When Ari Hahyar set out to learn to commune with nature, he knew little about botany or the mysticism of plants; he knew only the happiness he felt when he would leave his Santa Monica condo for a walk in the woods. In Hugging Trees in Los Angeles, Ari explores his neighborhood, the parks and mountains of the city, and natural areas as far away as the Philippines. He attends workshops, plants trees, listens to teachers steeped in the wisdom that comes from the wilderness, and takes inspiration from Thoreau's Walden as well as modern writings-some scientific, some environmental, some more spiritual in tone. He hopes to reach a level of direct communication with nature, and although that connection often eludes him, he discovers something even more profound: how the gift of exploration and wonder opens his heart and brings him access to his humanity.

Jerry Schad is your knowledgeable and reliable guide for the 192 trips in this book--ranging from gentle family walks in Griffith Park to strenuous treks over the spine of the San Gabriel Mountains. Whether you see solace from the crowds, a cardiovascular workout, or a new perspective of the natural world around you, this book provides all you need to know.The second edition of this popular book covers all of the county's open spaces. A total of 192 hikes-including 17 new ones-are described in detail with trips organized into specific areas. Illustrated; detailed maps.

The Andrews Sisters, the legendary singing trio of the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s are the most successful female singing group in history and were the world's top selling group until the Beatles arrived. Of the 605 songs they recorded, 113 charted. They also made 18 movies, appeared regularly on radio and television, and entertained three generations of GIs. Based on extensive research, unpublished letters, and interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, this book documents not only the lives and work of the Andrews Sisters but also the popular culture spanned by their long careers. The book contains a complete discography of their released, unreleased, and solo recordings, including recording dates, record numbers, and accompaniment. Also included are a filmography and documentation of their radio and television appearances.

This series summary/overview volume—Awakening into Unity—maps a big-picture view of the essential features of our intrinsic unity, and brings their immensity and importance within everyone’s easy, confident grasp. Perhaps more than any other series installment, it affords a grand, breathtaking journey hallmarked with many vital and inspiring stories. First, it presents the story of my life’s work and awakening into inspiring nuances of the unity perspective that I’m certain will help birth a vibrant, healed future. It also shares important aspects of unity uncovered through my extensive research into Big History – the specific mechanics of the universal creation process that made us and our world possible. I also share an integrative vision of how we humans have pursued a communion with this underlying oneness through time; via scientific, religious, spiritual, philosophic, environmental, indigenous perspectives, and more. This investigation ultimately delivers an expansive worldview and a compelling environmental ethic designed to help us re-ground our essentially creative human nature within the larger universal creation process. Significantly though, and far beyond simply presenting my own prescriptive sense of how this restorative planetary shift might best occur, Awakening into Unity chronicles myriad ways that others are already employing this perspective to turn our ship around. These are the stories of us in our striving billions, woven together in an informative, celebratory narrative that brings our diverse world-healing efforts alive, front and center, for all to see. This grand saga evidences and honors humanity moving past climate theory, discussion and debate into decisive, active engagement; the true global awakening and life-saving transformation that’s happening all around us in real time. Unifying threads of this holistic tapestry source from my own efforts and those of others in every facet and type of human entity on Earth today; the pivotal achievements of notable contributors seeking to co-create a better future. Together, these examples provide a wealth of wisdom and practical solutions helpful to all. Awakening into Unity thus captures the vital, living, unprecedented truth that all parts of our world are now rising and shining into a bright, new, Earth-healing day. No other movement, tradition, belief system, or collective enterprise can claim such broad-based evolutionary inclusiveness. Terragenesis, Gaia enthroned, is indeed here; her heart is beating; and she’s alive! Quite simply, and without exaggeration, this has become the single most important collective human effort ever undertaken, and the zeitgeist, the defining feature and spirit of our time. May this book serve as an energizing catalyst and helpful road map for our great leap. And may it help you move confidently into a brighter future filled with grace, intelligence, effectiveness, compassion, comradeship, integration, and Joy!

48 states. 41 national parks. 37,912 miles. A solo grand tour of America. For 9.5 months I traveled in Bertha, my '99 Subaru Forester, seeing everything I had been missing. I collected patches, pins and postcards and blogged and photographed my way across this beautiful country. I hope you enjoy the abridged version of my travels and it inspires you to never stop exploring! Adventure is out there!

Can a city girl save her family’s small-town café all by herself? Or will she need a Christmas miracle? Enjoy this classic romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis! Sheriff Riley McMann couldn’t believe his ears when Holly Stone announced that she’d be taking over the only café in Little Paradise. She looked as if she hadn’t worked a day in her life, and besides, he had to eat there! But he was soon working up quite an appetite for “Calamity Holly” when he discovered there was more to her than designer clothes and an attitude. Maybe his Christmas wishes were going to come true after all... Originally published in 2000.