One of the things I like most about myself is how genuinely excited I get when a friend earns success by pursuing her passion. Rather than fall culprit to jealousy or defeat, my heart does herkies (to which my friends Kristen and Dawn can attest…though they do real ones better).
Don't get me wrong – there are plenty of other demons I battle – but witnessing Dreams Coming True is reason to celebrate. Stories of people pressing past their fears, overcoming obstacle and chasing rainbows and finishing what they started inspire me.
But this post isn't about me, it's about Melanie. And she is six shades of fabulous.
Melanie is one of my oldest blogging friends, one of the first I met in real life, back in the days where we hid our identities (ish) and were concerned every blogger might just be a creepy man sitting in his basement eerily luminated by the glow of his computer, not bathing for weeks and living on beef jerky and pork rinds.
Melanie was nothing but light and life, consistent with who I knew her to be from reading her blog.
Her first book, Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn
Sparkly Green Earrings is a book you could read in a single sitting or two, but I didn't. I found myself making myself take as long as possible to read it. I don't recall doing that before–I'm usually rushing to turn the final page–but this was like a visit with a good friend, sweet conversation, relatable stories on motherhood. Whether you know her or have read her blog, Melanie writes like you're long-time friends.
And sometimes that's the cup of cheer you desperately need.
Oh, and since Melanie (aka Big Mama) has written about fashion a time or 12, I thought the book title meant we'd be hearing about that. How much did I LOVE learning the why behind the title…a little, lovely surprise, and you'll just have to read to find out yourself.
Melanie is offering one of my readers a signed copy of Sparkly Green Earrings!!
For your initial entry, leave a comment on this post telling me why YOU'D like to win this giveaway; once you do that, feel free to Tweet, Pin, Facebook Like and/or Share this post for additional entries and leave a separate comment with the URL to enter. Entries will close on Sunday, March 3rd at 11:59 EST. Giveaway is for book only :).
If you can't wait, DO buy the book NOW!!
Melanie explains more about the book below…mostly it's a love letter I suppose :).
Amazon affiliate link used.
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CONGRATS to commentor #32, Stephanie Auton, Random.org's rabbit out of the hat for Melanie's book.
thanks for the chance! I would want to win because they are so cute!
“Melanie was nothing but light and life, consistent with who I knew her to be from reading her blog.”
I think this sentence here is why I would love to read this book. I could use a little light and life and I know her words give that.
Looks and sounds intriguing! My favorite color is green this year, and I love reading new books of inspiration!
I love to read Melanie’s blog and I can’t wait to read her book as well!
I already have a copy but I would love to win a signed copy to give my sister!
I’ve been hearing you talk about it long enough, I’d like my OWN copy ;). Do you have a rule about nepotism on your blog???
I have been following Melanie’s blog almost since she started it and it feels as if we are all friends – and I am SO proud of her! I would love to win a book because I have to wait weeks here to get it, it seems!And I can’t wait to read it.Or Sophie’s when it is published. What joy!
Her book is on my wish list, and I will be buying it if I don’t win. 🙂
Can NOT wait to read this! 🙂
If I win then (as soon as I read it), I’ll be donating my copy to the local library so even more can enjoy it. 🙂
I have heard SUCH wonderful things about this book that I’d love to read it! 🙂
Facebook like! 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/jessieleigh.smith.9/activity/554010524632319?og_perm_src=RECENT_ACTIVITY
I’m always up for a good book recommendation. 🙂
I would LOVE to have this book and will be travelling in a few weeks. It would be perfect reading for the airplane!
Why would I like to win? Well, because I’m a sucker for a good memoir. And because I’ve met Melanie a couple of times. And because she’s one blogger who can make me spit coffee all over my computer screen. And because the book sounds really, really good. And because . . . (is that enough?)
I would love a signed copy of Melanie’s book because I live in Georgia, and sadly, she is not travelling out of Texas on a book tour. I just love her to pieces (I mean, by reading her blog – never had the blessing of meeting her in real life).
Thank you for the chance to win.
Cuz Melanie’s awesome!!!
Great give-away! I love Big Mama and would love to read her book. 🙂
It sounds like such a great book!! I’ve read about it on a couple blogs. Can’t wait to read it.
I’ve seen so much about this book in blogland, I am intrigued! I’ve never read Melanie’s blog….but with all the good press, I need to stop over there!
I would love to win! Big Mama and Boo Mama were my first intro into the world of blogs years ago, and I still go to them for laughs. As a homeschooling mama of 3 (soon to be 4!) with a hubby that leaves at 6 each evening for work, I like to have an ‘escape’ to look forward to during the lonely evenings.
I could really use a good book to read. I have six library books on my side table and none of them are calling my name.
I love inspirational books that tie us together – such a sisterhood of motherhood!! Feeling the winter blues and could use some springtime green to cheer me up!!
Who could not use the encouragement?! Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to read this.
Big Mama was one of the first blogs I found.
I have read Melanie’s blog….and love that I can always find appropriate humor there. She helps me become less condemning of myself. Would love to win and read!
I am crying, having just watched the video of Melanie’s photos and hearing her sweet, loving words directed to her daughter. I’m crying because that’s me. I work so hard to not miss a moment of this journey called motherhood. And I just have so much fear I will miss moments, and I know I will, and quite frankly — this is exactly what God is showing me as I lay down my perfection-seeking life and choose to just Be in each moment, giving myself permission to miss some of them and mess some of them up. I’m excited to read Melanie’s memoir, especially since her motherhood isn’t over yet (and really has just begun), yet she was courageous enough to put a bookmark somewhere and write about it. Such worship.
My mother’s favorite color is green, and I gave her my last pair of sparkly green earrings…I read reviews about the book and cannot wait to read it.
Peace and good.
I have heard so many great reviews of this book – I’d love to get my hands on a copy! 🙂
I am an avid reader and would love to read this book. Thank you.
I have two blogs in my feed reader under the category “Makes Me Laugh”. It is the smallest category of all, because few people really write in a refreshing and funny way that makes me actually laugh out loud. Big Mama is one of them, and I would love to have a copy of her book because I am sure it would be funny and insightful and real.
Melanie’s blog was one of the first I fell in love with and one of the first to break my heart with posts about Compassion, so she holds a special place in my heart. I actually already ordered my copy of her book, but I’d love to win one to give to a friend!
I don’t know if I can give a better response than Amy Hunt, but I’ll share the tears in my eyes, my current obsession with Beth Moore and Ann Voskamp, and my overwhelming feelings at being in one of those periods of “parentheses” in my life — the frustration superimposed on the hope of possibilities accompanied by that ever present fear that, yeah, I know, is NOT from God… And my favorite color is green. And I’m an old blogger and frustrated, oppressed writer, myself … ;-). Lovely, lovely work, Melanie!!
Melanie’s blog was one of the first I ever read. I bought the book on my Kindle the day it came out, but would love to win it for a friend 😉
I would love this book because that is how I felt about motherhood… like I wanted to capture it in a bottle. It does go way too fast… I wish I could go back and get a “do over” on so many things and I pray that God will fill in the gaps as I was a single parent for half of my sons’ lives… but I love them more than life itself and feel so privileged to be a mom… their mom. They can hurt you more than anyone and light up your life faster than anyone with a word or a smile or a hug (which is a rarity once boys are 16 for their mom). And I also love sparkly things so I like the title. I need some “hope” to float up and this might be it.
I’d love to win…A)Because I want to read the book B)The earrings are so pretty. Thanks.
I also tweeted. laking6786
I’m always up for some laughter!!!
I look for inspiration ALL THE TIME…I love to read so i would LOVE to win this book..I also LOVE your blog, it makes me smile
If I win the book – first, I’d read it ;), then share it. If the sparkly green earrings come with it – I would give them as a gift – yes, I do have someone in mind. 😉
Thanks!
I just found her blog after her book was released and I can’t believe I haven’t read her stuff before now! I would LOVE a copy of her book!
I would selfishly read it for my own enjoyment first, since I usually read so many self-help books. I need a good relaxing and enjoyable read! Then, as always, I would share it with others.
I can’t wait to read this!
I love reading Melanie’s blog, and I’d love a chance to win this signed copy! Thanks for your giveaway!
I love her blog (and BooMama – I started reading them at the same time) and am looking forward to reading this book
I hadn’t heard of this book before today, but I just watched the video and am in love with the idea. I’d love to have a copy of this book to remind me to find the special moments with each of my kids (who are growing up way too fast). I don’t want to lose them before I’ve completely found them.
I love her blog! and your herkiues for her!
Blessings!
I have never heard of this blog or book, but I am excited to follow!!
I WANT TO FIND OUT THE SECRET OF THE TITLE!!!!!
Wow! Have been looking at reading this book since I first heard of it! Thank you thank you for a chance to win a copy!
I’d like to win so I can share this book with friends!
Posted on twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/Mom2CAK/status/308413682654797824
Loved to have the book and earrings. Thanks.