Sunday, December 13, 2009

Catching Up & A Giveaway!

Well, it's already the middle of December - I can't believe I've gone so long without a post! I apologize for that - this month has just been extraordinarily busy! The operating room is running steadily at work - people are trying to get things done before they start a new deductible period. I think some folks are also a little worried about what health care reform might bring, so they're scheduling procedures now (under a system they know) rather than later (under a system they don't). I don't blame them - I'd probably do the same thing if I needed surgery, but it does mean we've been steadily busy, and some days have been crazy!

But exciting things are happening around here! Christmas is always fun, and my boys will all be home for Christmas, and I am so thankful for that. And we've had gatherings and parties and decorating and baking - whew! No wonder I haven't had ten minutes to sit down and write a blog post!

And, my long promised giveaway - I've finally pulled everything together! It's a two-parter (is that even a word? It is now, I guess!) The first part is kind of simple, but appropriate, given the current climate over most of the United States right now. In other words, baby, it's cold outside!

For the first part of my giveaway, I've made rice-filled therapy bags - a large one, a smaller one and two little hand-warmers to help keep you nice and toasty in the cold. One minute (more or less) in the microwave and these little guys will stay warm and toasty for quite a while! They can also be placed in the freezer for cold theapy - icing sore muscles or bruises or what-have-you.

They are made of soft brushed Moda flannel and the larger two are scented with lavendar (some of it grown right here at Clay Hill and Thistledew). I didn't scent the handwarmers because I figured they were more utilitarian than therapeutic. They're good for those cold mornings on your way out the door!

And now, the second part - I saved the best for last! My dear friend, Ellie Troutman of Windy Meadows, wrote a book! And it's been published! How exciting is that? And she has reserved a copy for one of you! She'll autograph your copy and ship it to you directly from Windy Meadows. It's beautifully written and beautifully illustrated, and is a perfect gift for horse lovers of any age.


I've been to Windy Meadows several times, and I can tell you that the book and the illustrations really capture the spirit of the place. There are guest cottages available on the farm, and guests can visit and tour the barns, and meet the characters. You might even be able to schedule a riding lesson, if you work that out in advance.

So, your favorite horse-crazy child or tween or teen (or adult) can read the book and then go visit the characters, either online or in person - or both! The Troutmans also have character cams, where you can log onto the website and see the horses during the working day.

Here's a photo of one of the illustrations in the book. I've walked by that very pasture on a farm visit, and I've petted the soft, velvety nose of a curious horse peeking over the fence - just as you see here. And Windy Meadows is amazing - visiting there was the most invigorating vacation I have ever had. Ellie and Randy are great hosts. Kentucky's Bluegrass Region is truly gorgeous, and Windy Meadows really is worth a visit, if you find yourself in Kentucky for any reason!

To get your autographed copy of this wonderful book AND the therapy bag collection, visit The Tails of Windy Meadows and then come back here and let me know which character you like best (I have a soft spot for Matem, myself, because he really is a sweetie and he LOVES food!). The site is still under construction, so keep that in mind when you visit, but I wanted to make this book available as soon as possible! If you blog about the giveaway I'll give you two extra entries. If you post it on Twitter or Facebook, that'll be two more entries for each post - just let me know you've done so in the comments.

I'll pick a winner Tuesday, December 15 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time, and will ship the items as quickly as the winner gets in touch with me. We'll try to get them to you for Christmas giving! Good luck - enter early and enter often!

22 comments:

Connie said...

Hi Terri! The rice therapy bags sound wonderful. Congratulations to your friend who has published her book. I visited her site and the book looks like it will be a really cute one! I think I would pick Sneaky Pete as my favorite character just because I like his name. ;)

Unknown said...

I know how busy you've been, my friend. Glad you are able to have a few minutes for yourself.

Your giveaways are great! I love the warmers & that book would be marvelous to read ... TY for writing me.

Your boys will be home ... overjoyed I can hear coming from you ... what better gift can a Mother have.

Marry Christmas & Hugs, TTFN ~Marydon

Michelle said...

I have to say Twist is my current favorite, but maybe that will change if I win your give-away and get to read the book! Thanks for the chance, and I have a little give-away going on at my blog, too, if you'd like to enter.

Heidi D said...

Oooooo! I want them! When you mentioned they have lavender in them...{big grin}...must have pillows!!!

Lindsay would love that book too. She really adores horses and I love a well written book, so perfect!

I actually have a blog buddy that lives in Kentucky. I wonder if she's heard of this place. I'll have to ask her.

Great giveaway by the way. :)

Unknown said...

What a great giveaway!
My granddaughter would love the book. She is a horse lover.
But I would love the therapy bags.
I agree that Twist is the most beautiful horse in the world.
I've also posted your giveaway to my sidebar.
Holiday Blessings to all!
Judy

Dana - Old Red Barn Co. said...

GREAT giveaway! Thanks for the chance. :) Merry Christmas.

Elizabeth Cranmer said...

What a fun giveaway! Tanks for letting me know about it! My niece would be in heaven with this book and her Mom too! Hope I win!

merry Christmas

Jennyferban@yahoo.com said...

I would love to win the book for my little girl, Michaela. My favorite just based on name is Twist

Debbie said...

What a wonderful giveaway! I can almost feel the warmth from the rice bags! :) Please enter me! I have blogged about it for you too!

Take care and stay warm,
Debbie

Holly said...

such a great giveaway! That book looks adorable! I think mouse and I have alot in common *giggle*

matthollycart@gmail.com

Deborah said...

The rice bags sound wonderful,I would love them to use when I come home from work,what a great give away.I think my pick is Sneaky Pete,he's beautiful.Sounds like a wonderful book,my grandkids would love it.Merry Christmas

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

I so need a rice therapy bag....and I'm too busy to make some for myself! I'm so happy for you that your boys will be home for Christmas!

Susie said...

I would have to pick Twist as my fav. What beautiful horse!

Those warmer sound like such a great idea. My hands are always cold in the winter.

Thanks for the giveaway Terri!

pb&j in a bowl said...

What a great giveaway!

I showed my little horse lover the horses and her favorite was Princess. Probably because my horse lover is 5 and the only thing she loves more than horses are princesses.

Have a great week!

andrea said...

awwwww Terri - thanks for popping by to tell me to hustle over ;)
the warmers are something I always use and a book about horses is sure to draw my attention too!

I will link my blog(s?) to this - of course! I just twitted about it too - and could facebook too but not sure anybody I have on facebook is a big reader ;)

Lael said...

I think Princess is my favorite - at least so far - would love to win a copy of the book to get to know all of the characters better. And with the aches and pains I have been suffering lately, rice therapy bags would be wonderful! Thanks for participating in a giveaway.

DayPhoto said...

What a delightful happening...your boys home for Christmas. I don't think that happens regular with the military involved! You take time to enjoy every minute!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

~ Doreen said...

Ernie is our favorite!

~ Doreen said...

Tweeted!

@mommyishome

andrea said...

ohhhhhhhh I pick Princess
having lived with dog like horses before
and bays too :)

I think I love her :)

Unknown said...

what a cute website, tails of windy meadows.. never heard of it! very cute. i have to say i like ernie, he's adorable!!

what a great giveaway! how generous you are being!!

em's scrapbag said...

You are so right it is freezing outside. I'm going with Sneaky Pete as my favorite. Thanks for hosting this fun giveaway.