Monday, December 3, 2012

HIMALAYAN SALT LAMPS / ME AGAIN


HIMALAYAN SALT LAMPS

Laurie at the "I love a cloudy day" blog introduced me to these wonderful lamps and my home is now bathed in a delightful ambiance.  Go to this  link to her post to meet the Himalayan Salt Lamp. Thanks Laurie. 

She really sold me.  Careful however, these things are addictive. I now have two and am thinking seriously about a third.

According to wikipedia: "A salt lamp is a lamp carved from a large salt crystal, often naturally colored, with an incandescent bulb or a candle inside. The lamps give an attractive glow and are suitable for use as nightlights or for ambient mood lighting. Mined in Europe and Asia, the salt crystals emit a soft glowing light and are hand-carved. 

My favorite one.
They don't photograph nearly as good as they look
Besides bathing your home in a warm, peaceful glow, they are touted to help clean the inside air by emitting negative ions. Theoretically, that should make breathing easier and elevate your mood. 

One reviewer claimed it helped her cat's asthma. That was a strong hoping point for me as Minnie has frequent asthma attacks. Since I plugged in the lights, she hasn't had any. Wonder if cats understand placebo effect?   

Mine have been glowing away for several days and I do think the air actually smells a bit cleaner, especially in the pet areas. As for mood, I really do smile a lot while enjoy them. Mind over matter? Who cares if the desired results are achieved?
   
The delightful glow is like having a fireplace that doesn't need tending or a giant, flameless candle. It casts a soothing, romantic glow in my home that makes me a bit sorry that the only male here is a 12 pound terrier with breath that would repulse a bear.   

Am possibly saving on electricity for I am either dimming or shutting off all other lights except for reading lamps to increase the effect. 

The only drawback I can see is that they supposedly attract moisture and in the high humidity areas of this country, these would not be a good idea. Also bathrooms would not be  suitable. Arkansas evidently is pretty dry for I haven't seen the first trace of moisture collection.

Check them out. If not for yourself, perhaps a Christmas gift for that person who has everything. Bet they don't have one of these.

ME AGAIN

Since I got my Kindle, I am a reading machine. I now have a library of over 300  "to be read" books all stored in the 8 x 6 light weight device that also holds the 150 books I have all ready read. It truly was the best gift I have ever received. Thanks again sister Jan so very much. Ya done good.

Due to a limited retirement income, I scout Amazon daily for free books, often by first time, sometimes self published authors. Occasionally I get what I pay for but other times, I am absolutely delighted. The latter is what happened when I read "Me Again" by Keith Cronin.  This book got high praise from Sara Gruen who wrote "Water for Elephants."

This is a fictional story about a young man who had a stroke and was in a coma for 6 years. When he awakes, he has no memory of his former life nor the people in it.  He also suffered from aphasia (the loss of ability to understand or express speech) which has made simple conversation almost impossible.  He is virtually a newborn, unable to move or communicate outside of grunts.

Slowly with therapy he regains some of his functions but learns some are lost forever.  As he slowly improves and  tries to discover who he was before, he is not pleased. He learns that he was not that nice of a man.

This certainly sounds like a grim, depressing book but he writes with surprising humor and believability about such a tough subject. I would often find myself laughing out loud  or smiling  while at the same time gaining understanding  and admiration for  the struggle stroke victims face. This very unusual tale of transformation wraps around a sweet love story.

When I heard that 795,000 persons per year suffer a stroke, it is easy to see that most of us will sometime  be affected and know someone who has experienced one.
  
I think by following Linda at  LC's blog of her journey of stroke recovery and being introduced to her sense of humor and courage in her posts, I was better able to enjoy this wonderful book.

I got the book early on for free.  While it is no longer free, it is only 99 cents. A true bargain. The cool thing is that Keith is donating 25% of his sales , including his advance, to the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association. 

Getting to enjoy a wonderful book and helping a great cause at the same time is a "win-win" situation to quote one of his not so lovable characters.

Hope you give it a look.




53 comments :

  1. Salt lamps are quite common here (there are salt mines deep in Austrian mountains). Thanks to your recommendation, I shall go out and buy one at the first opportunity I get!

    Thank you also for the book tip, sounds like a more than worthwhile read!

    Greetings from where the first snow salted everything white last night, but the sun's licked it up in the morning already,
    hugs,
    Merisi

    ReplyDelete
  2. I read about salt lamps also on the blog. I've been thinking about getting one, but haven't yet. I'm so glad you enjoy yours!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I am so glad you steered me to that blog (a beauty!) and the salt lamps in particular. I was planning on getting crystals for the kids' stockings--they spend so much time on TV, computers, ipads, etc. I love the idea of the lamps and will definitely be getting a couple of those.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Perfect idea for a Christmas gift! And one for me, too. I'm off to see about getting one or two. Thanks for the book review, too. That sounds like one I'd really enjoy. I feel blessed to have visited you today! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. The salt block looks beautiful. Whenever I have friends over they say my kitchen is too bright. What a great way to create ambient light.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have never come across these salt lamps but they do look soothing ..and it is amazing about the asthma effect.
    Another great and interesting post ...so glad you didn't give up on us out here in blogland...just post when you get inspiration ...we will be out here waiting patiently.xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am a true follower of the salt lamp brigade. We have had one in our hallway for 3 years. It is wonderful light at night and does help with the "clean air" necessities in a house with 2 kids, a dog and 2 cats. We found some at the thrift store last week and grabbed them right up for living room and kitchen.
    I am getting a kindle for christmas and can hardly wait to join the ranks of the informed and read. Oma Linda
    ps....so great to hear from you again

    ReplyDelete
  8. It is so great to see you back again. I hope you will stay for a while. I love the salt lamps. I never heard of them before. And now you have given me the Kindle itch. You and some other bloggers with their Kindle only books. I still have around $60 left of my amazon gift certificate, so I think I will get one. Which kind do you have? Please let me know, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Never heard of a salt lamp must check these out they look wonderful in the photograph. I still like picking up a book to read it but it's getting hard to find book stores, still go to the library every couple of weeks.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'd never heard of salt lamps but they look wonderful! I just popped over to Amazon & bought "Me, Again"!! Thanks for the recommendation.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I ordered a salt lamp AND the book! Thanks for the retail therapy. I'm not usually a shopper, but December in the Pacific Northwest is tough for me. I think both purchases will help.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I have never hear of salt lamps before. I'll check them out. I need something like that... Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Seeing the lovely glow from your blog, my first thought was that you had photographed a wood fired pottery kiln in action, it looked so much like what I see in my firebox when I am firing at night. Those salt lamps look beautiful, I am sure they'll be worth every dollar in making you feel great through the winter time. Curling up with Kindle, and various animal life, will be nice and cozy. I had not investigated free books on Amazon, it sounds fun and addictive!! Pxx

    ReplyDelete
  14. LOVE the idea of those Salt Lamps...I am going to have to look into them. And thanks so much for this great review!
    The book you mention sounds quite wonderful....As to The Kindle---I really LOVE the feel of a book in my hands, PLUS, there are some books that need to be between covers. Table-Top type books....Well, I just am not sure I would get as much out of certain books read on a Kindle. As a secondary alternative, I can see great value---If traveling, etc.

    I am glad for you that it is working out so well, my dear Patti.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I would love to have a kindle!!! I would also love the salt bowl of rock you have, thats the one I would love! I have a confession to make, I lost your comment, I read the comments always but since I cracked my collar bone I have had a bit of help and I could not find who had said they received their lamps, I had a feeling it was you and I was right, please forgive me for not answering, up until this injury I always replied to my comments but its hard right now. I'm not sorry I have created your addiction, lol, I think its great, even if none of the health benefits are true they make such a warm room,just glow.You made me smile today,

    ReplyDelete
  16. I did bring a lump of salt rock home from Austria when we visited the 6,000 year old salt mine at Halsted. And now I have seen the lamps here in stores. Very pretty glow.
    I am asking for a Kindle for Christmas. I hope I like it as much as you do.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Merisi,
    I think you will love one. What a lovely description of the new snow. I can't wait for our first.

    Muffy,
    They really are stunning. Hope you get one. Think they will make winter cheery.

    Olga,
    I think they would make lovely gifts. They are supposed to counteract the harmful effects of the electronics we live with.

    Djan,
    I am blessed that you stop by even when I rarely post. Thank you. Enjoy those lamps, they really are great for creating a mellow mood.

    islandwonder,
    Thank sounds like a great idea. Bet your friends will want one too.

    Angie,
    I am just so pleased and amazed that you all still stop by as infrequently as I post. Hopefully I will post more often.
    They really are soothing and cast a lovely glow over a room.They would cheer up a Scottish Castle.

    Linda,
    Oh, I never thought of thrift sales. Great idea. Before if I saw one, I'd probably have passed it by. Thanks, now I'll be on the look out.

    Inger,
    I can't tell you how much I enjoy mine. I will tell you which one I have on your blog. I LOVE MINE.

    Linda Starr,
    I used to be like you and loved holding the book. Now I actually shy away from books and only want to read what can be put on Kindle.

    fishducky,
    Oh, I so hope you enjoy the book. I really did. Let me know if you get chance.

    Linda Myers,
    Wow, both of them. Way to go. The lamps should brighten up a dreary winter and enjoy that book.

    turquoisemoon,
    I hear they are great for meditation also. Enjoy.

    Peter,
    Lucky you. You get to stare into that lovely sight whenever you tend the kiln. The free book search is a grand treasure hunt. I have only found a few duds.Have fun.

    OOLOH,
    Hope you get a salt lamp. It is supposed to be good for the lungs but even if it isn't, it is beautiful to look at. I use to be a purist about holding a real book also but not any more.

    Laurie,
    You really did create an addiction:)) I do love them. Thanks again. I hope Santa brings you a Kindle. They are wonderful.

    Linda Reeder,
    Kindle will change the way you read in a good way. I have never been more pleased with an electronic device--ever. Enjoy yours.

    ReplyDelete
  19. That would be a good one for Mr. kenju to read. He was very lucky not to have stroke after-effects as bad as all that.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Patti, so happy to read your posts again;-) Now, these lamps are amazing. Just beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Patti, I've never heard of those lamps but I love them... I will check them out sometime. Thanks for the info.

    That book (Me Again) sounds interesting... I don't take or have time to read much (too much going on in my life) --but when I read, I would enjoy a book like that.

    Merry Christmas..
    Hugs,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm going to get a salt lamp, I'm all for cleaner air. I've seen them before, but can't remember where...maybe the state fair, I dunno. Anyway, almost got one then but didn't want to carry it around. Then I forgot all about them until now. Thanks for the reminder.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've looked at the salt lamps at flea markets and craft shows for years and never bought one but I may now.

    I too downloaded "Me Again" while it was free but since I have almost 500 books downloaded that I've yet to read it may be a while before I get to it. Can you imagine trying to put 500 books in a RV? I just ordered the smaller Kindle Fire as my Christmas gift so my husband can have my old Kindle. They are a great way to get more current books from our hometown library too.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hey Patti,
    I'm back. Sorry to hear you've been under the weather. Hope you are perky now. I can't quite keep up with visiting with old friends.

    I've had salt lamps for quite some time but now I'm down to just one in my bedroom. I use it for a night light. I cannot testify if it's done me any good because I never notice any difference but since so many people swear by them, I've kept them around, just in case. Ha
    Love from Manzanita

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks for sharing the salt lamps and the Cronin book. You have solved the problem of a Christmas present and what to read next!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have never heard of salt lamps. I will go check them out. Thanks for the review on them. Yours look very nice and I like the light they give off, very pretty. Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  27. I was commenting on "Troutbirder" and saw your comment there. Nice to have you back.
    The salt lamps are lovely. I don't own one but have a friend who has them in three rooms.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Laurie has told me about them too - I have a nagging cough. So do you think they would work? They are pretty. sandie

    ReplyDelete
  29. Kenju,
    Pretty sure he could relate to the therapy part. How wonderful that he has recovered so well.

    Introverted Art,
    Thanks so much. Good to be back if on a limited basis.

    Betsy,
    Don't feel badly. If I had your busy life, I probably wouldn't read much either.

    Cheryl,
    I can see why you didn't pick one up at the fair. They are quite heavy to lug around.

    RV Vagabonds,
    I know how you feel. I have so many TBR and so little time. Bump it higher up on your list though. Don't think you will be sorry.

    Manzanita,
    I am not sure either about any health benefits though my morning sinuses seem much better. Regardless, they really are pretty aren't they?

    Freda,
    Always glad when I can help. Thank you for stopping by and welcome to TNS. Do come back.

    Maggie M,
    They really give a room a comforting,soothing feel. Hope you give them a try.

    Ginnie,
    Thank you so much. Good to be
    back--well almost. My computer time is still a bit limited but is getting better. Thanks for not giving up on me.

    Sandie,
    I can't swear to any health benefits but my morning sinuses do seem better and Minnie hasn't had any asthma attacks. Could just be timing. They are so pretty, I don't care if they do anything but create a pretty atmosphere. Give them a try, can't hurt.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thanks. Now I've got an idea for Mrs. T's Christmas gift... She loves the bathtub by candlelight...:)
    I'm holding out on the Kindle but maybe.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'll have to look into the lamps- might be a good thing for my super allergic grandson.

    ReplyDelete
  32. My best friend got me a salt lamp last year that plugs into my computer and is supposed to clear the air of negative ions. Mine changes color and is mesmerizing. I knew you would be hooked on the Kindle! I've always been a reader but I really think I read more electronically - it's just so easy to stick in my purse and carry with me. Hope your Dec is going well.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you for letting me know about your Kindle. I think it put me over the top in terms of deciding to get one. However, right now I have a lot of medical stuff, like my new partial & new sunglasses to pay for, and I just bought a new computer. So it will be next on my list of presents for me.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Thanks for this post! The salt lamps are absolutely brilliant! My Dutch daughter has one! I wish you a great Christmas and a very happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  35. troutbirder,
    Sound like a good idea. I love candles and soft music when bathing also.
    If you ever cross over to a Kindle, think you will love it.

    Terri,
    Hope it works for him. It has seemed to have helped my cat with her asthma attacks. She hasn't had one since I got it.

    Barb,
    That sounded cool so I looked it up and sure enough it is cool. Wish I had known about them earlier. What a neat idea.

    Reader Wil,
    I am surprised how many people know about these. Glad you daughter is enjoying hers.
    Have a wonderful Christmas in Tasmania and a blessed New Year.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hey It's YOU! *runpouncegrabticklehug* I've missed you. Ok I haven't been around much at all, but it is good to read you again.

    Humidity would be no problem for the salt lamps here in north central Texas. It hasn't rained in so long I just don't know at all what is going to happen to us. Your salt crystal lamp is very pretty and tranquil. Puts me in mind of a Christmas song.

    It has been in the 80 degree temp range here for the past month and more. We are finally out of the 90s. However, we are expecting an extreme cold front coming in tomorrow. They are even saying a few snow flurries Monday morning. HA! I'll put my parka out with my bathing suit. *grin*

    I have a Kindle, too. Isn't there a book share thingy on the website? I've been really busy and also, reading paper books lately. I can't remember what the deal was with the book swap.

    If I don't see you before the holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Let's make a resolution to maybe post a little more often. It has been so long for me that I wasn't sure how to log in anymore. All taken care of, though.

    ReplyDelete
  37. The salt lamps sound wonderful but I do live in a high humidity, salty air area.

    I LOVE my Kindle too! I'm also always looking for the Free Limited Time books, but haven't seen anything much lately. I'm now borrowing from the library which is great. We can download books for 3 weeks and then it just disappears from your Kindle. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Glad to see you're back. Speaking of back, how is yours doing now. We got two salt lamps, like your second photo. we burned them night and day, we didn't notice any difference, and Abe got tired of looking a them, so they are now stored in the garage in a cupboard. Unless we gave them to our one daughter, not sure. Must be getting close to a meal time, I hear Abe out opening cupboard doors and rattling paper on crackers or something. When it's dark, dreary and damp outside, it seems he gets hungrier. For lunch today it's going to be cold lunch meat sandwiches, chips and fresh fruit. Supper/dinner time will be pork roast, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and applesauce. I get so tired of cooking or thinking of something to fix. Have a great day and if I don't get back around, Marry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  39. DEar Arkansas Patti, thanks so much for the book review, I'll look for the book. I've never before heard of that kind of lamp and I'm intrigued, so I'll go to the site and see price, etc. Hope all is well in your life. I'm glad you now are doing an occasional posting. I look forward to finding one when I click on the bookmark I have for your blog. Peace.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I have several salt lamps, too. I love your round one!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Those salt lamps are beautiful aren't they. I have one myself, and am definitively getting another one. They are great to put next to a home theater, a computer, a reading room. I bought mine at realsaltlamps.com in case anyone is wondering, they have lot's of info and the prices are good. Anyone who is hesitant about purchasing salt I say go for it. You won't regret it.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Kay,
    Lucky you to have a library with that option. Ours is too small and they just look confused when I ask about it.

    Patty,
    I am pretty sure they don't do much more than give off a great ambiance which is good enough for me. Sorry they let you down and hope you can find a good home for them. Back is OK thanks for asking.

    Dee,
    Thanks so much. My posting has really gotten spotty and I am thrilled that you and others haven't given up on me.

    Optimistic Existentialist,
    Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I checked your blog and found it delightful.

    marylee,
    Thanks, me too. Wish I had gotten two of them. Glad you enjoy yours also.

    ram rod,
    Welcome to TNS. So glad to know someone else enjoys them. I think they make super TV lights also.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Well, I am with you --posting is spotty but WOW the cardiac rehab has created a busy schedule for me. Ifeel I have to have priorities and that one is #1.

    However, my posts seem better when I don't force myself, but take inspiration from wherever it may come and fly with it.

    I do not have a salt lamp but think it might help my asthma since my military drug plan co-payments may soon be tripled.

    Retired veterans were, and may still be. recruited with benefits to stay, like FREE health care for the veteran and immediate family for life. Well it has never been free for us unless we lived near a base, but it has been manageable.

    There are very few respiratory inhalers that are generic. I may have to change to nebulization--a pain.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I love finding new authors. Keith sounds like a great one.

    I've not heard of salt lamps either but they seem like they'd be neat.

    I'm going to go check them out!

    Thanks for teaching me so much today!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thank you sweet Patti for coming by with your comforting and thoughtful words when our sweet Angel was ill. She passed peacefully on the 10th. We sure do miss her. Hope you are doing well my sweet friend. Hugs for you and some nose kisses for Mighty

    ReplyDelete
  46. I was put at ease when I read you had not been totally hood winked by the improvement in Minnie's asthma. I would also like to express my displeasure in how your gift suggestions have not been helpful to those who expect a gift this Christmas from GQ. I wasn't really depending on that from you but at this point in the gift search desperation has set in. You could still redeem your esteem in GQ's eyes by sending him a email with suggestions.
    With all my negative blathering I leave you with this...Merry Christmas. (yes, I think I am funny)

    ReplyDelete
  47. That salt crystal light idea has me wanting one. As for kindle reading I have my laptop and iPad but the vision is just too limited to read much. Blogging is even getting harder.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Nitwit,
    I am so glad you are being so serious about your rehab. Sure hope your co-pays don't do as you fear. Health care is a very expensive option.

    Jenny,
    Hope you give Keith a try, think you will enjoy. The lamps, if they do nothing else, are really pretty.

    Maggie,
    I am so very sorry about Angel. Our fur babies are family members and to lose one is just so painful. We can only be grateful that we were allowed to share their lives if only for a bit.

    GQ,
    Sure there is no one on your list that wouldn't want a salt lamp? Pretty sure you wouldn't have to worry about duplicates. Yeah, I think you are funny too.

    Heidrun,
    I am so very sorry you are having vision problems. One of the beauties of the Kindle is that you can adjust the font size to quite large plus at the push of a key, the device will read out loud to you. I use that option sometimes when my eyes are tired. It is a mechanical voice but he or she does try hard. Hope you find a way to keep blogging and reading.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I bought my salt lamp not long after you posted this, and I am enjoying it very much. The light is extremely satisfying somehow. And although I live in a damp part of the country, I swear that the air inside my apartment feels drier because of the salt lamps! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  50. Got one of these from my daughter after sharing your post. I just love it. Thanks so much:)
    She got herself one too and we all now take Norwegian kelp. It's cleat that we were not getting enough iodine!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Djan,
    Aren't they soothing? So glad you got yours and hope you enjoy.

    Heidrum,
    Always pleased when something that pleases me works out for someone else. Thanks for the follow up.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thanks for the mention and for the info on the salt lamps and for the book review. I am off to explore both.

    ReplyDelete

Comments moderated. No spam will be published nor comments with links