Blessed by Ellen Michaud ~ review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Sometimes we just need to stop for a moment and absorb the quiet moments in the world around us--to take a deep breath and appreciate the things in life that make us thankful and bring us joy. Summer in a Jar is a call to do just that. In this heartfelt collection of her online columns from Diane, the flagship magazine of the Curves women's fitness center organization, author Ellen Michaud reminds us of the everyday blessings that surround us, but we all tend to overlook.
Entries include:
Summer in a Jar: On a 200-acre farm known for its Jersey cows and prizewinning cheese, two women harvest a cornucopia of produce that looks like it came from the Garden of Eden. Although the visit was intended to pick up ingredients for "one of the finest salsas in the near world," the end result is a view of a fertile valley, the rich smell of vegetables freshly tugged from the earth that speaks to the soul, and the natural rhythm of friendly conversation.
The Teapot: During a snowy winter storm, the author pulls her great- grandmother's worn silver teapot down from a shelf. As she polishes the teapot's tarnished surface, she contemplates its long journey over an ocean and through the generations. As she discovers engraved hallmarks that lead to a deeper understanding of its 200-year history, her appreciation for the women who traveled with it grows.
Welcome Home: As an Airbus 321 begins its descent toward the coastal lights of Los Angeles International Airport, the pilot makes an overhead announcement that stills the restless and rustling passengers. What follows are moments of contemplation about the sacrifices of soldiers and, how regardless of one's politics, there is still a shared sense of love and respect for those who fight for our freedom.
The Courage to Change: After a lifetime of self-built barriers, the author's 88-year-old aunt overcomes discouraging memories and years of grief to prove that it's never too late to open yourself to new experiences, take risks, and start over.

My take on this book:

What a wonderful little book that really does remind us of all of the daily blessings that we often miss because of our busy lives. In her writings the author reminds us of how our lives just might be a blessing to others, but more than that reminded me just how Blessed that I truly am, as I go along in my daily life, I often fail to notice the little things. In this book the author shares stories that encouraged  me  to start noticing the extra- ordinary in ordinary days, because blessings abound all around us, if we only open our eyes and hearts to notice them.
This book is broken down into five topical sections, they are a quiet space, finding meaning,making a difference,reinventing who you are, and a celebration of family and friends. Each topics are further broken down and have several mini stories that will uplift and inspire you.
Ms. Michaud, has the amazing ability to paint a vivid picture as she weaves her words together in the stories she shares. Several of her stories really stick out in my mind, such as "A Time To Listen," she tells the reader about sitting in her backyard enjoying the sound of a chickadee. In "The Perfect Apple Pie", a trip to an apple orchard has the author reminiscing about her grandmother, and in the "Garden Club" the author shares the immense blessing of spending a Tuesday afternoon weeding and tending garden with a group of senior citizens at a rehab facility. These are just a few of the stories that will enlighten and inspire the reader to find the joy in simple things, because truly we are Blessed.
This book would make a wonderful gift, the pretty cover hints at the beautiful stories that the reader will find inside.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.