With The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking, it's possible and even convenient to create an inviting space for living and entertaining on a budget. From unique decor ideas to growing strawberries on your porch or front stoop, Kate Payne shares fun, low-cost (and often free!) creative solutions that will make anyone feel more accomplished in minutes. 

Please join us as we welcome Kate Payne, an expert on thrift stores, flea markets, and Craigslist, and a frequent consultant for design, decorating, cooking, and crafting sites.

The Hip Girl's Guide to Homemaking is a fun and savvy guide for both new and established "domestic engineers."  With a tongue-in-cheek tone, Kate has something for everyone.  Invite the recent college grad, those getting their first apartments, newlyweds, and your best friend. 

"Science writing is often just about 'the facts.' Skloot's book, her first, is far deeper, braver, and more wonderful."

- New York Times Book Review

"A deftly crafted investigation of a social wrong committed by the medical establishment, as well as the scientific and medical miracles to which it led."

- Washington Post

"A well-paced, vibrant narrative ... equal parts intimate biography and brutal clinical reportage, Skloot's graceful narrative adeptly navigates the wrenching Lacks family recollections and the sobering, overarching realities of poverty and pre-civil rights racism. The author's style is matched by a methodical scientific rigor and manifest expertise in the field."

- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

• Are you drawn to your cat when she's idling in a sunny spot, then find yourself relaxing as you absently stroke her fur?
• Do you talk to your dog when you're out for a walk, commenting on your appreciation for the signs of spring bursting out around you?
• Does the routine of caring for a pet give you a sense of order when the nightly news seems to be all doom and gloom?

If so, you've already learned some important life lessons from the animal members of your family. Join us for a one-hour workshop in which Leslie Ackles shares other secrets your pets may be communicating, and learn how to be more aware of - and open to accepting - these truths.

This workshop is inspired by the novel The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein. While reading the book is not a prerequisite to the workshop, references may be made to the lessons Denny learned from Enzo, the golden retriever who lives with him. The Art of Racing in the Rain and other curated books about pets their people will be on display at the Concord Bookshop.

The "Life Lessons from Our Pets" workshop will be held on Friday, May 13 at 10am. Participants are invited to stay for a 30-minute facilitated discussion at the end of the one-hour workshop; bring a photo and/or personal anecdote to share.

Seats are limited, and pre-registration is required. The $10 registration fee will be returned to you as a Concord Bookshop gift certificate on the day of the workshop. Minimum workshop size is six. Please stop in the bookshop or call 978-369-2405 to register.

Leslie Ackles is an Oasis Consultant and was the Director of Training at the UMass Donahue Institute. She is a work/life balance coach delivering numerous workshops on the issue.  Leslie is a trained facilitator of The Deep River Within by Abby Seixas. She completed the UMass Medical School Mindfulness Stress Reduction Program and is completing her Health Ministries Certificate at Andover-Newton Theological School. Leslie received a Masters in Education from Harvard University.

We were treated to a wonderful slideshow and presentation by Meg Muckenhoupt last Sunday.

Based on material included in Boston's Gardens and Green Spaces, she discussed the role of public spaces throughout Boston's historic and contemporary landscape, examining the ways in which the philosophy behind public spaces has shifted over the years. 

This richly illustrated book looks at how the landscape has changed physically (both through manmade and natural forces), and how the purpose of these public parks have changed, due both to necessity and common use.

It's a fascinating journey through green Boston - past to present - and appeals to nature lovers, gardening enthusiasts, and history buffs.

Signed editions are available at the Concord Bookshop.

"What goes around, comes around," so the saying goes. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is a whirlwind of twists and turns set in motion by two rival con men competing to swindle the same woman. Set among the breezy beaches and glitzy fashions of the French Riviera, this musical comedy pays tribute to the shows of the 1920s and 30s with catchy tunes in the style of Cole Porter and free-wheeling comedy that takes flim-flam to its highest level.... 

The Concord Players present Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, weekends, April 22 - May 7.  Visit the Concord Players website or call 978-369-2990 for more information or to reserve tickets.