Category: book
Posted February 3rd, 2010 in book | Tags: books, Masterpiece Theatre, television |
Remember when you use to curl up with your family in front of the television on Sunday nights in anxious anticipation of Alistair Cooke and his introduction of Mobil Masterpiece Theatre? Yeah, me neither…
Alright, alright, I must admit we were one of the THOSE families. Specifically I can remember family viewing of the TV adaptation of The Flame Trees of Thika which featured Hayley Mills (all grown up of “The Parent Trap” fame) and Ben Cross (”Chariots of Fire” anyone?).
Lost in the fog of childhood memories, I picked up a copy of The Flame Trees of Thika at Powell’s with the intention of reading it with Mila. I ended up cracking it open one sleepless night and burned right through it.
The Flame Trees of Thika is basically Little House on the Serengeti. Like Little House, Flame Trees is a memoir of a young girl’s childhood and, also like Little House, it centers around the sense of adventure and hard, and sometimes tragic, realities of pioneer life. But the homestead is in Kenya, the crop is coffee, and Ma and Pa have been replaced by Tilly and Robin (this is a British family after all).
Flame Trees is extremely engaging and paints a vivid picture of a time and place that is now lost – an unspoiled Africa, the simple pleasures and freedom of childhood. Flame Trees is also illuminating as a snapshot if history. The engagement between this British family and the land and native people is deeply detailed. So the context of colonialism and its effect on the African people and environment isn’t hidden.
I’m looking forward to rereading Flame Trees with Mila and hope to get the DVD of the series from the library someday as well.
Posted October 1st, 2009 in Milagros News, book |
The Oregonian recently reviewed Miranda Zine, a local publication authored by local mom Kate Haas. It was no surprise to us that the mighty O loved it. We love it, too.
Kate’s writing is honest and refreshing. Each issue on Miranda is created organically and provides its own unique experience. Kate holds nothing back in her often humorous musings on motherhood and she offers up other engaging essays on a variety of topics (including her time serving in the Peace Corps).
Miranda is created very organically and each issue is its own experience. Learn more about Miranda here or just pick up an issue next time you are at Milagros.
Posted August 31st, 2009 in Events, book, public policy | Tags: Events, Three Cups of Tea |
A while back we posted about the moving book Three Cups of Tea about Greg Mortenson’s work building schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It remains a family favorite and a book we highly recommend for inspiration and courage (Mountains Beyond Mountains is another amazing biography in this vein as well).
Greg Mortenson is coming to Portland for a lecture and book signing. On October 21 he will be at Concordia University (located in our wonderful neighborhood) and tickets may now be purchased on-line.
We have our tickets and hope to see you there!
Posted January 22nd, 2009 in book |
Mila and I were recently visiting family in Colorado. While we were there, we stepped into the historic Carnegie library in Trinidad, Colorado. Their ground floor is a the children’s section and Mila picked up a book and asked me to read it to her. It was Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco.
It is a heart-wrenching Civil War story of a young former slave fighting for the Union – Pink – who saves the life of another young Union soldier – Say, who is white and an antecedent of Ms. Polacco. The story is true and has been handed down over the generations in her family.
It is a story of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice. There is death and it is war story, but it is simple, real and truthful and I don’t think there is a need to shy away from reading it to your child (Mila is six) but you may want to read it for yourself first to assess you own comfort level.
The bottom-line is that, unless you are a robot, Pink and Say will choke you up. And those emotions will be raw and genuine not the result of some pat string pulling.
Pinkus Aylee, Mila and I promise to remember you. Always.
Posted November 29th, 2008 in book |
Mila and Gael’s grandmother recently came to visit and left behind a book, Three Cups of Tea. We have developed a nice tradition of swapping books in our family – on both sides.
Three Cups of Tea recounts the journey of Greg Mortenson from a failed attempt to climb K2 to launching a mission to build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is an incredible story of inspiration, vision, empathy, and compassion. It is a moving experience to even read about and it underscores one of my favorite quotes:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Posted November 10th, 2008 in Products, book |
We love Chrissy Butler’s illustrations and her delightful story-telling. Which is why we are proud to be the first retail store in the USA who is presenting this Australian author’s work. We previously wrote about her book My Brother Jimi Jazz, a lovely book about home birth that was a favorite of Mila’s when we were preparing for Gael’s arrival, now we also have her new book The Wonderful Place.
The Wonderful Place is a delight filled look at the joys of full term breastfeeding. Featuring luscious images of breastfeeding moments and the musings of a toddler, this book sends a positive message to families about breastfeeding. It is alsoprinted onto 100% post consumer re-cycled paper is reinforcing the message of sustainability not only of breastfeeding but printing as well.
Chrissy is excited to share another book which advocates peaceful parenting: “My hope is that this book will help spread a joyous message about full term breastfeeding.” And we are excited to help!
Remember when you use to curl up with your family in front of the television on Sunday nights in anxious anticipation of Alistair Cooke and his introduction of Mobil Masterpiece Theatre? Yeah, me neither…