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Empty Promises

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

He leads a church attended by thousands. He has an online following of tens of thousands. And for some reason, I am important to Pete Wilson.

He laughs at my jokes. He looks at me compassionately when I’m whining about being an author or being single or being me. He thinks I’m a better writer than I actually am and says so. His wife and I have a sweet friendship and his nine year old son offered to take me to see the Hunger Games. [He's already seen it once- what a giver to offer to go again.]

The Wilsons are important to me too.

I’m getting all teary up in here just writing about them. But you know what is true? Most people who speak to Pete after a Cross Point service on any given Sunday would say the same thing. It’s kinda what he does- makes other people feel important and loved.

[Good skill for a pastor to have. And Pete's got it in spades.]

Days like today are a favorite of mine. One of the JOYS of having a blog and being a writer is getting to use words to tell you about my people, how great they are, and the great things they are doing.

[So let me say here- I'm writing this blog post because I want to - not because my pastor is threatening to make my sins public or tweet the names of everyone I've ever crushed on or kick me out of his church and he is not paying me to talk about his book. I just believe in who Pete is and what he is doing and I'm proud to tell you about him and his work.]

Pete has a new book coming out today – Empty Promises. And y’all. I mean. Seriously. It’s so good it will make you want to puke. [That's a compliment in Nashville, by the way. Well, in my Nashville at least. So go with it.]

Here’s the trailer for Empty Promises. It gives me goosebumps and teary eyes.

Right? RIGHT?!?

Here’s the description of Empty Promises:

We all long for more of something in our lives. In our endless pursuit to feel worth and acceptance we find ourselves sacrificing everything for the promise to be a little more beautiful, a little richer, a little more powerful and successful, a little more loved.

How do we break free from these empty pursuits and start chasing the only Promise that will ever satisfy? How do we uncover the hidden idols that are driving us and turn our devotion toward the one true God?

Join Pastor and best-selling author Pete Wilson in discovering the joy and freedom that comes with seeking after God with your whole life. Learn how to replace, and not just relinquish, life’s empty promises by turning your focus and worship toward Him. It is the only thing that will set you absolutely free from the endless pursuit of everything else.

I know. I. KNOW. This is an amazing book that will, I un-empty promise you, make a mark on your life and probably on the world.

You can get Empty Promises TODAY on Amazon. Woot.

Or.

OR.

Because Pete is a baller and I asked real nice on your behalf, I have a free copy of Empty Promises to give away today. And because I so believe that this book has the power to change the way you live your life, all you have to do to be entered to win is leave a comment saying, “Annie, if I win this book, I promise I’ll read it. And then I’ll tell someone else to read it too.” [You can use your own words- you don't have to quote me quoting you.] No tricky gimmicks or extra sign ups or anything.

Just leave a comment before 6am CST on Wednesday, April 11. Make sure you put a working email address in the “email address” box. I will then use a random tool to randomly pick a random winner from amongst the random list of comments.

Whether you win or almost-win [see what I did there?], you should buy a copy of Empty Promises today.

Happy Tuesday, y’all. [And I know what you are wondering, and yes- I'm totally going to take Pete's son up on his offer to go see Hunger Games.]

Posted in Giveaways, I heart books. | 78 Responses »

Here’s the haircut. And some other things.

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

So there you go. Before and after. I feel absolutely 100% ridiculous showing this photo, but I figure if I ask your opinion, you deserve to see the final product from yesterday.

I am going to be so surprised if my hair ever looks that totally awesome again because Annie Downs is not overly skilled in the area of using a curling iron. But I’m gonna practice. I really am.

Volume. My hairstylist says I need volume. So there’s that.

I’m also wearing my favorite shirt ever- my Jake Ousley Plays Music shirt. Because it is true- Jake Ousley does play music. And he does it well.

On to other things….

I hope you saw Emily Freeman’s blog post yesterday. Get comfy somewhere before you start it. It won’t take you long, but it is so beautifully written that you need to be calm and have some minutes to marinate in it. Sheesh. Also, her book for teen girls, Graceful, can be pre-ordered now. You should do that. For realz.

My good pal Jules is trying to win his dream job as a baseball reporter. ["I'll take jobs that I never want for $200, Alex."] If you’ve got about 90 seconds, could you go vote for him? You can vote 50 times… just click the button over and over until it makes you quit. Watch his video- it is truly excellent. He’s a great writer and is totally the man for this job.

I am having an ABSOLUTELY BLAST scheduling nights in the blue circle. If you are in the blue circle [or are in Atlanta] and you haven’t spoken up yet, email me, yo! All the details are in this post.

Here’s what’s true: I’m hearing lots of outcry from Texans about the lack of blue circling in that state …. so I’m thinking about doing a little Texas Tour in June. Will you Texans speak up if that would be something you’d be interested in? It would be the same deal – one meal with you, me talking a little bit, just pay my travel from one city to the next [I would drive], and I’ll come meet your friends and your youth group girls and whatever.

Texas- you interested? Comment or email me (annieblogs [at] gmail [dot] com) or send a carrier pigeon or something.

And finally, the best 8 minutes of your day. Seriously. Watch it. It tears me up every time.

Posted in AnnieSpeaks, I heart books. | 16 Responses »

Ask AnnieBlogs: Book club scoop!

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

We’re gonna start something a little new today. Every now and again [read: whenever you email me], I’m going to answer questions you guys may have… I have no idea what kind of lunacy I’m opening myself up to, but I’m kinda pumped about it.

. . . . .

So on Monday, as I was hustlin’ through my inbox, an email came through from Caroline asking all manner of questions about the book club I attend. And because our first book club of 2012 was on Saturday morning and because it is one of my very favorite activities, I will answer Caroline’s questions.

[And because I like Caroline. Obvi.]

. . . . .

First of all, here are a few posts I’ve written in the past about book club(s):

. . . . .

Caroline sent me a collection of questions about book club. Let the interview begin!

How do you start a book club?

Well, Caroline, you just find some friends who like to read. You pick a book. Then you say, “one month from today, let’s talk about this book.” Then you put it on your calendar and then you meet and talk about the book. You can find discussion questions online or just make them up yourself.

Another option – ask around! Maybe your friends are already book clubbing and you just don’t know! That’s how I got in this one in Nashville. A friend said, “I go to book club” and before the whole sentence was out of her mouth, I said, “CAN I PLEASE COME?!?” And thirty books later, I’m still there.

How many people should I invite?

If you get above fifteen, it is hard to have a discussion. But not everyone will read every book. Our list has about twenty girls on it, but we usually average between five and twelve girls at each gathering.

But listen. If there is only two of you, go for it! It’ll grow in time. No pressure.

How often do you meet?

We shoot for one book per month and one meeting per month. But it can be loosey goosey, especially in the summer when folks aren’t always in town.

What have you read?

Well, this isn’t an exhaustive list, because I’ve been in book clubs pretty consistently since 2005. But here are a few of my favorites over the years.

Phew. And we just simply pick books by telling each other what we like, hence the huge variety. You can either pick the book for the next month at the current month’s meeting or you can schedule out a few months in advance.

We have found that scheduling a few months at a time is good- then people can reserve at the library, decide which ones they want to read, that kind of thing.

So that’s how you do book club. It’s no biggie, it’s low stress, and you get to read amazing books that you would have never picked on your own!! Hope that answers all your questions, Caroline.

. . . . .

Are any of you in a book club? Got more advice for Caroline? What’s the best book your book club has read lately?

If anyone else has questions for a future “Ask AnnieBlogs” post, bring it! Leave a comment here or email me at annieblogs [at] gmail [dot] com.

Posted in Ask AnnieBlogs, I heart books. | 6 Responses »

If you are single, buy this book.

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

It’s been a central conversation piece in about a zillion conversations in the last three weeks or so. It seems that every time a girl and I start to chat, the topic of dating arises and this book makes us gab for twenty extra minutes.

Because every has read it / is reading it / needs to read it.

It is so good, y’all. So so good.

How to Get a Date Worth Keeping

If you are single, you need to buy this book. Buy 2 copies and lovingly give one to another single friend. Y’all read it together and talk about it. Unless you are a girl and you give it to a dude. Just leave him be. Don’t make him discuss it. But this book is for guys and girls, so you can give it away to any singlet you know.

I could go on for 25 paragraphs about how this book is affecting how I think and act and look at dating. And so many of my friends would tell you the same. Even last night at dinner, I went on and on, saying, “you guys! He is right and we’ve been wrong! I’VE been wrong!” and then we all sit in wonder over some of his ideas and thoughts.

That’s all I’m gonna say about it. Go buy it. Read it. Do what he says. And then tell me what you think.

[Caveats galore: I do not know Henry Cloud, the author.... yet, at least. :) He has not asked me to blog about this or read this book. He is not paying me in any way to promote this book. I am just 100% convinced that HE IS RIGHT and that Christian singles need to read this book. Also, I'm not in 100% agreement with everything he says, so don't get all "I can't believe Annie agrees with that" on me. Okay? Okay.]

. . . . .

Has anyone already read How to Get a Date Worth Keeping? Did you like it? Why or why not?

Posted in I heart books. | 12 Responses »

Books for teens.

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

People ask me often about what books teenagers should/could/would maybe like to read. And while you may be SUPER close to running out of time to shop for a Christmas gift, I thought I’d offer this list anyways. :)

Thanks to my friends on facebook and my read-a-holic sister and my book nerd self, we’ve come up with a pretty stout list of books that you can find on Amazon. So check it out!

Non-fiction

The Divine Dance by Shannon Primicerio

The Truth About Dating, Love, and Just Being Friends by Chad Eastham

Let Me Be a Woman by Elizabeth Elliot

Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis

SHE Teen by Rebecca St. James

Life.Now. by Michael & Shannon Primicerio

A Cord of Three Strands by Sara Berry and Tricia Robbins

Susie Magazine subscription

. . . . .

Fiction

Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn [there are LOTS of these... get your gal hooked and you're set for gifts for a while!]

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

In Front of God and Everybody (The Confessions of April Grace) by KD McCrite

Asking for Trouble by Sandra Byrd

. . . . .

Have any suggestions you’d like to add to the list?

Posted in I heart books. | 9 Responses »

Christmas gift pack 2011!

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

Well, people. It is finally here.

I am so excited show you the AWESOME From Head to Foot Christmas Gift Pack for 2011! I called up a bunch of my buddies and got everybody together in Annie’s Christmas workshop and said, “let’s make the coolest Christmas gift pack ever.”

So we did.

If you have a girl in your life that is, ya know, 13-25 years old, and you like to buy her a Christmas present, you should get her this. She’ll be happy and clap and hug you and stuff. [That's not a guarantee... my lawyer/mother says I shouldn't make those.]

Here are the details:

The 2011 Christmas Gift Pack costs only $30 (that includes shipping for USA residents!).

The package includes :

An autographed copy of From Head to Foot… my book… you know… I wrote it.

An autographed copy of Matt Wertz’s new Christmas album Snow Globe

[You know I love Wertz. He's such a good dude. But even if I didn't, I would tell you- this album is GUH-REAT.]

One of a kind poppy pin … looks so cute on a backpack, headband, as a brooch or as a pin. With about 30 different fabrics and a few different designs, you can be assured that your poppy pin is totally unique! There are two clasps on the back… so you can either pin it or clip it!

[You know why? Because my friend Katie B, who made these AND is seen here wearing one of the poppys, thinks of everything. So clip and pin? Check and check.]

Cool *brand new* 11×17 poster!

This beautifully designed poster is bright and fun and has a memory verse for each chapter.

Such a great encouragement for girls to see on a daily basis!

[I am BEYOND excited about this poster... I mean, SUCH a cute addition to the AnnieBlogs world.]

. . . . .

So what I’m saying is….

BOOK + CD + PIN + POSTER + (random Christmasy things I find in my local Target) + SHIPPING = $30

Happiness in the eyes of your friend /child /granddaughter /amiga /roommate /girlfriend when they open this multi-faceted gift = I wanna say priceless, but actually, we both know that you paid $30 for that. So the answer still is… $30.

I’m tired, so I’m making dumb jokes.

ORDER HERE!

Big thanks to Matt Wertz, Katie Edwards, Jordan Duncan, and Emily Keafer for helping make this Gift Pack happen.

Y’all have a great weekend… and if you wanna, feel free to pass this info along to anybody who you think may be looking to give a cool Christmas gift this year.

We have a limited amount of Christmas gift packs left [my newsletter peeps got first dibs], so hurry and order!

Posted in AnnieWrites, I heart books. | 7 Responses »

Books.

Monday, November 14th, 2011

One of my favorite things about this season of my life is that I am reading. A LOT.

I mean, I’ve always been the girl who loves to read, don’t get me wrong. But there just seem to be seasons of my life where I read a few great books in a row. And That. Just. Happened.

So with Christmas season around the bend, I thought I would share.

. . . . . .

Tara-Leigh Cobble has done it again. As an old friend of the blog, I’m always happy to tell you about the art she is making. And whoa and wow. Orange Jumpsuit is amazing.

No kidding, I read this book in about five hours. I laid in my bed one Friday [our day off at Crossroads] and I read every last word. I sopped it up like gravy, y’all.

I can’t recommend this book enough, especially if you have single gals in your life. It’s just an amazing testimony from a girl living the single life well… and openly, and honestly.

I finished the book. I closed my eyes. And I thought, “Good gracious above I absolutely loved that book.”

Once I recovered from the happy coma that book put me in, I opened my eyes and I emailed Tara-Leigh. And then she put what I said on the back of her book. [You can click on it to get an upclose view...]

I’m not sure that’s how all endorsements work, but that’s how this one worked. :)

HERE is where you can buy Orange Jumpsuit. [and you should]

HERE is where you can read a bit of it. [it'll take 10 minutes of your day and make those 10 minute better]

HERE is where you can get it for your e-reader. [I love my Kindle. So so much.]

. . . . . .

 Much like Tara-Leigh, Sandra started out as an author I admired and has ended up becoming a treasured friend and mentor.

And her writing. Sheesh to the power of SHEESH. She is so good.

If you love Christian fiction that isn’t cheesy, she’s your gal. I adored the French Twist series – Let Them Eat Cake, Bon Appetit, and Piece de Resistance.

And now Sandra has begun her Ladies in Waiting series with To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn.

I ended up listening to the audiobook vs. reading it straight out, but I really enjoyed it. There were some confusing parts, mainly because I couldn’t look back to pick up where I left off if it was a few days between bus rides. But if you [or someone you love] enjoys reading books from this time period, this is a great one. I highly suggest it.

. . . . . .

And finally. :)

I wrote a book.

And for Christmas, my SuperIntern Jordan and I have cooked up a REALLY cool gift pack – with the book and a few other awesome treats. [We're not telling you all the details yet... after Thanksgiving, ye shall know.]

Trust me – it will be a great gift for any girl in the 15-25 age range that doesn’t already have my book.

BUT.

We only have fifty. FIFTY Christmas gift packs. That’s it.

And because I love you, I am giving people who subscribe to my newsletter first dibs. As in, a 48 hour head start. If we sell all 50 to that group of people, then that’s it.

So. If you want the chance to get on that before the general public, make sure you have signed up for my newsletter.

. . . . . .

[PS #1: Neither of these authors asked me or paid me to write this blog post. I genuinely love their books and think you will too.]

[PS #2: I will not give away or abuse your email address when you sign up for my newsletter. You'll hear from me a few times a year. That's it. Promise.]

[PS #3: This is my last Monday in Edinburgh. My freak is totally freaked.]

Posted in I heart books. | 13 Responses »

TOP 5 FRIDAY: Bathtub books

Friday, July 1st, 2011

TOP 5 FRIDAY is when we each list five of our favorite things, depending on the topic. Feel free to join in via the comments or by posting on your own blog and linking back here. Play along. It’s Friday.

. . . . .

When I was a kid, I loved to read in the bathtub. It was the best. I would drain and fill the tub with hot water at least twice, depending on how good the book was. I didn’t so much care about being clean. I mainly cared about getting to turn the page.

I still have my original copies of these books – they have wrinkled pages and smudged words. It’s a shame how many times they were dropped in the tub. When the book was soaked, I was always more concerned about the fact that I would have to read something else than the fact that I had a wet book in my hands.

Summary: I was a book nerd.

And as you’ve seen from this previous Top 5 Friday, I still love to read [and it seems a bunch of you do too!].

Summary: I am still a book nerd. Proudly.

But today I shall list for you my five favorite books from my childhood. I wonder if you loved any of these as well?

[Sidenote: This is not a list of my favorite children's books as an adult. We'll save that for another day. These were MY favorite books as a kid.]

[Double sidenote: I've been over-explaining myself for the last 31 years. Sorry bout it.]

TOP 5 FAVORITE BATHTUB BOOKS!

#1. Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself by Judy Blume

I always loved history and while I do not like horror books, something about Hitler frightened me to death- but Sally J. Freedman wasn’t scared of Hitler. And I liked that about her. She also got stung by a man-o-war and that fascinated me. I understood her. I remember wanting to dream as vividly as she does. We would have never been friends- I would have been jealous of her dreams. But I loved her and loved this book.

 

#2. Molly Saves the Day by Valerie Tripp

Like most of the girls in the 1980s and 1990s [and right now], I had an American Girl Doll. Molly was mine. [I'm sensing a theme... 1940s for the win!] I loved to read her books and dress her in the coordinating outfit. Molly Saves The Day was always a favorite. I learned about poison ivy and capture the flag. I could read this one year round.

 

 

#3. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Seriously. I’m freaking MYSELF out with the realization that I loved World War 2 era books something fierce.

I loved this journal. I would write ridiculously detailed journal entries thinking that someday, my childhood journals would be published. [Trust me. You don't want to read it. Boring stuff.]

I thought Anne Frank was the bravest girl I knew. I cried every time the book ended. Probably still would.

 

#4. Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

I thought Harriet was funny. This book taught me about how you can use a dumbwaiter to solve a crime. I also loved that she wore glasses. The first time I read the book I had just recently gotten glasses myself [watch out middle school, here comes braces too!], so I loved that Harriet and I both lived a four-eyed life. She was smart, a little shifty, and usually thought life was far more dramatic than it really is.

I have no idea why I related to that. :)

 

#5. Garfield by Jim Davis

I don’t have a particular favorite Garfield cartoon book, but I checked them out of the library one by one and read them all. I laughed outloud. I always searched for the comic drawn on my birthday. I would take the book to my parents and read them the funniest lines. I mean, as a 4th grader to reading Anne Frank repeatedly for pleasure, I deserved a little comic relief, don’t you think?

I have honorable mention books this week- like From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, and Superfudge. I could keep going. I won’t. But you will…. :)

. . . . .

YOUR TURN!

What were your favorite books as a child?

Posted in I heart books., TOP 5 FRIDAY | 51 Responses »
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Book club: Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand

Monday, April 25th, 2011

Well goodness gracious. Y’all went absolutely bananas in the comments last Friday when we listed our Top 5 favorite books. If you haven’t read through them, I encourage it. It’ll take you some time, but it’ll be worth it.

Now you’ve got all my wheels [three total] spinning about how we can keep talking about books and what that could look like and thinking, “OMG, our little blog-family loves to read!”

So wait patiently and soon I’ll figure out how to keep that conversation going. Because I want to… real bad.

To start, I’ve been meaning to show you pictures from book club last weekend. I got to host, which made me super happy because the book, Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, is set in England and if anyone loves them some Great Britian, it’s this girl [meaning me].

I decided to host a full-on tea party. And thanks to my mama, who has dutifully filled my hope chest every year since I was 13, I had two tea pots and all the accoutrements. There is something so sweet about being able to use these beautiful pieces.

I mean, I even have a tea cozy. And I know how to use it. [And this picture is 100% for Mama, Kelda, Melissa, and all the other women from Tea & Traditions. I'm making you proud, aren't I?]

I use real plates and real cups. It’s the way I was raised. It’s also the way that my BFF Molly’s grandmother insisted things be done and every time I host, I think of Molly, Molly’s mom, and Molly’s grandma and I shy away from paper products.

[Unless boys are coming over for chili or pizza or something un-ladylike. Then, sheesh. Paper products it is.]

Also. Look at this GORGIE-POO cake. I mean, seriously. My friend Russell, the baker extraordinaire at LB’s Market House, made it for us. I went into LB’s [which I do about daily], saw a cake like this, and said, “Russell. Please. Can I? Whole one. Book club. Please?”

[It was so beautiful and delicious I couldn't even make full sentences.]

So he made me one. Lemon pound cake with marzipan and edible flowers. I died [in a good way].

Also, welcome to my neighborhood, where Russell has the cake ready for me 30 minutes before LB’s even opened up and I got to knock on the window for him to let me in. Felt very Mayberry [and it kinda is around these parts]. And I loved it.

So did the girls at book club.

Kelley and Amber were happy happy girls. I mean, look at those beautiful faces! Also, do not judge us for eating cake at 10:30am on a Saturday morning.

In general, we loved Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand. The group of girls that gather for book club are all super smart, love to read, and love to discuss the books. So we dove straight into character development, racism, costuming, and all things British.

As you can imagine, I was full of joy from start to finish.

Well, almost to the finish.

Oh the downside of using real dishes…..

Still worth it.

Our book club selection for May is The Hunger Games [which you already KNOW that I love] and then in June it is Bossypants [which I am sure I am going to love].

Ahh…. book club. [insert deep sigh of satisfaction here]

Are you in a book club? What are y’all reading now?

Posted in I heart books. | 15 Responses »
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Boot Camp is killing my blog.

Wednesday, April 13th, 2011

Because I eat dinner and then go to bed.

I’m pretty sure I’m the wildest girl around- you know, in the bed by 9pm and all, cause I gotta be up and smiling by 4:30am.

Anyways, I’m terribly sorry about the blog silence.

Here are some things:

1. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers last week. My heart and mind are feeling healthier.

2. We had boot camp yesterday in the rain. I kept fluctuating between the desire to cry and the desire to throw up. Neither happened. This time.

3. I have decided that Bethenny Ever After is my favorite show. I adore Bethenny and Jason. If Gina ever goes back to Trinidad, I would be Brynn’s nanny in a New York minute. Literally.

[Sorry if you don't watch the show and that entire #3 is foreign to you.]

4. These are some of the funniest videos I’ve ever seen. Obviously, this is not who Jesus really is, which is what makes it absolutely hilarious.

So I may be the stinkiest blogger this month, but hopefully this video will make up for it.

5. Our book club is reading Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand and I am loving it. It’s set in the UK, which you know blesses my soul. I get to host as well and we will be having some delicious British treats. Saturday, I am excited about you.

6. I have a new plan for blogging on Fridays. It’s gonna be fun.

7. I love getting emails. It means the world. And right now my inbox [and my facebook inbox] is full to the brim. Forgive me if you are waiting on a reply. I’m going to be taking some time this weekend to respond to all of you- my friends, my family, my enemies, my bandmates, and my suitors.

I’m kidding. I’m not in a band.

But I’m not kidding about the email replying thing.

Happy Wednesday.

Posted in AnnieWrites, I heart books. | 12 Responses »

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