In Step with Mom

It's that time of year. Time to reminisce with mom, remember her, honor her influence in your life.
Maybe you're feeling a little guilty, too - like perhaps a gift is in order? (Hey, I'm a daughter and a mom. I get it.)

Naturally, I have to take this opportunity to remind you that 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Cleveland makes a perrrrrfect gift for the all the strolling, running, jogging, biking, rollerblading, rockclimbing, marathon, tough-mudder moms in Northeast Ohio. And, the 60 Hikes series is available for Cincinnati, Chicago, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, San Diego, Phoenix, LA, DC, Houston, and dozens of other metro areas in addition to Cleveland.

Now back to reminiscing.

While I credit my dad with giving me the "hiking gene" and teaching me to enjoy walking fast (because when I hit the trail with dad, the rule was keep-up-or-stay-home)  it was mom who taught me to appreciate the little things along the way.

"That's Trillium," she'd say. "And that's Phlox. And do you know what that is?"

"I just like to listen to the water. Isn't it relaxing?"

"Look at that. No, not over there. Over here. Squinting in the sun gives you wrinkles, honey."

I'll admit she slowed me down more than I wanted, many times.
I want to walk! Not sit on a bench, I'd almost scream - barely, just barely, able to keep that voice in my head from popping out of my mouth.


Mom is 83 now. And I'm almost grown up enough to sit on a bench, patiently (?) while she amazes me with her knowledge of wildflowers, and myriad opinions about things I could be doing just a little bit better...

*sigh* Once a mom, always a mom, eh?

To everyone who is, or has ever loved, one: Happy Mother's Day! 

~Diane Stresing

Thank You, Sweet Readers!

A personal and heartfelt note of gratitude to all those kind hikers and gift-givers who have purchased 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Cleveland. You made it The #1 Travel Book in Cleveland and it's crept up to #33 in Fitness/Health>Exercise>Walking too!

You all rock!

~ Thank you ~

By the way, I'll be Talking about Walking at the Nordonia Hills Branch of the Akron Public Library on March 7, so if you'd like to have your copy signed, or pick up a new copy for someone you love, I'd be delighted to see you there.

Best books you read in 2011?

What books are you glad you cracked open in 2011? What books were most rewarding? Are there some you'll re-read, or recommend to complete strangers, because they so moved, shocked, educated, or entertained you?

Well by all means, don't keep secrets like that. Please share the titles you loved the most this year. Or - just as importantly - tell us which ones aren't worth the time.

I'm partial to Atul Gawande's The Checklist Manifesto, and not just because I think it's accurate to call it a lifesaver. I'm recommending it to just about anyone who will listen (or not run away). Thirteen Reasons Why is still top-of-mind. Not just for the young adult (YA) market, it may also interest parents of YAs.  And I'd be remiss is if i didn't mention 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Cleveland, now wouldn't I?

OK! It's you're turn. Please, tell us all about those gems you pulled from library shelves, snagged at your neighbor's garage sale, ordered for your Kindle or other e-reader, or just finally (!) uncovered on your nightstand. We're about to turn the page to 2012, after all, and we're going to need something to read...

The Beaded Moccasins: Thought-provoking, YA or not

Lynda Durrant's The Beaded Moccasins: The Story of Mary Campbell, classified YA (young adult) historical fiction, certainly makes a dandy diversion for young female readers - say, 10 and up - and a lovely choice for parents (ok, Moms) to read aloud to their daughters. But if you like US Colonial history, or wish to think deeply about what family is and what that means, don't look for a preteen excuse to read this book. March right up to the library shelf and grab it.


The story in a nutshell
Taken captive on her 12th birthday, the book follows Mary as she walks from Eastern Pennsylvania to the banks of the Cuyahoga River with the Delaware tribe who planned to make her one of their own. Along the way - for more than a year - Mary struggles with what family is, and what it means to be who she is. The author carefully tells a tale of assimilation and growing up, brilliantly blended into the historical backdrop of colonial expansion. The story is gripping and well-told; the author's excellent research provides an accurate setting and many exquisite details.


Field Trip with the Author!
Lynda Durrant will be on hand to chat with hikers, historians, writers, and just plain ol' fans at Mary Campbell Cave, in Gorge Metropark on Saturday, October 22. We'll meet at 11am at the marker to the cave, and once we're all talked out, I plan to hike the park's namesake trail - it's a beauty. Won't you come, too?  Don't miss your chance to get even more insight into Mary Campbell's experience, a fascinating era in US history, and a little exercise on one of NE Ohio's prettiest trails.

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Attention book clubs: I've always thought this title would be the perfect selection for mothers and daughters to read together; it's certainly ideal for moms, in general, and it offers a great historical perspective on parenting.