cover image Second Blooming for Women: Growing a Life That Matters After Fifty

Second Blooming for Women: Growing a Life That Matters After Fifty

Kathleen Vestal Logan and E.L. (Betsy) Smith, Second Blooming Books/Wyatt-MacKenzie (www.secondbloomingforwomen.com), $16 trade paper (184p) ISBN 978-0-9743832-5-5

Logan and Smith know life's a series of new beginnings, and when a woman turns 50, she can either put her head in the sand or plant new seeds in better soil. The latter requires hard work, and these cheerful authors offer some sound suggestions in this no-nonsense guide. Using a refreshing, sometimes humorous gardening theme (e.g., Women's Growing Zones: Zone 1 Baby/Child, Selfish, "I want to"; Zone 2 Adult Woman, Responsible, "I have to"; and Zone 3 Women After 50, Purposeful, "I choose to") Smith and Logan offer advice, including online and print resources with additional information baby boomers will savor as they reach 50 and beyond. Among the practical tips: listen to music, keep a gratitude journal à la Oprah, speak positively, give and accept compliments graciously, and develop affirmations. Ideas for activities that most self-help fans will enjoy are included, most notably how to create an "action plan."