“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
Dear Friends and Avid Readers:
The only time you run out of chances is when you stop taking them. For the past forty-two years, my husband has lived by this philosophy. He’s become an established businessman, a generous philanthropist, and has been recognized with numerous awards by both charitable and business organizations. His life continues to inspire the young and old alike, and it all began with a dream for a better life in America – a dream that often seemed impossible with our struggling economy. Somehow he went from living in his car and nearly dying of starvation to owning a multi-million dollar conglomerate. He currently travels the world as a motivational speaker and has been honored not only by the heads of State, but also by Japan’s foreign minister.
He’s often asked, “What is the secret to your success? What sets you apart from other people who share common dreams, noteworthy talents, unique and original products?” He explains that it’s ultimately the willingness to take a chance. To risk everything you have – to put everything on the line in order to see your dreams realized. But success is not always measured by monetary gains. It often comes from standing out in your community…taking a chance on others – giving of your time, your knowledge, your strengths. Pay it forward whenever the opportunity makes itself known and your rewards will be far greater than you ever imagined.
Quote of the Month:
“The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live.” – Leo F. Buscaglia
A Nasty Case Of Arthritis:
A man flopped down on a subway seat next to a priest. The man’s tie was stained, his face was smeared with red lipstick, and a half-empty bottle of gin was sticking out of his torn coat pocket. He immediately opened a newspaper and began reading. After a few minutes, he turned to the priest and asked, “Say, Father, what causes arthritis?”
“Loose living, cheap wicked woman, too much alcohol and contempt for your fellow man,” answered the priest.
“I’ll be damned,” the drunk muttered, then returned to his paper.
The priest, suddenly regretting what he had said, nudged the man and sincerely apologized. “I’m very sorry. I didn’t mean to be so harsh. How long have you had arthritis?”
“Oh, I don’t have it, Father,” the drunk answered. “But it says here the Pope does.”
Recommended Reads:
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. If you’re a dog lover, you’ll need to keep a box of Kleenex close at hand. Edgar Sawtelle is a boy who is born mute in the late 1950s. His family has created their own breed of Sawtelle dogs, and they breed and train the dogs on their farm in Wisconsin. Suffice it to say there is tragedy and mystery wrapped into Edgar’s coming of age tale.
Paint it Black by Jane Fitch. Paint it Black is another strong introspective into a woman’s reaction to exacting circumstances. Just as in White Oleander, Fitch once again presents us with a headstrong heroine with unique characteristics that a reader can often empathize with yet question. Fitch fans won’t be disappointed, but be warned as the melodrama unfolds very, very slowly. Aptly titled, Paint in Black draws the reader into Josie’s hazy, desolate world and leaves you breathless.
Midwives by Chris Bohjalian. Sybil Danforth, an uncertified lay midwife in rural Vermont, gets into trouble when she performs an emergency Caesarian on a minister’s wife. Sybil’s daughter, Connie, looks back to 1981 to tell the story of the murder trial.
A Favorite July recipe: Kaylin’s Grilled Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
2 Vidalia onions, thickly sliced
4 large mushroom caps, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
hot sauce to taste
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Place chicken breast halves in a large resealable plastic bag with lemon juice, olive oil, and lemon pepper. Shake to coat, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Preheat a grill for high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate. Place the Vidalia onions and mushrooms on the grill, and cook until lightly charred on both sides; set aside. Place chicken onto the grill, and discard marinade. Cook for 15 minutes, turning once, or until juices run clear. Remove from heat, cool, and chop.
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the onions, mushrooms, chicken, and mayonnaise. Season with hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Cover, and refrigerate until serving.
Upcoming Author Events:
July 16th, 11am – 5pm: Artful Giving Blanket Concert featuring Aaron Meyer, Linda Hornbuckle, Northwest Women Rhythm and Blues, Curtis Salgado and Soul Vaccination; Yoshida Estate, Troutdale, Oregon; books and tickets available on-line at http://www.soulfulgiving.org
July 24th, 4pm – 6pm: Wilsonville Fred Meyer Store – Grand Opening; Old Town Square, SW Boones Ferry Road; co-signing with Kristina McMorris, daughter and author of “Letters From Home”
July 30th, 11am-6pm: 3rd Annual NW Book Festival, Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland
So remember … Stay positive. Give happiness away and be sure to recommend Flaherty’s Crossing to everyone you know!
Have a great month!
Kaylin
www.kaylinmcfarren.com