The best blessing and most surprising thing I have encountered while blogging is the friendships I have made through this wacky venue. While most of the people I encounter in my real life have no idea what a blog is or who would write such a thing, I have found this incredible world of honest, refreshing, funny, and warm group of people who, for the most part, have not met me in person. And yet, I call them friend--or "pally" as the term goes here at the Duck and Wheel.One of my favorite bloggers is Sharkey (blogger name: Sharkbytes). She writes the blog "My Quality Day" which is a potpourri of outdoor adventures, hiking, camping, photography, Maggie the dog, or personal stories. Sharkey's aim for the blog is to find a redeeming quality in every single day of her life--something I think she attains more than she knows. Not only are there redeeming qualities--but plain and simple, there is joy in living and nature. I like that concept and try to do the same here.
Sharkey (Joan is her real name) is an incredible woman who challenges herself to walk the entire North Country Trail, which is something like a cabillion miles (I think it was 4000???) or something. She does complete it and becomes the first woman to do the hike, earning her millions and a plethora of media attention and glory.
Well, that part I made up--she really did earn the honor but there really was no millions or interviews with Anderson Cooper--only admiration from the rest of us who fully understood her drive and determination and a wee bit of media coverage. Not as much as she deserves, of course, in my opinion.
Because of this incredible woman and her story, I bought two copies of her book--North Country Cache: Adventures on a National Scenic Trail--one of which was for my mom for Christmas--which I am really, really hoping she reads quickly so I can borrow it. And the second copy (autographed, no less!) is for you....the pallies. I'm going to do the rare giveaway at the Duck and Wheel so that you too, can read all about Sharkey and her adventures.
G'ma Phyl is downright giddy about Joan's book, calling to tell me details and how much she loves her writing. "Oh, that Sharky is INCREDIBLE!" she says. "You've GOT to read this!!!"
Yeah, no kidding, Mom--will you wrap it up soon???! Criminy.
I'm not about linking, posting, and doing handstands in order to qualify to win--just send me a comment that you would love to read this book and I'll toss your name into the ring. I will pick a winner over the weekend and announce it Monday on who the luck winner is.
I'm darn excited to get my hands on that book and I hope you are too.
And in the meantime--go visit Sharkey and read more about her adventures on her blog and her book, North Country Cache: Adventures on a National Scenic Trail.
36 comments:
Phew. No more Dr Drew. Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
I'd love to read it. I'd love to read the Hobbes book that is coming out too.
Me! Pick me! Me,me,me! Just kidding! Well...sort of ,I would like to read it.Great giveaway!
yes, of course I would love to read more from this most amazing woman.
I would love to read this book and, though it was not necessary, I am also doing a handstand at this very moment.
Walk through a field of rainbow-colored wildflowers. See a tiny pool with a pink frog enjoying a morning swim. Walk on crunchy new-fallen snow on a star filled winter night in the woods. I experienced these as Joan took me on hikes with her in this wonderful new book. Yes, I finished this experience, Lin, but savored each chapter and didn't want to finish North Country Cache. Now it's your turn (and some lucky winner) to enjoy. Best Christmas gift you could have given me!! Phyl
I'd love to read Sharky's book! Thanks for the opportunity to win your giveaway!
P.S. I went back and read yesterday's comments and saw that you are going to talk to Dr. Drew! Congrats! Can't wait to hear all about it!
Oh that is hysterical about Dr. Drew. I can't wait to see that post.
Look for the pinky ring, look for the pinky ring.
I would love to read Sharky's book and more importantly so would my hubby being the hiker that he is.
Guess I should've read the rest of the comments at yesterday's post. I just found out what is happening. I can't wait to see the photo-with Sasquatch.
I am always up for an adventure...and Sharkey seems like my kinda gal! Love the outdoors, hiking etc. So would love to read her book. Oh, and on another note...I had a dream about you the other night and that you were cleaning my kitchen. You were washing dishes, sweeping the floor not sure whats up with that...weird huh?
Did she walk that alone? Oh never mind, we'll find out if we win!
I'd like to win! Count me in. :D
A chance to win Sharky's book? Heck yeah, count me in. I love her blog so the book has to be wonderful
That sounds right up my alley! I read like a fish swims and LOVE reading about the outdoors (um- you've read Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods, right? I thought I remembered that you have) Anyway, pick me and I'll even read it as fast as I can and let you borrow it back so that you can finally get a chance;)
Thanks so much for the giveaway;)
I am a huge fan of Shark/Joan's blog(s) and would love to read her book. She is amazing and a true inspiration!
Lin- Holy smokes! I go off for a night, and come back to find my pic on your page, and tons of notes from people who either like me or just want a free book (haha!). And I was thinking I would do a wimpy post tonight, 'cause I'm so tired. Now I don't dare!
Hey, thanks Phyl! That pink frog was one of the most amazing wildlife finds, ever.
So, if y'all want me to finish the sequel, pray that my new job works out and that I'll still have enough energy to write on the side!
Thanks SO much for thinking this up, Lin! P.S. to everyone, Lin BOUGHT this book to give to you!
Uh oh... my verification word is "diess" (Hopin' I doesn't before finishing the sequel!)
OK... officially too long.
Did you say a Giveaway?? :D
I'd love to read Sharky's book... I really would read it although I still do have a few books I bought a loooong time ago that I have yet to read. (shame on me)
I would love to read this book. Why? Because I find it hard to believe that somebody can "find a redeeming quality in every single day of her life." I mean, some days, some weeks, some years, just suck. So I think this might be good for me.
I absolutely would love to have Joan's book and would have purchased it already if it weren't for the fact that I lost my nursing job of 21 years with the city and country of San Francisco nearly two years ago and retired on a half pension. Things have gone from bad to worse, except that I published my first poetry book ( at the ripe old age of 65 ) and have been bloggig for 16 months. Eventually, I'll buy Joan's book if I don't win it...once I move to smaller digs an learn to live more frugally. Some things one cannot do without...like outstanding books written by good frends.
Helene--I'll put your name in as long as you don't trash-talk Dr. Drew anymore.
Melodie--Okay, consider yourself entered!
Chuck--Isn't she??! My mom just keeps bragging all about her, so I can't wait to read it!
Betty--You can do a handstand???! Wow. I may have to give you TWO entries for that!
Phyl--I'm sooo glad you liked it! I can't wait to read it too. :) Nice quotes--thanks.
Beaded Tail--It was hard to top yesterday's post and comments, but I think doing a giveaway with Sharky's book is just perfect. I can't wait to see who wins!
Pricialla--Oh, I hope it happens! I'm waiting to hear. In the meantime, I thought it was a perfect time to tell you all about Sharky's book. Hope you and your husband win!
Helene--You just know Joe is gonna be peeking over my shoulder in the webcam. Ugh. He ruins EVERYTHING. Sigh.
Hot Rocks--Oh, that WAS me cleaning your kitchen last night. Didn't I do a good job??? I was all excited about Dr. Drew and I couldn't sleep.
Violet--Nope, but I'm not telling you anymore. You'll either have to win or buy your own copy!!! Good luck!
Rebecca--Gotcha. Good luck.
Ann--My mom is downright giddy about it, so I know it is good. I can't wait to read it either! I bought two copies--none of which are mine! ;(
Nancy--I LOVED Bill Bryson's book and I hear his others are just as good. You are going to love this one (according to Mom) AND it's autographed!!! WOWIE!! We don't do half-ass giveaways here. ;)
Jean--Okay! I hope you win, pally!
Sharky--With all that Dr. Drew excitement of yesterday, I didn't remember to tell you that I was doing this. Sorry. :( I am very honored to give your book away, Sharky. And I ONLY do giveaways that support my friends. I hope it brings you more sales in the end. Can't wait to get my hands on that bad boy! G'ma Phyl says it's to die for.
Nessa--I'll put you in. You can move this book ahead of the others--it will never tell. ;)
MikeWJ--Sharky actually posted a photo of a brown bad with dead fish in it one day. Okay, so that was her chuckle for the day, lame as it may be. But I have to admit it made me laugh too. I like her thinking.
RNSANE--Welcome, new pally! Well, I sure hope you win considering your situation. If you don't, maybe you can go to the G'ma Phyl Library and take it out. ;)
Go Joe! Go Joe! Go Joe! Ever since that wave behind Colin I've been his biggest fan and cheerleader. Go Joe!
Dear Dr. Drew-I am deeply sorry for trash-talking you, especially when I didn't know who you were (and still basically have no clue). You do look nice with the awesome clothes and gently graying hair and yes, most likely do wear the scents that make Lin and the rest of us swoon. However, I will leave the spooning to you and Lin. Ewwwwww. I am currently waiting for Colin Firth's publicist to contact me because with everything wonderful you are, it's the English accent along with all that, that does it for me.
oh whew, I am not too late. Please throw my hat into the ring. I am not above making people jump through hops for my giveaways but I so enjoy not having to do it myself.
Helene--I agree about the accent. I wonder if I can get Dr. Drew to fake one?
Highway--Not too late. I'm going to keep this open until Sunday. Glad you got in. :)
I want a chance to read the book! So my little camper knows were to drag me to in the woods.
Jodi--Got you in, pally! Good luck!
Not sure how I am supposed to enter this, but I do admire her energy and joie de vivre so much and would love to win and read her book.
LaurieM--Welcome, new pally! You entered with your comment--we like to do things easy around here. :) Watch for the winner on Monday.
We'd love to read it. Can you be bribed? I have a lot of cat books that i've gained from my cat blogging friends. How about a book about 500 cats?
Purrz, have a great weekend.
Please enter me in the giveway. Would love to win Shark's book. Cathy MacKenzie
Please enter me in the giveaway. Would love to win a copy of Shark's book. Thanks.
Cathy MacKenzie
I know Sharkbytes from a writers' forum. I always enjoy her posts and her witty blog. I'd love to read this book! I know my hiker hubby would love it too.
Sharkbytes is an extraordinary and inspiring person. I'd be ecstatic to be blessed with a copy of her book. :)
Okay...you are ALL in!! :)
What a sweet giveaway and yeah - I'd love to read Joan's book!
Of course I would love to read Sharky's book. If it is anywhere near as entertaining as her blogs are, it will be fantastic.
Gotcha ya'll! Posting the winner tomorrow!
Hey Lin- I am linking to this post from my new author blog, I'm just wondering if you could edit to include the book title somewhere in the post so it would be picked up by searches.
And... I hate to bring it up, it's really minor, but I spell it Sharkey.
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