Darragh Doiron
The Port Arthur News
PORT ARTHUR —
The power of positive thinking is what Martha Elam puts forth in her new book, “In the Beginning.” I’m probably not the first to tease this book could be considered “The Secret” for Christians. The other book considers gifts from “The Universe,” while Elam clearly refers to God and Biblical scripture. I love the idea of putting forth all positive thoughts and words and creating “like” from “lack.” For many, getting rid of the negative sounds easy, but proves difficult. Elam suggests we forgive ourselves for that thought, and get out there and be positive. She writes that God’s secrets are love and light, and there’s a law of love as increase. A for instance in the book: a home that is lived in and loved will not deteriorate as quickly as a vacant home. That makes sense. Now, try this one: “… holding your purse or wallet in your hand and blessing, praising, and giving thanksgiving will increase the flow.” Grab those piggy banks and hold on!
From chocolate to profit and giving back
“Berried in Chocolate” is a recipe book for success, not desserts. Shari Fitzpatrick’s release is subtitled “How I Built a Multimillion-Dollar Business by Doing What I Love to Do and How You Can Too.” She worked in stocks then developed a line of gourmet chocolate-covered strawberries that linked her name to the treat. She shares how she over came odds and the importance of giving back. One small example is when she heard a homeless woman, who was offered a free big bottle of shampoo, asked for a tiny travel size because she was on the go. From this encounter she posted notice at her store and customers donated what they didn’t need to help others. Life is full of little nudges.
Breathing in an atmosphere
After watching the movie, I finally followed Oprah’s advice to read “Eat, Pray, Love,” which my husband found at a sale for 50 cents. I told him I enjoyed the introduction more than the movie. I enhanced this experience when the character arrived in India by putting a dish of Teeny Tiny Spice Co. of Vermont spices beside me and breathed in an exotic experience. Shelburne, Vermont must smell good upon arrival, because from there, Thora and Ed Pomicter ship out blends from British Curry to Vindaloo. I tried garam masala on scallops, citrus pepper on a banana omelet and Penang Curry on Barley. Shepherd Herb Mix went on potatoes and I haven’t even gotten to Ras El Hanout, chocolate chili and other amazing blends I opened up a can of Perfection Spice Rub that nearly knocked me out; I’d have gone with a smile on my hungry face. This one is for “flavor of North America.” Try these and you can say you traveled the globe on your summer vacation.
ddoiron@panews.com
