Books

Moving Gracefully: A Guide to Relocating Yourself and Your Family

Why did I write a book on moving? Since graduating college, I’ve made 11 interstate moves and 5 local ones. I’ve lived in apartments, houses, and a condo. I’ve lived in Southern California (twice), Chicago (twice), Baltimore (my home town), Rochester NY, Atlanta (twice), St. Louis, and Nashville. I’ve moved by myself, with my husband, and at times also with children and a rabbit. Many of these were corporate moves, but some we did on our own. I’ve also helped family members move a number of times, helping to determine what should go and what should not.

Years ago, I found myself answering questions from family and friends, and I saved these lengthy responses on my computer, so I wouldn’t have to recreate them if I was asked the same question again. After awhile, I realized that it would be most helpful if I pulled together all the advice and information about moving, and made it into a book, so I could just hand it to those I knew who were moving and asking for advice. Then it would all be there, and I wouldn’t have to worry about having left something out. More and more things seemed critical to include, and now they’re all in Moving Gracefully; A Guide To Moving Yourself and Your Family.

I was happy that I could draw on my experiences as a flight attendant, hockey Mom, pre-school teacher, administrator of a non-profit medical organization, a variety of leadership volunteer positions, and extensive travel, which have all contributed to an understanding of the needs of families as they travel uncharted territory.

My great wish is that this book will take the mystery out of moving, help you to make smart decisions as you move through the process, enable you to experience the move as an adventure, guide your family to adjust happily to their new surroundings, and get the most out of living in a new area. As with making new friends and living life in general, your attitude will make all the difference! Enjoy your explorations.

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I love this book, I am so grateful that I came across this gem! Ive followed every step and our move has become so easy, organized and I feel so confident. I had no idea the links and resources for you to use. So many things Id never thought of. I reccomend this over any other moving book . it even has plans for after you move into the new home! This is the one!

StephanieAmazon Verified Purchase

Love this book! We’re considering moving sometime next year and thought it would be helpful to look into what it would entail. I’m only a short ways into the book and have already picked up many tips and pointers that I would have never known otherwise. This book wa worth every penny!

KarenAmazon Verified Purchase

I thought I knew it all about moving since I’ve moved with my family 5 times within the U.S. and 3 times International. It is a great book to read and the flow is great. We will be moving again in March, 2012 and amazingly, some information that I had no idea existed became available. I not only recommend this book to those who are moving or have moved, but also to those that would like to find a balance within their work, friends and family life. Simply put, a great book to read

GermanAmazon Verified Purchase

What Brings You Joy?

Have you ever noticed how people’s faces light up and they become more animated when they talk about things they’re really enthusiastic about?

This new book is a collection of over 350 responses to the simple question “What brings you joy?” which Carol Miller Fradkin posed to people ages 6-97, with a wide variety of backgrounds, occupations, and challenges, who live in more than 30 U.S. states and five other countries.

Their joys are fascinating and sure to remind you and your loved ones of joyful times in your own lives, and you’ll be surprised at how just recalling those experiences will lift your spirits and inspire you to experience more joy in your own life and even to bring pleasure into the lives of others.

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Immediately after purchasing 5 copies of this book, I regretted that I didn’t order more. It’s the perfect book for close friends’ birthdays, and also for aging parents and grown children coming into their own. As a bedside companion for those who are ailing, or as an extra something for someone celebrating a special event, or just because … because we can always use a little pick-me-up. It feels as though the contributors are sitting in my living room graciously sharing the special moments of their lives. There are so many ways to approach this book — opening directly to the chapter of musings from others in your age group, starting at the beginning, or flipping to a random page. It’s a perfect daily inspirational, but careful, once you get started, you’re unable to put it down. Absolutely the no-brainer, ideal, and affordable gift that allows me to spread joy to others. Don’t forget to buy one for yourself too!

NancyAmazon Review

Lincoln once said that most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. Each of us really does have a great deal of control over our outlook, our disposition, and, in the end, our level of happiness. So why not “decide” to be a happy person and focus on the good things – the half-full glass?
Anything that draws us to the good things in life is invaluable simply because it makes us occupy our time with “the good stuff.” We all have things – in our daily lives, the news, myriad other sources – that can conspire to really bring us down. As such, reading a book whose central theme is joy is about the sanest way we can spend our time!
Carol Fradkin’s book cuts across a wide swath of the population – by age, by background, by profession, by geographical area – and finds a beautiful array of sources of joy to which we can all relate. It’s hard to read this book and not identify with these wonderful sources, and it’s impossible to read without the occasional ear-to-ear smile. Truly great stuff!

LarryAmazon Review

I received a copy of this book while in the hospital recovering from surgery. Even though I had a lot of support and had prepared myself for the time needed to heal, I was not prepared for the feeling of loneliness and anxiety I experienced. The question posed by this book, “What Brings You Joy?” caught my attention because I was not feeling very joyful at the time. Reading the things listed by others made me begin to reflect on what brings joy into my life. This simple exercise did so much to lift my spirits and I am sure contributed to making my rehab time successful. I am so grateful for the gift of this book and have bought it for others I thought would find joy from reading it.

SheilaAmazon Review