A Lesson in Patience and a Giveaway
I’m an avid reader and reading, on average, a few books per week. I have a few favorites that I read over and over again, Living Seasonally: The Kitchen Garden and the Table at North Hill being my most favorite and the one I’ve read most (with East of Eden coming in a close second). I first read this book many years ago and fell in love. Not only do the authors portray a beautifully simple seasonal lifestyle in their kitchen garden, their way with words is perfect, almost better than photos. I keep checking this book out of the library over and over again, and each time I notice there are fewer and fewer copies in my library consortium. This past time there was only one, I decided it was time to buy a copy for my library.
I’ve been eyeing this book for years on Amazon and checking at any used book store I visit, searching to find it at a good price without any luck. I also added it to my wish list on Paperback Swap even though I’ve never seen a copy there either. Usually it’s being listed for $150 or more anywhere they have it, that’s a bit out of my price range for a book, no matter how much I love it.
Being threatened with the risk of not being able to read it again if the local libraries lost or sold their only copy, I decided it was time to finally buy a copy. I found one used for a price I could afford. Even though I paid more than I usually do for a book, with the number of times I’ll read this book, the price actually seemed reasonable for the amount of joy and inspiration I find in it’s pages.
Ironically, while still waiting for the book I purchased to arrive in the mail, I received an e-mail from Paperback Swap that another member sent a copy of this book to me. That means I got a copy of the book for FREE. I was flabbergasted!
Generally, I’m very patient person, waiting for quite a while before purchasing anything. This patience has saved me thousands of dollars in the past, on everything from t-shirts to land. Maybe I was impatient in my purchase of this book, or maybe I valued it enough to finally spend the money on it. Either way, I’m happy that I have two copies because now I can share this book with someone else. It certainly is a good reminder to be patient and to remember that the phrase “Good things come to those who wait” is very, very true. So faithful readers, my impatience will reward one of you.
Comment below for your chance to win my extra copy of Living Seasonally. For extra chances to win: use the icon below to tweet this post with the hashtag #chiotsrun or head on over the my FaceBook and share this post.
We have a winner! KimH a fellow Ohio gardener has won (if you didn’t get my e-mail make sure you contact me through the link in the sidebar).
Are you a patient person? Have you ever had an experience that reminded you of the important of being patient? Do you have a favorite book you’ve been trying to find a copy of for your library?
I remember in high school there was an opportunity to go first or wait and let others go before me. My choice to wait led to me actually getting more than the people who went first. That important lesson in patience has remained with me to this day. In the stressful, busy working/parenting world in which I now live, I do sometimes make rash decisions. But I do find that when I remember to be patient, it pays off well.
to Emily K's comment
Thank you for this opportunity . . . I would love the opportunity to own this book.
to Judy W's comment
My children have taught me the true meaning of patience, therefore I am, by default, a patient person.
to Hailey in MT's comment
I was just reading about patience in a parenting book… maybe I need to learn something :)
to hollie moyer's comment
Would love to receive this beautiful book! It sounds glorious – nothing’s better than living in synch with nature’s seasons.
to Stacy G.'s comment
Wow! Thanks for being so generous with your extra copy! Would love to have this book!
to Jennelle's comment
What a beautiful book! This is the type of book I devour over the winter when my garden is fast asleep. Thank you for sharing it!
to Rachel's comment
Yeap, patience is a virtue. When I need something I try to wait for it to go on sale, but sometimes I get desperate and just buy it. And of course two weeks later it goes on sale and I’m going arrrgh. I need to be more patient.
to Lee's comment
Usually my finances require me to be patient – VERY patient. I, too, have had my eye on this book.
Thank you for sharing with a lucky winner!
to Paul's comment
Susy, this would be a great book to add to my gardening library. The library has been a great source for me as well and slowing but surely I’ve been building up my library over the years. One of your followers will be very fortunate to have this book.
Have a great day and thanks for thinking of passing on your good fortune.
to Nebraska Dave's comment
I say, “Thank you so much for sharing your bounty!”
While I’m thinking, “Please, please, please let it be me!”
to Greg's comment
I’m very patient when it comes to buying things, otherwise not so much. I always wait until the price is right for something I want. But sometimes I say I’ll revisit the idea to purchase something to see if it’s needed in a month or so, and it usually isn’t. :-)
As for a book I’d love, I’ve had this one on my wishlist for over two years. It is mostly pictures so I can’t justify spending $24 but it has slowly come down over the years and I am anxiously awaiting the price to be right.
Fields of Plenty: A Farmer’s Journey in Search of Real Food and the People Who Grow It
to Alyse's comment
P.S. Thank you for all the awesome giveaway’s you host.
to Alyse's comment
I feel the same way about a book I bought when I was in my teens-The
Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery. I wore the original print copy and was so thrilled to know that there was an updated edition in print!!! It’s such a wonderful resource and folksy read.
to cynthia's comment
I am a book worm from the time I could read. Books about gardening and cooking are my favorite. I would love a copy of this book.
to Jodi Tork's comment
Wow! What a treasure! I need some lessons in patience, as that is, perhaps, the most useful character trait one can develop in life and I have precious little of it.
to Grace's comment
Gosh, I am not a very patient person at all… but I try. Visiting your blog, Susy is an inspiration to me, to live slower and more… patiently. Thanks for writing!
to blake's comment
I am not patient. I hate when the computer is too slow. I hate being on hold for minutes on end. I hate waiting for my husband to finish something Ive asked to have done days ago(hes a stay at home dad) But I will wait for good tasting food! I love to cook and and will wait to make sure everything comes out right. I will wait for good food at a restaurant or fast food. I want it hot and as fresh as possible. I guess it just depends on what it is Im waiting for and how patient I can be.
to Amanda's comment
I shared your post on facebook and added the book to my Paperback Book Swap wish list. I’m #6 in line, so with patience, I should be able to read it one day. One of my favorite PBS freebies is a cookbook called Twelve Months of Monastery Soups. I’ve made many of the soups and haven’t had one I didn’t like. These are recipes that come right out of the seasonal garden that are inexpensive to make. I’ve even planted sorrel in order to try a new soup… again, a keeper. Sorrel is a unique lemony green, but good. I love that it’s also an easy care perennial that keeps on giving.
to Lisa's comment
Sounds like a great book. I’d love to read it. Funny how it worked out for you with the timing of finding two books! Is it out of print? I’m just expanding my reading in the Homesteading/gardening areas—having recently read a lot of Salatin, Elgin, Pollan, Kingsolver and others. I’d love to read this one, too. My wife is even getting interested—slowly but surely!
to Tommy's comment
Sounds like a great book! Our little town has a decent library, but it’s fairly limited on gardening resources. I’ve been trying to be patient and not purchase too many gardening books, but sometimes it gets the best of me, especially at thrift stores. :)
to harper's comment
Sounds like a very good book!
I don’t think I am a very patient person…that’s definitely a work in progress :-)
to Kim's comment
I’m not very patient. But I love looking for a bargain so the thrill of the chase sometimes keeps me from just spontaneously spending too much. I am like you in that I read several books a week and my list is longer than my ability!
I would love to win the book!
to Seren Dippity's comment
Patience . . . sometimes . . . . and sometimes not! I love books and would love for this book to have a place on my bookshelf. Hope I win!
to Kathy L.'s comment
I am not a very patient person, but I’ve been working on it for a long time. In my work I am forced to be very patient, (I work with the elderly) unfortunately for my husband when I get home my patients have all been used up. My pinterest board is full of books I’m waiting to read, I check my library database constantly to see if they’ve purchased them yet but they very rarely have. I don’t have a budget at all for buying books so I’m waiting a long slow wait.
to Alyssa's comment
I didn’t learn what patience meant until I spent a year volunteering as a caretaker of adolescents with special needs. Responsible for three teenage girls (when I was 21) and their day to day needs taught me what patience is. That year, was one of the hardest years of my life but I learned that by carrying on calmly, with grace, yielded great rewards (which perhaps to some those rewards seem quite small – but for me, having one of the girls remember what my name was after six months was a milestone!)
to Ryan's comment
I remember looking into that book when you recommended it before, and I remember being disappointed to see that it was SO expensive!
to sarah's comment
I try to be very patient. Especially when seeking the right opportunity.
to Sarah's comment
I’m am striving to live seasonally. In California we are fortunate enough to have a four season harvest.
to Lynn Mc.'s comment
Being patient is HARD. But raising kids and certain life experiences are trying very hard to teach me. ;)
to KimP's comment
This would be a great addition to my farming/sustainable living shelf!
to Trish's comment
In my younger years, I was very patient.. In mid-life, Im patient sometimes. :) It depends on the situation. I waited forever to buy an exhaustable bible concordance in my 20s.. and I waited to buy a pair of tennis shoes that were a bit pricey this past year.. My desires can change like the wind, and you know how the Ohio wind changes around here, so I figured it might be a wise thing to wait. ;)
I think I put a hold on this book too when you mentioned in another post.. It sounds just like something I’d love!
to KimH's comment
A book in the hand is worth two in the mail? Sometimes impatience can be a good motivator for me. I’m already impatient to change everything in my garden for next spring, so I’m spending the day drawing up plans and researching plants.
to Shaun's comment
Patience: sometimes yes, sometimes no.I am thrilled when patience pays off. Usually it does. Isn’t that what usually happens when you have been waiting and looking for something (patiently)… it presents itself AFTER you bought it? I was patiently looking for a garden sink. Found one, bought it and a few weeks later found another one (just had to buy that one too!)
to Sincerely, Emily's comment
Unfortunately, I am not a patient person. It is something I try to work on. I’d love an opportunity to win this book. Thank you for offering the chance to your faithful readers.
to Donna B's comment
I have not historically been a patient person. However, with some of the struggles I’ve had this summer, I’ve learned to be patient and happy. Thanks for the giveaway. :)
to songbirdtiff's comment
I’ve been looking for a used copy of the Girl Who Owned a City for a while, I should just get a copy off amazon, but I just want this book for when I have kids so I can be patient.
to Sarah Jane's comment
I am usually patient…or maybe I’m just willing life to go at the pace it takes me…
to Erin's comment
Wow, I can’t believe how much you love this book! I am dying of curiosity now. I am not an overly pattern person, but i hate not knowing what to do with books when I’m done with them and don’t want to keep them so am really careful about which one I let cine home with me.
to Gisele's comment
I don’t have a Big Patience story, but I do have thousands of tiny ones. I’ve learned (as we all must) that the world and its beings operates at their own tempos, and that often the beginnings and endings of things don’t coincide with my own. Consequently, I’ve learned to be *still* for long and short intervals. Now these quiet times are small, soothing punctuations occurring at unexpected points throughout my days and years. Serendipitous calm.
to Marvel's comment
THankyou for your generosity, I don’t know if the book is relevant for an Australian reader, or if you would even consider posting here, but if so, then I would be honoured to own something so useful and so valued.
to Brenda's comment
I am a horribly impatient person. I always have been. I am one of those instant gratification types and it is something I have been working on most of my adult life – slow down and WAIT!
That is why I started Vegetable gardening. I needed something that I could see the fruits of my labors (no pun intended) but also something that would teach me how to stop, wait, be patient, and work on a task for a long period of time without getting totally frustrated!
I also started worm composting for the same reason.
I would love to own this book! thanks for the chance to enter!
to Lindsey W NIckell's comment
Learning to Garden and experimenting in the kitchen has taught me countless lessons in patience and resilience. Not everything works out the first time but if you can wait there can be delightful results!
As for a book, I would love to add to my collection:
A first edition of hunter s. thompson’s fear and loathing in las vegas.
Thanks for the opportunity to win this great book!
to Fred's comment
This sounds like a great book. I’d love an opportunity to win!
to brittney's comment
thanks for sharing!
to alicia's comment
I grew up living seasonally. I miss that simplicity, good food fresh, time to sit down to read or just observe nature. I somehow got too busy as an adult and drifted away but now I am trying to go back but it is harder to find inspiration. My garden and your blog inspires me to simplify and slow down to appreciate the little big things. I will love to read that book to remember another good reason to go back to my roots.
to WendyM's comment
I would love to get this book. I didn’t grow up eating seasonally and have been trying to do so over the past few years. Thanks for giving away your spare copy.
to Bethany's comment
Hi Susy – I emailed you awhile back about your diet for Lucy and since have continued my research and begun switching my own pup over to a raw diet. I mention this because in my email to you I mentioned being a young and very novice gardener, learning slowly and on my own how to live sustainably. I had never heard of eating seasonally until I found your blog a year ago. Since then I’ve progressively moved in that direction though still have a ways to go. I would love the opportunity to add this book to my collection. If its half as good as you say it is, I know I’ll treasure it.
to Jessie Davis's comment
I think I am a very patient person – plus, my 3 year old gives me lots of practice these days! Planting and gardening with him takes at least twice as long, but of course that’s ok with me!
to Djuna's comment
I’m not a very patient person, but we have taken a real effort to finally eat seasonally this year. It would be nice to have a book to guide us along in the process!
to Alley's comment
I’ve learned to be patient over the years. It’s better to hang back and observe and wait than to push at the front and miss something. :)
to Michelle's comment