N/A

Although America has never experienced a woman president, Nicolle Wallace , the author of Madam President , writes a good novel about how a woman president might react to the situations that happen in the White House. All presidents face stressful circumstances involving the nation and maybe their family.  It's definitely not an easy job. Little did I realize how often in a given day a president has to deal with the media. When the First daughter writes about Pro-choice on Facebook, Madam President has to deal with the media fallout. What the daughter wrote does become the story of the day. There definitely is a balancing act between acting as the most important leader of the United States and also being a parent, spouse or friend. After reading chapters in the novel about a very stressful and tragic situation which involved the lives of eight hundred and thirty seven people, I thought over what is good leadership. Every word, every moment of the people in the White House is

http://fredasvoice.com "A monk would have the graciousness to pretend not to notice one of his brothers kneeling to a superior to confess a fault, but not the lay servants from the village. They regarded it as good entertainment."

Two days before my sixteenth birthday, I woke up so early that my maid was still asleep on the floor at the foot of my bed. I should have scolded Willow, but I didn't because I wanted a few moments alone to savor my excitement. Beginning tonight, I would attend a production of The Peony Pavilion mounted in our garden. http://rosecityreader.blogspot.com

After reading this book, "From Good To Grace" by Christine Hoover, I felt such relief. It turned me back to a merciful God. In this book, Christine Hoover, shares parts of her life. It's a time when she felt overwhelmed with striving to appear as a good person to friends, family and church. Finally, this hard way of life led her back to our Gracious Lord. The God who does not judge us by our deeds or by the Law. When she explored God's goodness, the author felt free and felt God's love wash over her. His love in her began to flow outward. This Living Gospel is one where we are reminded that God died for our sins. He paid the penalty. There is no condemnation only Grace. This is the Gospel of Joy. desiringgod.org/authors/christine-hoover bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/from-good-to-grace

Morning light is green. Grass is wet. Brown leaves scattered. Squirrels stand still. Rain.

spring wildflowers on the mountainside my eyes gleam my heart is lifted

The House of Hawthorne by Erika Robuck is a wonderful fictionalized biography. It's a love story between Nathaniel Hawthorne and his wife, Sophia whose maiden name was Peabody. It's also about their children and their friends who become a part of this famous marriage. During their passionate marriage, Nathaniel Hawthorne suffered with dark moods at times. While Sophia Hawthorne suffered  chronic headaches. I didn't quite understand how the headaches related to Sophia Hawthorne's Art. However, the headaches did effect her painting times. I felt very sorry for her during these times. The Hawthornes also faced  poverty. It's really strange to read about the early days of financial problems faced by an author. One whom is known to us as famous and possibly died wealthy. It's also interesting to read thoughts about slavery. There is a division in the family. The Hawthornes and the in-laws didn't share the same views about the slave question. With so much g