Running With Quills: Holiday Giveaway!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Holiday Giveaway!

Baby, it's cold outside!
How was your Thanksgiving Day? I hope all of you were warm and cozy, gathered with friends and/or family, eating, laughing, and having a good time.

Usually we do Thanksgiving at my Mother in Law's, but this year hubby and I hosted it - with hubby doing the majority of the cooking since I'm on a very tight deadline and I'm hopeful to be done before Christmas. :-) I counted 3 times, but all I know is that we had somewhere over 30 people.

Here's the carving of the turkey...

I'm not a Black Friday shopper, and in fact, I always finish my shopping early so that I won't have to be out and about in the crush. But one niece asked to spend the night during her school break (she's 13) and I'm taking another niece shopping so she can pick her own Christmas gifts (she's 11) and so... the girls stayed over after Thanksgiving for a Black Friday shopping trip.
Egads.

That's Mackenzie, me, and Katie. Fun girls!

I LOVE to go shopping with the girl relatives. I have 3 sons, and a grandson, so I rarely get to buy girlie things. Normally I'm totally in for an all day spree. But with this deadline, and the holiday sales and madness... Oy. Under normally circumstances I'd never deliberately go anywhere near a mall on Black Friday.
But what can I say? I'm an awesome auntie. :-) At least, I hope that's how they see me.

My gifts are all wrapped, but since my tree isn't up yet, they're all stacked in my living room on the couch, the chairs, the floor... I'm betting that by the time I get the tree up (first week of December) the cats will have removed most of the bows and ribbons that I painstakingly attached.

Around finishing this book (please, please) I'm also taking part in a booksigning on Dec. 4th, 1:00 to 3:00 at the West Chester, Ohio B&N on the Streets of West Chester. If you're in the area, join me! I'll be giving away some goodies.

On the 17th, a bunch of us are meeting at Dianne Castell's (aka Duffy Brown) for a holiday gathering where we'll gab, share cookies and ornaments, and just plain have fun! (I'll share photos!)

On the 19th, I'm meeting for brunch with mega talented and super fun radio personalities Chris and Janeen - Married with Microphones. I listen to Chris and Queen Janeen every weekday morning while checking emails and drinking my coffee.

We'll have Christmas Eve at my house again. It's become a tradition and I wouldn't change it for the world. So much family, so much laughter, so much chaotic fun. Way more people than we had for Thanksgiving. I need a new house that includes a banquet hall. LOL

What about you? Any fun stuff planned?
Have you finished shopping? Not even started yet? Somewhere in between?

Do you have a tradition of going out on Black Friday, or like me, do you usually steer clear? What about for Christmas?

I'm going to give away 3 books - readers choice - to a randomly drawn name out of all posters. I'll pick the name on Sunday night, maybe 8:00pm Eastern or somewhere around there. (Give or take an hour or two.) Remember to check back to see if you won! Or feel free to leave your email address with your post and I'll notify you.
(Books of your choice must be books I have available from my own stash.)

Happy Holidays to all!

Lori
aka
L. L. Foster
http://www.lorifoster.com/

49 Comments:

Sarah Wesley said...: i'm going to the book signing! Arranged to be off with both jobs and making it a weekend trip with my mom! Now to decide which book I want signed :) Can't wait for your next books to be released!!! sw48047@aol.com; 3:51 AM
Mary said...: I steer clear of Black Friday shopping because people are a lil' nuts and will trample you if you get in their way.

This year I hosted Thanksgiving at my house and my family came over and I'm sure the same will happen for Christmas. I decorate for Christmas and everybody likes the atmosphere.

miztik_rose@yahoo.com; 4:45 AM
Aurian said...: No such thing as Black Friday here in Holland. The only things I love to buy are books, and I do that online. Totally hate shopping. I only need two more presents to buy, so I am getting there in time (I hope).; 4:52 AM
Mindolla said...: I used to be the one up and out at 5am as I view getting a deal as a competition lol... but now I guess maybe we are blessed enough that there isn't much I am buying worth the savings and online shopping where it comes to my door, it makes me happy!
Today I will be braving the crowd in a bit to go meet close girlfriends for a little escape time and laughter, and THAT I would brave any crowd for!

Mindy
Mindolla@gmail.com; 5:04 AM
luvzenkm2 (Leea) said...: It must be in the air, normally can't
get far enough away from Black Friday ...but online most of the night and I too was doing my shopping for nieces and nephew (some for me too!); 5:06 AM
Anita Holt said...: Goodness, I can't even think about going out and fighting the crowds after the busy day I had on Thanksgiving. Shopping online is the only way for me today....then a nap. LOL Happy Shopping everyone!; 5:09 AM
robint60 said...: Hi Lori. I am still purchasing books that I missed during my reading drought. So I would LOVE to win. For now, enjoy your family, your booksignings and your deadline. Um, can a busy author like yourself actually enjoy a deadline?

Robin Taylor
robint60@gmail.com; 5:31 AM
kate kristan said...: Have a great time shopping. I am stuck at work all day, but my sister is taking my nieces shopping. Actually according to plans they should have been out and about for about 3 and a half hours by now.; 5:38 AM
Tonya said...: The only Black Friday shopping I do is online. I have discovered I can get the same deals & usually free shipping too. I have no patience for the chaos on Black Friday. When I was in high school I worked at a toy store. I think that done me in. There's nothing like grown women fighting over Elmo. LOL I have most of my shopping done & only 2 items were purchased in an actual store. The rest I got online. I hope you & your family have a Merry Christmas.

Tonya Gentry
tgentry90@gmail.com; 5:55 AM
Kirsten said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 5:57 AM
krisgils33 said...: sounds like a great day. ours was pretty low key, but just as enjoyable. Christmas will be the same. I'm at work today, but even if I wasn't, I still wouldn't be shopping today (except on-line!!). I haven't started my shopping yet, but plan to very soon.; 6:06 AM
Judy F said...: Morning Lori.

I had a pretty good thanksgiving at my brothers. Lordy did it rain. But it was nice and a lot of fun.

I am about 1/2 done with my shopping. I have to work tonight at the mall so I am not going there till I have to.

Years ago when my sisters kids were little we did the day after every year. We really had a great system and were back home after eating lunch out. Don't miss the crowds at all.; 6:16 AM
Lori Foster aka L. L. Foster said...: What time are you working, Judy? I might see you there!

Lori; 7:15 AM
alinaduffer said...: Hi Lori! Looks like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family. And you are not only awesome but also brave to take your nieces out for black friday shopping! I have never done it and don't think I ever will. I would prefer to pay a little more and not have to deal with all the crazy stuff. As for my Christmas shopping, I havent even begun. I wish I was one of those people, like you, who has it all done early, but nope, lol! Hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy time with your family!

alinaduffer AT hotmail.com; 7:28 AM
April said...: I think Black Friday Online is the best idea. No crowds, parking, or craziness.; 7:32 AM
Ammy Belle said...: Aw, it looks like there was a lot of fun to be had! MY Thanksgiving was unfortunately spent wedged into a study carrel at the library, studying for exams that start this coming week (Still, it's my last year, I guess I can't complain too much ... and there's always Christmas!)

I would love to win your books! I already have them all (including one you signed!) but my sister recently got into your Fighter Series and she keeps dogearring my pages, so I wouldn't mind getting them for her!

Thanks for the contest and thanks for a Christmas deadline (new Lori Foster book = Awesomeness!)

apereiraorama @ gmail.com; 8:28 AM
Jayne Ann Krentz said...: Lori, you do know how to do holidays! I admire that in a woman. And, yes, I'll be going out later today to participate in the Black Friday shopping madness.

What can I say? For those of us who view shopping as entertainment all year long, this is the Big Day. Plus these days shopping is downright patriotic. I plan to do my part to jump-start the economy.; 8:34 AM
Lorraine said...: Always do Black Friday. Not for ourselves but for children who would not get Christmas without people like us to help.

lhill@cmaaccess.com; 9:48 AM
Rebecca C said...: Hi, Lori. We turn Black Friday into a treasure hunt.Thanksgiving night mini-me and I go through the ads and pick the stuff we're after at the sale prices. Then we hit Wal-Mart on Friday morning, I love the price matching! But, we have the most fun just doing things together..baking cookies, movie marathons, and decorating the house.; 10:21 AM
Alexis Brodie said...: Black Friday scares me.... People go crazy when shopping for stuff...I stay away from all stores. I haven't started my shopping yet but will probably do it next weekend. Christmas for my family is breakfast then gifts (sometimes the other way around) at home... This year it's just me, my 2 brothers and my parents (used to have 1 of my aunts and uncles over but they moved out of state)

Superduck202@hotmail.com; 10:41 AM
susan andersen said...: I am SO with you on the Black Friday shopping. I try to get most of my stuff done before December and the rest is generally things I can get either on the Internet or around the neighborhood.

I loved taking my niece shopping as well (and yours are beautiful--love, love love the pics!) I just had the one on my side of the family--she was surrounded by a sea of testosterone in her boy cousins/brother/uncles/dad.

I'm off for the weekend. Have a great weekend, everyone!; 11:03 AM
Leila_coffeeholic said...: I have Asthma (perfumes are a trigger). BLACK FRIDAY shopping will never be on my list of things to do, ever. I love the prices I saw on the internet...but I delegate! Luckily, for me, my daughter is a Wal-Mart Customer Service Manager! LOLOL; 11:32 AM
Judy F said...: Working 5 till 10 tonight. Guess I need to get ready. sigh; 11:58 AM
Shari said...: I have to agree with you about Black Friday, I tried it for a couple of years. The last time I went it was crazy, people were rude and pushy and some were just mean. So now I don't go, actually I haven't even started my shopping yet. Thanksgiving was great at my house..I had all three of my daughters home and they brought their other halves...lol but we had a very nice day.; 12:08 PM
Jane said...: I'm not brave enough to face the crowds on the Black Friday. I'll just wait for Cyber Monday to do some shopping.

janie1215 AT excite DOT com; 1:49 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm going to stay away from the crowds on Black Friday. I'm in my 8th. month of pregnancy so I will finish my shopping online or during the week when the stores are not so crowded.; 2:08 PM
Nissie said...: Hi,Lori! Looks like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I envy the nieces. I have 2 boys and only nephews. The only girly shopping I get to do is for myself.
No way, no how will I ever go out on Black Friday! I just can't think of anything I want badly enough to brave that.
I'm almost finished shopping and the decorating begins this weekend. Then I'll just sit by the tree and read and take occasional breaks from that to make candy and other goodies.; 2:09 PM
Lori of Canada said...: No black Friday herein Canada.:) After a specialist appt tomorrow (kinda serious), my brother and I are doing some shopping therapy (he is a pretty good brother to have around)

Christmas is very low key at my house. However, most of my gifts are bought (they are things I picked up on my travels in Europe or in San Francisco).

My decorations are ready but my brother is adament that I wait until the 13th of Dec (he firmly believes in the 12 days before...and the 12 days after) so I am waiting until the 12th.

Rather than buy my three nieces gifts,I am taking my nieces to see The Wizard of Oz being performed at the local theatre.My sister-in-law is paying for supper and I have bought the tickets. I'd like to make this a tradition; 3:13 PM
Anonymous said...: We went to my grandmas house which it pretty normal for the holidays. She is 86yo now and that tradition may change soon. :( Well this Thanksgiving I was over ther and we just sat down for diner and I started to have pain while breathing. Well I missed diner and was in the emergency Room. Just got home about 2 hours hours ago. I have an enlarged spleen which is pushing on my lungs and organs so its painful. She sent some diner home, hoping I can eat it later. I will try. So I had a prety evenfull holiday and wouldnt wish this pain on anyone! But I love Lori and ha to stop by and say hi!

Jenna Miller
Jennaluvsnelson@aol.com; 3:46 PM
kris b said...: Lori! I am so excited for next weekend! :-) I am loving our tradition of coming to westchester for the signing! :-) yayyy can't wait!
we all went to my mothers this year for thanksgiving we only went one day as hubby and I had to work but the rest of the family was there about 20 of us or so! it was very good day! :-)
it does change every year tho depending on where everyone is with their lives! we all just roll with the flow!
my mom and sister go black friday shopping every year I have joined them before but not for the last few as I have been working! I dont' go to get the deals I go to people watch sometimes its down right amusing! and if I find a thing or two along the way great! but if not Im good with that too and then theres lunch which is the best part! :) since you get to rehash the best deals! ahhh well I am done shopping this year anyway since my kids wanted big things I just have to finish my dad who is very hard since he likes to buy what he wants before we know he wants it! sigh.. ahh men!

and dont enter me in the contest since I just won! I am just so excited for next week!

Kris b
p.s. note to Jayne! you crack me up! and the economy appreciates you!; 7:53 PM
Susan C said...: Hi Lori,
I shopped all day today but I didn't go out until 10:00 a.m.
There was nothing worth getting up in the middle of the night for!
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.; 8:13 PM
LilMissMolly said...: It is so nice to be off for a few days. The worst way I could spend it would be shopping. I hate shopping! I'm not as planned as you primarily because my relatives are not as long range planners. But, I've got several gifts already purchased, plan on getting gift cards for most others, and only a few presents left to go. Nothing will be bought this week-end unless I do it via the internet. :); 8:15 PM
gamistress66 said...: I stay far from all the insanity of Black Friday. I not real crazy about shopping (unless I'm in a rare "shopping mood"), I prefer to be able to run in, get what I want & leave -- hate the crowds (bumping, long lines to check out, blocked paths making moving around a mystery maze), inability to find parking, and waiting in line to get into the store -- no thank you. That is one way to put me out of the holiday mood rather than get into it.; 10:22 PM
Cary said...: Really try hard to stay away from black Friday craziness, my 11 year old daughter is fascinated about it though! I prefer to wait for cyber Monday! Holidays are small for us this year since family is in Wisconsin n we're in Texas! We love Skype this year :0); 5:05 AM
Lori Foster aka L. L. Foster said...: Lori M.: that sounds like a wonderful new tradition to get started!

Jenna: Oh my! You poor thing. I hope you're feeling much improved by now. Big hugs!

Kris: I'm looking forward to seeing you at the signing, too!

Susan: I shopped a few hours, but it felt like all day! LOL. Luckily the nieces didn't wake up till noon, so there was no early-morning rush for us. ;-)

Cary: We love Skype too! It makes it so easy to stay in touch with my son who's in South Korea, especially right now with North Korea doing all their "saber rattling."

Working my way backward through posts. LOL.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone,

Lori; 6:27 AM
Lori Foster aka L. L. Foster said...: Nissie: Wish I knew how to make candy! I do cookies... but haven't started yet. Oy!

Shari: This year I didn't run into a single mean crowd. Everyone was pleasant, but bustling. I had expected the worse, and was pleasantly surprised. LOL

Leila: Wow, I can imagine how allergies would affect you. The malls were a riot of scents!

Alexis: That sounds like a nice, peaceful day! Enjoy!

Rebecca: Ah, I love it! You and mini-you. :-) A great tradition!

Lorraine: so you do like "Toys for Tots" or one of those? Allen and I saved changed all year and we're using that for the kids. We have friends in radio who are collecting for Toys for Tots, and we'll give the gifts to them. Kudos to you for pitching in too! I'm sure those less fortunate appreciate it.

Alina: I'm with you! Unfortunately, the girls had other ideas. LOL
But we all survived and it was actually pretty fun. ;-)

Happy Holidays everyone!

Lori; 6:34 AM
SamG said...: Our family will be traveling to relatives 1,000 miles away. Yes, I'm done shopping (and pretty much wrapping too) AND my stuff is already 1,000 miles away...so we don't have to pack wrapped gifts etc.

Sam; 8:38 AM
Liz said...: well every year where i go for te first half of teh day changes because every year a diff family member cooks. almost my whole family lives in town so we take turns this year we went to my aunt's house. however the second half of the day never changes 4 the last 8 years i go to my bestfriend missy's house and i have pie and we look @ the adds to see where we go for black friday.

wishbear4eve@gmail.com; 9:11 AM
Catherine said...: Always go to hubby's Aunt's house for Thxg. Stay overnight and he golfs the next day. I shop,
Love Jayne's answer about shopping/entertainment/big day.
I did shop online Thurs morning, got some great deals. Then Friday was out before 5. This year had Sisinlaw and her girls, plus my girls and a nephew join me.
Starbucks, shopping and then lunch.
Perfect!
Kitchen pics are beautiful...; 9:34 AM
cheralyn said...: I don't shop on Black Friday. Too crowded and hectic for me. I do some online research first. Next weekend I'm getting our Christmas tree set up and decorated. Then I will start shopping.; 12:23 PM
Jolene Allcock and Family said...: I got all my kids majority of their stocking stuffers in September and a few things here and there. I wasn't sure about Black Friday. It was always a huge deal in my family. Me, my mom, sis and Grandma would go ever year and do what we did best...Shop :) Now, my grandma is in a home and not in good health and I live two states away from all my family friends and people I care about. For the last three years I've been lonely on Black Friday while my mom and sister carry on our crazy girl day tradition without me. My husband has always had to work on the day after Thanksgiving, so I never mustered up any enthusiam to see if I could find someone to watch my kids (at 4am hahaha, ya right) I was shocked to find out my husband took the day after Thanksgiving off. WoooHooo, I was so excited. Got up early and got ready. Talked to my mom and sis who were already out and about far away from me, jumped in my truck and took off excited to shop. Two blocks down and my warning light comes on, complete with an ear piercing alarm. Obviously it was intended to make you stop and not drive. My ears hurt. I had to turn around and come home where I had to wake up my husband. My truck had to take priority, I have three kids I drive to kingdom come and back everyday. Hopefully, I'll catch a break next year; 9:55 PM
michtuck said...: We ventured out for black friday, although we weren't really shopping for anything specific. It was the first time my special needs foster care daughter (she's 29) was able to go on a black friday buying spree so I thought she'd enjoy it. She really did! Thanks for the giveaway.
michedt (at) gmail (dotcom); 3:12 AM
Lori Foster aka L. L. Foster said...: Michedt - I'm so glad she was able to take a turn. Everyone should know the chaos and fun, whether they choose to continue it or not. LOL Big hugs to you - and her!

Jolene - what a bummer! I hope the truck repairs aren't too costly. No one needs that on top of the expense of holiday shopping!

Catherine - it's so cold here, I can't fathom golfing, so I'm assuming it's warmer where you're at. LOL

Happy Sunday all! Enjoy the day.

Lori; 3:41 AM
Kate Douglas said...: You could not get me NEAR a mall on Black Friday--even the grocery store is off limits. Instead, I spent Black Friday hiking up a mountain with husband, son, daughter-in-law and both grandkids. Had a beautiful view of the Pacific...and did I mention the view was from Oahu?

Really had to hike, after all we ate on Thanksgiving. It's not going to be easy to readjust to snow and cold temps after 80 degree weather, but the best part of the trip is seeing the grandkids.; 9:48 AM
Lori Foster aka L. L. Foster said...: And the randomly drawn name is...

:::I'm not brave enough to face the crowds on the Black Friday. I'll just wait for Cyber Monday to do some shopping.

janie1215 AT excite DOT com:::

Janie, expect an email from me!
Thank you all for posting.
I hope you have a wonderful start to your holiday!

Hugs,

Lori; 6:47 PM
Sunnymay said...: I purposely stay away from the malls on Black Friday. I've had plenty of years of parking at the edge and going through crowds. It gives me peace of mind to pick other days for shopping and to think long about the present for the receiver.; 1:38 PM
Books and Bane said...: I do all my shopping online!

nedsped at verizon dot net; 10:29 PM
Tee said...: I love to only go to Joann's on Black Friday! I need those great buys to make gifts throughout the year.

I thought I was done shopping but how wrong I am. I need one more gift for my daughter and we having a giving tree at work. The list has not yet been posted and I am the one who usually has to go buy, so I still have that. As for any other gifts they will be what people want and need. Example, my cousins are both laid off and they love their morning coffee, so they will get two large containers of coffee, Foldgers!; 5:59 AM
writers for research papers said...: Cool! Author the best! Thank you!; 10:54 AM

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Holiday Giveaway!

49 Comments: