Fragrant Whiffs of Joy by Dorcas Smucker (It's Giveaway time)

Ah yes, this was just what the doctor ordered. I've wanted to review Dorcas' last book or two and was always too chicken to ask, but this time I threw caution to the wind and said, "Yes, I want to review your book." And I'm so glad I did. It was the perfect book for this stage in my life.

Short, easy to read chapters that can be picked up and read whenever and wherever. They are guaranteed to either make you laugh, smile, cry, or or just give you that ah-ha feeling that someone else experiences life like that too.  I could quote from pretty much every chapter something that struck me in one of those ways, but I really want you to go buy the book so I won't do that many spoilers. I only want to give you a hint of what is to come in the book.

First off, isn't the cover beautiful? I can dream of a kitchen table like that with the apple pie still steaming and the tea pot, or coffee pot more likely, full to the brim and a beautiful arrangement of flowers hand picked from my profusely blooming flower garden, all arranged on a perfectly cleared off table. Oh and the friendship and chatter would be of the most upbuilding and edifying sort around. Ah, the stuff dreams are made of.

Anyway, more on to the meat of the book. One chapter in particular resonated deep in my soul right now and it's called "The Dark Clouds of Winter". Thank you Dorcas for being willing to share your struggle with SAD and the things you've found that have helped. I don't think I struggle with SAD, but adjusting to two littles has taken its toll on me and I've not been the nicest person to be around always. So vitamin D, exercise, and veggies here I come.

I laughed over the story of Dorcas' dad tipping over in his lawn chair in the doomed-to-failure trip to the beach one cold day. I also loved the story of him faithfully writing his letters and the magic he seemed to bring with him that caused the chickens to lay eggs in abundance, the grapes to produce prolifically and so on.

And then the chapter on The Words I Said I'd Never Say reminds me to cherish this littles season. Right now, I cannot imagine looking back with nostalgia on the middle of the night feedings for the baby or the inconsolable crying fits of the two year old, also in the middle of the night. I can't imagine missing the daily reminders to stop whining and the frequent trips to the bathroom to aid in the elimination process. But maybe I will someday miss that, so it's a good reminder for me to hang on to those moments.

I've gone on enough, but I want to leave you with one quote that I think can resonate with all of us, especially those of us who like to write.  "You don't have to live someone else's life or write another culture's story. You have a life, a history, a story of your own. It is worthy of telling, and no one else will ever tell it quite like you can. It is yours to tell and if you tell it well, I promise we will all be eagerly listening." I need this reminder too when I want to look around at others' lives and think they have it so much better than me.

Thank you Dorcas for the chance to read your newest book and review it. If I have it figured right, there are 36 chapters in this book. This book is composed of her once a month essays for the Register Guard. That means in 2020, we should be looking for a new book!!! At least I hope so.

And now the important things: how to buy this book and all of Dorcas' other ones for Christmas gifts.  
Order the book from Dorcas Smucker at 31148 Substation Drive, Harrisburg, OR 97446. 
Books are $12 each plus $2 postage. 
Checks or PayPal accepted. (dorcassmucker@gmail.com)
Or you can go to Amazon and buy it for $1 more without the personal interaction with the author. Just saying.
You can also order her other books from her at the same time. If you go to this post she lists them all, along with her dad's and her daughter's books.

And the next most important thing: a giveaway. I was given three copies from Dorcas, one to giveaway through this post, one to give to someone who needs a fragrant whiff of joy, and one for me to keep. And so, drum roll please, to enter to win a copy of this book, please comment below one thing that brought you joy today. And if you had no joy, you should buy this book pronto, because it will bring you some. Also, to help advertise this book, if you share it on Facebook and let me know that you shared it, I will give you a second entry in the drawing!!  The contest will end November 22 at noon and I will try to announce a winner that day yet, but be patient if I don't get it done. We are going to be gone for Thanksgiving weekend, leaving that evening.