In these last few chapters of the book, we see CeeCee break open in many ways.  As she collapses from the pain she has carried for so long, she also begins her healing process.  She witnesses adults being imperfect and fighting like children and then walking away as friends.  She learns that even though she may look like her mother, she will never become her mother.  She makes a friend who is her own age – a first for CeeCee.  And for the very first time, CeeCee feels proud of herself.  In breaking open the pain, she also breaks open her heart.

Were there any parts of this book that resonated with you strongly?  Were you able to see yourself in CeeCee in any way?  Tell us what you loved most about this book.

I also invite you to make suggestions for our Summer Book Club selection, which will kick off in June.

Until then, Happy Reading!

Each week we see CeeCee become more comfortable with her surroundings and her new friends and family.  The realities of a “normal” life begin to occur, with all of their complexities and subtleties.  CeeCee is confronted with racism, not once but twice; first, through the attack on Tybee Island and secondly, (and more humorously), when she meets Sapphire.  In reading this section, I couldn’t help but think that CeeCee’s reaction to the racial overtones of both interactions was subdued.  I thought it a reminder that children don’t develop racist tendencies unless they are taught to.

We also see that as CeeCee becomes more relaxed and settled into her new home, the memories of life with her mother begin to emerge.  CeeCee now has the security and support to deal with these issues.  CeeCee has been afraid to think or talk about her mother; I wondered if Oletta’s advice at the start of chapter 16 in someway helped her gain the courage to begin dealing with the pain that she was carrying:

Every time you give in to your fears, you’re lettin’ that man win.  And every time you do that, he gets stronger while you get weaker.  Givin’ in to your fears will rob you blind.  You’ll end up a prisoner to that man for the rest of your life.

CeeCee sees in Oletta a strength and peace that she would like to possess herself.  One of my favorite lines from the book illustrates this:

Deep down I had the feeling that Oletta most likely knew all that was worth knowing, not in book-learning ways, but in the ways that really mattered, ways that let you hum songs during the day and sleep peacefully at night.

Wouldn’t we all like to have enough peace to allow us to hum songs during the day and sleep peacefully at night?

I look forward to reading your thoughts on this week’s chapters.

—Seraphina Ashe
Director of Guest Experience Programming
Glen Ivy Hot Springs

In this week’s reading we get to see CeeCee enjoying a little mischief and adventure.  After so many years of living in a state of constant shame, despair, and constant alert I wondered how these new experiences might feel to her.  While the incident with Miz Hobbs was surely scary for CeeCee, she also got to see people reacting to it with a bit of humor.  How different this must have been in comparison with the many incidents with her mother.

We also see the unexpected return of CeeCee’s father in these chapters.  Why do you think he decided to show up unannounced?  CeeCee is not happy to see her father; do you think that she will ever be able to forgive him?  Is he worthy of receiving her forgiveness?

I look forward to reading your thoughts on how CeeCee’s life is changing and unfolding.

Until next week, Happy Reading!

—Seraphina Ashe
Director of Guest Experience Programming
Glen Ivy Hot Springs

In this week’s reading selection we meet the women of Savannah, Georgia. Oletta, Miz Hobbs, and Miz Goodpepper each bring their own brand of southern hospitality to CeeCee. On the one hand, CeeCee drinks in all of the love and affection offered by her new friends and family, while on the other she doubts her worthiness and ability to ever fit in. I think this is what makes CeeCee such a likable character; she mirrors the insecurities we all feel at some time in our lives – fitting in, being worthy of love, and having something worthy to contribute amongst people we admire. Some people view children like CeeCee very much the way the Pemberton house was seen by the demolition crew – as not worthy of being saved. Aunt Tootie has the unique gift of looking past the broken places to see the treasure. As with the forgotten mansions of Savannah, Aunt Tootie sees the beauty in CeeCee and is determined to help her see it in herself.

Out of all of the characters introduced in this week’s reading, is there one that you like best? Why? Do you think any of these characters will have a greater impact on CeeCee’s life than the others?

Until next week, enjoy being carried away to the warm breezes of Savannah!

—Seraphina Ashe
Director of Guest Experience Programming
Glen Ivy Hot Springs

As our Spring Book Club reading opens, we meet CeeCee, a young girl forced to be caretaker and overseer to her mentally ill mother. It is easy to instantly like CeeCee; while possessing the innocence of a child, much of her life is spent performing very adult tasks; the blend of naivety and wisdom that results in an undeniable appeal. CeeCee herself sees that her life circumstances have a positive side: “…in a strange, upside down way, Momma’s craziness helped me learn more and rise to the top of my class.” Camille, too, is easy to like, despite her inability to care for CeeCee. Although deeply flawed, Camille still has the charm and gentility of a southern belle gone slightly askew.

Less easy to feel fondness for is CeeCee’s absentee father, who, despite warnings from his daughter and neighbor about the state of Camille’s health, chooses to look away. While not an uncommon reaction to mental illness, CeeCee’s father becomes so detached that he is completely unaware of his daughter’s love of books, reading and her academic achievements. This fact seems to hurt CeeCee even more than the countless escapades involving her mother’s bizarre behavior, as she develops a deep hatred for her father.

Salvation for CeeCee comes after her mother’s death, when she is taken in by her Aunt Tootie, a well-mannered and kind southern woman who resides in the heart of Savannah, Georgia. While deeply moved by Aunt Tootie’s kindness and genuine warmth, CeeCee remains apprehensive about the move until Mrs. Odell offers this wisdom: “When a chapter of your Life Book is complete, your spirit knows it’s time to turn the page so a new chapter can begin. Even when you’re scared or think you’re not ready, your spirit knows you are.” It is this truth that CeeCee clings to as she takes the leap into a life she could have never before imagined.

I look forward to reading your insights on these first few chapters. Here are a few conversation starters:

• How would CeeCee’s life be different if Mrs. Odell had chosen to avoid Camille’s mental illness, and therefore any interaction with CeeCee?

• Were you able to feel any compassion or understanding for CeeCee’s father? Do you think CeeCee should forgive her father?

• By CeeCee’s account, her home surroundings reflected the disorder and messiness of Camille’s state of mind; however Camille’s prom dresses were neatly arranged by color, “like a worn-out tattered rainbow.” Why could Camille order and arrange dresses but nothing else?

Happy reading!

—Seraphina Ashe
Director of Guest Experience Programming
Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Spring is here and there is a lot to look forward to at Glen Ivy.  Here are the five things our team is abuzz about this April:

1. April is Stress Awareness Month.  Stress is probably the one thing we don’t need to be reminded of, considering just hearing the word “stress” makes us a little stressed out.  This month we’ll be sharing articles and tips on how to be conscious of stress triggers in our lives and how to cope in positive ways to avoid the negative impacts of stress.  Stay connected and contribute with your own tips here on the Blog and on Facebook.
2.  Fruit! This April, our featured special treatments enliven the senses with the crisp aroma of citrus – try the Citrus Sorbet Body Treatment and Pedicure, or see our specials for more wonderful spa experiences to try during your next visit.At Glen Ivy Hot Springs, delight in a Bellini break – receive a bottle of house champagne for just $25 to enjoy blended peach bellinis throughout your day when you reserve a Cabaña or Club Solé this month.Also, Chef Bill Wavrin is now making fresh juices for nutritious and delicious refreshment using organic, fresh-from-the garden carrots, apples, pear, celery, ginger, and more – a perfect complement to your spa day!
3. A great new read for the Glen Ivy Book Club – purchase your copy of the spring book club selection, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman and join the online discussion starting April 17.  The only thing better than a good book is sharing it with a friend – if you’ve already read the book, lend your copy to a friend and invite them to join our dialogue!
   
4. Longer days at Glen Ivy — Starting April 9, Glen Ivy Hot Springs will be open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily, weather permitting.  More hours to spa, soak, and savor moments with friends and family in this special place.
5. Earth Day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs – Join us on Sunday, April 22 for a day of tree-hugging, dirt-lovin’ fun.  The local Sierra Club, Trails4All and Preserve the Plateau will be here along with Glen Ivy’s S.E.E.D. Team (Sustaining Earth’s Environment Daily) to share information and inspiration, including how to make your own non-toxic, environmentally safe home cleaning products to make and take home with you, seed cookies, succulent wall plantings, and more.

 The Art of Racing in the Rain ended for me in the same way that it started, with my aging Boston Terrier laying on my lap sleeping soundly, while tears spilled down my cheeks.  I am struggling with what to write this week, not only because of the mix of emotion in these last few chapters, but also because of the story I share with this little dog who has been with me for so long.  It is easy to love this book because it gives us permission to believe that all of the conversations we have with our pets may be true and for the faith it provides that our animal companions really do understand us and love us as much as we think they do.  I cherished this book because I love dogs and cars, but beyond that, I appreciated this book because of the genuine life wisdom that it shares.

This book made me:

• Think about what I am giving my attention to:  The car goes where the eyes go.
• Stop to consider the zebra that resides within all of us:  The zebra is something inside of us.  Our fears.  Our own self-destructive nature.
• Consider my priorities and what I am choosing to think about:  People are generally not satisfied with what they have; they are very concerned with what they are going to have. 
• Challenge myself to take more responsibility for my life:  Any problems that may occur have ultimately been caused by you, because you are responsible for where you are and what you are doing there. 

As we’ve blogged our way through this book, you have all been very generous in sharing your personal thoughts and feelings about what you found most moving in this story.  I look forward to reading your final comments on how this book impacted your life.

• What are your main takeaways from The Art of Racing in the Rain? 
• Were you challenged in any way?
• Do you look at life differently?
• Do you have a favorite quote or passage from the book?

P.S.  We would all like to extend a special thank you to Garth Stein for dropping in to our book club!  While we are all looking forward to the movie, I think it is agreed that it will not completely capture the magic you created on the pages of the book.  We look forward to reading your next novel!

—Seraphina Ashe
Director of Guest Experience Programming
Glen Ivy Hot Springs

In this week’s reading we see the return of the zebra – a seemingly harmless toy that reminds us that light is always balanced with dark, and that no matter how much humanity fills us it is equaled with a wild, animalistic nature. However, in this second encounter with the zebra, Enzo has gained wisdom from experience. This time around, Enzo chooses not to deny his destructive animal nature but instead to embrace it and use it to his advantage. I found this passage humorous not only in relation to the storyline of the book but also because I’ve had similar experiences with my own animal companions. In particular, my beloved cat Brian has a certain way of letting me know if I am working too much or otherwise not spending enough time with him; the little darling leaves me a special “present” on my pillow if I’ve been away from home too much. Our pets may not be able to talk, but they certainly strive to find ways to communicate with us. Have you experienced this with your pets?

This week’s passage ends on a sad note, both for Enzo and Denny. It struck me that Denny did not break down, did not give up, until faced with Enzo’s crisis. It was Enzo’s injury and Denny’s inability to fully provide for his dog that finally broke his spirit. These chapters caused me to pause and consider the many times I have relied on the absolute and unquestioning love of my pets when faced with life stresses and challenges. As Debbie said in last week’s discussion, “They love us unconditionally. Giving care, love and devotion to our animals is minute compared to what our animals give back to us. They are always happy to see us and are faithful and devoted. It never fails to lighten my day when I walk into the house greeted by one of my dogs. They are, and have always been the highlight in my days.” Enzo’s unconditional love and devotion for Denny was, perhaps, what kept him going. When faced with Enzo’s mortality Denny lost all hope. I agree with Debbie that the time and effort we spend caring for our animal companions pales in comparison to what they give back to us.

Please be sure to share your thoughts and reflections on this chapter with a comment below. I look forward to reading your insights and interpretations and thank you for reading along with us.

Happy Reading!

There’s so much good in this book that I often have difficulty choosing what to write about each week.  Even though the chapters we’re covering this week recounted a dark and difficult time for Denny and his dog, I was so enthralled by the expression of Enzo’s deep wisdom for human affairs that I could not wait to turn to the next page.  Enzo’s account of Denny’s arrest, which was based on knowledge he gained from Law & Order and other TV shows, was humorous but might also raise the question as to what the real Denny might look like outside of Enzo’s admiring gaze.  The Denny that Enzo depicts is nearly flawless — a hero in nearly every respect.

The depths of Enzo’s devotion to Denny become very clear at the conclusion of chapter 36 when Enzo speaks only of “we,” as if he and Denny are an inseparable unit.

Do you think that Denny really fulfilled Enzo’s portrayal of him?

Do you find that your pets sense when you are going through a life challenge? 

If so, do you sense greater devotion from them during difficult times?

One of my favorite passages in this week’s reading is in chapter 34:  being alone is not the same as being lonely…loneliness…is something that exists only in the mind, not in the world, and, like a virus, is unable to survive without a willing host.  And, one of my favorite lines from the entire book:  That which is around me does not affect my mood; my mood affects that which is around me.  I realize this book is a work of fiction, but I still found myself wondering if Enzo spent at least some of his TV time watching Wayne Dyer on PBS.  There is a tremendous amount of life-wisdom in the pages of this book!

Please be sure to share your comments on these chapters, I always look forward to reading what you found in the story. Happy Reading!

February is almost here and we are welcoming the month with open arms. Why you ask? Because here at Glen Ivy we LOVE love and this month is filled with things that we’re sweet on.  Here are just a few things that we’re excited about for February:

• Valentine’s Day Contest- Have a memorable, romantic or funny Valentine’s Day experience? Then we want to hear from you! Submit your entry Tuesday, February 7 – Monday, February 14 on the Glen Ivy blog for a chance to win a spa day for two!
• Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup- We’ll be welcoming this fabulous line to the Hot Springs this month! Join us for the Jane Iredale launch party, Rose & Romance: Kissable Lips and Touchable Skin, February 11 & 17. You won’t want to miss out on experience Janie Iredale makeup, get color matched by our Skin Care Experts, win prizes, and take home some great gifts with your purchase.
• Rose Hydration Facial- We’re excited to introduce our newest facial that rehydrate your skin with the essence of custom distilled organic roses. This 50 minute treatment will leave your skin and mind feeling balanced, refreshed and renewed….a true indulgent rose experience! As if this facial couldn’t get any better, exclusive to this facial is an Opal Eye treatment and Moroccan Oil Scalp Treatment.
• The Art of Racing in the Rain- Selected for the winter edition of the Glen Ivy Book Club, we are loving this New York Time’s Best Seller.  What we’re the most excited about is that the author, Garth Stein, has stopped by to join in the conversation! Whether you are reading along with us or have already read it, we’d love to hear your thoughts.
• Love is in the Air- From our Massage for Two: Learn to do a Basic Couples Massage to Lunch & Learn with Spa Chef Bill: Romantic Dinner for Two, we have plenty of romantic things to do for the perfect date day with that someone special!

These may be our top five things we’re excited about but there are many  more Events and Activities and Specials happening in February that we can’t wait for and we hope to see you around the spa enjoying them right along with us!

What are you looking forward to most in February at Glen Ivy? Let us know here or on Facebook!