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13 - Year of Yes - Shonda Rhimes

Did boys hear "You're acting big" the ways girls did (do?) growing up?  Were they taught to take up less space, to not claim their accomplishments that they worked for and earned?  I began reading this before I got on my Jane Austen kick, so I was half-way through, took a break, and then finished the rest in a day.  So, what ended up being meaningful to me were the chapters on taking up space, and saying "yes" to saying no.  This book is her sharing of a year (+) to begin to say "yes" to fully being alive and owning her space in the world.

14 - White Magic - Elissa Washuta

One woman's search for answers for personal pain, to fill a hole. Using whatever means (stories, history, sex, drugs, magic - stolen and reclaimed, or otherwise, mystery, video games, Twin Peaks, etc.) to get there.  And if stories can act as a type of mirror to the reader/receiver, I also found parts of myself healed (or shrugged off my back) in the process of witnessing her struggles.

So much of this was heartbreaking, both the personal and historical information.  And I do remember the Artist-in-Residence in the bridge tower, which I thought was a great idea (and still do.)  And was happy she won it.  It's set aside money, and money well spent.  Art matters to me, enriches all of our lives, and should be nurtured.  And as with Jessica Simpson's memoir, I'm rooting for Washuta.