Perfect Lives

In an English seaside town, lovers and children, men and women weave in and out of each other's lives and stories. A mother is tormented by her daughter's tattoo; another only pretends to love her baby. A wife stalks her husband and his new lover; a broken egg through a mailbox tells a story that will not go away; the cat thinks he knows best. Threaded throughout are longings for love and poignant disappointments, surprising pleasures and temptations. Some will fall but some, like the small boy at the circus who sees his babysitter fly past on a trapeze wearing little more than a blue bra and spangles, will retain their feeling of awe. The stories in Perfect Lives are rueful, knowing, witty, poignant, bashful, bold. Polly Samson's genius is in the nuance.

"Also includes selections from a series of talks at the Center for Contemporary Music at Mills College in 1989"--Pref.

A true story of men against the sea.

As part of the incomparable Hazelden Meditations series, the daily readings in A Life of My Own ask us to truly reflect on our relationships with people in our lives who are dealing with alcoholism or other substance use and addiction—and more importantly, to establish and improve a relationship with ourselves. When we love people who use or abuse alcohol and other drugs, we can get so wrapped up in trying to understand and “fix” the addiction problem. It is easy to lose sight of ourselves and stop living our own lives. Designed for personal growth, this collection of readings by beloved recovery author Karen Casey inspires readers to invest in themselves again by addressing the feelings of desperation and frustration at the core of codependency. With the wisdom of Twelve Step principles, relatable anecdotes, and helpful recovery insights, readers can build a daily practice of reflection, inspiration, healing, and meditation. The simple, straightforward quotations and affirmations in A Life of My Own offer the strength and courage we all need for true freedom. Encouraging you to connect with your spiritual and emotional health—as well as build self-esteem, serenity, and acceptance—Casey reflects on the type of healing that helps us return to living.