Congratulations to the latest winners– Ann, who was chosen for Miracle on I-40, and Nola from AlamoNorth, who won Recipes for Easy Living! I will endeavor to get the books in the mail on Tuesday. I try not schedule anything firmly on Mondays. I take a cue from wise mother-in-law, Big Mama, who says, “Mondays are my day off, after so much doing on Saturday and Sunday.”
Blessings,
CurtissAnn
Wendy Burton is the winner of the large print edition of Chin Up, Honey! She has a lovely and inspiring blog–Winns Angels. I am touched and inspired by her most recent post about why she shares her writings.
It has taken me much longer than I had expected to get back here and choose a winner. Are your days like mine? You start out with a very good plan–or what you think is a good plan–only to have life intervene. Yesterday all plans went flying, when my small grandson got sick. Life’s plans were much better than mine, at least for me, because I got to spend a great deal of time quietly holding a toddler. It seems that my plans get things done, while life’s plans make memories.
New Giveaway! It’s that time again, and if you did not know, the stores are putting Christmas decorations up now at the first of November! I took my mother to the eye doctor two weeks ago, and they already had a Christmas tree up! Some think this is too early, but I say bring it on. More time to spread joy and cheer!
To do my part, I’m going to give away one each of my Christmastime books– the hardcover gift edition of Miracle on I-40 and number five in the Valentine series, Recipes for Easy Living to two lucky winners, chosen at random, of course, from those who leave comments on this post. To add interest, I invite you to share with us a small but precious memory or tradition, or a book, that you hold at this time of year.
This time we’ll keep it short–I will choose the winner this Saturday, November 21, 2009.
Blessings,
CurtissAnn
I must share with you the cover of the large print edition of Chin Up, Honey. Now, that is a cover! Of all the covers on my books through the years, this has to be my very favorite. A woman walking on, head high. I suppose that is the theme of all my books. And it is a pleasant image. I am known for writing ‘feel-good’ books. Just looking at that cover gives a pleasant feel.
The large print is hardback, but they need to be to giving you something extra for your money–the cost is a whopping $31.95! Most of the large print editions are sold to libraries, of course, but they are available special order from any bookstore, and they are listed on Amazon.com. and BooksaMillion. I have not checked the other online stores, but I imagine the book is available from many sources.
I have to say, I find the large print a relief to read these days, so remember the book when you are looking for a gift. The large print of any book would make a great gift for older folks, or writers. We writers all wear thick glasses.
Here’s something really funny: We held the book up to my Sweetie-pie and asked him, “Who’s this?” He replied, “Nana!” It is so lovely that my grandson sees me in such a light.
This week I experienced the bitter-sweet finale to the crafting of the Valentine Series. I completed the final editorial changes for the last book of the series, Little Town, Great Big World, which will be available in June 2010, I think. I’ll keep you apprised. It is time for me to move on, but the folks in the town of Valentine remain in my heart.
To celebrate the coming holidays and this beautiful cover, I will give away a copy of the hard cover large print Chin Up, Honey to some lucky person who leaves a comment on this post. The winner will be chosen at random, just say hello.
Blessings,
CurtissAnn
Daffodils are coming up all over the place around here. Even right in the lawn and pathways where we walk.
I was surprised to see them coming up at this time of year. Where I have lived, much further north, they did not sprout out until spring. Then I read that this is normal for down here. I guess they sit around all winter, waiting for spring to bloom. I’ll be watching them.
And these, loropetalum, I think. See their flowers. They look rather multi-colored in the pic, but they are actually a solid bright magenta. I pruned them, and then they came on with the flowers. What a lovely surprise.
The azalea by the pond has bravely been putting out blooms, one here, two there, all fall.
We have moved my mother down from Oklahoma now. She has, of course, been uncertain about this new arrangement of living with us. She especially wanted to have a microwave in her bedroom so that she could have her morning instant coffee in peace. Having embraced the invention of instant coffee when it appeared (what? ’50s?) she has drunk this coffee for the majority of her 83 years.
This morning my mother came into the kitchen, saying, “Coffee smells good.” Surprise! Since moving in, she has not even opened her instant coffee, preferring instead Bigstreetrod’s brew–stick the cup to the maker spout and it fills. I guess that’s pretty instant.
I’ve learned that when something looks very dire to remind myself: “One never knows what might happen. Expect a good surprise.”
Now I have to post this and run outside and look at the daffodils, see what more may have sprung up. I look everyday. This new home is sure a constant surprise.
Blessings,
CurtissAnn
I am getting down to unpacking the last of my books. I opened a box yesterday and shouted for joy, finding beloved treasures–Cold Sassy Tree and Leaving Cold Sassy, both by Olive Ann Burns. It is a book that reminds me to savor life for all it is worth. Olive Ann Burns died before she could finish the second book, Leaving Cold Sassy, but the publisher used the book to share the inspiration of Olive Ann’s life.
Books are the shoes with which we tread the footsteps of great minds. ~ Unknown
Others from the box, an eclectic mix:
America’s Popular Sayings, by Gregory Titelman, where I found that precious P.G. Wodehouse wrote in 1920, “So always look for the silver lining, and try to find the sunny side of life.” Reminds me of a song from the depression.
All Over But the Shoutin’, by Rick Bragg, a novel whose voice and honesty sang me home.
The Gift of the Blessing, by Gary Smalley and John Trent. I first read it when my son was in his teens. I began blessing him each time he left the house; he braved this with ducked head. One time, however, I forgot, and suddenly the back door open, and he rushed in, saying, “You forgot my blessing.” Oh, treasure of memories! And it seems a reminder to begin again blessing my dear ones.
Putnam’s Phrase Book, April 1927 edition, a small book billed as An Aid to Social Letter Writing and to Read and Effective Conversation, with Over 100 Model Social Letters and 6000 of the World’s Best English Phrases, compiled and arranged by Edwin Hamlin Carr. Belonged to my great-grandfather and proves fascinating reading. I had no idea how many phrases I know and use on a daily basis.
Books are the compasses and telescopes and sextants and charts which other men have prepared to help us navigate the dangerous seas of human life.–Jesse Lee Bennett
Is it only me?–I have a need, and suddenly a book will appear to speak to me, often not what I expected, but what I need to know. It has become common occurrence, which I no longer doubt, to walk through a library or a bookstore, and have a certain book all but jump off the shelf into my hands.
Books are the most faithful companion on earth. One does not have to feed a book, or tend it. One can take what one wants from a book and pass the book along. A book is never too busy to speak, is available day and night, and takes no offense at being set aside and ignored for years and years. In fact, it often becomes more valuable with age. A book says things that the wisest teacher and closest friend, lover, spouse cannot say, at least say and be heard. A book is always constant and loyal and will not leave you, as many humans do–although my mother has said a book sprouts legs and walks off.
There is the age-old question, which I read just this morning, of what one book would you want to have if stranded on a desert island. Well, my first thought was that choosing one book was in impossibility. Okay, enlarge the choice to two books, not much better, but more fun.
My choices, which are only of the moment: The Bible, which provides fascination for hours, and then America’s Popular Sayings, which could make me laugh.
What would be your two choices from your best friends?
Blessings,
CurtissAnn
I invite you to visit my author website to learn more about my books.
