Moments of Seeing – a giveaway!

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Anyone who reads my work knows I revere Katrina Kenison‘s writing. Her books, which I’ve described as “a call and response chant with my own thoughts,” each touched me deeply.  I was thrilled when I read that Moments of Seeing was coming out.

I met Katrina years ago (the story of that fortuitous encounter is here) and since that day she’s become in person what she already was on the page: a reassuring, wise, thoughtful presence, a reminder of what my life might be, an inspiration, a mentor, a teacher, a friend. When I searched my archives for “Katrina Kenison,” I found fully three pages of posts that mention her. So I have been clear, I imagine, about my love for her work.  I’ve reviewed two of her books in full here: The Gift of an Ordinary Day, and Magical Journey .

On Sunday, November 13th, I went to see Katrina read outside of Boston.  I was still, I admit, feeling raw and emotional from the election and the days that followed.  I had not been sleeping well, and I generally felt a little quiet, more porous than usual, a little off.  Within minutes in Katrina’s presence I felt myself relaxing, reminded that there is still good in this world.  Katrina read a few pieces from the luminous Moments of Seeing and I sat quietly, letting her words wash over me.  The books’ two epigraphs are both quotes that mean a great deal to me. They are a mission statement of sorts, in my opinion, of Moments of Seeing but also of life itself.  Katrina embodies this philosophy, and so does this beautiful book.  I can’t recommend it highly enough.

What is the meaning of life?  That was all – a simple question; one that tended to close in on one with years, the great revelation had never come. The great revelation perhaps never did come. Instead there were little daily miracles, illuminations, matches struck unexpectedly in the dark; here was one. – Virginia Woolf, To the Lighthouse

I keep writing about the ordinary because for me it’s the home of the extraordinary, the only home. – Phillip Levine

I’m thrilled to have a signed, personalized copy of Moments of Seeing to give away.  Please leave a comment here by 5pm on November 22nd.  I’ll choose a winner who will receive a copy of the book, with an inscription of your choice, from Katrina! For those of you interested in buying a copy (and I have a stack ready to give to friends for the holidays myself), you can purchase Moments of Seeing here.

36 thoughts on “Moments of Seeing – a giveaway!”

  1. ooh thanks for the heads up I adore her work. If I don’t win I will treat myself to a copy. Her writing always soothes my soul. Gifts of an ordinary day is a favourite of mine.

  2. Hey Linsdey

    I love Katrina’s writing and I religiously follow her blog too. Will you be able to send the signed copy to UK if I become the lucky one?

    have a nice day
    Vani

  5. I would love to have a copy- I’m sorry to have missed her when she spoke outside of Boston. I’m pretty sure I learned of your blog through hers, and I read both for the same reason- to be reminded of the little things that matter.

  6. Oh I would so love to win a signed copy – I kept the link to her own bookshop open for days intending to order and never did. I love her writing – and her heart – so very much. You, and she, are the writers I want to be when I grow up. 🙂

  7. I discovered Katrina’s work through your blog, and I adore it as much as you do. I have already bought a copy (and another one for my best friend!), so I won’t take part in the drawing, but just wanted to thank you for introducing me to her writing!

  9. Thank you for sharing this essential voice. I look forward to reading this and her other work. So necessary these days to find inspiration and renewal wherever we can. Will ask the library and bookstore to carry it. sounds like a wonderful gift this year!

  10. Thank you, Lindsey, for sharing her beautiful voice. The world needs all the inspiration it can get! Will look forward to asking the local book store and library to carry it, too.

  13. I could use a good read like this. I’ve never read any of her books, but I am going through lots of changes … at work, with friends and just in the world in general. It feels like a time of great upheaval, none of it terribly bad and yet I just can’t shake the feeling of unsettledness. Maybe a book like this would help.

  14. Good Morning Lindsey, I love your blog, it is so well written and enjoyable, thank you for sharing a little of your world with us. I love Katrina’s blog as well, it comes from such a place of peace. I would love to win a signed book copy. Thank you for your consideration and happy holidays to you !!

  15. If you recommend her, I’m in. I have several friends I’ll share this post with as I believe they will like her very much. I know you have highly recommended her, but I’ve not been reading all my email recently. Too tired. Cheers

  17. I found Katrina Kenison’s writing through your blog, and I am enormously grateful for that. You both share reflections and reminders that I rely on to stay present and appreciative, even through the mundane or unpleasant times, and especially through this post-election haze. Thank you.

  18. I just recommended Katrina’s books to my mom, who is recovering from a concussion and multiple fractures. Her writing has had a hugely calming influence on me, and I know it will for my mom, too.

  19. I’d love to win a signed copy of Katrina’s new book. I have her others and have given Gifts of an Ordinary Day to college friends I’m still in touch with decades later on our Girls’ Weekends.
    Happy Thanksgiving,
    Barbara

  20. I bought a case of Mittenstrings for all my mom friends, and shared many tears and laughs with some of those same moms over Ordinary Day. Can’t wait to dive into what comes next from Katrina K!!

  21. I adore Katrina Kenison’s work. Her Mitten Strings for God book was a guide of sorts when I was a young mother. I gave so many copies away as gifts because the tone of the book set the stage for a beautiful season of young motherhood. Plus, friends loved coming for playdates and making the pretzel recipe she shared in the book. I’ve also valued her other books and still smile when I see them on my shelf. Adding her new book to my library would be a joy.

  23. Since the election, this would definetely soothe my soul and give me a better, uplifting perspective. I find myself at odds with Life. Thank you for your writings. Just what I need.

  26. Thank you, Lindsay, for offering a signed copy of Katrina’s newest book. I would love a copy to complete my collection! Her beautiful linguistics and gorgeous reflections are always so grounding for my soul and such an inspiration as well!

  27. Katrina Kenison’s writing is saving my life these days. As I move through the stages of “letting go” and grief that comes along with sending two boys off to college in a few months, her words play a crucial role in reminding me to be present and savor our moments together.

  28. I also found Katrina’s blog through yours, and I am so grateful to you for that. I read The Gift of an Ordinary Day, and then read it again. I love how she is able to so beautifully capture the everyday experiences of life and put them into words. I would love a copy of her latest book.

  29. I still read Mitten Strings for God every now and again and feel so much more focused and at peace. I have kids from 16 to 3, so her writing on family life as her children have grown up has really resonated with me.

  30. “I love a broad margin to my life.” –Thoreau.

    I first came across this quote when I opened a copy of Mitten Strings for God, and I felt my entire body relax. I desperately wanted children, and when I finally held my son in my arms, I was subconsciously looking for permission to step away from my life as a go-go-go emergency doctor and enjoy this delicious baby.

    I was never able to follow exactly in Katrina’s footsteps, like setting the table or forbidding weapons. When I tried to breathe with Max when he was a crying toddler, he sobbed, “I. Don’t. Want. To. Breathe!” I laughed and realized we had a pretty chaotic family, and we’d have to forge our own path.

    I also really enjoyed the honesty and lyrical prose of _The Gift of an Ordinary Day_, basically saying that she didn’t have all the answers to her teenaged boys’ problems. I appreciated the idea that you may have to let your child grow away from you before he can come back again.

    I didn’t know she had a new book! Fabulous news.

  31. I’m a huge fan of Katrina Kenison and have everything she’s written, except for the latest. I’d love to have this book.

  32. I adore Katrina Kenison’s work. I love to read her work in the winter when I’m feeling especially in need of upliftment during the dark and cold nights. Her writing always lifts my spirits and shifts my perspective just when I need it. I also get that from you! ????…..love your writing – still waiting for a book announcement one day (no pressure – wink wink)

    Hugs,
    Carrin

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