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I am back from my yearly month-long sabbatical in Maine where the weather was cool, the books were plentiful, the time with my wife was incredible, and the food was delicious.  All of which is to say that we are already counting the days until next year's trip...

THREE REASONS TO VACATE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD:

• It changes one's mindset: I feel better about myself and what I do
• You learn you are not dispensable and others learn they can make decisions
• You  fall in love with your spouse all over again

THREE BOOKS TO READ AS SOON AS YOU CAN:

• Path to Power by Robert Caro - detailing the beginning of Lyndon Johnson's Life (through 1942) and explains how to use power and influence to make things happen
• Question of Character: Illuminating the Heart of Leadership Through Literature by Joseph Badaracco - explores the deeper (REALLY DEEP) questions of how one can raise their level of leadership through inner exploration (by using great literature as a resource)
• 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami - this newest novel by one of Japan's great writers explores relationships, vocation, religion, ethical decisions (and a host of other topics) through a story that will keep you engaged and wondering how it all ends...until the end (which is 1135 pages later - and worth every minute of it!)

THREE TELEVISION SERIES TO WATCH:

• GAME OF THRONES (HBO) - we got through season 1 and loved the intrigue, the familial relationships, and the play between the different characters.  A great way to spend summer evenings when only re-runs are on
• HOUSE OF CARDS (NETFLIX) - not only is Kevin Spacey his regular slimy (and amazing) self, this show exposes how politics really works (for good and bad) and how to use influence to make things happen (see Lyndon Johnson above)
• THE NEWSROOM (HBO) - fell in love with this show but am now unable to watch CNN, HLN, MSNBC, or FOX NEWS.  Will McAvoy (as played by Jeff Daniels) is my new hero - and the the relationships are wonderfully fun to watch and follow

NEXT WEEK...the complete list of books read (for those of you who might be curious)