“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” Mark Twain

If You Start Something... (with a giveaway)

you should finish it. That's what they say, anyhow. 

And, in a surprising twist, my dear friend Lisa Mikitarian, for perhaps one of the first times in her life, did. And it was good.

demmehouse
What is it, you ask? Her Safari: Snapshots Along The Way - a wonderful book about a variety of women we can all relate to. This collection of short stories will make you laugh, cry, and nod. Lisa Mikitarian is a wonderful writer, and each story draws you in and keeps you intrigued. (Click on the link to buy it. Go ahead. I'll wait)

But I digress (LOL sort of - as this post is actually SUPPOSED to be about the book - just play along, okay?).


As I was saying, Lisa, bless her heart, is not one to finish projects. She's a great starter - but getting to the end often eludes her. She sets goals, but she doesn't meet them. She makes plans, but they don't come to fruition.

For example, Ms. Mikitarian LOVES knitting. She's made several parts of socks, sweater arms, and perhaps even half a scarf or two. But a completed piece, ready for use? HIGHLY unlikely. (and note how MANY unfinished socks are in the picture here. ;) )

She decided that, for a year, she'd decorate her husband's car with messages. It lasted eight months. The list goes on. And then, of course, there's her...um...er...daily hygiene. I hope she eventually finishes THIS project :D. (The right side of your hair looks LOVELY, my dear)

And so, to celebrate the one project Lisa Mikitarian DID finish, I'd like to encourage you to pick up this book - for yourself, first of all, and of course as a Christmas gift for a woman (or two) in your life. Click here to order this wonderful book (and if you click on HGIM when you order, part of the proceeds will go to Heart of God International Ministries - what a bonus!

Leave a comment on this blog post, and you're automatically entered to win a $5 Starbucks gift card. Winner will be announced here, on THIS blog, on Sunday, October 9.

But before I go, I decided to ask Lisa a few questions - to maybe get to the bottom of this "not finish what you start thing."
 Hmmm…Joanne--this feels like a trick question! There are little pieces of me sprinkled here and there in many of the stories. I’ve never been on Percocet--am terrified of the prospect--because most likely I would behave like Ms. Scott. I did sneak a dog home that wasn’t a Dachshund, and I did go alone to Greece when I was 19 when my girlfriend ditched me, and where a senior citizen tour group saved me from my own stupidity. From time to time, I’m a melancholy martyr, an eagle-eye mom, and a smart wife who could whip up a smorgasbord if I needed to--well, half a smorgasbord, anyway.
Which MC would finish a project she starts (and is therefore completely unlike me)? Either Colleen from “Lord, Not another Shop Vac Christmas”--I fantasized what it would be like to be a completely self-sufficient homemaker for that one--or Catherine from “Heartburn at Mike’s Bar and Grill”--she’s so uptight, she scares me.

Click here to order a copy of this wonderful book, for you AND every woman on your Christmas list. And don't forget to comment on this post to be entered for a $5 Starbucks gift card.

Riding God's Grace Over Rough Roads

14 comments:

  1. I love how openly honest Lisa is. When others want to make us believe they are perfect, Lisa goes out of her way to encourage us NOT to believe that for one second.

    And each character in the book is the same. Each one has a flaw or two or three, and in that flaw(s) and how he/she goes about life, it literally made me laugh out loud or wipe away tears.

    Truly, I'd say Lisa's book is the best book of short shorties I've read. EVER. I mean it! If you don't have a copy - WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? CHRISTMAS?

    Order now! Don't you feel like you're missing out?

    Great post, Jo! Lovely weather, by the way. :) Thanks for the invite! Have a great Thursday!

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  2. Haha, stories, not shorties. I wasn't meant to write legible comments at 6:29 AM. Oyyyy....

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  3. I got a copy of this book when it first came out and am enjoying it much!

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  4. What a wonderfully fun post! Great job, Joanne! I also simply LOVE Lisa's openness and I admired her as a friend and as an author. Her Safari stays on my night stand. It's just that kind of book that you want to devour over and over. Congratulations, Lisa you not only finished a project, you perfected it!

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  5. This sounds like a wonderful book! I will definitely look into! Thank you for sharing not only the book, but this wonderful author with us!

    Blessings!

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  6. I enjoyed the book, My daughter is reading it and she has discussed a couple of the stories with me.

    Love the author. Very down to earth, amusing and witty.

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  7. Rhonda, thank you for being able to look past this flawed exterior:). And I do have normal pictures and a (mostly) normal life--depending on how one defines "normal".

    And I love the rest of you. Not that I don't love Rhonda.

    I think I'll stop talking now.

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  8. Ahhhh, a fellow non-finisher. I actually have 6 squares of my quilt finished! That's the furthest I've gotten on a real quilt, I think.

    Love the post--made me giggle several times.

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  9. Well it's hope for me after all. I've started a few things and never finished. Very fun post on congrats to her of finishing up.

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  10. I learn something about Lisa on each bus stop! Thanks, Jo - and please draw my name for the COFFEE!!!
    :)
    Cat

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  11. I just want the coffee ;-) Need a comment? I love you! Now may I have my pumpkin spiced latte?

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  12. Congratulations, Lisa! Don't be too hard on yourself. I finished a book 37 times (at least)and over-wrote it. Celebrate your strengths!

    Ann_Lee_Miller[at]msn[dot]com

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  13. I'm totally a starter and not such a finisher. Hopefully I'll finish a book one day to. thanks for giving me hope :)

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  14. Finish what you begin was such a mantra in my growing-up family. It so taught me to think carefully about what I begin--sometimes too carefully--so that I can finish that particular thing.
    lisalickel-at-gmail.com

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