The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman - Article

I was supposed to review this book by today but my copy arrived late and I haven't had time to finish reading it yet. So here's an article that was sent to me by the PR Company. Enjoy!

“Sooo… Want to go on a double date with my parents?” That’s how my journey with The Five Love Languages began. Seriously. But let me explain. I was a college senior, and quite enamored with a certain boy. I picked up the phone, pulse racing, palms sweating, and somehow mustered up the courage to ask him if he’d come with my parents and I to see a show downtown Chicago.

I was feeling bold. Of course, I was taking a risk… What guy would say yes to a night out with his not-yet-girlfriend and her mother and father? We’re talking about a one hour drive each way, then sitting next to each other for a two hour show. So, curled up in my computer chair, cell phone to my ear, I asked and held my breath in anticipation of Justin’s answer.

He said yes.

You’re probably wondering what this has to do with The Five Love Languages (Dr. Gary Chapman, Northfield Publishing). On the car ride home from our night out, Justin mentioned, “Hey, have you heard of The Five Love Languages?” He proceeded to explain the concept--how everyone has a love language, and speaking the right one to a person is the key to making them feel loved. Interesting. I made a mental note to drop by a bookstore ASAP and buy myself a copy. As far as I was concerned (my parents as well), he was earning brownie points. But I had to get to the bottom of it myself.

I began reading. Of course, I didn’t want to seem too eager, so I didn’t mention it to Justin (I wasn’t interested in scaring him off). But as I read, it made so much sense. I could see it applying to dating relationships, marriages, relationships with siblings, and even friends. Here’s a rundown of the five love languages:

Words of affirmation--Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the reasons why someone loves you sends your spirits skyward.

Quality Time--In the language of quality time, nothing says “I love you” like full, undivided attention. Really being there, with the TV off and all chores on standby, makes your significant other feel truly special and loved.

Receiving Gifts--Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift.

Acts of Service--Can vacuuming floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an acts of service person speaks volumes.

Physical Touch-- Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face can all be ways to show excitement, care and love to a person whose primary love language is physical touch.

Which of these love languages looks like yours? How about your spouse? You may find you’ve been killing yourself washing dishes, cooking elaborate meals, and doing laundry, when all he really wants is for you stop and tell him the specific reasons why you love him so much.

The Five Love Languages first released in 1992. It has sold more than five million copies and rocketed to the top spot of the New York Times bestseller list. Ask your friends, visit the website (www.fivelovelanguages.com), or check Dr. Chapman’s facebook page, and you’ll hear testimonies from people all over the world who’ve experienced positive change in their relationships.

If more people read this book, there would be more marriages saved! --Lynette S.

The Five Love Languages is a must-read and a permanent fixture in my home library! -Dawn H.

The book is a tremendous asset for couples; I just wish I had read it earlier. It could have saved my marriage. -Rodney E.

As for me? I’d say things worked out. Justin and I recently celebrated our one year wedding. And while I can’t say we apply the love languages perfectly (or even well), we do try! Understanding the concept has given us common ground to lay the foundation of our marriage. I’m acts of service; he’s words of affirmation. And to think, it all started on a double date with my parents.

PS. Do you know what your love language(s) are? If not, you can take a short assessment to find out on his brand new website.

Check back this week for my review of The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Charmed by Julia Rothman's patterns

Daydream wallpaper



If you are an avid follower of the independent art scene, then you've already heard of Brooklyn-based illustrator and designer Julia Rothman.  Her art work has been covered in countless publications relevant to the indie culture, and her pattern illustrations have been applied to all sorts of home decor and accessory items, including bedding, wallpaper, handbags, and stationary.

Flora

A year and a half ago, we had the privilege to work with Julia on a pattern show in our shop.  She made a limited edition collection of fabric squares printed with her pattern designs, and I regret not snatching one before they all sold!

 

A few weeks ago, I came across this video on Julia and her journey as an artist.  It's quite good. 

Zoom In Online



And be sure to check out Julia's book blog, Book By Its Cover.  It's definitely a favorite in the art and design blog world.    

 

Update on Freedom to Read Week

 

My plan was to read two challenged books and review them this week but I am still working on reading them. So I should be able to finish them by Sunday and will review them early next week.

My books have a theme: Lesbianism.

Both books I"m reading were challenged because of reference to or alluding to Lesbianism.

Up close and personal

Cabbage Leaf, 1931.



I'm a huge fan of straight photography, which is a style of photography that captures natural beauty with minimal image manipulation.  One of my favorite photographers to pioneer this style of photography is Edward Weston (1886 - 1958).  I especially love his study of natural objects like vegetables.  Who would've thought that a pepper could look so sensual?

Pepper, 1930.

Artichoke, Halved, 1930.

 Chard, 1931.

New work, "Seasons"

I started this drawing, Seasons, several weeks ago and then hit a major artist's block.  This week I was determined to finish it.  I normally don't like letting things sit unfinished for a long time, particulary artwork.  A good example of this is a 30" x 40" landscape painting that I had started over four years ago.  I was actually nearly done with it when I decided to paint over the whole thing a few weeks ago.  My family was shocked to say the least, and I explained that the painting no longer was relevant to me.  I had moved on, emotionally and stylistically.  I am about a third of the way done with the new painting, and I already feel a sense of renewed energy and vision.  I'll try to post some pictures of my progress in the near future.   

Lovely crocheted and reclaimed items by Ingrid Jansen

I found a wonderful website yesterday while searching for new crocheting projects.  Dutch designer Ingrid Jansen is the creative mind and hands behind Wood & Wool Stool, a collection of handcrafted products for the home.  Ingrid made her first recycled wooden stool with a crocheted seat cover a couple of years ago, and Wood & Wool Stool was born.  In addition to the handmade stools, Ingrid designs pillows, hangers, garlands, frames, and blankets.  Yep, and I pretty much want it all!

Too see Ingrid's latest creations, check out her blog here.  Her pictures are beautiful!

Vintage china for the contemporary home

The other day I came across this retro china collection from the '80s.  These would be great additions as singles.  I absolutely love the design of the coffee pot.  I think I used to have a sweater in the third grade that had similar stripes!

source: Replacements, Ltd.



Nina van de Goor's plate and mug collection have a similar look to the retro collection, but more playful in design.  She screenprints images on vintage china with charming floral and folklore designs. These are perfect for a little dose of cheer every day. 

And then these are my favorite. I love the little houses, but that cloud is just too cute!

By the way, Nina's blog is great.  You should pay her a visit at Ninainvorm. She always has lovely pics.

The NDD Book by William Sears, MD

Subtitle: How Nutrition Deficit Disorder Affects Your Child's Learning, Behaviour, and Health, and What You Can Do About It - Without Drugs

Stars: *****

Summary: In The NDD Book, Dr. Sears presents the latest scientific research on the effects of nutrition on the brain, outlines the symptoms of NDD, and lays out a drug-free prescription for prevention and treatment. Filled with inspiring success stories of children from Dr. Sears's own practice who showed major improvements in learning, mood, and behaviour with diet changes alone, the NDD Book also provides nine days of sample meal plans and kid-friendly NDD-prevention recipes for meals, snacks and desserts.

First of all I'd like to clarify that NDD isn't a condition you can get an actual diagnosis for (except by Dr. Sears) and you won't find information on it in medical journals.

"Children are getting sicker, sadder, and fatter. Why? The problem is food, glorious food! During my thirty-six years as a pediatrician, I have never seen such an epidemic of nutrition related illnesses. In this book you will learn a new name that I have given to this epidemic: NDD, which stands for Nutrition Deficit Disorder." - from the introduction by Dr. Bill

This is not to say that he doesn't know what he's talking about. Everything he said makes perfect sense. He explains how poor nutrition can lead to the D's.

"The D Epidemic
Parents, we have an epidemic of Ds: attention deficit disorder (ADD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Bipolar disorder (BPD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), depression and the biggest D of the decade, diabetes." - pg 7

First I'd like to point out that he doesn't say that poor nutrition is necessarily the cause for every person who has these diseases but it can cause it in some and make it worse in others. I do think he could clarify that a bit more though.

Second, I'm not sure why he put BPD as the short form for Bipolar Disorder as BPD is the short form for Borderline Personality Disorder and bipolar is usually short-formed to BP. This could be a little confusing.

I really enjoyed the book and will be putting some of what it says into practice. Food is put into Green, Yellow and Red light foods to help children and parents remember what's healthy. Also he uses the term Grow-Foods instead of Healthy Foods because the word healthy puts off children and adults who might otherwise eat said food. Dr. Sears also shares tips for helping your family transition to a better diet, ways to sneak in some vegetables while he develops a liking for them and games to do with your children to help them learn the difference between grow-foods and red-light foods and how they affect his body.

There is also a much needed chapter on breakfasts. Everyone has heard that you need a good breakfast to function but Dr. Sears actually explains how those foods work in your body to help your brain function.

I highly recommend this book to all parents and it could even benefit adults who don't have children, especially young adults because they are often not much better when it comes to eating nutritiously.

* I received a copy of this book for review from Hachette Book Group. Reviews are in no way affected by how I came across the book.

Links of Interest: Article on NDD by Dr. Sears, Ask Dr. Sears,


Other Reviews: NONE YET


Buy The NDD Book from amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

A beautiful weekend at the Oregon Coast

Last weekend I was in Cannon Beach, Oregon, and we were spoiled with June-like weather!  Located just 80 miles west of Portland, city dwellers flock to the small coastal town when it's sunny and warm.  Its famous landmark is Haystack Rock, which is 235 ft tall and has been featured in many Hollywood films. 

On Saturday, we strolled down Hemlock Street to the town's center.  It's practically ritual to stop in a candy store at an Oregon beach town and get saltwater taffy.  I never really liked the stuff when I was a kid, but now I want it every time I'm at the coast! 

Like candy stores, art galleries are aplenty at the coast.  I went inside this glassworks gallery called Icefire.  I love these heart-shaped forms that were in the studio.  They feel like a stone but are made out of glass.  The glass is etched with hydrofluoric acid, which is a process that has been used by artists since the 17th century. The one shown here was my favorite one in the gallery.  I adore the color combination and pattern.

LOST'S Buried Treasures 3rd Ed. by Lynnette Porter & David Lavery

Stars: ***1/2

Sourcebooks (January 2010)
Adult Nonfiction
305 pages

Summary: Lost is a complex and mysterious tale, one that draws on many sources for its themes and ideas - sources you must understand to become an advanced Lost expert. Lost's Buried Treasures is the ultimate unauthorized guide to the ideas that have influenced the show and it's writers - and is completely updated through Season Five.

This is not an episode guide, but a resource on books, movies, music, geographical clues and theories of LOST. A large majority of the book is all about the books seen, quoted from or alluded to. There is also a large section on the music talked about, listened to or used as a soundtrack in the show. It also talks about the two pretend bands often mentioned: DriveShaft and Geronimo Jackson.

You will also find Sawyerisms (those nicknames he calls everyone,) some info on Jacob and the Hurley/Sawyer connection. What connection am I talking about? I hadn't really noticed one myself till I read about it. It's about the relationship between the two and how it changes. At the beginning Sawyer is really rude and makes all kinds of cracks about his weight and such. In season 4 and 5 Sawyer starts to keep an eye out for Hurley, worries about him. There's also a full list of people who have died (or might be dead), how they died and if they've shown up to others after their death. You can find the full Table of Contents at this webpage at David Lavery.

The section on books was sometimes boring and sometimes very interesting. I found that when there were talking about books I didn't know anything about, it interested me less. It gives a quick explanation of the book if you don't know what it's about but when I know at least a little bit about the storyline and characters or even better, if I'd read the book, I enjoyed the explanation more. The best part was where it explains how much they got ideas from The Stand by Stephen King. If you want to know where they got ideas for different parts of the show, you'll find they got lots of ideas from other books.

It was an interesting read and helped me remember some things I'd forgotten before I started watching Season 6. I don't think it's a necessary book to read for all LOST fans but it would be good for those interested in the literary, media and pop culture references. 

*I received a copy of this book for review from Sourcebooks but my review is not affected at all by how I received the book.

Links of Interest: David Lavery,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy LOST'S Buried Treasures at Amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

In My Mailbox Monday - Feb. 22

This is the day when I highlight all the new books that have come into my house since the last time I participated.

In My Mailbox is hosted at The Story Siren while Mailbox Monday is hosted at The Printed Page. Since they are basically the same meme, I do them together. Check the links to find posts from others.

So what have I received for review?

You Can't Afford to Break Up: How an Empty Wallet and a Dirty Mind Can Save Your Relationship by Stacey Nelkin and Paul Schienberg, Ph.D.
(iUniverse) - received from Publicist

Critical Care: A New Nurse Faces Death, Life and Everything in Between by Theresa Brown (HarperStudio) - ARC, received from publisher through Shelf Awareness

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman (Northfield Publishing) - special edition with leather cover received by author for Blog Tour

I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali with Delphine Minoui (Three Rivers Press, division of Random House) - received from publisher

Straight Talk for Teenage Girls by Annette Fuson (AuthorHouse) - received for Pump Up Your Book Promotion Tour in March.

That's it for this week!

Portland/Brooklyn Artist Series, Week 2: Michelle Ramin

A couple of weeks ago, I had a friendly encounter with another art enthusiast at the local art store in downtown Portland.  We briefly chatted about art supplies, and I was impressed by her knowledge and usage of different art materials.  It wasn't until the next day that I found out I had been talking with artist Michelle Ramin.  The funny part of this story is that I had already been corresponding with Michelle via email about the artist interview series.  I love living in a small city!

Michelle's studio is a warehouse turned artist haven in SE Portland's Industrial District. 



How would you describe your work?



As of late, I've been working mostly with graphite and acrylic on wood panels.  In the last year, I've also been working on the figure, portraits in particular.  Before then, I had been creating almost exclusively small, illustrative marker and pen drawings of architecture.



The figurative pieces have incorporated a lot of the aesthetic qualities of the smaller, more graphic architectural pieces, but with much more content and meaning.  I always quote the artist Marisol, "Everything the artist makes is always a kind of portrait." These portraits are a way of defining myself by defining the people around me.

Golden fluid acrylics are some of Michelle's favorite art supplies.  



Tell us about the biggest risk you have taken as an artist.



Making art is like learning a new language- you have to build your own unique artistic vocabulary.  Every time I add a new "word" or "phrase," I take a huge emotional risk.  I know that the vocabulary I've had has been working.  It's risky to add something new to that vision or to move away from that vocabulary entirely to find a completely new realm of words.  The risk is that the new work may not be as accepted by others or even by myself.  Growing stagnant in my work, however, is a much worse consequence.

Michelle's largest work to date- a 5' x 5' mixed media on birch panel.  It will debut at a solo show next month.



What are the greatest challenges of being an artist today?



The economy has plummeted in a way that is deeply affecting even the best selling artists.  I no longer count on selling art as a source of income.  We've all had to go back to our jobs or increase our hours at our part-time jobs.  There is definitely less time for painting.  However, the time I have now is much more important, and I am more focused.  The down economy has pushed me to create some really fresh and exciting new work.

What do you love most about Portland? 



Driving 10 minutes out of town to Sauvie Island, where you feel like you're a world away from city life.  The farmers' markets, the bike lanes, the festivals, the music scene!



Everyone is friends with everyone else.  It's youthful and energetic, full of quirks and humor and art.  I like that people here aspire to composting and organic gardening, DIY beer making, commuting by bike, reading every Vonnegut book ever written and backpacking the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail).

Lots of pencil shavings from working on her large figurative works. 



What makes Portland such a great place for independent art?



Affordable living and emphasis on art culture.  People flock here from all over the country, sometimes the world, in hopes of finding part-time, low-responsibility jobs that pay enough to make the rent but give enought flexibility to take time off to travel, to hang art shows, and to experience our lives.



The community is a DIY community- we help each other out.  All of my friends are creatives-filmmakers, musicians, photographers, web designers, graphic designers, chefs, comic book artists, spoken word poets, painters.  Whenever possible, we want to make each other grow and prosper in our respective fields.  Portland's an amazing city in that respect.

Michelle's favorite studio chair.   Photos by Sarah Hooper.

Michelle is currently showing at Blossoming Lotus through the end of this month.  In March, she will have a solo show of her recent figurative works at Bellamy Studios. 



This week's featured Brooklyn artist is India Richer.  Read her interview on Art Hound.



As part of the artist interview series, we are inviting readers to participate in a dialogue about the Portland and Brooklyn art communities.  This week's question: Do you think it's harder for artists to make a living in a small city or a big city?

Preserving wetlands with a red ribbon

It's hard to believe that this lush, natural habitat in Qinhuangdao City, China was once a dumping ground for garbage.  Designed by landscape architect Kongjian Yu, the waterfront park along the Tanghe River has become a popular place of gathering for local residents. The most noted feature of the park is the red steel "ribbon" that spans for a third of a mile.  It functions as seating, and it actually glows at night!  So beautiful! 

 

photos: Kongjian Yu, Cao Yang

CSN Bookcase Review

Back in December I announced I was going to be reviewing a bookcase (bookshelf) from CSN Bookcases. I received it just before Christmas and almost immediately hung it up. A few days later I piled books onto it and I've been using it ever since.

So why haven't you seen a review yet? My camera broke. I wanted to provide photos of the bookcase in my house but my camera broke and the cheap one be bought to replace it takes really bad photos most of the time.

Anyways, with the help of my mother's camera, I bring to you, the review.

*Although I received the bookcase for review from CSN Bookcases, the review is honest and in no way affected by how I received the item.

I received the 4D Concepts Hanging Corner Storage in Espresso to review (pictured top right.) You can see what it looks like with books on it below.  I didn't exactly get the whole thing in the photograph as I was in a hurry and I forgot about the little princess heart hanging on the wall at the top but you get the idea.

It came in a small box as each piece was disassembled and laid flat. It wasn't as easy to put together as I've heard others say theirs were but it wasn't impossible. It took me 10 minutes to figure out which way the connected but actually connecting them was easy and just required a simple screwdriver. It was hanging the bookcase on the wall that was difficult. I had my father help me. I wanted it in a certain place so it didn't necessarily go into studs but it came with plastic anchors. I don't like electric drills so I helped line it up and he screwed the holes, put in the anchors and then screwed the bookcase to the wall.

I love it though. I chose it because I didn't have room for another one to sit on the ground. I wanted to make good use of my corner space. If you put more than a few books on it or a bunch of paperbacks, you do need bookends. My corner bookcase is over my couch so I was a little worried about the bookend falling off and hitting someone, especially since I'm using heavy brass ones. However so far it hasn't happened.

You can put your books on the case in different ways. I started out with each shelf different to show you the different ways but that photo was taken with the now broken camera. By the time I got a different camera here I had rearranged the shelves. I have my book spines facing out one wall but you could face them the other way. However then you see the back of your outermost book whereas this way you see the front. You could also stack them but it didn't look good that way. I also tried fanning them out in a quarter circle like the shelf they sit on but it didn't look as good as I thought it would.

I'm very happy with my bookcase, it is keeping my to-be-reviewed books and some to-read books handy but out of the way. It sells for $34.99 + shipping and taxes at CSN Bookcases, the place to buy bookcases. They ship to Canada or the USA.

Thanks again to CSN Bookcases for allowing me the opportunity to review a bookcase.

Different color palettes of art

My daughters are polar opposites, even when it comes to ice cream.  One loves chocolate flavors while the other prefers fruity blends.  When it comes to art, I wouldn't be surprised if one preferred a darker, monotone palette, and the other, a fusion of bright rainbow colors.  This week, I happened to come across a few artists who created works in both of these palettes.  I work in a wide spectrum of colors myself, so I love both color groups.  Maybe this is why I like a double scoop of ice cream!

Betsy Walton, Riverbank, acrylic gouache.

Two Teas, gouache on paper.

Kristin Brenneman Eno, Just One Pod, monoprint.

Cells, oil.

Tony Wuman, Herring Chandelier, plastic and brass. 

Herring Pendant, plastic.

Alex Beeching, The Constellation of the Elephant.

 Dolce, digital photography.