MERRY and COMPASSIONATE


Mary Balogh (2003). Slightly Scandalous.


Blough writes fictional novels...this is the 3d book in her "Slightly" series and involves the Marquess of Hallmere Joshua Moore and Lady Freyja Bedwyn of Lindsey Hall.

A farce betrothol (to protect from scandal) takes a long time to turn into a "love match" which only takes hold at the end of the story. Joshua's meriment and deep compassion meet Freyja's haughtiness and fierceness. Freyja leaps into what she fears to overcome it (a courageous but not a long term wise habit) while Joshua trusts that in life "all will be well," echoing Saint Julian of Norwich's famous saying.


The practice is to cultivate a feeling of gratitude for the gift of life, for the merriment of being alive with dancing eyes, a smiling face, and words that uplift and inspire ALONG WITH a deeper compassion for the well-being of all creatures, especially those within our care.




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