Friday, February 08, 2013

Sparkly Green Earrings

So, you know how you feel when watching a well-writted television show and there is a montage with just the perfect song to frame it all? In those instances, I find myself nodding my head, feeling a kinship and thinking Yes. This. This captures so much of what I feel about life. I am not alone. Others share this experience. I felt this way reading Melanie Shankle's brand new book Sparkly Green Earrings.

I have often wondered how someone could take a blog like Big Mama's, an entertaining romp through the realities of everyday life, and convert it to the format of a book. In this memoir of her first eight years of motherhood, Melanie had me literally laughing out loud on several occasions and dabbing my eyes at others. (I even read the last couple of pages aloud in my hair salon to my male stylist! Yes, it might have been Steel Magnolias 2013)

Despite starting a dozen, it has been eight months since I actually finished a book. I read 170 pages of this one within four hours of receiving it--and completed it by the end of the week. Why? Because of Melanie's voice. It was refreshingly authentic, yet sewn together with gratefulness and humor.

Melanie is a normal, but hilarious, Texas wife and Mom. Her memoir is a collection of stories from the last decade of young motherhood--real, everyday life stuff. She doesn't offer checklists or right answers, simply an invitation to share stories about this wild ride of motherhood and how it leaves us humbled & changed. Time and again I found myself nodding at this kindred spirit's recounting of her journey. This is my life told much funnier!

I am a deep thinker. I like to leave a book changed. This one left me thankful for the often comical, usually humbling lessons that come from everyday life. I was reminded that we are in this together--and grateful for the ride.

I would love to pass it on. Comment below before noon Sunday (EST) if you'd like a copy. I'll use a random number generator to choose three winners (because I love that number) and ship it out to you on Monday. 

Yahoo for Melanie's dream coming true & the joy it will bring so many!

**In terms of FULL disclosure: I do not usually do stuff like this. Melanie did send me a free preview copy, but the enjoyment is real enough that I am buying the three copies I am handing out myself :)

UPDATED WITH WINNERS:
The first number drawn was 46 Nat
Second number was 15 Sara
The third was 8 Happy Working Mom (Debbie)
Congratulations ladies!! Enjoy!

90 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh I love that you read Big Mama since you two are two of my favorites!

I would love to win the book!

Thanks,
Kate

Margaret said...

i would love to win the book. I read her blog every day, and yours as well.

Fran said...

I haven't picked it up yet, but regardless if I win a copy here or not...I'm DYING to get my hands on it. Finishing "Kisses from Katie" now and ready for a new read. Have a fabulous weekend!

Blessings,
Fran

EddieandNikki said...

Both of your blogs are part of my daily routine :) I would love to win! :)
Nikki

Jennifer Z. said...

It's awesome you're doing this. I'd love to win a copy!

jenzie@gmail.com

Sisters said...

I would love to read the book! I love that you read it to your stylist. How very southern.

Unknown said...

I'd love to win a copy! Sounds like a great book.

Ashk525@yahoo.com

Happy Working Mom said...

I would love to read this book!

debbiestickel@yahoo.com

Jeff and Kibbie said...

I would love to read that book!
Kibbie

Kibbness@gmail.com

Leslie said...

Big Mama and Boo Mama were the vey first blogs I started reading years ago. I actually found your blog through Big Mama's. Reading yalls' blogs inspires me to be a better wife and mom through Christ. I would love to win a copy of her book!
Thanks and Roll Tide,
Leslie :)

lechols23@hotmail.com

Theresa said...

I anxiously await posts from you and Melanie because although your voices are different, your messages are similar in their honesty and encouragement. Thank you for writing.

sl said...

I would love to read the book.

Bethany said...

I love Big Mama, and I can't wait to read her book!

Sara said...

This sounds so good! I watched the video yesterday, and it made me want to grab a copy! Would love to read!

Unknown said...

I'm looking forward to reading it. :)

Laura said...

I love you both and would love a copy!

Lisa said...

I would love to read this book ! Hope I win !! Lowerydaal@aol.com

StephC said...

I would love a copy of Melanie's book... Love her blog!

drt said...

This must be a good one. I have read about it a couple of times already this morning! Count me in, please.

Bill and Jenn said...

I'd love a copy of Melanie's book! Thanks for the opportunity!

Vanessa said...

I read her blog and would love to win! I have lots of school left before I can get married and be a mom but I'd still love to read it!

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to read this book!!

Melanie said...

I have heard so much about this book and would love the chance of winning a free copy to read.

Hilarie said...

I would love a copy!!

jrh0906 said...

I would love to read it!

MaryBeth said...

I'd love to win a copy... loved her blog and somehow I had forgotten about it for the last year or so. Glad to hear she's turned it into a book!

Hidden Haven Homestead said...

I would love to win a copy of her book. I just now checked her blog and it will now be a everyday read for me!

Nikki said...

I'm not sure I've ever commented here before, but I was just telling a friend about your post yesterday. You give us lots to think about. I'm headed to B&N to buy the book now, but if I win another copy, I'll pay it forward!

CGM said...

Hi. I enjoy reading both of your blogs. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to win her book.
Blessings,
Christine
dccmclaughlin@yahoo.com

Amber said...

I love to read you both! Would love a copy of the book!

Thanks!
Amber

Lesli said...

Such a different mode of reaching the cyber world, but both Mom's with hearts of gold and help make the world a better place. Love both blogs!

Heather said...

Oh, I would LOVE a copy! Thanks for the chance!

Nichole said...

I'd love to have a copy as well!

Elizabeth said...

Forgot my email: edziadul@aol.com

-J said...

Would love to read this book!

Meggie said...

Wow... thanks so much for doing this giveaway! And for sharing a review of her book. I'm excited to read it. And I love your blog by the way!!

The Howell Family said...

I would love to win a copy of the book! I appreciate your honesty and authenticity on your blog, and it sounds like Melanie's book is very similar. Can't wait to read it!

emilykhowell@hotmail.com

Shea said...

Would love to read it!

Sitesx6 said...

I love Big Mama.

Thanks for the chance to read her book. I'll pass it on when I'm done, too. If I win.

Next up...THE LOTS OF SCOTTS BOOK?!!! ;0

Kelly in Michigan
sitesx6@aol.com

Erica Ladwig said...

The book looks fantastic, and I would love to win a copy!

EricaAlyse@gmail.com

Jenny said...

I would truly love to win this book!

Nicole said...

Your blog is at the top of my list for Godly wisdom. I also love that we share many of the same struggles. Big Mama makes me laugh on a daily basis. If you like her book, I'm sure I would love it! Thanks for the opportunity for a copy!

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

Thank you for offering this giveaway and sharing about Melanie's book. I'm looking forward to reading it (and laughing).

Alicia said...

I watched a little piece of her reading the book and pictures flashed on the screen and I could not get over her beautiful words. I would LOVE to read this book and pass it on to friends when I am finished.

nat said...

Thanks for the giveaway!

Claire said...

would love to read this book!

Leslie Ruth Petree said...

I've been reading Melanie's blog for years and cannot wait to read this!

Sue said...

Oh, I found your blog thru Big Mama's blog. I would love to win a book! Thank you for the opportunity!

Kristin said...

I've wanted to get my hands on this book from the first time I heard about it! I just love her blog!

Michelle said...

I would love one
kmichelleross@yahoo.com
If I happen to win please use the above email. I had to look up my google account that I had forgotten about to post, lol

Kristen said...

Sign me up!

Jeannie said...

I would love to win the book! I have looked forward to it coming out as I regularly read her blog.

BTW, I think you should consider writing a book too, if God lays it on your heart some day. You are a gifted writer and time and time again, God uses your writings to reveal truth to me. Just consider it...

Michael,Amy & Emma said...

I read Big Mama's blog and I can't wait to read her book! My email is amycottrell@charter.net

Jennifer said...

I hope to read this soon! Sounds like a terrific read. Maybe I will win? Thanks for the giveaway

Melene@Sing For Joy said...

I love both of your blogs! I just received her book today but would love to share it with others.

Laura said...

I love reading your blog and Big Mama daily, and it would be wonderful to win a copy of the book. Thanks for doing this fun giveaway!

Susan Mangum said...

I would love a copy! I read her blog every day!

Tracy said...

I would love to read this! Her blog is one of my favorites. :)

Southern jezeBelle said...

My fabulous darling husband has many great qualities being romantic and gift giving are not among them. So I'd looooooove to have the gift of big mamas book!!!

Jessa said...

i'd love to read this book.... a glimpse into the life that i imagine for myself.

Peter and Nancy said...

Thanks for doing the giveaway! I found both of your blogs through Boomama, and I've been a reader for years.
Nancy

Kathleen said...

Thank you for doing this. I would love to read the book and then pass it on to my grown daughter (who is a new mom) to read.

Leslie said...

So excited to read this book!!! Thanks for the opportunity to win one!

slpleslieanne@yahoo.com

Chelsea said...

Yay, yay for Big Mama's book! I would love to read it!
Cac331 at yahoo dot com

Rae said...

Love to win. Thanks for doing this!

SarahJ said...

I would love this! As a SAHM to 2 boys under 3, it would almost be like adult conversation!

Mandy said...

Oh, how I'd love to win!! I'm dying to read it!
mandymonson1@gmail.com

Courtney said...

Would love to read it! Thanks for the giveaway and being so real. :)

Daree said...

You could do this. I know it! Publish the top 10 for 10 years when in a year and a few months your chickens turn 10.

Jenny D said...

I'd love to read it!

Unknown said...

Throw my name in the hat, please. Love Big Mama's writing! I was just wondering what book to take on our trip in a couple weeks. This would be great!
zeelandchick(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
(my email address at my google acct might not be accurate)

Paula said...

Would love to read her book. Follow her on Twitter.

Kate said...

Yay!! I would so love to read this!! I also love that this post brought out the "creepers". Ha ha :)

gramma27 said...

I love following your blog...and I would love to read the book :)

Unknown said...

I your blog and hers every morning on my iPad before I get out of bed!

Unknown said...

I would love to win this! Thank you!
map1102@msn.com

sam said...

I love Melanie's blog and would love the book. Thanks for the giveaway!

Diana said...

Thank you for the opportunity to win Melanie's book. I enjoy her blog, and yours as well, very much!
post.fmlyofsix@verizon.net

MamaBear said...

Would love a copy! Thanks!

Leigh Anne said...

Melanie's book sounds like the perfect read for me!

Leigh Anne
leighannevan@comcast.net

Ivy said...

Fun! I am getting it on Nook but would love a hard copy as well!

Auntie T said...

Thanks for making this available JMom. I've loved your blog for years and I'd love to win!

Love Being A Nonny said...

So excited for Melanie! I have read her blog for a long time and love it! Will purchase this book soon...if I don't win that is! :)

Mary B said...

I've loved BigMama forever! So looking forward to reading her book :)

Erin Osben said...

I'd love to read this book!!

Cheryl said...

I love when I find that two of my bloggers that I check every day....yes, I stalk you all...ha, ha....have a connection.....I'm old enough to be both of your mammas...my children are grown....but I love reading about how it is down in the trenches now.....

psm260 said...

I love BigMama & would love to have this book!

Pam
psm260@gmail.com

Renee said...

Would love a new, good book to read. I'll have to check it out regardless.

Heather said...

Oops, forgot my email. heather.reeve@hotmail.com
Would love it! Thanks!

Sarah said...

I have heard so much about this book. Looking forward to reading it. Love reading your blog too!!