Daily Archives: January 24, 2011

Books I’m reading…

Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through time of no libraries.
~ Anne Herbert, author of
Le Premier Jardin, Heloise, and A New Kind of Love. 

I read so many books that I have little book pyramids all over the house, and even in  my car!  I’m usually reading a novel in each room, a professional book or two, and something funny.


At first I tried keeping an updated list on this site of everything I’m reading, a mini-review, and 1-5 stars.  That didn’t leave much time for writing.


So I decided to take Mom’s advice – if I don’t have something nice to say, I don’t say anything at all. I’m just listing books that I learned from, or enjoyed.  If you have a question, a comment, or a book recommendation, send me a note!


Disclaimer ~ my taste in literature is much like my taste in music: I enjoy all genres that are written and performed by talented, creative people.


 Steig Larsson: The Millenium Series: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo; The Girl Who Played With Fire; and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest.
I don’t usually read books with violence against women, and this series is extremely graphic. But Larsson’s protagonist, Lisbeth Salander, is a complex, highly intelligent character who has no plans to remain a victim. Not for those with a weak stomach or tender sensibilities. But you’d want the quirky, genius Lisbeth on your team if pitted against the bad guys in this story.


Randy Pausch – The Last Lecture. Autobiographical story from Carnegie Mellon professor, with humor, wisdom, and heart.

Mindfulness for Kids, and others!

Quote for the day: 
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. 
If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
 ~ The Dalai Lama



When Losing Words was being published, the editor let me know that one other author was going into print with professional initials after his name.  For this piece, I’m listed as Melinda Bennington, BSW, M.Ed., instead of just Melinda Bennington.  I wouldn’t usually include post-nominals like that in a literary publication, but the subject of the poem is gerontology-related, and we thought it made sense in this instance.


I’ve taught in public school, but recently had the opportunity to combine my interests when I was invited to co-lead a Mindfulness for Children group in private practice outside Washington, D.C.  What a treat!  The person with whom I’ve been working is a wonderful Ph.D. practitioner, and simply a kind, compassionate, competent, fun person.  (You tend to run into people like that in education and in the helping professions.)


There’s research that shows that children who’ve been trained in Mindfulness strategies can see improvements in executive function, behavioral regulation, and self-concept. 😀 I’ve found secular Mindfulness meditation to be a mini-vacation for my body, mind and spirit.  And as a writer, taking time to clear the mind has helped me become more productive and creative.


It can also help with pain management. Here’s some research on meditation and pain for those, like me, who need proof:  National Institute on Health article

The bad thing about pain is it hurts.  The good thing is it’s made me more compassionate toward others who experience it, too. 


Here’s a resource for grownups who’d like to try simple meditation at home.  Guided simple meditation from Quiet Mind Cafe


Information for people interested in Mindfulness for children is:
Susan Kaiser Greenland’s Inner Kids website and
New York Times mindfulness article


Namaste! 😀