Billy-- you are awesome for seeking out that book.

I can never understand the body issue brought up in the book in its context. But as far as general body issues, as I'm raising a daughter it's something that concerns me. I used to work in publishing so I know how fake the media image is and plan on being very very frank about this through her life.

I have read about studies where it's found that young women get cues about their own beauty by what their mother says about herself. Different girls with serious body issues would say that they would watch their moms look at themselves in the mirror and say how fat they were, or how ugly they were. Thankfully I don't do either-- I like me!-- but like anyone else I'll mindlessly throw out a comment about needing to shed a few pounds. Now, I try to keep this to myself!

It's got to start young, too. Surprisingly I've noticed how much little girl clothing veers to the skimpy. I'm no prude, but I like childhood to last a long time. I am surprised at what passes for little girls' wear. They are not small adults!

Knowing/admitting that you need to shed "a few pounds" is healthy.
Obsessing about it is not.

true, but my general point is being a good example.

Exactly. It's in the home. Lead by example. Nine times out of 10. Heavy, unhealthy parents = heavy unhealthy kids. Encourage "wellness", good eating habits and exercise and you are well ahead of the game. This in itself will do wonders for self image.

Just had to let you all know about a book I stumbled upon at a recent visit to my local library (I LOVE the library!) called "The Soloist" by Steve Lopez. It is a non-fiction book by Mr. Lopez, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, about a homeless, mentally ill man he encounters on the streets of LA by the name of Nathaniel Ayers. Ayers is playing his heart out on a beat up two string violin and Lopez thinks he could be good material for a column. It goes from there. It is an incredible story about music, mental illness and second chances. I'm still in the middle of it but felt compelled to share it with my friends here at magicisland.

Ken

Sounds like a very interesting story Ken. It's amazing where people find their inspiration.

I just finished reading "The Shack," which was referred by a fellow music lover (even though it's not about music at all.) Very interesting story about a man who suffers a tremendous tragedy and, as a result of that, meets God at this shack. God is not who or what he anticipated. I don't want to give it away, but, it's a very interesting read, and, it makes you think.

Thanks for that recommendation - I'm definitely going to check out "The Shack" as soon as I finish "The Soloist". FYI - Much to my surprise, I just heard that The Soloist has been made into a movie with Jamie Foxx starring.