“If I had a wish that I could wish for you
I’d make a wish for sunshine all the while”

I am listening to ‘Sunshine on my shoulders” by John Denver and thinking about the book I have recently read, which has had a great impact on my own life. Heather Summerhayes Cariou wrote to me last year and lost no time in sending over her book, based on her real life, for a review. I am out of excuses for delaying reading and reviewing the book but I know that the loss was entirely mine.

Steady as a rock, families help each other live and love life, despite all odds. The Summerhayes are an excellent example of how ordinary people behave extraordinarily when faced with challenges. Taking care of a young child suffering from ‘Cystic Fibrosis’ (which the little child pronouces ‘Sixtyfive Roses; hence the title) while keeping the family together, diligently doing everything possible to delay and even conquer death, is easier to read, write and say than doing it actually. Each member of the family has their own shortcomings and strengths but they end up bringing their best sides out. Donna Summerhayes, the mother, is one person who has inspired me tremendously. The lady does not know what ‘giving up’ means and single-handedly ties her family together. You will stop whining the next time you open your mouth to complain about ‘how I manage the house and the baby and my work’ once you read the book. What the lady of house can do for it is clearly visible in this real life story.

Read the detailed review at DotComWomen: Book Review: Sixty Five Roses - A Sister’s Memoir by Heather Summerhayes Cariou

And don’t forget to buy your copy today! Whether you are parents or relatives of a special need child OR Not (I am not), you will identify and learn with this fabulous memoir written by a sister.

It was a pleasant surprise to see Victoria magazine on the magazine stands. It is a dainty old magazine and anyone with a flair for all things charming, feminine and old-fashioned will easily fall in love with it.

As for myself, I shared a strange relationship with this magazine. I loved this magazine and still, somehow found it lacking in something. But I also could not stop gazing at each beautifully laid out page for hours. And the new magazine - well, the photos are still great but maybe a little less than the original magazine. But the ’something lacking’ has been reduced considerably! There is lots more in terms of real content and more tips and ideas as opposed to just breathtaking ‘finds’ and ‘purchases’ to ogle at.

They have come back since Christmas 2007 with bi-monthly issues. The Christmas issue has a Christmas tree on the cover making the magazine look very festive. The second issue is a beautiful arrangement of pretty things in white and looks devoted to the beauty of winter season. I am yet to browse through but it looks very promising and as I always think of it - Charming.