Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Issue link: http://horizons.epubxp.com/i/52581
Pages Worth Turning ᑀᑀᑀ Wising Up: Ritual Resources for Women of Faith in Their Jour- ney of Aging By Kathy Black and Heather Murray Elkins, eds. Cleveland, OH: Pilgrim, 2005 ISBN-10: 0829816844 ISBN-13: 978-0829816846 Written in recognition of the many changes we encounter during the aging process, Wising Up is a collec- tion of writings that stimulate our imaginations and help us discern how to mark those changes. In each piece, contributors describe rituals they have created to mark certain pivotal moments in the aging process—making the decision whether or not to dye oneᑀs gray- ing hair, joining in partnership with a helping item (a walker, hearing aid, pair of glasses, etc.), building community with others in retire- ment centers or nursing homes, and recognizing the loss of a part of one's body excised during cancer treatment or treatment of another illness. With care, deep spirituality, even playfulness, the editors and contributors wrestle with questions of aging—when it begins, what it means, how we approach interde- pendence, and how we go through the experience of loss. A great read for women of all ages. Meagan Manas New York, New York Gift from the Sea By Anne Morrow Lindbergh New York: Pantheon, 1955 ᑃᑓᑕᑆᑅᑓᑀᑂᑘᑇᑐᑅᑔᑉᑈᑀᑁᑕᑕᑒᑀᑄᑈᑖᑑᑈᑗ Separate Journeys: Short Stories by Contemporary Indian Women Edited by Geeta Dhar- marajan, introduction by Mary Ellis Gibsonk Columbia, SC: Univer- sity of South Carolina, 2004 ISBN-10: 1570035512 ISBN-13: 978-1570035517 These 15 short stories, collected into one volume and translated into English from 10 native languages, were written by women of modern India. The stories reveal various realities of Indian culture as they explore relationships and roles, gender dynamics and social injustice. They reflect both rural and urban perspectives, and varying social class experience. They introduce us to several geographic regions and religions. The book is haunting in its stories of illiteracy and superstitions—what we might call "old wives' tales." Several of the stories are full of love for others; many stories made me smile, as I recognized how much alike we all are. The compiled stories offer truly interesting glimpses into the complex day-to-day lives of the women and families of India. This is a fine book for those wishing to expand their overall understanding of this multicul- tural, complex nation. Little Rock, Arkansas Karene Jones November/December 2011 41 ISBN-10: 0679732411 ISBN-13: 978-0679732419 Every couple of years I pull this book off my shelves so I can sit on the beach with Anne Morrow Lindbergh and reflect on the many stages of a woman's life. Leaving you with the feeling that you've just had a soul-touching conversa- tion with a dear friend, Lindbergh gives words to emotions and expe- riences that many of us will encounter in life. As she ponders the joys and struggles of various phases of life, through shells gifted from the sea to those on life's shores, she reminds readers that, no matter the phase, we are most faith- ful when we are true to ourselves in the present moment. ". . . the spon- taneity of now; the vividness of here. This is the basic substance of life." At 56 years old, this book is a gift to women of all ages. Ashley Meyer Pensacola, Florida books