Stacy weighed 550 pounds before she started to get her life back in order. She now happily weighs 190 and as she says "has two birth days."
I picked this book up because I was tired of all the yo-yo dieting I've done. I've never been any where near as big as Stacey. I believe the most I've ever weighed was 145. I have gone up and down since I was in high school and I hate it. I always do so well, lose weight, eat healthy, workout, and then once I get to my goal weight I stop. Gain it all back, and start all over again. I've tried so many diets, fasts, and cleanses it's ridiculous. I was 115 07/2009 when I got married. By 12/2009 I was already back up to 130 and on my way up. I knew I needed something to help me "Keep the weight off you've lost". That's when I picked up Stacey's book.
This was a great motivational book. While there are some times the writing is lacking, the intention is still there. And it's worth it to read the whole thing. I checked this book out from the library but I will be buying my own copy to have on hand as a reference. There are some things in this book that didn't really pertain to me, such as gastric bypass, surgery, and the struggles of being morbidly obese, however everything else was helpful. Step Four is one of my favorite; Appreciate the Small Victories. The title speaks for it's self but it really has helped me truly appreciate the small things in life. It instructs you to point out something you like about your self every time a negative thought comes into your mind. I can be pretty hard on my self and have no problem finding ALL of my "flaws". On the other hand, it's not so easy for me to find the good stuff, stay positive and motivated. Which is why I think I've always had that yo-yo weight so many of us struggle with.
Stacey suggests you make a Winner's Circle Handbook, with a journal, computer, three ring binder or anything that you'll write in. She has many workshops throughout the book to help you keep on track. I didn't do this, but once I buy my own copy I will. She also includes many wonderful resources in the back of the book. Again, regardless of the amount of weight you want to lose, or your addiction, this is a good start/or finish to your journey.
This is Carl's first book in the Chocoholic Mystery series. The story features Lee McKinney, a Texan beauty queen who has recently left her high profile husband. She relocates to Michigan where her Aunt Nettie lives and runs a chocolate shop. Lee starts working at the chocolate shop keeping the books for her aunt.
I thought this story was entertaining. Poor Lee has a problem with getting her tongue twisted and sounding rather idiotic. While reading this book I tried to imagine how embarrassing that would be. Many times she is forced to speak very slowly and to think about exactly what she wants to say so as not to look like a fool. This is very important when she is one of many being questioned in the death of a client. Lee feels she must work hard to prove her innocence as well as her aunt's. This starts to feel a little forced at times, but if you can get past that the book is quite good. There is some whit, romance and drama. A little something for all. I look forward to reading more in this series.
This story follows a very special family through four generations. Their life on Bloodroot Mountain and what happens when they leave.
This was a beautiful yet depressing story. Throughout the pages you are brought into a world unlike one you've ever known. And this whole world is centered around Myra Lamb. A beautiful girl with a special touch and a love for a dangerous man. Amy Green tells us about a family that grew up on a mountain that, as far as I could tell, held a special and somewhat protective power over them. The book is told from many points of view starting off with Byrdie. Myra's grandmother who raises her after Myra's parents die in a tragic accident. Doug, a young neighborhood boy who wants nothing more than to have Myra love him back. Johnny and Laura Odom, twins who spent the first few years of their lives being raised by a mother (Myra) that wasn't in the best of mental states. Myra Odom, the center of this story and an amazing connection to everyone. A girl who can charm animals and people alike, but ends up in a sad relationship that kills all spark in her poor life. And finally John Odom. The man responsible for taking Myra off her precious mountain and away from her ever-loving grandmother, only to take her to a place she could never return from. Even though he doesn't get his own chapter, Ford is another important character who deserves mention. He has his own gift, and is there to help some before they know they need it.
I really enjoyed reading this story and getting caught up in the lives of all of these people. You feel for each one and want to be a part of their life so you can help them. It's about love, devotion, fear and a little magic. At times it's like the train wreck you can't help but watch, and at others it's calming and majestic.
The writing was so wonderful throughout and I found many passages that I loved. But one I quote here is one of my favorite. I love the description Amy gives of a young girl, using her name;
"She was goodness, she was rest. Carolina, like the images her name evoked, of high mountains and cool hollows, mists rising off of slow-running creeks, acres of rolling green farmland, and sometimes, carried on the wind, the tang of ocean salt."
