Yosemite Meditations for Women    edited by Claudia Welsh Order:  USA  Can Yosemite Conservancy, 2013 (2013) Hardcover     Reviewed by Bob Walch Yosemite Meditations for Women is an exquisite little book that combines some beautiful color photography (by Michael Fry) with the words of a very diverse group of women who include Maya Angelou, Anais Nin, Mae West, Mother Teresa, Louisa May Alcott and JK Rowling. Claudia Welsh edited the text of the pocket size volume while her husband, Michael Frye, supplied the photos that cover all the moods and seasons of Yosemite. Frankly, the bulk of the quoted material isn't directly related to the wonders of the park but, rather, offers reflections on life or the beauty of experiencing nature. That's not to suggest, though, that these thoughts don't complement the photography. In fact, they are hand-in-glove perfect. For example, these words of Eleonora Duse - 'If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.' - fit nicely with the shot of an elm tree backlit by the sunrise in Cook's Meadow. Slip this little book in your backpack when you next head for Yosemite and, as you enjoy the wonders of the park, slip it out for a quiet moment of contemplation. Flip to the page with Beth Pratt's words, 'For me the sun on my face will always be a blessing, the sound of running water a comforting hymn, the voice of the wind a benediction, and the blue sky an aspiration (sic).' Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Travel books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews