READ:
Youth in all its freshness and beauty demands action and movement. Aging requests focus and reflection. Three new books bridge both of these worlds. The Wisdom of Not Knowing: Discovering A Life of Wonder by Embracing Uncertainty by Estelle Frankel gives the reader manageable ways of living in peace with what one cannot control. Acharya Shunya’s book Ayurveda Lifestyle Wisdom: A Complete Prescription to Optimize your Health, Prevent Disease, and Live With Vitality and Joy explores ayurvedic medicine, the sister science of yoga. The author offers ways of integrating these healthful practices into daily life. And Simple Household Wisdom: 425 Easy Ways to Clean & Organize your Home helps the reader take steps to enjoy their personal environment. Available at Barnes and Noble.
Maureen Millea Smith is a librarian at the Edina Library and a Minnesota Book Award-winning novelist.
DRINK:
Minnesotans find ways to throw summer parties for almost any reason. From backyard BBQs to bridal parties, one of the most frequently asked entertaining questions I’m asked is, “What are some of the best wines for appealing to a wide variety of wine drinkers?” My answer is always, “Think light to medium bodied.” Grapes like Pinot Noir to Malbec generally win this theory for red wines while grapes like Pinot Gris to Pinot Blanc and Viognier work well for white wines. When planning your next get-together, try using this rule of thumb instead of reaching for quintessential Chardonnays and Cabernets on the shelf. Marisco Vineyards one of my current picks for Pinot Gris. The Ned Pinot Gris from Marlborough, New Zealand is tropical, with creamy tones of white peach, juicy strawberry and zesty cherry pit that make it the perfect pick for any get-together this summer! Ask for similar selections at Edina Liquor.
Leslee Miller is a certified sommelier and owner of local wine consulting firm, Amusee.
LISTEN:
Freddy Cole is one of the most celebrated male jazz vocalists and pianists of our time. Emulating his brother, Nat Cole, Freddy never ceases to amaze his audiences with his unique artistry. Freddy’s CD Always contains several songs that were popular in the 1970’s, such as If by Bread and Stevie Wonder’s Isn’t She Lovely. He also does an absolutely beautiful rendition of a love song by Buffy St. Marie called, Until It’s Time For You To Go. This CD is a bit different because Freddy features Cyrus Chestnut on piano throughout. It also features Grover Washington Jr. on sax. Freddy also does a beautiful rendition of the jazz ballad You Must Believe In Spring. Young and old alike love Freddy Cole’s sound. Put it on and enjoy! CD available at Amazon.com and www.freddycolemusic.com.
Patty Peterson is an award winning vocalist and Jazz 88, KBEM radio host.
