It’s the sixth night of Hanukkah, and Smart Bitches gave to me… the Extrava-Hanukkah Giveaway of great simplicity!
Sometimes you just need books, and maybe some things to read with.
Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered: today’s giveaway is….
A $100 Amazon gift certificate!
That’s easy enough, right?
Here’s how to enter: leave a comment below and tell us something good you learned this past year. Maybe it’s a new author, or a new skill, or a Very Important Lesson suitable for a Very Special Episode of Blossom? Whatever it is, tell us about a good thing you learned, and you’re entered to win!
Standard disclaimers apply: I’m not being compensated for this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Must be 18 years of age and ready to shop though there’s no need to stop, drop or roll. We’re all safe here. Open to international residents where permitted by applicable law. Comments will close at or near 12pm ET on Friday 30 December 2016 and winners will be announced shortly afterward.
Good luck and thank you for being here!
Update: The winner is Sue Rice, who learned some pretty powerful things this year.
Here’s to more learning and growing in 2017!
This year I learned how to suspend reality and be in my dad’s world, who is suffering from dementia. I learned that it’s okay to just be with him, wherever and whenever that may be. Maybe reading time travel romances has helped me with this too.
I went to WorldCon and learned:
1) that a lot of the authors I like and enjoyed following via blog or podcast were just as great in person
2) the authors I love love learning from each other (watching them take notes on panels as other authors spoke about craft)
3) Tamora Pierce will attempt to derail any panel she’s on, and has tattoos
4) I really like panel-based conventions, and hope to attend more.
This year, I learned that I need to read more Wen Spencer, because A Brother’s Price blew my mind.
(And that’s just about the only positive thing I can say about 2016. *makes sign warding away evil*)
It was pretty wild for me, since I’ve never been a sports person – I’m usually more of a ‘bring a book to a sports game’ person, really – but I found a sport I like this year! And I found a great community of people and made friends through it.
I learned how to drive. I’ve had my license for years, but I had been living in Boston, where I took public transportation everywhere. This year I started a job in California and had to finally put my license to use. It was terrifying at first, but now I am way more confident about being on the road. Before this year, I never thought I would be comfortable driving, so I’m really proud of myself.
I learned that things can always, and often do, get worse.
(sorry for the negativity, and feel free to remove this comment, but it has been that kind of year for me personally.)
I’ve learned that when you love someone, family, spouse, etc. there’s no limits to what you will do. especially if they are sick and in need of care they can’t provide themselves.
I learned that historical romances are still a favorite of mine.
I can now follow a crochet pattern!
I think that it is important to actually make concrete plans and not just vague ideas about the future.
I learned how to write short stories! This is super exciting to me. And I learned how to conduct a choir that wasn’t full of people I’ve been singing with for years. So that’s two lovely happy things, despite the general ghastliness of 2016z
this year i learned that whike my poetry will not support me it does give me some mad money. i also learned the value of a reading group that chooses books unlike what i would choose for myself.
I learned how to weave. Now I just need to get a loom.
I learned that sometimes blocking a number on your phone is the right move to make.
This year I learned how to make 18th century stays/corsets and a 1790s Chemise a la reine … I am not particularly talented when it comes to needlework, just stubborn, so for me that was quite an accomplishment 😀
I learned how to knit on double pointed needles. And that I can handle a lot more than I ever thought I could without breaking down.
I learned how to let go of a lot of stuff and how to ask for help.
I do not think I learned anything! *sobs*
I learned about the existence of this website and I learned that Sarah writes back when you email her! 🙂
This year I learned multiple new knitting techniques and I learned how to make images using Canva! Both new skill-sets = small but fun. 🙂
This year I learned that I really _am_ an Aspie! (I had thought for years that I sort of leaned in that direction, but getting it confirmed was enlightening.)
A game app will get kids to walk around outside as long as Pikachu is involved.
I learned how to knit and that I’m not cut out for following a pattern. I would much rather come up with my own design for simple thinks like scarves. I also learned that a I knit like I write: vague idea of where I want to go and making it up along the way.
I finally learned to say No to a job that was wrecking my physical health and mental well-being.
I learned that I really enjoy online shopping! LOL
I learned that sometimes it is super freeing to decide to just not interact with toxic people, even if they’re family.
Also, that my nephew was naturally born and healthy, and my niece adores him. 🙂
I learned that unexpected events can lead to new opportunities
I learned to crochet. Not perfectly yet, but I did successfully make a mermaid tale blanket for my bestie for Christmas!
I learned I don’t have to finish every book I start
That my newly deaf and now somewhat elderly dog can still respond to commands because all these years I’ve apparently been giving him physical cues along with the verbal ones.
It helps that he is a farm collie who is entirely capable of thinking more quickly than I do but also an absolute sweetie.
I learned to not give up.
I’ve been playing with brush lettering and calligraphy–I learned traditional calligraphy decades ago, thanks to my best friend in middle school, but the whole brush pen thing is new, and it’s been fun!
I learned what you are supposed to do to help people around you when they have an illness or cancer. I had an unexpected medical issue and suddenly all the people in my life rallied like mad. Friends took me to medical appointments, visited me in the hospital, meals and entertainment started arriving at my home as I was recovering. Some people offered funds and fundraising (I was fortunate to be able to decline) and all manner of kind offers and gestures. While it was amazing to feel so loved and cared for, it also made me feel embarrassed. Was this the stuff I was supposed to be doing for others this whole time when they had something going on and didn’t realize it? Damn.
So as a result I have been really good about doing all the things for others now that they did for me when I was on my little medical odyssey. Two of the friends who were quite supportive have themselves come down with cancer (bleah) and I am doing what I can to help. Weekly Costco trips for one family, medical rides, preparing minor food dishes, delivering lattes or drinks, whatever….
I am stronger than I think I am.
This year I learned that I can do anything if I put my mind to it!
I had to give a presentation and when nervous, I tend to speak too fast. I learned to slow down, speak clearly, and understand that people had come to hear me, that I had them for the duration, so I could take my time. It worked – I was calm, clear, and had them in the palm of my hand!
I learned to say no. Not always easy because I’m a people pleaser but I just have to simplify my life and saying no helps.
I learned that doing the complaint challenge – giving up complaining for 3 weeks resulted in being happier and more positive and not in a fake or false way. As a society, sometimes the culture of complaining can be more damaging than I thought.
This year I was happy to find a romance book where the couple actually isn’t attracted to each other but still respects, communicates and gradually builds a strong bond. It’s “Radiance” by Grace Draven.
It was a very nice surprise and it soothed by feminist heart.
This year I learned to be brave while still having compassion for myself.