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She Walks In Beauty ~ Beauty Of A Woman Blogfest

February 21, 2013 by Patricia Sands Leave a Comment

Last year August McLachlan had an idea that seems to be growing into a movement in 2013 … a strong, positive, brilliant celebration of what it is to be a woman. I’m proud to be a part of it.

boaw-2013

Make a note to spend some time over on August’s blog to find links to the posts that are being contributed this year. Click right here to get started! It is so much fun, so meaningful … and even powerful … to see the variety of perspectives that come together in this extraordinary collection from women and men.

In my post last year, I mentioned how the aging process  sneaks up on us and how important it is to celebrate every day, wrinkles and all! I also talked about the pleasures of being a grandmother and how I think it is our joyful duty to help our grandchildren grow up in a world that is moving forward with equality for everyone, regardless of gender. Everyone should feel beautiful, male or female.

8747308This year I want to introduce you to She Walks In Beauty, a book described as “ a priceless resource for anyone, male or female, who wants a deeper understanding and appreciation of what it means to be a woman.” Compiled and edited by Caroline Kennedy and published in 2011, this diverse collection of poetry contains selections from the Bible and Shakespeare to contemporary selections.

The first time I heard of the book was when I saw Caroline Kennedy on The Colbert Report discussing (?) poetry with Stephen Colbert. Very cool!

This fine anthology examines many of the stages most of us experience: falling in love; making love; breaking up; marriage; love itself; work; beauty, clothes, and things of this world; motherhood; silence and solitude; growing up and growing old; death and grief; friendship; how to live.

Each selection was personally chosen by Kennedy. Each section is prefaced by her insightful reflections and at times she shares intimate family memories.

I slowly enjoyed this excellent assortment of poems over a period of time, liking some and not caring for others. That’s how words are, right? They don’t all hit the spot in the same way with each of us. However I felt one constant throughout:  the older we get, the more comfortable we are with the notion that our beauty comes from within. This is a book to be savoured at your leisure and many times over.

I was reminded more than once of the words of Kahlil Gibran ~ Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.

She Walks in Beauty makes a fabulous gift for any woman, any time. It’s beautiful! And you are beautiful! Remind yourself of that every single day.

Here’s a taste of what awaits you. This poem lends its title to the book and is found at the beginning.

She Walks in Beauty

BY LORD BYRON (GEORGE GORDON)

She walks in beauty, like the night
   Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
   Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
   Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
   Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
   Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
   How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
   So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
   But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
   A heart whose love is innocent!

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Filed Under: Blog, News Tagged With: August McLachlan, Beauty of a Woman Blogfest, Caroline Kennedy, Patricia Sands, poetry, She Walks In Beauty

About Patricia Sands

Family, writing and travel are my passions ... okay, and chocolate ... and I'm seldom without a camera. I write women's fiction and keep in touch with readers by a monthly newsletter that also has giveaways and contests. Come and join us by signing up on the right. See you there!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. fransiweinstein says

    February 21, 2013 at 11:20 pm

    I am definitely going to buy the book. Thanks for blogging about it.

    Reply
  2. elisaruland says

    February 22, 2013 at 12:16 am

    Thank you for the uplifting post, I’m looking forward to reading She Walks in Beauty.

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      March 6, 2013 at 11:12 pm

      I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed! There is something for everyone in that book!

      Reply
  3. wordsfromanneli says

    February 22, 2013 at 12:37 am

    Always one of my favourite poems. So fitting.

    Reply
  4. Sherry Isaac says

    February 22, 2013 at 8:40 am

    Thanks for sharing all this beauty, Patricia. August’s blogfest, Caroline’s collection, Byron’s poem, and your personal beauty, inside and out.

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      February 23, 2013 at 8:20 pm

      Sherry, you are too kind. That is truly the comment of a beautiful woman with an equally beautiful soul.

      Reply
  5. Tameri Etherton says

    February 22, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    Ah, Lord Byron, how I do love thee. I took a moment to savor the poem, then jumped over to order the book before coming back to comment. Lovely, lovely idea Patricia. Sharing with us Caroline’s book so that we can be reminded again and again how truly marvelous women are. As with August, who did such an incredible job with this year’s blogfest, you are one of the most beautiful women I know. Inside and out, your spirit lights the way for others. I consider it an honor to call you my friend.

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      February 23, 2013 at 8:14 pm

      And Tameri, how do I love thee? You have been such a special friend since our early WANA days, I simply cannot wait to finally meet you in person in Atlanta this summer. I love how the BOAW is blossoming into something quite spectacular, isn’t it?

      Reply
  6. jansenschmidt says

    February 22, 2013 at 5:26 pm

    Thanks for sharing the lovely poem. I know so many woman who take themselves for granted and for me, that poem is a good reminder of who we are as women and why we are special and should never be taken for granted.

    I’m so glad you participated in this blogfest. I’ve enjoyed reading so many good posts today. I feel like we’re all going on a cyber march with large picket signs.

    Patricia Rickrode
    w/a Jansen Schmidt

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      February 23, 2013 at 8:11 pm

      August’s blogfest idea is truly blossoming into something truly special. It’s brilliant to read all the different perspectives on beauty, isn’t it? I’m still working my way through the posts and should hit yours soon. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  7. Kim Jorgensen Gane says

    February 22, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    Really lovely, and I love the lasting aspect of recommending a beautiful book to remind us that we are beautiful. Couldn’t agree more about the years allowing us to feel more & more comfortable in our own skin. Nicely done.

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      February 23, 2013 at 8:09 pm

      Thank you, Kim! It’s such a wonderful book and I thought this was the perfect time to share it!

      Reply
  8. ontheplumtree says

    February 22, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    Great post, great poem. The blog fest does sound great. i will take a look at it.

    Reply
    • authorpatricia2010 says

      February 27, 2013 at 5:49 pm

      Niamh, you would be a great person to have sign up for it next year!

      Reply
  9. August McLaughlin says

    February 22, 2013 at 7:10 pm

    What a fantastic book, Patricia! I love this part of the poem you shared in particular: “The smiles that win, the tints that glow” Joy seems counterpoint to beauty, IMO and many of the BOAW festers. Thanks for contributing and for your wonderful support!

    Reply
  10. Sabrina Garie says

    February 22, 2013 at 7:12 pm

    What a lovely contribution to the blog fest. The poem is perfect.

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      February 23, 2013 at 8:08 pm

      Thanks for stopping by, Sabrina! I’m still working my way through the fabulous blog posts.

      Reply
  11. Catherine Johnson says

    February 22, 2013 at 7:34 pm

    Ooh I like the sound of that poetry book :0)

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      March 6, 2013 at 11:14 pm

      It’s an amazing read on a whole bunch of different levels, Catherine. Check it out.

      Reply
  12. Amber West says

    February 22, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    Oh my goodness, I will have to check this one out! Also, I love that poem (it’s get a mention in my novel :)).

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      March 6, 2013 at 11:15 pm

      I know that, Amber. How cool is that? I loved your novel!

      Reply
  13. Debra Eve says

    February 22, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    One of my favorite poems of all time, Patricia. Thank you for that and for writing about the book — I’d not hear of it!

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      March 6, 2013 at 11:16 pm

      Thanks, Debra. I am really happy to introduce readers to this book. It has a special place in my life.

      Reply
  14. vastlycurious.com says

    February 22, 2013 at 10:37 pm

    I had to stare at your header for over 30 seconds…sigh

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      February 23, 2013 at 10:50 am

      LOL – I do that regularly! Come back anytime and sigh to your heart’s content!

      Reply
      • vastlycurious.com says

        February 23, 2013 at 12:54 pm

        I WILL !!!!

        Reply
  15. Jess Witkins says

    February 22, 2013 at 10:45 pm

    Sounds like a great collection! I have a book of Rumi poems and I love his work. I should pull it off the shelf this weekend because there’s lots of poems about love and loved ones in it. Kind of fitting for the BOAW fest! Cheers, Patricia!

    Reply
    • authorpatricia2010 says

      February 27, 2013 at 5:50 pm

      Thanks, Jess. This BOAW was so powerful and fun and touching and humorous and … just everything! Loved your RED HOT post!

      Reply
  16. renée a. schuls-jacobson says

    February 23, 2013 at 9:55 am

    I thought I commented on this already! Whaaat?! I love Caroline Kennedy, and I think she is the portrait of grace and beauty. I’ll have to make a note to check out her anthology of poems.

    Reply
    • authorpatricia2010 says

      February 27, 2013 at 5:51 pm

      Check it out, Renée! There is something for everyone. Caroline’s personal reflections just put the finishing touch on a truly fine anthology. I admire her too.

      Reply
  17. deborahbrasket says

    February 23, 2013 at 11:42 am

    I gave that book to my daughter a few years ago when it first came out. She loved it, and so did I.

    Reply
    • authorpatricia2010 says

      February 27, 2013 at 5:52 pm

      What a lovely gift to give a daughter. She must have been delighted!

      Reply
  18. Kathryn Chastain Treat says

    February 23, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    I am adding this book to my amazon books to buy list. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  19. lameadventures says

    February 23, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    Caroline Kennedy is such a class act and a completely cool woman. A friend and I got to meet her 12 years ago when she came to my then place of employ, ABC News, to sign the book, “The Best-Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis”. She and I had a brief exchange about writing; she was so kind and gracious. Then, my friend sucks every molecule of air out of the room wanting to yammer her ear off about her father. I later told him that he was lucky that security wasn’t called to escort him off the premises in handcuffs for being so obnoxious. He was that embarrassing.

    Reply
    • authorpatricia2010 says

      February 27, 2013 at 5:55 pm

      OMG – you must have wanted to stick a sock in his mouth. Isn’t it amazing how some folks simply forget to think? He was probably so excited being in her presence that he lost control. I hope he apologized to you at least!

      Reply
  20. Coleen Patrick says

    February 24, 2013 at 9:43 am

    Just put the book on hold. Sounds great–thanks for the recommendation, Patricia!

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      February 27, 2013 at 11:30 pm

      You are going to love it!

      Reply
  21. Sheri de Gromm says

    February 25, 2013 at 2:43 am

    Patricia – I’ve been reading blogs during my recovery but felt the pull to say thank you. From my left hand to you – beautifully written and thanks for recommending the book.

    Reply
    • authorpatricia2010 says

      February 27, 2013 at 5:56 pm

      Thank you for making the effort. How are you doing? I hope everything is turning out as you hoped. You are in my thoughts. {{{hugs}}}

      Reply
  22. Sheri de Gromm says

    February 25, 2013 at 2:53 am

    Oops – I meant to include a mention of ‘The Best Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ selected and introduced by Caroline Kennedy. It’s one of m favorites.

    Reply
  23. Ellen M. Gregg says

    February 25, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    Oh, what a rush… I was first introduced to Lord Byron’s “She Walks in Beauty” by Ron Perlman, when he played the role of Vincent in the 1980s television series BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. As I read the poem, I heard his voice (there is a recording of music from the show, mixed with poetry read by Perlman), and remembered how it touched me in that context. It touches me still. I will be adding Ms. Kennedy’s book to my wish list. Thank you for the introduction, and for this lovely post.

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      February 27, 2013 at 6:36 pm

      I will have to check out the recording, thanks Ellen. And thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  24. Kourtney Heintz says

    February 27, 2013 at 4:21 pm

    Thanks for the tip. Sounds like an awesome collection to bring along with me on life’s journey. 🙂 Love the Byron poem. Happy to be a part of the BOAW BlogFest with you! 🙂

    Reply
  25. authorpatricia2010 says

    February 27, 2013 at 5:58 pm

    Thanks, Kourtney! I enjoyed your post about Grandma H! She sounds like a real cracker! Lucky you to have her.

    Reply
    • Kourtney Heintz says

      March 3, 2013 at 7:52 pm

      LOL. Just had dinner with her tonight. Or rather we all had dinner. She snacked on fried mozzarella sticks. 😉 We love her.

      Reply
  26. Storm says

    February 28, 2013 at 5:03 am

    I am going to need to get that book. 🙂

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      February 28, 2013 at 10:03 pm

      You won’t be sorry! It’s a keeper!

      Reply
  27. susielindau says

    March 2, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    Love this! I ran into, almost literally, Caroline Kennedy with her son at an Apple Store in Soho a few years ago. She seemed like the most unpretentious woman. And so beautiful!
    I loved Byron’s poem. Ah, if only I were a woman, “Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.” Mine are all over the place! Hahaha!
    Wonderful post. I was in Wisconsin celebrating my dad’s 87th bday. I had horrid internet and really needed to focus on my parents..Next year!

    Reply
    • authorpatricia2010 says

      March 2, 2013 at 5:22 pm

      LOL – I know what you mean about those scattered thoughts, Susie! Thanks for taking the time to come by after your trip to Wisconsin. Lucky you to still be able to celebrate your dad’s birthdays! Here’s to many more!

      Reply
  28. Madhu says

    March 4, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    Sounds wonderful Patricia. That poem was part of our literature syllabus in high school and remains a favourite 🙂 Thanks for the review.

    Reply
    • patriciasands says

      March 5, 2013 at 3:29 pm

      With an opening poem like that, there’s no question the rest of the book is going to be superb. Agreed!

      Reply
  29. Words We Women Write says

    March 5, 2013 at 11:24 pm

    The Summer Day by Mary Oliver is my favorite poem in the book. Glad you posted about this collection 🙂
    Kennedy did an interview with her a few years back, worth hunting it down on YouTube or via Oprah the magazine. Toni

    Reply
  30. patriciasands says

    March 6, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    Thank you for the info about the YouTube interview. I will definitely look for it.

    Reply

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