Holiday Interruption
Photo credit: @khammell of Intermix Media.
We interrupt this holiday season for a GIVEAWAY. Using “pause” in this moment in time seemed over-used so I am interrupting the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. But why now? We’re working hard and we still need to decorate the house, buy gifts, wrap gifts, send out holiday cards, make grocery lists, bake, etc. why would I do a give away now? Because someone may need a free gift - that’s why!
A friend of mine, Chrissa Ventrelle, the author of the book, May It Be - Growing a Genuine Life, sent five copies of her book for me to give away. I am so honored and excited to be a part of her effort to “…create a growing and giving life, while celebrating along the way.” Hello? Perfect, yes I would love this opportunity!
FYI, without mentioning the title May It Be, this book was indirectly part of a previous post. My message in that post was that it is never too late to say thank you. I felt horrible that Chrissa had sent her book to me and it took forever for me to write a thank you note. “Thanks for the book” was nearly enough for her gesture. I wanted to actually read the book and tell her what I liked about it. Well, that was just it. I don’t read books as often as I’d like so this book sat on my night stand for months. Nothing against the book, there were others on my nightstand that had been there for years, I just didn’t get to it right away. The thank you card didn’t reach her until many months after she sent the book but the gratitude was specific and I hope it meant more than a generic “thanks”. Anyway, ever since I read the book and sent the note, I have kept it next to my desk. It has little Post-It notes marking the pages that I related to when I read it. However, every time I flip thru the book, I find other passages that are helpful at that very moment. So actually, the marked pages don’t really matter; every page can be helpful at some point.
Thoughts of when the perfect time would be to give away these five precious books went thru my head. Since the book has a very organic, Earthy, nature-based vibe, I kept thinking I should wait for a wonderful Spring moment. But it occurred to me that this is the PERFECT time for someone to read this book! We need Chrissa’s message right now, at this very moment. And more importantly, it’s going to make a wonderful holiday thoughtful pinch.
Here’s an excerpt from her book:
“May you slow down to notice
that what appears singular
is often part of something grander,
just as a stand of quaking aspen
looks to be a grove of individual trees
until a bit of digging
reveals a single massive organism
that sends sprouts upwards
from its widespread web of root.”
From the first impression of her book, I thought Chrissa was a top nature expert and I must admit, nature is not the first thing I gravitate to. Let me rephrase that. I’m into saving the Earth and I enjoy nature when I am literally in a nature setting but it’s not my first choice for the way I want to spend my free time. In fact, I relate to the memes: “If by ‘camping’ you mean my hotel room will face the woods, then yes- I am up for a camping trip. “ Or “I’m outdoorsy in that I like getting drunk on patios.” With that said, I am really glad that Chrissa uses nature metaphors even though I don’t know much about it. To me, it’s a bonus to learn life lessons while also learning something cool about nature. Really, it’s a wonderful way to get into nature without getting into nature!
A thoughtful pinch from my friend Allison, who knows me well. This coaster came in a set which had memes like this one on each coaster.
Chrissa can be found on Instagram as @Chrissaventrellewrites. I’m one of her followers because I love how she presents her message for each post. She uses beautiful colors, positions her thoughts into written form so nicely and her work is consistent. Her posts are soft, gentle reminders; like a puff of fresh air.
When scrolling thru Instagram, you can see why her posts stand out in my feed. I stop and read what she has to say because I know that I will grow a tiny bit each time I do. Every time she shares these nuggets of wisdom with us it is a thoughtful pinch .
This is the front of my hardcover copy. You can’t see all the florescent orange pieces of Post-It notes sticking out of the top. The prizes look just like this but are the paperback version.
Love the comments about her book! See how this book fits in nicely with Thoughtful Pinch?
Maybe you’re already sold and want a copy of the book May It Be. But entering a giveaway to win a prize is not your thing. No worries, you can purchase it on Amazon. In fact, while you’re there - order a couple copies. You’ll be glad you did.
For those who love the thrill of winning something, it’s time to get this giveaway going! Since I am all about thoughtful pinches, let’s do this: if you are a winner, you’ll have a CHOICE to win one of the following:
One book for yourself - In the name of self care!
Or one book for someone you care about- Ah, it’s sweet thoughtful gesture!
Or one book for you and one book for someone you care about - Now that’s a win-win!
In order to enter the giveaway, first follow Chrissa on Instagram @chrissaventrellewrites. Then like her latest post or any other posts and leave a comment tagging @thoughtfulpinch. When I reach out to you, let me know which option you prefer (see above) and I’ll enter you/your account into the drawing. The winners will be announced on Thursday, 12/17/20 at 330p during the Thank You card Thursday video segment. Only one option per winner until prizes run out. Sorry, no international/overseas shipping! Prizes will only be mailed domestically in the US. Please spread the word and Good Luck!
Along the lines of “…creating a growing and giving life while celebrating along the way”, please help me grow by telling me WHO needs help with WHAT in order for me to give. If you haven’t already filled out a quick survey, please click here. I’d love for you to share the link with others who may want to learn more about thoughtfulness. Thank you!
Pinches,
Barb
