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[Sandra Bostwick]

OK, lets run on our own momentum and kick it in towards home.

Since we are such a small group, feel free to finish the book if you like and I'll follow your lead. (I've already finished, so I'm not in a rush).

I think the Bali section lends itself to more general comments, so go ahead and be general if you wish.

I still have to do my reading for this week.

[Sandra Bostwick]

I've tried to post so many times over the past few days that I'll just give the highlights now. (I should have saved my comments before trying to post!)

One of the main things I got from my reading this week was where her bicycle accident and infected knee led to all the important things that were supposed to come later. I LOVED that! I love the way so many of the unpleasant surprises that I've experienced led to wonderful things that I'd never have gotten otherwise.

I also liked Wayan's courage. Things are so much harder in Bali than here.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Good Morning Book Club!!!

We are in the home stretch, now. I'm not sure where everyone is, but with all the problems with posting, it's been a little challenging for me to get my thoughts on the thread!

HURRY UP AND TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE, SO I KNOW IF I CAN TALK ABOUT THE ENDING?!?!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Good morning, Book CLub! Just lost another post! I'll try once more.

TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE SO I KNOW IF WE CAN TALK ABOUT THE ENDING!

[tkm1005]

I'm not sure which bead this is in... I have lent out my copy of the book...but I love how when she meets Felipe he is completely into her without regard of how she feels about him. Yet his unconditional love isn't this pathetic lovesick infatuation, but rather a sign of his maturity and need to make her the center of his universe, even if she just leaves in the end.

It also makes me sad, some of the Balinese politics, and how some of these women are in such terrible situations, but because of their culture they can never really break free. Wayan is so strong to have struck out on her own and make a life in that type of system.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by tkm1005

I'm not sure which bead this is in... I have lent out my copy of the book...but I love how when she meets Felipe he is completely into her without regard of how she feels about him. Yet his unconditional love isn't this pathetic lovesick infatuation, but rather a sign of his maturity and need to make her the center of his universe, even if she just leaves in the end.

It also makes me sad, some of the Balinese politics, and how some of these women are in such terrible situations, but because of their culture they can never really break free. Wayan is so strong to have struck out on her own and make a life in that type of system.

I think the beads blend together in Bali-

I agree with what you said about Felipe. I suppose the plus of making mistakes that leave you alone "later" in live (Whatever later means) is that you have a chance to make new choices with more maturity and experience on both sides.

The Balinese politics really are so sad. Even in our own country, though, women in Wayan's situation can be left overhwelmed with childrearing responsibilities and underprepared with job skills and education. Wayan's story really inspired me.

Did everyone get to where Wayan needs a new home? I'm dying to discuss that!

[DDuff]

Sandy, I'm not sure what is going on with passporter but I must be having the same problems as you. I've been busy with father-in-law here working on basement this week so don't really have time to deal with a difficult browser. I'll be finishinig up this week and will try to post final thoughts soon.

[tkm1005]

Yes, Wayans home search and all that Liz does to help her is amazing. What is even more amazing is how Wayan tries to get just a little bit more even though she has been given so much. I like how Felipe explains to Liz about the culture and its not her fault which to Liz's credit she actually understands. As a Westerner I think it would be difficult to understand that type of thing and not be hurt.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by tkm1005

Yes, Wayans home search and all that Liz does to help her is amazing. What is even more amazing is how Wayan tries to get just a little bit more even though she has been given so much. I like how Felipe explains to Liz about the culture and its not her fault which to Liz's credit she actually understands. As a Westerner I think it would be difficult to understand that type of thing and not be hurt.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have someone like Felipe, who can help you see things in a kinder light? Life is so much easier when I try to empathize rather than judge.

[DDuff]

Originally Posted by tkm1005

Yes, Wayans home search and all that Liz does to help her is amazing. What is even more amazing is how Wayan tries to get just a little bit more even though she has been given so much. I like how Felipe explains to Liz about the culture and its not her fault which to Liz's credit she actually understands. As a Westerner I think it would be difficult to understand that type of thing and not be hurt.

That is definitely a lesson for all of us to remember. Just because we have one perspective on an issue doesn't mean there isn't another way to look at it. I always try to remember every person you deal with is bringing their own stuff. I think that is also an American trait we tend to see everything in black and white.

[DDuff]

Originally Posted by Sandra Bostwick

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have someone like Felipe, who can help you see things in a kinder light? Life is so much easier when I try to empathize rather than judge.

[stretch2864]

I finally am in Bali (just starting Bead 76.)

I really am enjoying this book. I would love to reread it some time in the future as I am sure I would get even more out of it the second time around. Here is a recap of some of my favorite beads since the last time I posted:

BEAD 30 (Italy)
I love the line "better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection." I think this is perfect validation of living your life the way you want rather than the way you think your life should be lived. Too many people get caught up in doing things simply because it's the norm. What is the norm after all? I've never done things the "right" way. I dropped out of college at 20 to get married, and had my DD when I was only 22. Most of my friends were still living the single live at that point in their lives. Then I left my ex, and DD and I moved in with my DM when DD was 18 months old. Rather than a "traditional" family, we were a three generation family of all women. By the time my DD was graduating from high school, my friends were just settling down and making lives of their own with children. Now that I am 44, I am reliving my youth and doing all the stuff I missed out on in my 20's. I might not have done it right, but I did it my way!

BEAD 40 (India)
Another good line, "pulling the year 2004 towards us." I felt a connection here as I remember exactly where I was when 2003 was giving way to 2004. I was actually in Epcot with my DD as well as one of my best friends and her two kids. If you have never been to WDW on NYE, that is something you should definitely plan on doing at some point in time. We experienced the most magical celebration ever.

BEAD 41 (India)
I love Liz's description of her mind, "monkey mind.....mind swings wildly through time, touching on dozens of ideas a minute, unharnassed and undisciplined." Sadly I know exactly what she is talking about. That is exactly how my mind works, especially if I have a lot going on in my life. I will go to bed, my body tired but my mind in perpetual motion.

BEAD 60 (India)
I enjoyed her story of her rooftop meditation. Her description of having a "place to house those thoughts and feelings" really hit home for me. When I have had a lot on my mind, there is one specific lake that I always go to in order to do my best thinking. It is the place that I've gone when I've endured some life altering moments as well as celebrating good times. There is one specific bench that I always sit on when I do my meditating and self reflection. When I am done, and I get up to leave; there is always a sense of peace and relieve that comes over me.

BEAD 64 (India)
"God dwells within you, as you." If everyone could take this belief to heart there would be no need for religious differences or wars. Liz is able to capture the essense of religion and people's beliefs so eloquently in that one line. Whatever you believe is right for you because you are a living expression of your own beliefs.

Now I am off to finish Bali!

[sillyolebear2380]

I saw your post on this book and I was hoping maybe u can all help me. My mother gave me this book to read a little while back.. I had a really hard time finishing it to be honest. I just didn't get it.. does that make sense.. Should I read it again and maybe I will learn to love the book.? Did I miss the whole book all together? I love to read LOVE to read...( just finished playing with the enemy. good book and I hate baseball) but this book just didn't do it for me.. I come to all of you to tell me what was it that u took from this book? Maybe I just wasn't open to it at the time of reading it.. I hate when I just don't enjoy a book because I really do enjoy most things I read.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by stretch2864

I finally am in Bali (just starting Bead 76.)

I really am enjoying this book. I would love to reread it some time in the future as I am sure I would get even more out of it the second time around. Here is a recap of some of my favorite beads since the last time I posted:

BEAD 30 (Italy)
What is the norm after all? I've never done things the "right" way. I might not have done it right, but I did it my way!

BEAD 40 (India)
If you have never been to WDW on NYE, that is something you should definitely plan on doing at some point in time. We experienced the most magical celebration ever.

BEAD 41 (India)
I love Liz's description of her mind, "monkey mind.....mind swings wildly through time, touching on dozens of ideas a minute, unharnassed and undisciplined."

BEAD 60 (India)
there is one specific lake that I always go to in order to do my best thinking. There is one specific bench that I always sit on when I do my meditating and self reflection. When I am done, and I get up to leave; there is always a sense of peace and relieve that comes over me.

Hey there, Vicky! I loved your idea to highlight your favorite beads. I think I'd like to do that as we finish the book.

I really enjoyed ALL your comments, especially reading about your life. I remember when you had the pics of DD and DBF posted, and she is adorable!

While details are different, I've also managed to choose the road less traveled for just about everything. It's led me to these moments where I seem to be better at finding the right people, the right employment, the right projects, and the right beliefs for myself. Just like Liz had to wander all over to end up with her answers, some people follow a path that might seem "not the norm" to others.

What I like about not following the norm/"right way" is you can look beyond a limited group of places, interests and personalities that are in the immediate into the unlimited possibilities of "out there".

I'd love to see WDW on NYE.

I am working to keep my monkey mind in check. If I throw a treat out to it, I can often distract it enough so I can get back to sanity.

I like what you said about lakes. I have many lakes and water bodies that I love. Many happen to be in Disney World, but now I have a "most" special lake that I will always go to for meditation. It is the lake at Coronado Springs. It will always hold the memory of another Liz-a traveler who also found her true love-and our special conversations where she taught me important lessons that changed my life.

Thanks for giving me such things to think about!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by sillyolebear2380

I saw your post on this book and I was hoping maybe u can all help me. My mother gave me this book to read a little while back.. I had a really hard time finishing it to be honest. I just didn't get it.. does that make sense.. Should I read it again and maybe I will learn to love the book.? Did I miss the whole book all together? I love to read LOVE to read...( just finished playing with the enemy. good book and I hate baseball) but this book just didn't do it for me.. I come to all of you to tell me what was it that u took from this book? Maybe I just wasn't open to it at the time of reading it.. I hate when I just don't enjoy a book because I really do enjoy most things I read.

Welcome to the group! Your post made me smile. We aren't the popular table at lunch where you have to think, talk, dress, and act like us to hang out. Your thoughts and opinions are welcome, a long as you don't diss The Mouse, right, everyone?

Not everyone is going to be into this, or any book. I personally think life is too short to re-read a book that does not speak to you in hopes that you'll learn to love it!

This thread really seemed to use the book as an ice breaker to discuss the topic of finding yourself, finding your soul mate, and finding your soul...oh, yeh, and finding LOTS of pasta! Can you share some of your experiences with that?