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.


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