I decided to change the title for my Friday posts. Formerly, it was What’s Making Me Happy, but I had borrowed this from the excellent podcast Pop Culture Happy Hour, and I thought maybe it would be best to have something different. There is a fine line between admiration and plagiarism, and I didn’t want to cross it.
So now the title will be Friday Favorites, but the content will be the same as I list things that made me happy or caught my attention during the week. Often I list three things, but today there will only be one as it needs to stand by itself.
Long overdue to be featured on this blog is the very beautiful book, Between Heather and Grass: Poems and Photographs Filled with Love, Hope and Whippets. It was published by my blogging friend Xenia Tran, who has the lovely blogs Whippet Wisdom and Tranature. Both blogs feature fine poetry as well as gorgeous photography of Scotland. Whippet Wisdom, as its name suggests, also features two graceful whippets, Eivor and Pearl.
Between the Heather and Grass also features fine poetry, gorgeous photographs of Scotland, and those two elegant whippets. In addition, there are short paragraphs of prose that expand on the poetry and photos.
About Between Heather and Grass, Xenia writes, “We are donating thirty per cent of any net profit from the sale of this book to a children’s cancer charity in memory of our nephew Jamie Baker and another thirty per cent of net profit to the UK’s largest dog welfare charity in memory of Flynn, Fergal, Seamus and Ruby. ”
Readers, I have a confession to make. I was moved to tears by the poignancy of the photos and words in this book combined with the dedication to Xenia’s nephew, who alas, did not survive his bout with cancer. I, too, have a nephew who had cancer, but fortunately he survived.
Anyway, this is a book to cherish, to have have in your own library and to give to others who love photography, poetry, and dogs.
Addendum: Oops! I had meant to delete this music video and include it in next week’s Friday Favorites. But it was pushed so far down that I didn’t notice it was on this post until a reader commented on it. Well, two things are featured this Friday. Enjoy Jon Batiste’s fantastic music.
Addendum 2: Hoo-boy! Really missing the beat this week. On my Friday posts, I always like to include Thistle and Kiwis small pleasures for the week. Because let’s face it, especially during these times, you can’t have too many small pleasures.
Listening to Jon now and loving the music. Thank you for the introduction to Jon Bastiste, and to Xenia’s book “Between the Heather and Grass”. 🙂
So very glad to hear from you. Meant to take Jon Batiste off and post him next week. Well, duh. 😉 Anyway, glad you are enjoying him.
Laurie, I love your Friday Favorites! I’m ordering that book right now. It looks beautiful. And I love John Batiste, so you struck gold today!
So good to read!
Jon. I knew better. I ordered the book and I can’t wait to get it!
Yay!!!
I’ve been following Xenia for a few years now… her photos of the whippets at the beach look so joyful and carefree, always bringing a smile to my day.
I’m glad you’re introducing music of NPR-TDC, some great musicians are featured there. Music and poetry– balm for these troubled times.
You bet! Both Xenia’s book and the Tiny Desk Concerts are treasures.
Hi, Laurie – I’m loving the new title!
I have read Xenia’s blog and have greatly enjoyed her photographs and her poetry. Thank you for sharing her new book here. It looks beautiful!
Oh, and thank you (accidentally) sharing Jon’s music — awesome!
My pleasure!
So good to know about the book. Will check it out.
A beautiful book to buy and give.
Thanks again for the music link! Sounds a really interesting book.
It certainly is.
Thank you for the introduction to both the book and the music.
Very happy to recommend both.
Thank you so much for your kind words and your lovely review dear Laurie 🌺 We’re deeply honoured to feature here alongside Jon Batiste and his wonderful music too! 💜
My pleasure!
Reblogged this on Whippet Wisdom – a Highland Journey and commented:
Laurie Graves shares a beautiful review of Between Heather and Grass on her blog today, alongside music by Jon Batiste! Thank you so much for sharing this Laurie, we’re so happy you enjoyed our second collection! xxx
Soulful!
My great pleasure!
Looking forward to reading Xenia’s book and her blog… my father is Scottish. John Batiste is also on my list. I enjoy your suggestions.
Yay! Xenia’s book is a beauty.
This looks a good one
It certainly is!
Lovely dogs and great music – two of the big pleasures in my life 😁
You bet!
Xenia’s blog is new to me, Laurie. Already I can see that I will love it!
Xenia’s blog is a beauty.
I follow Xenia’s blogs and love the beautiful whippets, photos and poems she shares and always enjoy listening to Jon Batiste!
Xenia’s blog is a gem. Jon Batiste is an amazing musician.
Love the Friday favourites and I really liked the “addendum” updates, made me smile.
Oh, to be organized!
Looks like a lovely book. I have a whippet friend who enjoys a biscuit at work 🙂
Darling dog!
Thanks for sharing, Laurie. Hope you’re all doing well!
We are all well, and I hope the same is true for you and yours.