Another book give away! The Underwater Window

Okay, swimmers, runners, readers, get ready for your chance to win a copy of The Underwater Window by Dan Stephenson.  It’s simple.  You have two chances to win.  The first (and easiest) can be done right here.  Just leave a comment on this blog post.  On October 18, one week from today, I will pick a random number via random.org and the comment that coincides with the number will win a copy.  This is purely a game of chance.  Be sure to check back on October 18 to see if you are the winner and leave me your contact info.

The second opportunity to win will require a little more effort.  Visit my Facebook page and leave a message as to why YOU deserve a copy of the book.  You might argue that you once almost made it to the Olympics (your brother-in-law failed to purchase the tickets) or that you are very competitive (in which case I will expect something truly compelling in your argument) or you may simply try to appeal to my sense of humor.  (That usually works!) I will pick the winner whose argument I like the most!

Read my review of The Underwater Window  HERE.

So post away and good luck!

The Word is GRATEFUL!

This one really gets to me.  It bothers me as much as the “then” and “than” mistakes folks make.  At least they are both words.  Greatful is not a word.  The word is GRATeful as in, “I have GRATitude!”  It is great to show appreciation.  One can even show great amounts of gratitude being “ever so grateful,” but one cannot be grately greatful.

It’s easy to remember.  Just think of the root word – GRATITUDE!

I am giving away a book!

I am feeling generous today so here is what I am going to do.  I will give away one signed copy of Gold Pans and Iron Skillets one week from today. This is a contest and these are the rules:

1)      You have one week to plead your case.  Why should you receive a copy of my book?  Entries must be G-rated! This contest is totally subjective and I am the judge.  (Hey, it’s my book!)

2)      The contestant with the most compelling argument will win.  Note:  I believe in poetic license.  Go ahead and exaggerate!

3)      Entries that make me laugh or cry will get special consideration.  Some of you know me well and may have an advantage. Here is a hint for others: It is easier to make me laugh than cry.  If you make me cry while laughing, you just might win! You may want to browse through this blog and Running Grany Green to get an idea of what makes me tick.

4)      Post your entries as comments on this blog or on my Facebook page.  By so doing, you give me permission to share the winning argument with my readers.

5)      The winner will be notified on October 9 and I will mail him/her a signed copy of Gold Pans and Iron Skillets by October 10.

You have one week.  Start pleading!

Changing things up ...

My longtime friend and good buddy Paulee came to visit yesterday.  We had fun, as we always do!
First - She brought along her bike and we went for an eighteen miler along country roads that included a river crossing, a horse ranch, pelicans, cattle, and the occasional motorist.  (We like to push each other.)
Second - We made gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade tomato soup for lunch ending with huckleberries and vanilla ice cream! (We like to indulge!)
Third - I watched as Paulee shared her talents for decorating.  Yes, I got a redo in my entryway, living room, kitchen and dining room and I didn't purchase anything new. (Paulee has a flare and I like to encourage her!)
Fourth - We are planning to launch her new business!  She is still working out the details including her business name, but I can tell you this ... it has a little bit to do with you and a lot to do with her amazing eye and decorating talents. Here is a photo of my new entryway.  I am sorry that there is no "before" photo.  No worries ... it was boring, anyway!

These mirrors were spread throughout my house.  They are much more interesting displayed together.

My Perfect Life?

What do you see?

A friend stopped by the other evening while I was preparing supper.  She had her pre-teen son with her and he was obviously hungry.  He surveyed my kitchen, noticing a cake cooling on the counter and the table set for two. 

“Ah,” he exclaimed, “the perfect life!”

I am sure that at that moment it did seem that my life was perfect – I was even wearing an apron!  What he didn’t know, was the only reason there was cake was because my youngest son was on his way home from college for a visit.  The apron was to protect my clothes because without it I tend to ruin them when I bake. 

I must say, my life is pretty good, but it isn’t perfect.  His vantage point only gave him that perception.  Think of it.  He was standing in my kitchen, hunger pangs growling in his stomach, at the very moment I was ready to serve up supper.  Of course, it seemed perfect!

Unfortunately, we often judge others by our vantage point.  Small moments in time form our opinions of others for good or bad as we compare them to our own lives.  Likewise, we judge ourselves by the 360◦ view we have of our own lives. Such distortion in our comparisons can prove damaging to us and others.  When we look at others through a keyhole, we might we remember that we have only a portion of the facts.  Their perfect life may be in need of some help, and their flawed life might have good cause to be such.  It might do us good on occasion to view ourselves through a keyhole. What do others see?

The big picture!

Waxing Patriotic

Oh say, can you see?

I'm feeling an increase in my own level of patriotism.  It has been building for a few weeks and promises to continue gaining momentum.  One might think it has something to do with the pending Independence Day celebrations, but one would be wrong.  I admit that fireworks, flags, food, and family make me feel thankful for this blessed land, but what really gets me fired up are the athletes competing in the Olympic Games!

Shallow?  Maybe.  However, consider the discipline, sacrifice, and determination required for those individuals to be successful in their sport. For a few weeks they become the face of the United States as viewed by the rest of the world. No wonder we are tempted to put our lives on hold while we root for the home team.  I guess I am just a cheerleader at heart. Shallow?  Maybe.  All I know is ... I can't wait to hear the Star Spangled Banner every time we bring home the gold!

A Blog for Running Fans

In an attempt to more fully suit the needs of my readers and to spare those of you who don't enjoy reading about running (okay, it's mostly not to irritate non-runners) I have begun a second blog titled "Running Granny Green."  Some content may be appropriate for both forums, however, the day to day "this is what I saw smashed on the road this morning" or "that run was really difficult and this is why" articles will be posted to the new blog.
Rest assured, I will still post all links on Facebook and you can read or ignore them to your heart's desire. Feel free to follow both blogs and comment whenever and however you wish.
Always, thank you for your interest in what I write. 
Happy Reading!