That I have read this book is serendipity at its best. I bought this because it is the book being discussed at a retreat that one of my friends plans. She told me about the retreat several months ago and I bought the book in case I could make the retreat. I knew nothing about the author or what she had to say. 
 When these meditations arrived at my house, I glanced at the cover and filed it away for later. At that point I still didn't know if I was going on the retreat. So, when at the last minute I signed up for the retreat, I had to find the book. I like to be prepared. 
 I have been blown away by Elkins' poems, essays and meditations about human things. Many of the religious writings I have read about stuff has been geared to getting rid of it. Man cannot worship G-d and mammon. Stuff can get between you and G-d. You know the drill. Elkins looks at stuff and sees stories. And her stories are often about how G-d uses everyday things for holy purposes. 
 It took me about 24 hours to work my way through this amazing book. I plan to read it one more time before the retreat. I need to hear Elkins' messages about grace and peace and holy stuff again. I may have more to say about this book then. Right now I am awestruck and cannot find the words I need to do justice.