, I dip in at random. There's Maggie's piece, “Musings of a Prolactin Junkie,” and I realize that I will send the book to my best friend Nancy (who is an atheist) for her birthday, and she will LOVE it. Then, I start from the beginning with Deena and Carolyn, and travel on ...
When I finally turn out the light, I lay the book at my side on the
bed, not realizing that I will feel compelled to reach out and touch it during the night. I wake at four a.m., telling myself to go back to sleep, I haven't had enough, I have to go to work today, but I give up after a while, turn on the light, reach for the poems and photographs and prayers, grief and comfort and beauty, and here's a poem I know, remember being read aloud for the first time, "Just Brushing the Lips Of." What a delight.
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