Potluck Survival Guide

Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Genre: Care & Feeding of the Athletic Supporter
Author: Cherie Kimmons

Review:
"Where was this book when my kids were all at home? I have learned so much and have had a ball trying some of the recipes. When my kids were home the most asked question was, what's for dinner? My reply was always food. Then it would be what type of food, and I would say the kind you eat.

I can relate to the author as our four kids were into all types of sports or clubs in school. To be honest our favorite quick meals were either pizza or hamburgers. We never in those days thought about nutrition, carbohydrates or calories.

I thought the introduction was funny. Recruiting the Best, was really helpful for those of us who live in small towns or cities. Wrapping the Goal Post was an inspiration. Not to mention food that kids would like from the ages of five to ten years old. Cherie teaches us to make it simple. Then from the ages of twelve to thirteen, a lot of kids can go through a vegetarian phase. That was really a surprise to me.

Honestly, the book is good for people of any age. I had never heard of tomato tart, avocado salsa or on the hamburger bar which has feta cheese sauce.

I loved the dessert part of this book also. I have been trying for thirty years to make Bread Pudding that my husband would like. I could never make it like his mom did. But after reading the recipe I realized the problem was that I would always use fresh bread. That is a no,no. So when he gets home from his trip I will make the recipe in this book.

I recommend this book to the novice cook as well as those of us who are seasoned cooks."

I would rate this book as G rated
Sandra Heptinstall

Arizona Literary Magazine Winning Contest Entries

Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Genre: Arizona Authors Association
Author: Cherie Kimmons

Review:

"It's easy to see why these stories and poems are winners. I know from reading ALM that I would hate to be a judge! The stories are excellent and you are taken on a ride of highs and lows. Some of the stories and poems will make you laugh and some will make you sad, but they are all excellent reads. I am really impressed and hope that some of the stories will someday be turned into books.

Sandra Heptinstall
Whispering Winds Book Reviews

Elder Care Read: life scenes 1

By Laura Bramly

This is a beautiful story of a young woman trying to find a way to connect and communicate with her mother Betty, who had vascular dementia. The author Laura spent many hours of reading to her mom and showing her pictures. Trying to surpass the private world her mom lived in.

Then one day she was reading a coffee table book full of pictures. Laura was making up stories to go along with the photos. After Laura had finished the book her mom said; “Again.” I can only imagine how beautiful it must have sounded to Laura.

Laura began doing extensive research to help other people. The result was a book called Elder Care Read, with photos and text, with the added benefit of discussion questions. This book can be used to encourage people with moderate to advanced dementia to read, converse and learn.

We live in a culture where being older is not respected. In almost all other cultures older people are respected and people look to them for answers. Is there some way to help people see older people in a different light? I don’t have the answer, but I do know that Laura is trying to reach out and help all that she can.

It is up to all the caring people who I know are out there, to take the time and help an older person. Go to a local Nursing Home and volunteer to help.
Take this book with you and find a person who needs you. It may take a long time but you may also hear the beautiful word, “Again.”

Every Nursing home needs to have this book. To those of you trying on your own to help a loved one, buy this book as you won’t be disappointed.

Whispering Winds Book Reviews
Sandra Heptinstall