Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith

Everything Kathleen Norris writes makes me feel like I just had a visit with a dear old friend.  A friend who is very wise, easy to talk to, and who knows just what I need.  Amazing Grace was a life-changing experience for me.  Before this book, I was very uncomfortable with what I call "God-talk".  After, I saw the words as just words and the meanings of those words as a kind of freedom I had been seeking for years.

The Little Prince

This amazing little book was my Bible growing up.  I do not believe there exists a more touching tale of truth and beauty and friendship and love.

 Conversations with God : An Uncommon...

I avoided this book for a long time.  I am suspicious of religion and assumed this book would let me down.  On the contrary!  Most established religions hate this book!  :)  I really enjoyed Conversations with God and recommend it highly to anyone seeking some deeper sense of their place in the world.

 The Tao of Pooh

Whether you are new to Eastern spiritual traditions, or you consider yourself a long-time student, the Tao of Pooh is a fabulous way to absorb ancient truths through the easy wisdom of "a bear of little brain".  This book is fun, informative, and feels really good.  :)  You can't go wrong with Pooh.

 The Man Who Fell in Love With the Moon:...

This beautiful, beautiful book represents the first time I ever felt that someone else experienced the world the same way I do.  This book is how I live.  I have read it a dozen times and am still smitten.  A true inspiration for those of us who were born a little different.  Not for children or folks upset by graphic sexuality or violence.

 Long Quiet Highway: Waking Up in America

This book changed my life.  It cracked me wide open.  I don't recall ever understanding emotion or recognizing that I had a soul as a young person.  When I read Long Quiet Highway, I realized that there was a path I was meant to follow and my heart already knew the way.

Jeff Black

A million years ago, someone gave me a CD by an unknown fellow named Jeff Black.  (Thank you for that, Gary!)  And Jeff has become something like a muse for me.  Or a guardian Angel, maybe?  Whatever it is, I feel a deep and personal connection to Jeff's music.  Over the years, I have gotten to know Jeff and his wife a bit also, and they are wonderful people to boot.  If you can spare a moment, please do visit Jeff's site and have a listen.  He can be found at www.JeffBlack.com.

Jeff's music is sweet and strong and rich and soulful.  I find it inspirational, too.

 Indigo Girls

I like just about everything the Indigo Girls have ever produced.  They comfort me.  Like old friends.  They are spiritual guides.  And their songs always ring true.

 Kasey Chambers

Ooh!  Ooh!  I just love the music of Kasey Chambers.  She is an up and coming artist from Australia.  With a beautiful voice and sharp lyrics and a great sense of openness and vulnerability.  I have three of her albums now and love them all.

 Nancy Griffith

Oh, Nancy...   Sigh...   Nancy Griffith has kept me company through so many of life's ups and downs.  Her voice is like a bird.  Her lyrics are so inspired.  And she is a great storyteller.  If I lost everything in a fire, the first CD I would replace would be Nancy Griffith's "Flyer".

 Son Volt

Son Volt wakes up some sleepy part of my psyche.  Some deep down sturdy old rumbling machinery.  I have been a fan of their work since the very beginning and often find they can get my creative juices flowing during mental blocks when nothing else helps.

They have a stronger, rougher sound than much of the music recommended here.

 Neil Diamond ~ 12 Songs

I have always enjoyed Neil Diamond, but I cannot say enough about his newest album.  It is like nothing else he has done before.  True beauty.  Elegant, eloquent, humble, graceful, fun, enchanting.  It is a wonderful bit of music and a safe bet for any music lover.