Have you ever noticed how really good things are often overshadowed by really hard things?
Right now, I'm preparing to fly to Illinois with our whole family to spend the weekend doing the Morning Show on WREX TV (Tomorrow morning, and I'm very nervous), a signing at Barnes and Noble on Saturday and then celebrate my book launch with some of my oldest and dearest friends and family at The Next Picture Show in Dixon.
But I'm also researching wheelchairs at Denver International Airport because Adam's bulging disk (disc?) seems to be just as bad today as it was four days ago.
I admit, it's not easy for me to ask for help...but I will ask for prayers... because we could sure use them right now. I'm trying to focus on the good things, like the fact that I will get to see some people I haven't seen in YEARS this weekend...and for that, I am SO grateful.
I'm also grateful for THIS POST (and humbled.) And THIS POST (humbled again.) I just don't have words...only emotional outbursts which usually happen in my garage...
So let's focus on that GOOD tuff and start DAY THREE of our online party!!
And it IS a party...today, a giveaway for the Coffee & Book Lover...and I've got some AMAZING prizes to share...
1. An adorable mug from Hope Springs.
I'm a sucker for a cute mug...especially one that's red on the inside:
This new line of awesome gifts comes from Hope Springs and they've got tons of really cute, unique and inspiring gift ideas. You can find this mug HERE.
And what good is a mug without something in it?
2. A Starbucks Gift Card
I trust I don't need to link you to the Starbucks website, but there will be a gift card in this package for one lucky winner.
3. A spiral-bound journal from The Emily Collection.
Next, my friend Emily over at Imperfect Prose, has just announced some incredibly exciting book news of her own, but that's not all...she's an artist with the heart of an artist...and she's got this incredible new line of products all featuring her art.
Today, she's giving away this gorgeous journal, so when you sit down with your coffee, you can easily compile your thoughts...
I think you'll love The Emily Collection, which you can find HERE! Emily's artwork is inspired and beautiful...(and she's having a giveaway of her own right now!) All kinds of celebrating going on!
The women in Sweethaven are brought back together after many years when handwritten letters arrive for each one of them...perhaps, over coffee, you'll write a note of your own...it's always a good idea to let people know you love them.
5. Books by Hillary Manton Lodge.
Maybe you'll tire of writing and you'll want to curl up with a good book instead. Lucky for you, I can help...
These two books by Hillary Manton Lodge are the perfect way to escape the craziness of life. If they seem well-worn or have coffee stains on the edges, this is because I needed to escape and took them with me to Illinois.
(I'm kidding. They'll be clean, I promise. I only SOMETIMES give away books that are coffee-stained, right Paige?)
6. Playing By Heart by award-winning author Deborah Raney.
Deb is a wonderful writer with wonderful stories, and her books are definitely among my favorites. This one, a Christy Award finalist, is near and dear to Deb's heart...and I'd love to send it your way!
7. Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble
This is a new release by the wonderful Colleen Coble, who is as nice as she is talented. Her books are wonderful, so this is one I cannot wait to get my hands on! (But I'll be nice and send it to you when you win. I promise.)
8. The Art of Layers by Ronda Palazzari
And I've made no secret of the fact that the secrets of Sweethaven are brought back to life thanks to the faded pages of an old scrapbook...so what better way to celebrate that than with a little scrapbooking/papercrafting inspiration? Ronda's book is not yet released, so you'll be among the FIRST to have it.
Lucky.
9. Delight in the Seasons by Lisa Pace
I LOVE Lisa's work. She is elegant and beautiful in everything she does. Her first book, Delight in the Details is completley inspiring, and I know this one will be the same. You could win it!! (And then you may want to plan for a refill on your coffee...
Finally...
10. A signed copy of A Sweethaven Summer.
Of course, I have to remind you if you don't win...you can get your own copy HERE or HERE or HERE...
Because, you know, I REALLY want you to have a copy!!
Same rules as yesterday...
1. Leave a comment on this post and tell me what your favorite drink is (Starbucks or otherwise!)
2. Go to my snazzy new website and sign up for my newsletter! (Then come back and leave a comment saying you did so.) (Sidenote: I believe newsletters should only go out quarterly (if that.) I promise I won't spam your inbox.)
3. Tweet this link.
4. Facebook this link
5. Blog about "A Sweethaven Summer" or this post.
(Come back each time and leave another comment letting me know you've done these things. Five chances total!
I can't wait to choose these winners!! Thank you, guys, for helping me spred the word!! :) Hope you have a WONDERFUL Thursday!! (Wait. Is it Thursday?)
Whatever day it is...hope it's happy!!
