Winnowing is a book for people who have lived a long time, and need—for their own sake and for the sake of others—to reflect on what they have learned along the way, and to share those discoveries with those of us who crave their wisdom. The art of "winnowing" lies at the heart of this book. In ancient days, at harvest time, men and women would gather with large winnowing baskets. Into these baskets they would scoop up the harvested beards of grain and toss them high in the air, where the wind would blow away the chaff while the kernels of nourishing grain would fall back into the basket. Winnowing was the act of separating the essential from the unnecessary. The invitation of this book is to do the same with your own memories. You are being called to winnow your life, to bring the times of your life to mind once again, and reawaken the essential memories, and decisions, and discoveries that have made you the utterly unique person you have become. This book is a kind of winnowing basket. By reflecting on, and answering a series of simple, profound questions, you will separate the essential from the unessential in your own life. And here, in this basket of memories and wishes and joys and pains that fall back to you as you write your way through this book, you will find a source of spiritual nourishment, not only for yourself and your own soul, but for the soul of generations to come. We are all hungry for the stories of those who have lived a long, long time, and the special wisdom that only comes from a life fully lived. There are seven chapters of questions in Winnowing, each directing your memories and reflections to a special part of your life. The Times of Your Life Connections Trouble Endeavors Amazing Grace Looking Back, Dreaming Ahead We have included the introduction and the first chapter, "The Times of Your Life" on this website for you to explore. Click on the "Winnowing" button on the left. The whole book can be purchased by calling 202.296.4466. Winnowing makes a wonderful gift for an aging relative. The completed journal can then be offered back as a gift to younger generations (grandparents especially like passing these stories on to grandchildren) so the stories of a life fully lived can be a source of comfort and inspiration for family members for years to come.