Member: Volkmann

Of the five books that we share, I notic Barackk Obama's Dreams From my Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance. When I read it, I did notice a parallel to Dominic Dromgoole's Will an Me: How Shakespeare took over my Life--a yong man's confrontation with "fitting in", hormones and ideals.

posted by Naren559 at 8:04 pm (EST) on May 3, 2009

You might want to check out Irvin Yalom's Existential Psychotherapy (Yalom is a retired professor of Psychiatry, from Stanford); he has had extensive experience, in group counselling, of cancer patients, and relates various cases.

posted by Naren559 at 1:39 pm (EST) on Apr 24, 2009

Did you check the site "www.synarchynovel.com"?
If yes, What do you think about that you like it or not? Dear

posted by DCSauthor at 4:43 am (EST) on Apr 24, 2009

It's always good to find somebody on these things that are close! The Peoria area lives and dies by Caterpillar, that's for sure. I worked there myself before I found a home with the American Red Cross.

I spent 3 summers (during college) working in Springfield! 2 at Franklin Life (where my Mom worked for many years)...and before my Senior year in college, I did an internship with the Secretary of State's office (in the literacy field) under Jim Edgar!

posted by stephlee_77 at 8:01 am (EST) on Apr 8, 2009

Anytime I see anyone from the "local" area, I always try to say Hi! I grew up in Mt. Auburn, enjoying all the "Lincoln" sites. Now, I live in Peoria.

posted by stephlee_77 at 12:59 am (EST) on Apr 1, 2009

Thanks, Volkkman!

posted by DCSauthor at 4:42 pm (EST) on Mar 25, 2009

Hi, I just joined this site. I noticed that you're a Da Vinci Code fan. Have you read Synarchy? Here's a link: www.synarchynovel.com/

posted by DCSauthor at 3:49 am (EST) on Mar 24, 2009

"Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking"
(a 17th Century Nun's Prayer)


Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking
that I must say something on
every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from craving to straighten out
everybody’s affairs.
With my vast store of wisdom,
it seems a pity not to use to all, but you know Lord that
I want a few friends at the end.

Keep my mind free from
the recital of endless details;
give me wings to get to the point.

Seal my lips on my aches and pains.
They are increasing, and love of
rehearsing them is becoming sweeter
as the years go by.
I dare not ask for grave enough to enjoy
the tales of others’ pains, but help me
to endure them with patience.

I dare not ask for improved memory,
but for a growing humility
when my memory seems to clash
with the memory of others.

Teach me the glorious lesson that
occasionally I may be mistaken.
Keep me reasonably sweet;
I do not want to be a saint –
some of them are so hard to live with –
but a sour old person is one of
the crowning works of the devil.

Give me the ability to see good things
in unexpected places. And talents
in unexpected people.
And, give me O Lord,
the grace to tell them so.

posted by theoldman at 12:08 pm (EST) on Mar 4, 2009

I see that you like Lincoln books. I, too, share that with you. How was the A.Lincoln book by White? That may be my next library request. Barbara

posted by bakersfieldbarbara at 1:37 pm (EST) on Feb 21, 2009

Good luck with your colon cancer adventure. I am waiting for parathyroid and thyroid tumor surgery, followed by open heart surgery for 3 leaking valves and a hole in my heart. I have learned patience in the crazy medical mishaps with paperwork, etc. so use books as my release from frustrations. What a wonderful thing to have so many books at our disposal and not have to hide to read them.

My prayers are with you as you make a full recovery, and enjoy the lovely weather quickly approaching as spring arrives. Barbara in Bakersfield, Ca..

posted by bakersfieldbarbara at 1:36 pm (EST) on Feb 21, 2009