Rosemary Hughes

This is a sober and informative biography of the great composer and the grandfather of the symphony and symphonic form. I started reading this paperback published in 1989 when I recently looked back at an old copy of Wire magazine again. It was on their recommended introductions into the music of a composer. This book was highlighted at the end of the article.

The second section of the book is a musical analysis of some of his scores, and as I am unable to read music scores, my bad, this section was less interesting to me. However, it did bring me back to the music and the pleasure of listening.… (meer)

A BETTER LIFE FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL
A Guidebook for Creative Caregiving
Rose Mary Keller Hughes

While learning about ways to bring some joy and meaning into the lives of those who are long-term confined to home or hospital, the reader discovers that the book is really about hope, dignity, and love. The underlying theme throughout is that while providing support for your loved one whose health is inescapably diminishing, you must not lose sight of the fact that the patient desperately needs to feel loved, to be considered a whole individual who happens to be sick, and to maintain a sense of still being in control. Methods are discussed for steps that need to be taken as the end of life nears for some. Maintenance of the caregiver’s health is discussed as well as methods to avoid burnout. The Appendix contains a long list of potential websites for both the caregiver and the receiver. It’s a powerful guidebook as well as a story of the relationship of a sick young woman with those who loved her and wanted to make her shortened life one that was full, overflowing love, hope and meaning. It won’t take you long to read the book, but you will feel enriched at its conclusion.… (meer)