De-stressing December 2023-11-30

December comes with high expectations.  Words like happy, merry, wonderful, and joyous are constantly being bandied about.  Unfortunately, one of the things the holiday season brings is elevated stress levels.  The pressure can get turned on and suddenly our brains get a workload increase.  Keeping track of budgets, social calendars, family drama, wish lists, hats, scarves, gloves that don't match, and ill-fitting coats, on top of the normal everyday stressors can be exhausting. 

When it comes to coping with holiday stress, certain activities are listed more often than not. A big one is to "Say NO!"  Sometimes you can be asked to take on extra, and this is not always something we have time and energy for.  It's okay to say no.  If you need to take a break, take one.  Breathe, walk, get a coffee, or make some tea, decompress and reassess.  Be honest, with yourself and others, about what your limits are and how you are feeling.   

*Book descriptions featured are provided by the publishers

The Book of Boundaries: set the limits that will set you free by Urban, Melissa

"How often do you tell yourself to just "let it go" when you want to do anything but? Do you say "it's fine" when, really, it's not at all fine? When people do things that hurt you, do you speak up--or do you worry that saying anything will just make everyone uncomfortable? Do you feel resentful, depleted, or overwhelmed? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to establish some boundaries. Melissa Urban knows firsthand that boundaries-a few carefully selected words, spoken with kindness and from a place of self-care-are all that stand between you and feelings of ease and freedom. Since launching the mega-bestselling wellness program the Whole30, Urban has taught millions of people how to establish healthy habits and how to deal with pushback and peer pressure. Now, in The Book of Boundaries, she shows how establishing boundaries is the key to better mental health and self-confidence, improved productivity, greater energy, and more fulfilling relationships. In her no-holds-barred and still empathetic style, Melissa Urban offers: 130+ scripts with language you can implement today to instantly establish boundaries with supervisors and colleagues, family members and children, friends and lovers-and yourself actionable advice to help you communicate clearly and with compassion ways to read the signals that someone's about to push your boundaries tips to help enforce your limits around food, drink, tech, and more"--. Provided by publisher.

There are many options however for combatting rising stress levels and a lot of them revolve around taking a time-out.  You can take a nap, have some tea, grab a coffee, or indulge in your favorite hobby. You can also play whatever music helps you to relax and elevate your mood, or binge-watch your favorite show.  Another great way to relax is by reading, which as a library, we can easily help you with. While you are here, you can further your adventures in relaxation by coloring one of our coloring pages, by checking out one of our puzzles to complete at home, or by helping to piece together our Community Puzzle set up by the adult reference desk.

 However, for some, December brings Depression. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression brought about by seasonal changes.  Although it can happen during the Spring and Summer, it is most common during the Fall and Winter months. Symptoms can include oversleeping, a loss of interest, sluggishness, appetite changes, low energy, feelings of hopelessness and unworthiness, and thoughts of death or suicide.

We here at Dixon Public Library are not health professionals.  Our goal is to provide access to information. 

If you are in crisis or an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. If you're having suicidal thoughts, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area at any time (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).

1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)

https://www.nami.org/home

https://www.mentalhealthfacilities.net/clinics/illinois/dixon.html

Defeating SAD (seasonal affective disorder): a guide to health and happiness through all seasons by Rosenthal, Norman E.

Rosenthal, who first described Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and is the foremost authority on the subject, offers an up-to-date guide to overcoming the miseries and that millions experience with the changing seasons. In his lively style, Rosenthal offers advice on how to identify, treat and overcome both winter and summer varieties of seasonal affective disorder, as well as the less severe yet bothersome winter blues.

Stress: The Psychology of Managing Stress by Kaye, Megan

Provides advice for controlling and managing stress, with strategies for dealing with both short-term and long-term stress and steps that can be undertaken to create a calmer, more peaceful environment.

365 Ways To Beat Stress: How To Relax & Find Perfect Calm

"Are you stressed? Do you need to find ways to unwind? Life can sometimes be hectic, challenging and hard to manage. We all need to find ways to release the daily pressures. In this exciting collection of relaxation ideas you will discover new ways to ease life's load, so that you can find tranquility and access inner peace. Offering simple and easy daily solutions for busy people and continuing a wealth of tips and techniques, from relaxation mantras and attitude acrobatics to self-help programs, physical workouts, and lessons from the East, 365 Ways to Beat Stress will help you access a calmer way of being"--Back cover.

How To Relax by Nhất Hạnh

"How to Relax is part of The Mindfulness Essentials series of how-to titles by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, introducing beginners and reminding seasoned practitioners of the essentials of mindfulness practice. Pocket-sized, with original two color illustrations by Jason DeAntonis, How to Relax shows how critical it is to regularly interrupt the hub-bub and routine of our lives to stop, relax mindfully, and recharge. Thich Nhat Hanh says that when we relax, we "become calm water, and we will reflect reality as it is. If we're not calm, the image we reflect will be distorted. When the image is distorted by our minds, it's not the reality, and it causes lots of suffering." With sections on healing, relief from nonstop thinking, transforming unpleasant sounds, solitude, being peace, and more, How to Relax includes meditations you can do to help you achieve the benefits of relaxation no matter where you are. It's a unique gift for those who want a simple guide to achieving deep relaxation, controlling stress, and renewing mental freshness and clarity, appropriate for those practicing in any spiritual tradition, whether seasoned practitioners or new to meditations. With fifteen two color drawings by celebrated artist Jason DeAntonis. "-- Provided by publisher.

Where To Start: A Survival Guide to Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Challenges

The nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to helping those living with mental illness provides clear, honest, jargon-free information for anyone struggling emotionally and looking for help.

The Beasts In Your Brain: Understanding and Living with Anxiety and Depression by Speller,

 Katherine

"A quippy, fun, and empathetic read that reminds readers they are not alone in their feelings, teaches them the science of mental illness, and empowers them to quell the brain beasts of depression and anxiety"--. Provided by publisher.

Feral Self-Care: 100 Ways to Liberate and Celebrate Your Messy, Wild, and Untamed Self by Em, Mandi

"It's time for a new type of self-care. No bubble baths. No yoga. Just some truly wild-truly effective ideas and activities that are good for you and your overall wellness. It's time to get feral! Feral Self-Care is loaded with self-care ideas that will actually help nourish your soul and make you feel good. Each entry covers an activity that reconnects you with your authentic self, helping you feel more empowered, free, and confident in embracing this human experience in all its messy glory. From self-care activities that will have you connecting with nature to those that have you digging deep and exploring your truest self, Feral Self-Care goes beyond the skin creams and face masks to reveal and restore your inner being. You'll find inspired ideas such as: nature sounds ASMR, dancing in the rain, and much more!"--. Provided by publisher.

This is Your Brain on Anxiety: What Happens and What Helps by Harper, Faith G.

Our brains do their best to help us out, but every so often they can be real assholes - having meltdowns, getting addicted to things, or shutting down completely at the worst possible moments. Your brain knows it's not good to do these things, but it can't help it sometimes - especially if it's obsessing about trauma it can't overcome. That's where this life-changing book comes in. With humour, patience, science, and lots of good-ole swearing, Dr. Faith explains what's going on in your skull, and talks you through the process of retraining your brain.

Whoops . . . I'm Awesome: A Workbook with Activities, Art, and Stories for Embracing Your Wonderfully Awesome Self by Villaseñor, Melissa

From comedian Melissa Villaseñor of "Saturday Night Live", this self-help workbook filled with her original art, laugh-out-loud stories, and heartfelt reflections will help you embrace the silliness inside of you. Color in- or outside the lines, spend a moment finding your way through a snail-themed maze, make a list of your favorite childhood snacks—be as goofy as you wanna be! Because you're awesome. This bright and colorful journal will be a must-have for all of Melissa Villaseñor's fans, as well as anyone who appreciates honest and irreverent self-help. Whether you're looking for healing, reflection, meditation, or creativity, this journal is here for the journey. BELOVED VOICE: Known for her offbeat sense of humor as well as her honest vulnerability that feels incredibly relatable, Melissa Villaseñor has channeled her unique voice into one-of-a-kind journal that fans will love. SELF-CARE IN A FUN PACKAGE: This colorful journal is filled with tons of interactive activities, with lots of space to draw, reflect, and explore, encouraging readers to dive deep and embrace their true selves—including space for writing a letter to someone who brightens your day, taking a Do You Need a Nap quiz (spoiler alert: you do), and more. ENGAGING STORIES: Throughout these bright and colorful pages, the author peppers in both humorous and incredibly vulnerable personal stories that illuminate her own journey towards self-acceptance. Perfect for: Fans of Melissa Villaseñor of "Saturday Night Live". Self-care shoppers and self-acceptance seekers. Fans of other artists-feelings-forward people like Mari Andrew, Adam J. Kurtz, and Carissa Potter.

Let's Eat

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the menu holds things we love and things we hate.  When it comes to cooking Thanksgiving dinner, that also seems to involve a lot of love and hate, (dishes, so many dirty dishes...).    Thanksgiving menus typically involve cranberries, sweet potatoes, stuffing/dressing, other potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, pies, and turkey.  Although, these are the staples, what each family has on their holiday table varies. While many people will also have some version of Mac n' Cheese on the table, my family will more often than not, have baked mostaccioli, (because no one wanted to volunteer to make lasagna). 

Anytime I'm in charge of Thanksgiving, my go-to Turkey recipe comes via Giada De Laurentiis and Food Network.   Turkey with Herbes de Provence and Citrus because stuffing the bird with sliced apples, oranges, and onions, seemed the simplest solution.  In line with keeping things simple, I'm also a fan of any recipe that involves a slow cooker.  Linda Johnson Larson's The Complete Slow Cooking Tor Two: A Perfectly Proportioned Slow Cooker Cookbook offers up a cranberry sauce recipe, that involves cranberries, apples, pears, cinnamon, and oranges.  The bonus of slow-cooking cranberry sauce?  It can be made a few days ahead and it smells good. 

*Book descriptions featured are provided by the publishers

The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever by Ojakangas, Beatrice

A good cook once said that a casserole is a blend of inspiration and what's on hand. Add to that a generous helping of know-how, and you've got The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever.

Call it a hotdish, covered dish, or casserole--in these pages, you'll find one-dish meals for every season and any occasion, put together with James Beard Cookbook Hall of Famer Beatrice Ojakangas's customary common sense and uncommon culinary flair. For breakfast, there are make-ahead strata and quiches or last-minute offerings like baked omelets and Eggs Florentine; for lunches and brunches, light fare or full-on midday meals; and for dinner a dizzying array of dishes, meaty or vegetarian, made with fresh ingredients or pantry staples--from Pork Chops with Apple Stuffing to Baked Spaghetti, Southwestern Beans, or Autumn Vegetable Stew. Leave room for dessert, because Ojakangas includes sweet casseroles like Mocha Fudge Pudding and Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp. And for appetizers and snacks there are dips, spreads, and slathers; mini quiches and omelet squares; and mushrooms au gratin, curried, or stuffed. You'll even find bread here in casserole form, from sweet Cinnamon Bubble Bread to savory Cornmeal Spoon Bread and tender Sally Lunn.

With an ever-reliable and inspired sense of how to create a delicious meal, Ojakangas has advice for both expert and novice about ingredients, equipment, and meals. Combine that with whatever you have in the pantry and fridge, and this cookbook is the perfect guide to everything that a casserole might be.

The Side Dish Bible : 1001 Perfect Recipes for Every Vegetable, Rice, Grain, and Bean Dish You'll Ever Need

Every cook struggles over making side dishes, from choosing what goes best with the main course to getting stuck in a rut making the same tired green beans and rice. But this destined-to-be-dog-ear'd compendium of side dishes changes all that; more thorough than any other cookbook, our first complete compilation of side dishes offers 1,001 perfect recipes for tonight and every night, whether you only have a few minutes or need your next dinner-party go-to.-- Amazon

Festive Holiday Recipes: 103 Must-Make Dishes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve Everyone Will Love by Gundry, Addie

In Festive Holiday Recipes, Food Network star Addie Gundry offers easy, delightful holiday recipes all in one place for everyone looking for that last minute recipe for entertaining. There's a reason it's called the most wonderful time of the year. From easy appetizers for holiday and New Year's Eve entertaining, like Caramelized Onion Tartlets, to recipes for The Best Roast Turkey and all your favorite sides, pies, and even leftover ideas, this book is a home cook's trusty sous chef for easy and elegant entertaining throughout the holiday season. Three words to remember: Salted Caramel Eggnog. Each recipe is paired with a four-color, full-bleed photo.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays: 135 Step-by-step recipes for simple, Scrumptious Celebrations by Drummond, Ree

"Holiday favorites for all year round, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author and Food Network personality"-- Provided by publisher.

Southern Fried Sass : A Queen's Guide to Cooking, Decorating, and Living Just a Little "Extra" by Minj, Ginger

"In this tongue-in-cheek memoir-cum-life manual-cum-cookbook, complete with all of Ginger's Southern-inspired favorite recipes, fans will learn about some of Ginger's most vulnerable and celebratory moments. Each chapter will be organized around a theme or lesson from Ginger's life, from her grandmother's brand of Southern resilience to fighting for what you're worth, how a big girl can look good on a motorcycle, finding love, and making damn good cupcakes"--. Provided by publisher.

Friends, The Television Series: The Official Cookbook by Yee, Amanda

Gather your friends and prepare to say "How you doin'?" to more than 100 recipes inspired by the beloved hit sitcom. Whether you're a seasoned chef like Monica Geller, just starting a catering business like Phoebe Buffay, or a regular old food enthusiast like Joey Tribbiani, Friends: The Official Cookbook offers a variety of recipes for chefs of all levels. From appetizers to main courses and from drinks to desserts, each chapter includes iconic treats such as Monica's Friendsgiving Feast, Rachel's Trifle, Just for Joey Fries, Chandler's "Milk You Can Chew," Phoebe's Grandmother's Cookies, and of course, The Moist Maker. Complete with more than seventy recipes and beautiful full-color photography, this charming cookbook is both a helpful companion for home cooks and a fun homage to the show that's always been there for you.

Bish Bash Bosh! by Firth, Henry

In Bish Bash Bosh! you'll discover a whole world of quick eats, weeknight suppers, showstopping feasts, and incredible sweet treats - all using the power of plants. From a hearty, classic lasagne to an indulgent mini banoffee meringue, and from quick quesadillas to an incredible curry house jalfrezi, these are simple, savvy recipes that you'll turn to time and again.

Magpie : Sweets and Savories from Philadelphia's Favorite Pie Boutique by Riccardi, Holly

"Magpie Artisan Pie Boutique is a jewel in Philadelphia's food-town crown. Since 2012, the pocket-size shop has been turning out flaky crusts and luscious fillings. Now this book serves up Magpie's seasonal menu for home bakers everywhere: the fruity, creamy, and nutty pies; hand pies, pot pies, and quiches; and even pie shakes and pie "fries," all fine-tuned to exacting standards and with lots of step-by-step instruction for that all-important crust. Baker-owner Holly Ricciardi's upbringing deep in the Central Pennsylvania countryside provided the basis for Magpie's perfect synthesis of classic favorites and new twists - alongside down-home favorites like Sweet Crumb Pie and Shoofly Pie you'll find Holly's bourbon-infused update of her great-grandmother's special butterscotch pie as well as the ingenious (and instant-sellout) Cookie Dough Hand Pies. Ninety-plus recipes also include sweets like Cranberry Curd Mini Meringue Pies, Blueberry Rhuby Rose Pie, and Chocolate Blackout Pie, and savories like Summer Squash Pie, Ham-Leek-Dijon Potpies, and Quiche Lorraine. From crusts to crumbles and sumptuous savories to sweet confections, there's a Magpie pie for every occasion."--provided from Amazon.com.

Find Your Wine: A Fun and Easy Guide to Selecting the Right Wine, Every Time by Norman, Kaytie

Do you love wine, but always buy bottles at random? Or are you afraid to branch out from the few types you know you like? Then this book is for you. It's a bright, bold, visual guide that cuts through the complexities of wine to focus on what the casual drinker needs to know.

You'll quickly figure out what you like, why you like it and how to describe that to other people, especially the clerk in your local wine shop.

You'll also discover wines you've (probably) never tried before, but definitely should, plus the best pairings, tasting tips and more, including:

· How to smell and taste wine like a pro

· What words like "acidic," "tannic" and "dry" mean

· How to read a wine label (and what words to keep an eye out for)

· What a decanter is, and why you should use one

· What a "dessert" wine is

Featuring insights and advice from wine experts Adam Teeter (VinePair), Kevin Zraly (Windows on the World), Paul Grieco (Terroir), Yannick Benjamin (University Club), Rupal Shankar and sommelier Courtney Schiessl, Find Your Wine is a bright, informative and unpretentious introduction to the world of wine.

Mushrooms

 

A Google search can tell you that 2023 is the "year of the mushroom", (and so was 2022, 2021...).  In decor and as in cooking, mushrooms have become quite the trend in the past few years. Reselling and thrifting groups on Facebook regularly have posts where someone has "scored" a great deal on the vintage 1970s mushroom canisters,

(I think someone in my family must have owned them at some point but, I don't really know for sure).  The spread of fungi has spored seamlessly into the gnome trends of  crafting and cottagecore. The consumption of mushrooms is also popular.  According to a 2022 report by the USDA, the Volume of U.S. sales of mushroom crops totaled 702 million pounds, and while this was a 7;% decrease from the previous season, it was still valued at $1.02 billion in sales.(https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Todays_Reports/reports/mush0822.pdf)

Some states have made movements toward the decriminalization of psilocybin, the main active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms. Thus far Oregon and Colorado are the only states to have passed laws to decriminalize and regulate adult-use psilocybin, however, several other states have legislation pending. This recent push to decriminalize psilocybin and the rise in its use has led to what an article from The Hill has called "America’s'psychedelic revolution'" and the research into the benefits has shown potential for its use in treating depression.

https://www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/insights/blogs/move-over-cannabis-movement-legalize-psychedelic-mushrooms-ready-share-spotlight)

Foraging has become increasingly popular and is linked to the reduction of stress and anxiety.  eattheplanet.org offers a list of foraging tours and classes in Illinois.  Foraging for mushrooms does come with some rules, regulations, and permissions. The Forest Preserves of Cook County will charge a fine of $50-$500 to anyone caught foraging and a recent article discusses the damages that have been caused by it. 

Wild mushrooms can grow in abundance, especially during the rainy season. According to  birdwatchinghq.com Illinois alone has thousands of varieties of mushrooms but not all are safe to eat.   The Centers for Disease Control cites a study that states that 1,328 accidental poisoning from mushroom ingestion was treated in Emergency Departments in 2016, and from 2016-2018 there were adverse outcomes for 8.6% (48/556) of patients seeking care for accidental poisonous mushroom ingestion.  Illinois Poison Control Center, among many other sites, will tell you that you should not eat wild mushrooms and poison.org is adamant about leaving it to the experts: "How can you tell the difference between an edible wild mushroom and a poisonous one? Unless you are very experienced in mushroom identification, you can't!! There are a lot of mushroom look-alikes." Dr. Robert Bassett, the associate medical director of the Poison Control Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is quoted as saying: “Right now ... I don’t think the technology is reliable enough to make a decision that could have life or death consequences.... The safest way to ensure that (you) are eating mushrooms that are non-toxic, that are non-poisonous is simply to buy them in a store,” https://www.today.com/health/disease/mushroom-poisoning-foraging-rcna57912)

Additional Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2019/oct/10/the-gospel-of-mushrooms-how-foraging-became-hip

https://eagle1023fm.com/midwest-foraging-nature-food-fun/

https://www.thegreatmorel.com/morel-sightings/

https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/167398-overview?form=fpf

Book descriptions featured are provided by the publishers.

Mushrooms by Telander, Todd

Mushrooms: A Falcon Field Guide covers 80 of the most common and sought-after species in North America. Conveniently sized to fit in a pocket and featuring full-color, detailed illustrations, this informative guide makes it easy to identify mushrooms in the backyard and beyond. Each mushroom is accompanied by a detailed listing of its prominent attributes and a color illustration showing its important features. Mushrooms are organized in phylogentic order, keeping families of mushrooms together for easy identification. This is the essential source in the field, both informative and beautiful to peruse.

The Essential Guide to Cultivating Mushrooms: Simple and Advanced Techniques for Growing Shiitake, Oyster, Lion's Mane, and Maitake Mushrooms at Home by Russell, Stephen

From the basics of using mushroom kits to working with grain spawn, liquid cultures, and fruiting chambers, Stephen Russell covers everything you need to know to produce mouthwatering shiitakes, oysters, lion's manes, maitakes, and portobellos. Whether you're interested in growing them for your own kitchen or to sell at a local market, you'll soon be harvesting a delicious and abundant crop of mushrooms.

Mystical Mushrooms: Discover the Magic & Folklore of Fantastic Fungi by Kane, Aurora

"In Mystical Mushrooms, explore the magical properties, mythological connections, and symbolic qualities of ever-intriguing fungi"--. Provided by publisher.
Mushrooms have been the stuff of dreams, fairy tales, and even hallucinations. Kane explores the history, folklore, and future of common and not-so-common fungi. She catalogs iconic fungi species and details their lore and mystical properties. She also provides helpful guidance on enhancing your magical practice with mushrooms, including utilizing color energies and spellwork to manifest your intentions. -- adapted from back cover 

Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures by Sheldrake, Merlin

"Living at the border between life and non-life, fungi use diverse cocktails of potent enzymes and acids to disassemble some of the most stubborn substances on the planet, turning rock into soil and wood into compost, allowing plants to grow. Fungi not only help create soil, they send out networks of tubes that enmesh roots and link plants together in the 'Wood Wide Web.' Fungi also drive many long-standing human fascinations: from yeasts that cause bread to rise and orchestrate the fermentation of sugar into alcohol; to psychedelic fungi; to the mold that produces penicillin and revolutionized modern medicine. And we can partner with fungi to heal the damage we've done to the planet. Fungi are already being used to make sustainable building materials and wearable leather, but they can do so much more. Fungi can digest many stubborn and toxic pollutants from crude oil to human-made polyurethane plastics and the explosive TNT. They can grow food from renewable sources: edible mushrooms can be grown on anything from plant waste to cigarette butts. And some fungi's antiviral compounds might be able to ease the colony collapse of bees. Merlin Sheldrake's revelatory introduction to this world will show us how fungi, and our relationships with them, are more astonishing than we could have imagined. Bringing to light science's latest discoveries and ingeniously parsing the varieties and behaviors of the fungi themselves, he points us toward the fundamental questions about the nature of intelligence and identity this massively diverse, little understood kingdom provokes"--. Provided by publisher.

The Complete Mushroom Hunter: An Illustrated Guide to Finding, Harvesting, and Enjoying Wild Mushrooms by Lincoff, Gary

Do you know your mushrooms? This is the only mushrooming book that will introduce you safely and with confidence to the not-so-"underground" hobby of mushroom hunting and gathering.

Gathering edible wild food is a wonderful way to forge a connection to the earth. Mushrooms are the ultimate local food source; they grow literally everywhere, from mountains and woodlands to urban and suburban parks to your own backyard. The Complete Mushroom Hunter will enrich your understanding of the natural world and build an appreciation for an ancient, critically relevant, and useful body of knowledge. Amateur mycologists and mushroom enthusiasts will find this is a guidebook for their passion.

Mushroom guru Gary Lincoff escorts you from the mushroom's earliest culinary awakening, through getting equipped for mushroom forays, to preparing and serving the fruits of the foray, wherever you live.

Inside you'll find:

-A brief, but colorful history of mushroom hunting worldwide

-How to get equipped for a mushroom foray

-A completely illustrated guide to the common wild edible mushrooms and their poisonous look-alikes: where to find them, how to identify them, and more

-How to prepare and serve the fruits of your foray, plus more than 30 delicious recipes

-Plus, dozens of colorful, priceless anecdotes from living the mushroom lifestyle

The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi: Exploring the Microscopic World in our Forests, Homes, and Bodies by Seifert, Keith A.

"For readers of Entangled Life and The Hidden Life of Trees comes an illuminating account of the "invisible" fungi that share our world: from the air we breathe to the dust beneath our feet. The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi traces the intricate connections between fungi and all life on Earth to show how these remarkable microbes enrich our lives: from releasing the carbon in plants for the benefit of all organisms to transmitting information between trees, to producing life-changing medicine, to adding umami flavor and B vitamins to our food. Divided into sections, each one exploring an environment where fungi live, this enthralling, science-backed book ventures into our homes, bodies, farms, and forests to profile the fungi that inhabit these environments, most of them invisible to the naked eye. Along the way, the author, the esteemed career mycologist Keith Seifert, explains the latest research into where these fungi came from: how yeast, lichens, slimes, and molds evolved and adapted over millions of years. And he shows us that, surprisingly, fungi share almost a quarter of human genes. We may have more in common with yeast and slime than we think ... But not all fungi are good for us. In fact, fungal diseases lead to over 1 million deaths each year and more than a quarter of our food goes to waste. How can we strike a better balance with our microbial cousins, both for their sake and ours? The Hidden Kingdom of Fungi urges us to better understand our relationship with fungi--and to plan our future with them in mind--while revealing their world in all its beautiful complexity."--. Provided by publisher.

Fieldwork: A Forager's Memoir by Regan, Iliana

"With her first book, Regan announced herself as a writer whose extravagant, unconventional talents matched her abilities as a lauded chef. In her follow-up, she digs even deeper to express the meaning and beauty we seek in the landscapes, and stories, that reveal the forces which inform, shape, and nurture our lives"--. Provided by publisher.

Outdoor Kids In An Inside World: Getting Your Family Out of the House and Radically Engaged with Nature by Rinella, Steven

"The average American spends ninety percent of their time indoors, and children are no exception. Today, kids can spend up to seven hours per day looking at screens. Not only does this phenomenon have consequences for our kids' physical and mental health, it calls into question their ability to understand and engage with anything beyond the built environment. We can talk about environmental stewardship, but until more people make meaningful contact with nature, the welfare of our planet is in jeopardy. Thankfully, with the right mindset, families can find beauty, meaning, and connection in a life lived outdoors. Now, outdoors expert Steven Rinella shares the parenting wisdom he has garnered as a father whose family has lived amid the biggest cities and wildest corners of America. Throughout, he offers practical advice for getting your kids radically engaged with nature in a muddy, thrilling, hands-on way, guided by black-and-white illustrations throughout-with the ultimate goal of helping them see their own place within the natural ecosystem. No matter their location-rural, suburban, or urban-caregivers and kids will bond over activities such as: Camping to conquer fears, build tolerance for dirt and discomfort, and savor the timeless pleasure of swapping stories around a campfire. Growing a vegetable garden to develop a capacity to nurture and an appreciation for hard work. Foraging for wild berries, nuts, and mushrooms as a way to experience the delight of discovery. Fishing local lakes and rivers to learn the value of patience while grappling with the possibility of failure. Cooking together with naturally sourced ingredients you procured. Hunting for sustainably managed wild game to face the realities of life, death, and what it really takes to obtain our food"--. Provided by publisher.

Fungarium by Scott, Katie

Return to the Museum with exquisite, detailed images of some of the most fascinating living organisms on this planet--fungi. Exploring every sort of fungi, from the kinds we see on supermarket shelves to those like penicillium that have shaped human history, this collection is the definitive introduction to what fungi are and just how vital they are to the world's ecosystem.

How To Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence by Pollan, Michael

When Michael Pollan set out to research how LSD and psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) are being used to provide relief to people suffering from difficult-to-treat conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety, he did not intend to write his most personal book. But upon discovering how these remarkable substances are improving the lives not only of the mentally ill but also of healthy people coming to grips with the challenges of everyday life, he decided to explore the landscape of the mind in the first person as well as the third. Thus began an adventure into various altered states of consciousness, along with a dive deep into both the latest brain science and the thriving underground community of psychedelic therapists. Pollan sifts the historical record to separate the truth about these mysterious drugs from the myths that have surrounded them since the 1960s, when a handful of psychedelic evangelists inadvertently catalyzed a powerful backlash against what was then a promising field of research.

How to Forage for Wild Foods Without Dying: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to Identifying 40 Edible Wild Plants by Zachos, Ellen

"How to Forage for Wild Foods without Dying is a book for anyone who likes to go on nature walks and would like to learn about the edible plants they're most likely to come across-no matter what region they're in. Author Ellen Zachos shares her considerable expertise, acquired over decades of foraging in every part of North America. She offers clear, concise descriptions of edible wild plants, in addition to any potential lookalikes, as well as critical information about proper harvesting, processing, and cooking"--. Provided by publisher.

The Last Of Us. The Complete First Season

In 2003, a parasitic fungal infection ravages the planet, turning humans into violent creatures known as the Infected. Twenty years later, hardened survivor Joel is hired to smuggle fourteen-year-old Ellie out of an oppressive quarantine zone in hopes of delivering her to the rebel Fireflies. But what should be a quick job soon becomes a brutal and heartbreaking journey as they traverse the desolate U.S. while depending on each other's unique skills for survival.

Zombie Fungus From 'The Last of Us': Is It Real?

https://youtu.be/mXlyKwpLbSw?si=y8lpnvGq7MBOR09D

Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois & Surrounding States: A Field-To-Kitchen Guide by McFarland, Joe

Lavishly illustrated with nearly three hundred gorgeous full-color photos, this engaging guidebook carefully describes forty different edible species of wild mushrooms found around Illinois and surrounding states, including Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, and Kentucky. With conversational and witty prose, the book provides extensive detail on each edible species, including photographs of potential look-alikes to help you safely identify and avoid poisonous species. Mushroom lovers from Chicago to Cairo will find their favorite local varieties, including morels, chanterelles, boletes, puffballs, and many others. Veteran mushroom hunters Joe McFarland and Gregory M. Mueller also impart their wisdom about the best times and places to find these hidden gems.

Edible Wild Mushrooms of Illinois and Surrounding States also offers practical advice on preparing, storing, drying, and cooking with wild mushrooms, presenting more than two dozen tantalizing mushroom recipes from some of the best restaurants and chefs in Illinois, including one of Food & Wine magazine's top 10 new chefs of 2007. Recipes include classics like Beer Battered Morels, Parasol Mushroom Frittatas, and even the highly improbable (yet delectable) Morel Tiramisu for dessert.

As the first new book about Illinois mushrooms in more than eighty years, this is the guide that mushroom hunters and cooks have been craving.

Visit the book's companion website at www.illinoismushrooms.com.