In our rush for newer, quicker, better, we seem to be missing out on what we fundamentally crave, a calmer, gentler, sweeter, and more gracious life. Is it easy to achieve such a life? Definitely not. Is it possible? Absolutely, positively, certainly, yes. In today's world of modern conveniences (voice mail, electronic mail, facsimiles, etc.) the work day for most North Americans has not been shortened, as anticipated and promised by the creators of these technologies. In fact, the opposite holds true, with management often expecting that more work will be produced in less time. People today are juggling family responsibilities, jobs, and social obligations. In their haste to achieve it all, something is still lacking. In Gracious Living in a New World, Alexandra Stoddard offers her ideas for achieving a gracious lifestyle. Her inspiration stems from the experiences she shared with her husband, Peter, when they moved from New York City to a little cottage in a tiny sea-side Connecticut village. Alexandra Stoddard's message is positive and practical. It is also relevant to everyone. City-slickers and village dwellers alike will find relief and refuge amongst Alexandra's trademark colorful pages. But most importantly, readers will find the inspiration to live a gracious life. This self-help title reveals how to live within the structure of a hectic lifestyle, and how to find joy in change. This isn't just a general guide: Stoddard uses as examples her own small pleasures in life and shows how to locate and appreciate rejuvenating environments and experiences. -- Midwest Book Review In our rush for newer, quicker, better, we seem to be missing out on what we fundamentally crave, a calmer, gentler, sweeter, and more gracious life. Is it easy to achieve such a life? Definitely not. Is it possible? Absolutely, positively, certainly, yes. In today's world of modern conveniences (voice mail, electronic mail, facsimiles, etc.) the work day for most North Americans has not been shortened, as anticipated and promised by the creators of these technologies. In fact, the opposite holds true, with management often expecting that more work will be produced in less time. People today are juggling family responsibilities, jobs, and social obligations. In their haste to achieve it all, something is still lacking. In Gracious Living in a New World, Alexandra Stoddard offers her ideas for achieving a gracious lifestyle. Her inspiration stems from the experiences she shared with her husband, Peter, when they moved from New York City to a little cottage in a tiny sea-side Connecticut village. Alexandra Stoddard's message is positive and practical. It is also relevant to everyone. City-slickers and village dwellers alike will find relief and refuge amongst Alexandra's trademark colorful pages. But most importantly, readers will find the inspiration to live a gracious life. Author of twenty-four books, Alexandra Stoddard is a sought-after speaker on the art of living. Through her lectures, articles, and books such as Living a Beautiful Life , Things I Want My Daughters to Know , Time Alive , Grace Notes , Open Your Eyes , and Feeling at Home , she has inspired millions to pursue more fulfilling lives. She lives with her husband in New York City and Stonington Village, Connecticut.