Members of the Six and Twenty Club sojourned to the Yellow Springs home of Barbara Leeds for the Sept. 6 meeting. Leeds gave a brief review of the book she is circulating in the club this year, “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier” by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey.
The book is about personal development and cultivating a growth mindset. Some of the approaches presented in the book are:
1. Breaking free from Societal Expectations and Norms
2. Developing Meta Cognition, the act of Thinking about your Thinking
3. Embracing the Power of Positive Thinking
4. Setting Practical Goals
5. Managing Stress Effectively
6. Establishing Healthy Habits
7. Building Meaningful Relationships: Nurturing Connections for Fulfillment
Leeds then introduced 93-year old retired microbiologist and locally known singer, Jim Felder. She shared a brief history of Felder’s life, highlighting how through employing many of the strategies of living that are explored in Oprah’s book, he has crafted a successful, happy life. A key ingredient in his happiness has been singing.
Throughout his life he has kept a regular schedule of weekly singing with a piano accompanist. Leeds has worked with him since 2007, together rehearsing and performing standards from the great American Songbook and tunes from the old radio Hit Parade shows. Felder then regaled the group with several vocal selections including “Mona Lisa,” “Three Coins in the Fountain,” and “My Funny Valentine.”
After the meeting, members and guests enjoyed Jamaican Spice Cake, nuts, dates, and mints served from a beautifully appointed ivory damask covered table graced with a striking fall bouquet of sunflowers, delphinium, and roses.
