A Patchwork of Comforts: Small Pleasures for Peace of Mind

Author Carol Wiseman asked people around the country to send her descriptions of their favorite comforts. The result is A Patchwork of Comforts, a collection of comforting and comfortable things to soothe body, mind, and spirit. Comforts are organized alphabetically--and Wiseman adds sidebars with bits of trivia, and even comforting recipes, such as a recipe for Zabaglione, a dessert sauce.

A-to-Z comforts include:

• * Alone Time: The only voice you hear is your own
• * Aromas: Trigger memories
• * Brainrest: A chance to recoup and regroup
• * Crosswords: The right word satisfies
• * Cuddling: Back to the womb
• * Daydreams: Going to the movies free
• * Dogs: Part of the family
• * Vacation: A break from responsibility
• * Water: Watch it, hear it, drink it, play in it
• * X-tra Time: Ditching the clock lets you finish...whatever
• * Young at Heart: Keeps you in the loop
• * ZZZ's: Renews and reactivates

There are plenty of comforting activities to take the sting out of even the worst days: sitting by a fire after a long walk in the cold; watching birds in the back yard; enjoying a big cup of homemade hot chocolate; bathing by candlelight; a weekend camping trip--with no electronic appliances. A Patchwork of Comforts is a homecoming in a book--welcoming, warm, and wise.

A book written especially for "one of those days," dipping into A Patchwork of Comforts is like a long soak in a hot tub.