Tag: American Novelist

My Abundant Life 8-10-26

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August 10th, 2026

Calling Forth Our Gifts

“Do not weep; do not wax indignant, Understand.”

Baruch Spinoza (Philosopher; November 24th, 1632 to February 21st, 1677)

“You long to call forth your gifts. To explore your talents. To discover and recover your creativity. But where do you begin? You begin by offering an open heart and a willingness to serve.”

“The artist is a servant who is willing to be a birthgiver. …I believe that each work of art, whether it is a work of great genius, or something very small, comes to the artist and says. ‘Here I am. Enflesh me. Give birth to me.’ …’My soul doth magnify the Lord,’ and willingly becomes the bearer of the work, or refuses.”

Madeleine L’Engle (American Writer; November 29th, 1918 to September 6th, 2007)

“Whether or not we serve is entirely our choice. God’s first gift to us is free will, which distinguishes mortals from the angels, who–after having seen the glory–joyfully exchanged free will for the passion of serving. Being higher than the angels, we can have the best of both worlds; free will and the passion of serving. Perhaps one day we’ll realize it’s not the will of God we need fear as much as being left to our own deceits and devices.”

“Remember, before anything exists on earth, it exists fully formed in Spirit. The Great Creator does not play favorites; each of us came into being to carry on the re-creation of the world through our gifts.

“And while you are offered many dizzying opportunities in a lifetime, Spirit only comes once for each Work seeking creative expression through you, then moves on. The bottom line is that the Work must be brought forth. If you don’t do it, someone else will. So when that great idea flashes across your mind surrounded by Light, pay attention! Once it exists in your mind, realize that other brainwaves soon will be able to pick up the creative energy pattern if they are receptive. Think of your mind as a satellite dish. Creative celestial messages are continuously being transmitted. The frequency is jammed–privy to your soul only–for an infinitesimal, proprietary moments. Just long enough for you to lift up your heart, accept the assignment, and give thanks.”

“Some things… arrive in their own mysterious hour, on their own terms and not yours, to be seized or relinquished forever.”

Gail Godwin (American Novelist & Short Story Writer; June 18th, 1937)

“When I became a coach, I felt the calling from Spirit. Now in my present iteration, I am listening for my calling in this chapter of my life…still on hold.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 294 to 295 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 7-12-26

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July 12th, 2026

How To Cook A Wolf

“There’s a whining at the threshold–

There’s a scratching at the floor–

To work! To work! In Heaven’s name!

The wolf is at the door!

Charlotte Perkins Gilman (American Novelist; July 3rd, 1860 to August 17th, 1935)

“When the wolf arrives, ‘Our texture of belief has great holes in it,’ M. F. K. Fisher recalls. ‘Our pattern lacks pieces.” Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher, who was probably this country’s greatest food writer, knew all about lean times. In fact, one of her early books was How to Cook a Wolf, which she published in 1942 during the worst of the wartime food shortages.”

“Poverty is always experienced in the soul before it is felt in the pocketbook.”

“For those of us who would like to follow in her footsteps, she recommends weeding our desires, leaving only the holy hungers, ‘so that you can live most agreeably in a world full of an increasing number of disagreeable surprises.”

“How did she do it? By not running scared when the wolf arrived, by not giving in to her fears that he would blow her house down. She knew that the twists and turn of fate are usually just hot air. Instead, she learned to outsmart, catch. and cook the wolf. By concentrating on the goal at hand–a good glass of wine, a good tomato, a good loaf of bread. A beautiful sunset, a lively conversation, a loving relationship. She knew that the good life does not depend on extravagant indulgences. The good life does not deprive. It exults. ‘You can still live with grace and wisdom.’ she encourages us–if you rely on ‘your own innate sense of what you must do with the resources you have to keep the wolf from sniffing too hungrily through the keyhole.'”

“My husband and I have agreed to live a created life where everyday is a party. We lean into this and stay present with what is so and create magic in our lives every single moment. We are blessed.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 254 to 255 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 7-9-26

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July 9th, 2026

Nursery Fare For Children of All Ages

“Animal crackers, and cocoa to drink,

That is the finest of suppers, I think;

When I’m grown up and can have what I please

I think I shall always insist upon these.”

Christopher Morley (American Journalist & Novelist; May 5th, 1890 to March 28th, 1957)

“When you’re cranky and cry easily, when you are so tired that your eyes burn from keeping them open, when you need hugs and someone to pat the top of your head and whisper ‘Shh… There, there…’ and no one is around, you need nursery fare. Nursery foods are the well-loved recipes from childhood that conjure up the happy, innocent moments when all was right with the world because we knew our place in it. The times when, dressed in our flannel pajamas, we sat down for supper before a story and bed…”

“I often wonder how I didn’t become 300# with the neglect was worse as food was soothing. Likely because food was scarce I could rely on that for all my needs.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 249 to 251 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 7-4-26

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July 4th, 2026

Getting Real and Personal in the Pursuit of Happiness

“Expect nothing; live frugally on surprise.”

Alice Walker (American Novelist & Short Story Writer; February 9th, 1944)

“William James was also an eloquent and persuasive champion of a philosophical school of thought known as Pragmatism. He argued that the world already exists when we are born, and we have to accept it as it is. But our ability to create our own inner reality can determine if we view the Universe as friendly or hostile.”

“Be willing to have it so… Acceptance of what has happened is the first step in overcoming the consequences of any misfortune.”

William James (American Philosopher & Psychologist; January 11th, 1842 to August 26th, 1910)

“Being a pragmatist, Dr. James believed that personal happiness hinges on a practicality: if your reality lives up to your expectations, you’re happy. If it doesn’t, you’re depressed.”

“Do we consciously and continually strive for more accomplishments and accumulations? Or do we lower our expectations, live with what we have, and learn to be content?”

“Many of us mistakenly think that lowering our expectations means we must surrender our dreams.”

“Absolutely not. Dreams and expectations are two very different things. Dreams call for a leap of faith, trusting, that Spirit is holding the net, so that you can continue in the re-creation of the world with your energy, soul gifts, and vision. Expectations are the emotional investment the ego makes in a particular outcome: what needs to happen to make that dream come true. The ego’s expectations are never vague: Oscars, magazine covers, the New York Times best-seller list. Your dreams must manifest exactly as the ego imagines or someone isn’t going to be very happy. And guess who that is? The ego! Since none of us can always predict either the future or the best outcome for our authentic path, this kind of thinking is self-destructive. Because if we don’t live up to the ego’s expectations, we’ve failed again. And at some point we really do give up.”

“The passionate pursuit of dreams sets your soul soaring; expectations that measure the dream’s success tie stones around your soul. I don’t think we should just lower our expectations; I believe if we truly want to live a joyous and adventurous life, we should relinquish them.”

“Living your life as a dreamer and not as an ‘expector’ is a personal declaration of independence. You’re able to pursue happiness more directly when you don’t get caught up in the delivery details. Dreaming, not expecting, allows Spirit to step in and surprise you with connection, completion, consummation, celebration. You dream. Show up for work, Then let Spirit deliver your dreams to the world.”

“When once a decision is reached and execution is the order of the day, dismiss absolutely all responsibility and care about the outcome.”

William James (American Philosopher & Psychologist; January 11th, 1842 to August 26th, 1910)

“I don’t think any of our dreams begin to come close to the dreams Spirit has waiting with our names on them. I also believe we’ll only find out once we start investing our emotions in authentic expression, and not in spefici outcomes.”

“I say let the flow carry you on your life journey…PLUG IN!”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 241 to 243 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 6-27-26

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June 27th, 2026

Rosemary for Remembrance: Sowing Herbal Hopes and Wishes

“Balm brings you sympathy and Marjoram joy

Sage is long life…Sweet Woodruff augurs well for health–

A blessing richer far than wealth.

While Lavender means deep devotion, Herb of sweet omen, Rosemary conveys

Affection and remembrance all your days.

May Heaven and Earth and Man combine

To keep these blessings ever thine.”

Rachel Page Elliott (Author; February 27th, 1913 to March 20th, 2009)

“King Charlemagne of France, the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, believed that herbs were ‘the friend of the physician and the pride of cooks’ and ordered the planting of a royal herb garden in the ninth century. Herbs were considered essential for a long, happy, and healthy life.”

“Jeri performs a Native American ritual as she collects herbs. She wears a sacred pouch that carries wheat seeds. As she gathers from the earth, she personally returns an offering by scattering seeds. And even if the seeds don’t sprout, at least she is feeding the earth’s creatures. ‘The Native Americans have a chant that they invoke when they gather.’ Jeri says. ‘The Earth is my Mother, I take care of Her.”

“Today, sow some symbolic seeds, even if you don’t have a garden, as a gesture to ritualize the new life you are creating within. Ask for blessing of Spirit and the nurturing of the Great Mother and know that in due time there will be an abundant harvest for yourself and those you love.”

“In search of my mother’s garden I found my own.”

Alice Walker (American Novelist & Short Story Writer; February 9th, 1944)

“The idea that even in the 9th century, man knew the value of plants to a healthy life. I love the idea of sowing seeds as a gift to Mother Earth. To return to this gifting might yield a a beautiful canvas or sorts. This gives me hope to be an artist after all.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 228 to 229 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 6-15-26

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June 15th, 2026

The Secret Anniversaries of the Heart

“The holiest of all holidays are those kept by ourselves and apart. the secret anniversaries of the heart…”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (American Poet; February 27th, 1807 to March 24th, 1882)

“Today I am thinking of singular rites of passage, the secret anniversaries we never talk about, kept in silence and apart.”

“Secret anniversaries of the heart are not restricted by the passage of the years.”

“I am a part of all that I have touched and that has touched me.”

Thomas Wolfe (American Novelist & Short Story Writer; October 3rd, 1900 to September 15th, 1938)

“It took a secret anniversary of the heart to remind me that there is always time enough to remember. But there is never time enough to commemorate what we cherish, unless we pause to observe, when they occur, the holiest of all holidays.”

“The acknowledgment of those who have touched you is the whole point of living and being ni relationship with others.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 210 to 212 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 6-13-26

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June 13th, 2026

Secret Passions: The Fancy Pantry

“The Array of pots rather amazed her at first, but John was so fond of jelly, and the nice little jars would look so well on the top shelf.”

Louisa May Alcott (American Novelist & Short Story Writer; November 29th, 1832 to March 6th, 1888)

“Creating a yummy larder to raid on weekends is the goal!”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 207 to 208 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 5-4-26

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May 4th, 2026

The Personality of Your Home

“A house is who you are, not who you ought to be.”

Jill Robinson (American Novelist, Essayist, and Teacher; May 30th, 1936 to July 20th, 2024)

“You will express yourself in your house whether you want to or not.”

Elsie de Wolfe (American Actress; December 20th, 1865 to July 12th, 1950)

“When we do, the principles of gratitude, simplicity, and order will begin to transform the places where we live into hallowed havens of comfort and contentment—with or without the new slipcovers.”

“Today, no matter where or how you live, look upon your home through the eyes of Love. Walk around the rooms and offer thanks for the walls and roof that safely enclose you and yours. Pause for a moment to consider all the women who have lost their homes through death, divorce, debt, or disaster. Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that, at this moment, all you have is all you truly need.”

“My home is my husband, so where ever we hang our hats is home. I prefer to live in a way where all the spaces are lived in an used. Having a formal dining room, etc. does not interest me as most of us know that room is rarely used and we often find our selves eating in the kitchen or at the daily dining table.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 145 to 146 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 4-30-26

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April 30th, 2026

When Did You Feel Most Beautiful?

“I don’t believe makeup and the right hairstyle alone can make a woman beautiful. The most radiant woman in the room is the one full of life and experience.”

Sharon Stone (American Actress; March 10th, 1958)

“…Love was the common denominator that transformed me, not the outer trappings: love for my husband, love four our child. love for my work. This is perhaps the most important beauty lesson any of us can ever learn. Love has the power to transcend our physical limitations.”

“The more I wonder, the more I love.”

Alice Walker (American Novelist & Short Story Writer; February 9th, 1944)

“When wonder and love become as indispensable to you as foundation and blush, you will become the most radiant woman in the world.”

“I know for a fact that love recreates you. I have felt more beautiful with each passing year and seem to have found a ‘Fountain of Youth’ of sorts as I look and feel better now than I ever have. Each passing year is better than any before it. My husband Neil is my love elixir.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 138 to 139 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.

My Abundant Life 4-11-26

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April 11th, 2026

Finishing Touches: The Art of Fashion Accessories

“Perhaps too much of everything is as bad as too little.”

Edna Ferber (American Novelist and Short Story Writer; April 27th, 1855 to January 24th, 1897)

“I have recently been a slave to AI as it fills my feed with native beading ideas. Accenting my clothing with beading is intriguing to me and feels authentic.”

–Ban Breathnach, Sarah. “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. Grand Central Publishing. (1976). Kindle Page 114-116 of 501.

I challenge each of you on this blog series to post comments so we all can grow together.