"Silver Linings" helps us to remember that while it is no doubt true for the majority that life is not a dream, every cloud does have a silver lining. The Italians say the same thing more explicitly"Non tutti i mali vengono a nuocere," or "Not all evil is harmful." This collection of gentle, contemplative, happy, and profound poems, written from 1962 until the present year, will leave few who read it untouched. It refers to every aspect of life in an often humorous, joyful, reverent, and appreciative manner. Try reading some of the poemsyou won't regret it!

Within the margins of an antique book, a timeless love waits for a young woman on the precipice of a terrible mistake in this enthralling exploration of fate and independence from the acclaimed author of Some of It Was Real. Constance Sparks always says yes…when her capricious best friend needs money; when her boss gives her more responsibility without a raise; and when her boyfriend, Hayden, who is very kind but also secretive, asks her to marry him. While planning their wedding—and struggling with anxiety about the right course for her future—Constance researches the history of her antique engagement ring and unearths the name of a man who might be connected to it, plus his tragic love story. When she finds a book of letters in her library’s old manuscript section written by the long-dead man, Constance is deeply touched by his words and leaves a note for him confessing her uncertainty and doubts. She’s shocked days later to find a response tucked among the pages. As the notes continue to arrive, Constance finds herself quickly falling in love with a ghost and putting her real-life relationship in jeopardy. Will a bond based on letters impossibly sent from the past derail her future? Or will Constance discover her voice and risk everything for the chance to somehow connect with her true soul mate?

Lane Mosby decided to live the life hed always dreamed of. After his retirement, Lane and his wife decided to buy acreage in California to practice farming. They owned animals, planted fruit trees and erected a greenhouse. In 1979, they headed to Oklahoma and bought 40 acres to become small scale ranchers. What made this even more special is that Lane is a former engineer-turned rancher. Like the familiar TV show Green Acres, Lane found his new lifestyle unfamiliar. Oklahoma meant starting over making new friends and living at a slower pace. Could he make this dream of his work?

"In this book, Paul Houston and Steve Sokolow sow seeds of wisdom that offer hope and sound guiding principles for America′s educational leaders." -Richard W. Riley, former U.S. Secretary of Education and former Governor of South Carolina "This book fills a troubling void in the leadership literature by highlighting the vital spiritual side of a leader′s role." -Terrence E. Deal, Author Leading With Soul and Reframing the Path to School Leadership "Houston and Sokolow focus on how leaders can remain true to their core beliefs and still lead successful organizations. This should be required reading for all leaders and prospective leaders." -Vincent L. Ferrandino, Executive Director National Association of Elementary School Principals "I can′t imagine a more timely and important book for educators." -Margaret J. Wheatley, Author, Leadership and the New Science "Houston and Sokolow have done an extraordinary job of looking beyond the traditional view of leadership to incorporate a spiritual dimension." -Dr. Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director National Association of Secondary School Principals "The Spiritual Dimension of Leadership reminds us that the job of leadership is complex, but the actions we take can be very simple and yet have a big impact." -Anne L. Bryant, Executive Director National School Boards Association Infuse your leadership practice—and your life—with greater purpose and wisdom! This book illuminates many of the core values, beliefs, and principles that can guide, sustain, and inspire leaders during difficult times. These values and principles have underlying spiritual roots. The more aware of them you are, and the more you express them in leadership practice, the more effective you become. Paul D. Houston, Executive Director of the American Association of School Administrators, and Stephen L. Sokolow, a founding partner and Executive Director of the Center for Empowered Leadership, offer the following eight key leadership principles to help you become a more enlightened leader: Intention Attention Unique gifts and talents Gratitude Unique life lessons Holistic perspective Openness Trust Reap the many rewards of practicing these principles and journey down a path of awareness and insight that will empower you and those you lead to create the best possible future for our children.