Flying By The Seat Of My Soul: A Review
Friends, Just Good Stuff | Posted by Jannie on 16 July 2009 @ 7:34 AM 38 Comments
Photo by: Me [that's my Kelly in the blue goggles.]
So, I was moping around in my satin hipwaders and golden fuzzy bra on the front porch swing – hungry, thirsty and gripped by general inertia, when up our pansied walkway bounced a sprite in a red riding hood and blue tights, holding out a basket of muffins and a super-jumbo thermos of coffee with my name on it.
Holy hen-house, Batman. What the?
“Hey, Jannie-Banannie,” the sprite grinned. “It’s me, Tess Marshall! Yep, your The Bold Life blogging buddy.” Take these, will ya? ”And this,” she handed me a book. ”Read it. You just might like it.”
And with two jingles of her ankle bells Tess vanished, leaving my big eye beholding the back cover of the cool smooth book in my hands;
Uplifting quotes… and stories that provoke thoughtful self-examination… empower you to move towards inner change, let go of the past, follow your dreams and fly.”
Okay, why not? I was only moping around anyway.
So I ate. And drank. Boy did I eat and drink. And I read. I read that whole book in 3 hours.
And friends, I wish I could say Flying By The Seat Of My Soul was good, but I can’t — it was absolutely great.
It lifted me up immediately to let go of doubt and fear, or at least give them both a good boot to the butt. Tess’s voice whispered from under the porch, “Jannie. Jannie. You must go beyond your fear to leave your comfort zone. Remember that turning points in your life are usually preceded by fear.” Yeah, so true!
After I was all coffeed and muffined and Tess’ed up I went out that day in my red cape and smiled at everyone I met. I planted flowers. I sang songs to old people (they seemed to like my wedgie one best.) I took the stairs instead of the elevator. I “wrote love letters to the world,” signing them with kisses of hope and inspiration. I forgave everybody who had ever hurt me. I became grateful for every single thing in my life, and I still am. Grateful, that is. Even for the yucky stuff, for the yucky stuff is our best teacher.
Flying By The Seat Of My Soul is available off Tess’ The Bold Life blog, either as a free download or in the delightful paperback you see pictured above with my Kelly-bops, the paperback surely a gift you can give yourself for less than the price of a movie and small popcorn.
It’s chocked full of real stuff your can sink your heart into and fly with.
I recommend it very extra much. And Blue Bunny does too.
On 16 July 2009 at 8:03 am Carey said,
Cool post. This is the first time I’m reading your blog and am liking it!
Will subscribe now!
Carey’s last blog post..MAKE THE INTERNET YOUR BITCH is Live!
On 16 July 2009 at 8:04 am Rachel Anne said,
Jannie, came to you via Problogger…and I would say that your writing is engaging, not at all atrocious! Good grief. Thanks for the link to Tess’s book…I will enjoy reading it.
Rachel Anne’s last blog post..Pretend
On 16 July 2009 at 8:47 am Tess The Bold Life said,
Jannie,
I went to my thesaurus because I’m tired of commenting how FUNNY you are!
Here is what it said and yes they all fit you!
Synonyms: absurd, amusing, antic, blithe, capricious,
clever, diverting, droll, entertaining, facetious, farcical, for grins, gas*, gay, gelastic, good-humored, hilarious, humdinger, hysterical, jocose, jocular, joking, jolly, killing*, knee-slapper, laughable, ludicrous, merry, mirthful, playful, priceless, rich, ridiculous, riot, riotous, risible, screaming, side-splitting, silly, slapstick, sportive, waggish, whimsical, witty.
I thing humdinger and knee-slapper are the best descriptions of your writing
Overcome with laughter, I’ve picked myself off the floor, straightened my red cape (darn my blue tights have a hole in them) and I’m off to take my muffins out of the oven before they burn!
PS Sell that photo of Kelly to “Getty images,” you’ll make a fortune cuz that’s how much I paid for the cover image! (And Kelly’s is better)
Oh and for all authors out there, you have 5 seconds to sell your book once someone picks it up in a bookstore So make sure your cover is a knee slapper and humdinger.
Oh and one more adjetive to describe you or your writing: Brilliant:)
Tess The Bold Life’s last blog post..75 Ways To Make The World A Better Place
On 16 July 2009 at 8:57 am Glenn Buttkus said,
That cover to Tess’s book freaked me, for the little girl could easily have been Kelly. As a matter of fact, you might find some goggles, some bibbed overalls, and a homemade cape, and snap some pics of her with her hands on her hips. They probably will not compare to the gymnastic done at the restaurant pics, but what the hey, do it anyway.
This post strikes just the right note in my morning. Thanks. And I loved the poetry I found in it:
I went out that day in my red cape
and smiled at everyone I met.
I planted flowers.
I sang songs to old people
(they seemed to like my wedgie one best.)
I took the stairs instead of the elevator.
I “wrote love letters to the world,”
signing them with kisses of hope and inspiration.
I forgave everybody who had ever hurt me.
I became grateful for every single thing in my life,
and I still am. Grateful, that is.
Even for the yucky stuff,
for the yucky stuff is our best teacher.
You put the smile in my coffee, Jannie, the raisins in my muffin. You evervess like carbonation, and you
tickle my nose and funnybone at the same time.
Glenn
Glenn Buttkus’s last blog post..Sleepless in Chicago
On 16 July 2009 at 9:17 am Jim Gaudet said,
Nice, I am heading over to her blog now to check it out. May put it away for a rainy day..
Staying positive
Jim Gaudet’s last blog post..Costa Rica Sunset | July 12 2009
On 16 July 2009 at 9:26 am Carla said,
This is just the sort of inspiration I need at this moment. On my way over to check it out. thanks.
Carla’s last blog post..The Flow
On 16 July 2009 at 9:28 am sheila said,
Oooo sounds great! Anything read in that amount of time says a lot about the read!
sheila’s last blog post..Thousand Word Thursday ~ Beautiful Rain
On 16 July 2009 at 9:36 am Lance said,
Hey Jannie,
That Tess…she rocks!
Being here today is like having a great big hot fudge sundae! The best of everything. You. Tess. Tess’ great book. And the very, very totally incredible picture of Kelly-bops! It’s like extra ice cream AND hot fudge – being here today! (and now I have this urge to go to the local custard stand…)
I’ll second everything you’ve said about the book – so chocked full of life-affirming goodness!
Keep wearing your red capes…both of you!
Lance’s last blog post..Painting The Masterpiece of Our Life
On 16 July 2009 at 9:42 am Jannie said,
Hey, Super-Sweeties, I’m going out with my Kelly-bops soon for most of the day.
But I’ll return here this late afternoon or evening so excited to see you all and answer your no-doubt heart-warming humdingers of knee-slapping comments.
xo
On 16 July 2009 at 10:04 am Talon said,
Definitely a book I’ll be getting a copy of. Sounds delightful.
Awesome shot of Kelly! A mini Super Human!
Talon’s last blog post..Bee butts…
On 16 July 2009 at 10:23 am Caity said,
I love books like that where you don’t want to put them down. I am definitely going to check it out! Also, your package came yesterday! I heart you, Jannie. Thank you so much. <3
PS: I blogged about it!
Caity’s last blog post..Overexcited blogger alert!
On 16 July 2009 at 10:38 am J.D. Meier said,
Jannie-Banannie … sprites sure have a way with messing with our names, don’t they?
It sounds like you had an amazing day, red cape and all, and I don’t think that’s just your coffee and muffins talking.
J.D. Meier’s last blog post..Passion, Profit, and Value
On 16 July 2009 at 12:14 pm Lynn said,
Great and creative review! My soul feels better just for reading it. I will definitely check out Tess’s book. And that is an especially good photo of Kelly-bops.
Hope y’all have/had fun this afternoon.
Lynn’s last blog post..Catching rays, handy and picnic
On 16 July 2009 at 3:46 pm Trey - Swollen Thumb Entertainment said,
Whoa, spooky. Your Kelly bears a striking similarity to the kid on the cover. So okay, you twisted my arm, and now I am the proud owner of a brand new, digital copy of “Flying By The Seat Of My Soul”, I hope you’re happy with yourself.
Trey – Swollen Thumb Entertainment’s last blog post..Eliminate Failure From Your Vocabulary
On 16 July 2009 at 4:34 pm Positively Present said,
Sounds great!
Thanks for writing about it here!
Positively Present’s last blog post..7 ways to celebrate summer
On 16 July 2009 at 7:54 pm Thomma Lyn said,
hehe, I loved this review! I will have to check out Tess’s book. It sounds like something super-special (hehe, I’m feeling alliterative today).
Thomma Lyn’s last blog post..Morphing Mushrooms
On 16 July 2009 at 9:26 pm Liara Covert said,
Sounds like a great book! We get caught up in a given story because its actually a piece of ourselves. The universal message resonates in every story. We may not be quite ready for what we are saying, feeling or doing at a given moment. This Earth plane is a testing ground. You go through trials, tribulations and pain in order to teach others how to live. You also remind yourself what matters and what does not. It is a process of awakening. You learn how to channel the stress and relax. Focus on the good that someone does, learn from that and grow.
Liara Covert’s last blog post..Dr. Judith Orloff & Interview on Emotional Freedom
On 16 July 2009 at 10:53 pm MiaHysteria said,
The book cover alone says “This is a book for Jannie Funster”! Now I’ll have to read it!
MiaHysteria’s last blog post..Not Even The Lull Of The Van…
On 16 July 2009 at 11:01 pm Patricia said,
Loved the review, loved the picture of your blue glasses sweetie and hope you had a wonderful afternoon
I will miss coming by for a visit the next three weeks…thank you for taking care of me while I am away, walking and letting go of my “fears” I loved reading Tess’ great book too, but you shared it with more life and energy…maybe I should take my red hooded cape to Scotland? Oh maybe not it is wool and from New England winter wear…I do have blue leggings…no holes Tess and new underwear to take along…
Hugs for the good times…and only a few hours to read..
I might laugh out loud on the plane!
Patricia’s last blog post..Part II: The case for Eliminating Wall Street
On 17 July 2009 at 12:40 am SnaggleTooth said,
You have a golden fuzzy bra? i’m sure someone will land here searching for that one!
The photo is amazing, how Kelly looks like she’s on the back cover- right out of the book!
What a glowing review! I have been reading more books this month, n have considered a few glimpsed online as real paper books for my near future. I prefer paper over the screen anyday- Thanks for the thumbs up!
SnaggleTooth’s last blog post..
On 17 July 2009 at 5:10 am G said,
Very cool book review.
I can just hear the Mighty Mouse theme:
“Here I come to save the day!!!!”
G’s last blog post..Security
On 17 July 2009 at 7:36 am Zeenat{Positive Provocations for mind body and soul} said,
Wow..Jannie..fuzzy golden bra..really…i have to imagine…and i couldn’t stop giggling all through my read here…i kept visualizing the golden fuzzy bra!! This is my first visit..but well worth it i must say. Yours is my new humor dose blog. Keep the fun coming our way…its helps us unwind. And your book review was so much fun..that i will have to find my was to tess’s book.
Zeenat{Positive Provocations for mind body and soul}’s last blog post..How NOT to Panic-The Wallet Incident
On 17 July 2009 at 8:23 am Jannie said,
Well, once again I’m a slow comment answerer. But I’ll be around again today. You know I will!
On 17 July 2009 at 10:09 am Mama Zen said,
I will definitely check this out!
Mama Zen’s last blog post..Flies In My Soup 101
On 17 July 2009 at 10:44 am Cindy said,
O yay! a new book to check out!!
Cindy’s last blog post..A good day to Dye
On 17 July 2009 at 12:00 pm debbie said,
You know I love a good book recommendation. Thanks!
debbie’s last blog post..I think this is a Convenient Truth
On 17 July 2009 at 12:27 pm Kathy | Virtual Impax said,
Jannie YOU are one heck of a persuasive book reviewer!!! I love Tess’ blog but have never taken “the plunge” and read her book.
Now I must get a red cape, satin hip huggers and fuzzy golden bra. (I assume such BOLD wardrobe choices are necessary to fully embrace Tess’ message!)
Kathy | Virtual Impax’s last blog post..Social Media: It’s a Moral Imperative
On 17 July 2009 at 2:19 pm Jannie said,
And here I am, in the flesh!
Thanks, Carey. Nice to “meet” you. I always love to find new blog buddies. I hope you will come back often and stay a while. We have a pretty good time over here.
Rachel Anne: Your words fall upon very welcome ears, Thank you! I do tend to be a little “offbeat” in my approach to life (I’m told) but it keeps me happy. I will look very forward to checking out your blog.
Tess, Lady Of The Blogging Hour, How are ya?? Do you use Thesaurus.com? It’s my fav. And I like Ryymezone.com for my songs. Did you get your blue tights fixed? Did the latest batch of muffins come out good? I just LOVED those carrot ones you brought over. Getty images — well, I’m going to be totally all over that, thanks for the awesome tip. Thank you. Thanks for all, your book is quite outstanding. And timeless.
Hey Glenn – welcome back, I’ve missed your antics here. And I did put in the edit way up top to tell everyone it’s indeed Miss Kelly in those blue goggles. And it was sort of a poem, indeed. See what Tess inspires?
Jim: And to think it’s available as a Free Download – what a total gift!
Carla: It’ll really inspire you – I swear!
Sheila: Yep, I LOVED it and you will too.
Lance: You kinda rock, yourself. Is it far to your custard stand? And you know what I mean about Tess’ book as you’ve read it too. Actually it’s not something so much to be read, as feasted on.
Jannie: You’re, (I mean I’m) kind of silly, do you, (I mean I) know that?
Talon: I really can’t say enough good about it. In fact, I had written a little poem about it after I’d read the first 3 chapters, like this…
Review Of An Inspirational Book
Chapter one was a boot to the ass.
Chapter two was a boot to the ass.
Chapter three was a big boot to the ass.
That’s all I’ve read so far, but it really boots ass.
Do you like it? The poem’s subtle qualities are quite pronounced, don’t you think?
Caity: Yes I finally left a comment on the post you did on me. (You know I can be a bit slow getting around to your blog – but I always do.) Did you do Tess’ EBook or order the paperback?
J.D. Your comments always make me smile. You pack so much into just a few words, as does the pithy Mama Zen. Have you read “Flying By The Seat Of Your Soul”?
Lynn: I’m wiped. This week have been helping out every morning at Kelly’s piano / creative arts camp. I am soooo tired. Holy cow – it’s Friday. Do you realize that?
It was fun writing this review – my first one ever I’ve done. I think I might look into doing these for hire – what do you think? And next week I have the privilege of reviewing Thomma Lynn’s debut novel “Mirror Blue,” which I still think about these many weeks after having read it. Did you check out “Flying By The Seat Of My Soul”?
Trey: I am Very, Very, Very HAPPY now, yes! I feel like kind of a Dream Broker here – yay!
Positively Positive: Yay! Did you check it out? I bet you loved it. But how could you not?
Thomman Lyn: Yours is next week! Probably won’t be donning my fuzzy golden bra for that one, yours is more of a long silk green nightgown with a lumberjack shirt over it kind of a review.
(I think.) Not really sure as I haven’t actually written it yet.
Liara: That is all so true! And the exact same applies for songs we write. We see pieces of ourselves in songs. Cool! Just love your insight, as usual. Where would I be without you?
Mia: That was one book that lives up to its ‘way cool cover. It’s a magical read. (See my poem above about the book’s effect on me, in the comment to Talon.) And the chapters continued to resonate. Tess bares all, and we are the better for it. Whoo-hoo!
Patricia: And I WILL MISS YOU!!! But I know you’ll be back, with your heart all full of The UK Experience. OMG – you fly in THREE DAYS!! Yay. And yes, by all means, Scotland needs you in your red cape. NEEDS that. Every place needs more people in red capes.
Snag: Don’t you just know it on the Golden Fuzzy Bra searches! Can’t wait until month’s end when I’ll look at that list of keywords people found me by. I’m sure we’ll all have a good chuckle, if not outright laffs then. I’m going to look into that site above Tess mentions. My photogenic days are long since past, (actually I only had about 5 photogenic days in my entire life,) so I might as well exploit my kid’s youth and charm.
I totally agree on the kind of books you can hold in your hand, as opposed to the Cyber kind – not that an EBook is a bad thing – far from it. There are many upsides to an EBook. I just loves the Real Books. But you know what I mean.
G: Thanks!
Mr. trouble never hangs around,
when he hears this Mighty sound,
Here I come to save the day!
That means that Mighty Mouse is on the way!
Yes sir, when there is a wrong to right,
Mighty Mouse will join the fight!
On the sea or on the land,
He’s got the situation well in hand!
That one, right? Written in 1955. Can you believe I cannot actually recall the melody. Mabye I’ve never heard the melody, tho I doubt that. No sounds on this computer. When Kelly’s off the other one, I’ll have listen. Isn’t YouTube remarkable?
Well, hello there Miss Positive Zeenat. So glad you took a chance On Funsterland! I only post on average every 2.75 days but I’ll try to make it worth your while – I promise! How did you find me, anyway? Did you Google golden fuzzy bra?
Jannie: I forgive you (I mean me.) And I understand that you (I) have a life away from the computer, sometimes for more than an hour at a time.
Mama Zen: There is only wonderful stuff to be attained from doing so. And Tess might even throw in some free blue tights for you. I hope you like the shiny kind, circa 1986?
Cindy: And not just a book but a Momentous Life Occasion!
Debbie: You’re welcome. Can’t recommend it enough. What ever you want to do in life and need a little boot to the motivational buttocks – Tess is your Go-Go gal.
Kathy: I just decided while writing this comment that I may have a future in reviews for books and stuff I really believe in. Just like writing a song, it bubbles up from the heart and can’t be stopped. Nope, you can wear any old thing (or nothing at all) and Tess’ message will still come out loud and clear! Altho, if you are so moved to get the fuzzy bra, red cape and shiny blue tights I promise an ensemble like that WILL enhance your life in general.
xoxoxoxo everybody.
Did I mention I’m sooooooooooooooooooooooooo tired?
Well, let me tell you.
I’m sooooooo tired, and it’s not from being up late. It’s from getting up too early.
On 17 July 2009 at 2:39 pm Paige said,
that is what I have said about the yucky stuff…I have a purple cape
and you did this cause somehow, someway you found out I just finished a book and my stack is shorter by one…now where was that link agin?
oh there it is
Paige’s last blog post..G V T
On 17 July 2009 at 4:12 pm Tammy said,
Hey Jannie
What’s up? I am, once again, in the midst of writing a paper. This is my favorite time to blog because it is a distraction from the chore at hand. This is one of those times where I would rather count dust mites.
I am writing a research paper on the legalization of prostitution……..I am arguing against it. I started to solicit one to interview for my paper. My friend Nathan said, “Tammy you might end up with a hell of an essay, but behind bars.” hmmm so I decided against that approach.
So, you have a soul inspiring blog here with Kelly as the little poster girl. I see blue bunny has throw his 2 cents in there. Way to go blue bunny!
I think you ought to have a charity auction and auction off blue bunny. Tell blue bunny to get over it. Life is all about “show me the money.” ………well that was real empathetic. You should read my essay on the causes of road rage. You would really see my totally irreverent side.
On 17 July 2009 at 8:31 pm Patricia said,
Red cape and 10#s in the pocket…I can see it now
Patricia’s last blog post..Part III: Agenda for a Real-Wealth Economy
On 17 July 2009 at 9:44 pm Lynn said,
Oh Jannie – yes, it is Friday at last. And good for you that you helped out at camp!!!! If I was a camper, I would want you there.
And yes, my dear, I purchased Tess’s book today. Can’t wait to read it…
Lynn’s last blog post..Boney dancers, easy rider and fresh philosophy
On 18 July 2009 at 11:14 am Helena said,
“Jannie Banannie” – wonderful stuff! I think that name might stick with me at every visit! lol
Helena’s last blog post..You’d ‘ink There’d Been One Handy…!
On 18 July 2009 at 4:12 pm cinderkeys said,
This book may be exactly what I need right now, but I hate to buy anything without paging through. Are there any excerpts posted anywhere?
No, wait … I just reread your post and saw there’s a free download. Whee! Thanks!
cinderkeys’s last blog post..The universal language
On 19 July 2009 at 2:12 am Chris Edgar | Purpose Power Coaching said,
Oh, it’s a kid on the front cover? I thought that was Tess, and maybe something about the photo exposure made it look like a kid. No offense intended to the kid or Tess.
On 19 July 2009 at 8:11 am Jannie said,
Hey ya Paige. Can you fly above the green treetops and over the mountain in that purple cape? Can you leap tall buildings in a single bound? And can you read Tess’ book while doing that?
Tammy: I just fired up my electron microscope and found 1,2567,899 dustmites. And that was on my forearms alone. How’d your count go? AUCTION OFF BLUE BUNNY!? My dear dear-I -could-never-part-with-him BLue Bunny??? Great idea! He should fetch at least $2.99
Yo Patricia: OMG you’re leaving TOMORROW. Try to keep those wrinkles off your cape, okay??
Oh cool, Lynn. You’re gonna LOVE it, and I have a money-back guarantee on that. Indeed! Excellent.
Helen: Hey, that’s what my old band mate Mardi calls me, ’cause I’m so full of potassium.
Cinderkeys: Yo! Well, how cools is a free EBook, for those who love those and all.
Chris: As you read Tess book you’ll beging to realize just how much of a kid she has stayed all these years.
Over an out – am at the olde coffee shop ’cause Time Warner cable is down again. Am wondering to go for a taco or not? Or eat at home? Such decisions.
On 20 July 2009 at 1:47 am Davina said,
Hi Jannie. I plan on reading Tess’s book hopefully sooner, rather than later after reading your review. I’ve currently got two book reviews in the works and am lagging seriously behind in time. I almost need to take a couple of weeks off to do nothing but read (and not blogs either). Now THAT would be a challenge to go offline. Hey… go offline to get aligned. Yes?
Davina’s last blog post..Roaming with the Metaphor
On 31 July 2009 at 4:50 pm Jannie said,
Hey, Dear Davina: Yes the olde offline re-alignment, I knows that feeling. Quite a balancing act one can let it be. And I’ve got one more book review cooking too, I think to be posted on Tuesday, next. xo