Saturday 25 April 2009

2nd 'Blogiversary,' and Book Giveaway

Today is the day that this little blog turns two!

Last year on my first 'blogiversary' I held a book draw and all sorts of neat things came out of it. I found another blogger who is also interested in Taoism and tai chi, the author of the book I gave away came and commented over here, and he kindly sent me a replacement copy of his book, Simple Prosperity. And the reason I decided on the giveaway in the first place was because I had won the book itself in one of Crunchy's draws, the second thing I have won from her (the first being a DivaCup). These were all very cool and satisfying things, but the main reason I want to do it again this year is because of how it helps me to practice non-attachment.

It is good to practice letting go of things that you want to keep. I love books and I have the urge to buy and read them all the time. I love just having them, holding them, the feel of my eyes as they run over a page of words. I love how they look on a bookshelf. So it is hard for me to give them away, especially certain ones.

I have been thinking about which book to give away for several weeks now. At first it seemed easy - I would just give away the extra copy of The Four Season Harvest that Gord picked up for me at Value Village, not knowing that I had already bought the 2nd edition. But I knew that was not what the giveaway was supposed to be about. I had to give away something I wanted to keep or it wouldn't be much of a non-attachement lesson. So, I am giving away my copy of Thich Nhat Hanh's "Peace is Every Step." And also the 1992 edition of Eliot Coleman's "The Four Season Harvest," because there is no reason to keep two copies of virtually the same book.

So, if you would like to enter into the draw for one or both of these books, please me a comment. Just let me know if you want to enter for either book or just a specific one. Both books are only gently used. Just like last year, you can enter the draw until midnight on Wednesday, April 29th, and I'll announce the winner on Thursday, April 30th. I will cover postage to send the books anywhere, so don't hesitate to enter if you live far away from me, in Europe or Australia or Argentina or Iceland or anywhere at all on this terrific planet of ours!

Thanks so much to all of you who come and read my thoughts and ponderings and rants. Thanks also to those of you who take the time to engage in conversation with me through your comments. Just knowing that there are people out there who are wrestling with the same kinds of issues and ideas really helps a person get through the days, months and years. My heartfelt thanks to all of you. Namaste :)

Cute cupcake picture courtesy this website

21 comments:

Maggie said...

Happy Birthday Theresa
I always look forward to reading your thoughts and ponderings. Don't put me in the draw I have or have access to those books.
I look forward to your thoughts for the coming year.
Words, thoughts, silences, actions, one fragile planet, empathy with others, sharing across the planet, sharing with each other.
Life is good and even better when we share it with others.
Cheers Maggie

hmd said...

Happy Blogiversary!! I'm a book lover too but have limited myself to those things I read every year since they get so much use. Everything else I donated to the library and just check out from there so all can enjoy! It reminds me that nothing we have in life is truly ours. We only borrow it for the short time we are alive...

I'd love to be entered for Peace is Every Step! I'm a Thich Nhat Hahn fan!

Carter Apps, dabbler of stuff said...

Happy blog day to you , happy blog day to you , happy blog day happy blog day, happy blog day to you.

keep up the good work and thanks for the addition to your "blogs I like feed", since you've added its driven a few new readers to my place.

I'd love to be entered for the 4 season harvest book

GAB

Theresa said...

Thanks Maggie, that is very kind of you :)

Heather and GAB, you are both in for the books of your choice. So far your odds are really good!

Amber said...

Happy Blogiversary! You and your blog have been a source of inspiration, good advice, knowledge, and motivation for me, since the day I found it. Thank you for all you do and for sharing.

Please sign me up for the Four Seasons Harvest. (I already have a well-loved copy of Peace is Every Step.)

Liz said...

Happy Blogiversary, Theresa!

I think I found you less than a year ago and I've loved reading it all. Don't put me in the draw either (I have the four season harvest) but thanks for the offer. Here's to many more posts.

Chimo

Theresa said...

Thanks Amber; this blog has become a way for me to learn and work through many things, much more so than I thought it would be when I tentatively started it two years ago. And it's because of the people who come and meet with me here, who both encourage me and challenge me to think about things from more than just one or two angles. So thank you and I will put you down for the 4SH book draw!

Thanks to you as well Liz, I also like reading your blog - it is so refreshing and quintessentially Canadian! So no 4SH draw for you, but did you want to be in the draw for the other book?

Liz said...

Quintessentially Canadian! That may be one of the nicest compliments I've ever received. Thanks.

As for the book, don't put me in for the draw. I fear there's not much hope on the peace and simplicity-front until my kids move out. ;o)

Theresa said...

Liz, that's why you need the book now! ;)

Unknown said...

Happy blogiversary! And what a cool way to practice non-attachment. Good for you!

I would be most happy to be entered for either book - that Four Season Harvest one is high on my list of 'books I need' and as a Quaker, anything on peace is of interest to me! It is one of the places where I need to do a lot of work. :)

One of the traditional Quaker Queries (used to make us think about things we need to work on) goes like this:
Bring into God's light those emotions, attitudes and prejudices in yourself which lie at the root of destructive conflict, acknowledging your need for forgiveness and grace. In what ways are you involved in the work of reconciliation between individuals, groups and nations?Thought you might like that one.

Anonymous said...

Hooray for two years! :) Everytime I visit I love seeing what you have to say. :)

I would love to be entered into your book giveaway for the Four Seasons Harvest book. In time, I'll love to expand my growing season. :)

Theresa said...

AJC - I do very much like that - thanks!

SensibleV - thank you very much :) Coleman does have a lot of good practical advise and instructions - it would be a good book for someone in your area, for sure.

Eco Yogini said...

Happy Blogaversary!

wow two years! Although new, I have been enjoying your posts very much :) I also think it's beautiful that you are giving away something you want as a practice of non-attachment. I admire you!

I have never read Thich Nhat Hahn, but would love to begin! :)

Blessings!

Theresa said...

Thanks EcoY - I'm glad to have recently found your blog as well! I will add you to the list for the Thich Nhat Hanh book :)

Amy said...

What a neat Give Away idea! I would love to be entered into the Give Away for either book.
Cool!

Kale for Sale said...

Happy Blog Day. Two years has gone by quick. Well, sometimes it seems quick. Like now. I'd love to be in on the drawing for the Thich Nhat Hanh book. There's something quite beautiful about your letting go and considering non-attachment. It makes the book quite a treasure and the consideration something to ponder. Thank you. I feel like I already won.

Theresa said...

Consider yourself entered Amy! Thanks for coming by and commenting.

I will put you in the draw for Thay's book, Kale. I do have a lot of attachments that I need to work on letting go of, but this is a start anyway :)

Jerry said...

Congrats on two years Theresa. Sorry I missed your draw, great idea.

Theresa said...

Thanks SoapBox :) It has been a good two years.

SoundHunter said...

I love Peace is Every Step!

Happy belated blogoversary :)

Theresa said...

Thanks SoundHunter! That book is wonderful, certainly. :)