Hair Care Rehab: The Ultimate Hair Repair & Reconditioning Manual by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book covers pretty much everything you need to know about healthy hair. It taught me quite a bit, and I actually did the rehab program outlined. My hair is super healthy and soft now, which I love. I've picked up some new good habits, like clarifying my hair once a month and leaving my conditioner on for 10-15 minutes, which my showers nicely meditative. I've learned what texture my hair ACTUALLY is (wavy), how to use hair oils, and how often I should really use a leave-in conditioner or hair mask. In addition, there is a complete list of healthy hair products in the back, which is awesome (and preferable to sprinkling them throughout the book, where product recommendations are both distracting and hard to find again). The photos are also really good-there are a lot, and the girls in them are both gorgeous and have personality.. If you have hair, then I definitely recommend this book.

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Thoughts from The Power Of Intention Wayne Dyer (Chapter 2)

Faces Of Intention (Destiny)
1. Creativity
  This means progress, divine potential (which could be another definition of intention), the knowledge that the kingdom of God is within you. Those same creative faculties God has given me that allow me to have children also allow me to shape my destiny.
2. Kindness
 The supreme virtue of womanhood is compassion. When a woman denies compassion she is truly denying her divine nature and Goddess energy. As she is kind and does good works, she will be led to her destiny.
3. Love
 Love creates destiny. Doing what you love, being with who you love is your destiny. "Men are that they might have joy." True love is all the good things: true love is fearless. Love is to fear, hate, etc. as light is to dark.  
4. Beauty
 Satan is the deceiver, he tells us lies to make us unhappy. God tells us the truth to make us happy. The truth is always beautiful, even if strangely, sublimely, or even tragically so. This is what true romantics know. As we look for the beauty in everything, we are constantly looking for God. Therefore we are constantly becoming aware of his will for us and able to align ourselves with that will. This practice also helps us to survive.
5. Expansion (Progress)
Again, the life force, progress. Our true destiny is to eternally progress. Choosing to stagnate, is then, one of the worst "sins" we can commit. If expression constantly increases, we must cultivate the good things (the BEAUTY) we have in us and our lives. (Parable of the talents).
6. Unlimited abundance (Eternity)
 "Your ways are not God's ways". God is INFINITE, ETERNAL, & EVERLASTING. We can become like God. We are his children, we share his traits.
7. Receptivity (Faith)
"Intention [Destiny] can't respond to you if you fail to recognize it." Don't ask how, just say yes. If you have received your answer from God, just go forward with faith. "I know the Lord provides a way."

Visualize the power of intention (destiny).
Be reflective/faithful.
Expect beauty.
Meditate on/pray about appreciation.
Banish doubt/fear. 

The Undying Apathy of Imogen Shroud by Ben White

The Undying Apathy of Imogen Shroud by Ben White

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really really liked this book. It would make an awesome movie as well. The way it starts out, I was expecting something a little different, so if you aren't sure at first, keep reading.



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William Blake!

Blake Illuminations

Butterflies

Butterflies by Susanne Gervay

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book was uplifting, though sad in places, and the characters were realistic. Katherine is likable, neither a victim of her problems or a saint. The book is inspiring without being preachy.



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The Hand of Divine Justice

The Hand of Divine Justice by Therese Zrihen-Dvir

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this book, it's a great family history and story of personal redemption. The dialogue seemed a bit formal to my American ears, but I enjoyed it and it made me want to write which is always a good thing in my opinion. The only problems I had with this novel are that some of the characters seemed a bit one-dimensional (like Claude, Paul, and Cathy)and I didn't quite understand the animosity of Mardoché for Solomon at times. It seems clear to me why Solomon would do what he chose to do; learning about his identity and pursuing his education seem like good things to do even if they are uncomfortable at times. His parents, especially Mardoché, seemed very selfish in this regard to me, and Mercedes seemed to be the only objective character in regard to this. I don't know if this is perhaps a cultural misunderstanding of mine or if it is a failure on the author's part to truly make the reader understand the motivations of the characters.



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I start classes (well, a class) again this week so it's back to work for me. I am trying to define work a little more...creatively this time around. As part of my penchant for making lists, here are some things I hope to refocus on:

Making A's and $
Taking some childhood development classes
Book reviews (and the reading that goes with it)
Creative ventures: sewing, collages, writing
Blogging: Both reading and writing
Seeing movies again
Exploring and listening to a lot of music
Playing with my look (particularly getting a little more creative with my outfits, maybe exploring Carol Tuttle's classes)
Exercising

I feel a bit more inspired than I have in a while, so wish me luck!