Leftovers Done Right, or Reusing the Past to Make a Pleasant Present — A Book Giveaway!

by Katy on November 16, 2012 · 134 comments

Today I am treating you to a guest post by Julia Park Tracey, author of I’ve Got Some Lovin’ to Do: The Diaries of a Roaring Twenties TeenThis fantastically hilarious diary is from Julia’s spoiled teenage great-aunt and is simply the bee’s knees!

I am also hosting a giveaway for one paper copy of the book, as well as two e-books. Please write your name in the comments section to enter to win. I will choose randomly winners on November 21st at 9:00 P.M. Oregon time. E-books can be won internationally, but the paper copy is just for U.S. residents. Please enter one time only.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”

Leftovers Done Right, or Reusing the Past to Make a Pleasant Present

I wrote a bestselling book using only scrap paper and leftover tape.

Just kidding. Sort of.

I’m one of those Katy Wolk-Stanley types who finds junk on the curb and turns it into treasure. I particularly enjoyed my former barbecue-turned-birdbath, with a little (Freecycled) spray paint and solder to make it water-tight. My raised garden beds were crafted from found wood, including a dresser with no drawers and a park bench that vandals destroyed – it’s one of our favorites. My cats are second-hand (shelter kitties). Even my husband is a previously owned model (though, to be truthful, so am I). They should call me “Second-Hand Rose.”

I’m good with a needle and thread, a glue gun, a canning kettle, and make a stunning soup out of vegetable peelings and leftover bones from the hot wings the boys had on Friday night. That’s how we have raised five kids on a strained income.

I’m a writer, sometimes working fulltime in newspaper, part-time in magazines, or freelance on books, articles and assorted PR campaigns. The needs of the family came first, and sometimes that meant fulltime work to pay the bills, and sometimes that meant I freelanced to keep the kids out of daycare. The skills that Katy and I both possess – that we’ve learned along the way — have made our particular lifestyles doable.

These skills have come in handy many times. In 2011, my great-aunt Doris passed away. She was someone I considered my “fairy godmother,” for how she understood my artistic mind and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. She was always a little aghast at the number of children I had following me (she never had any), but believed in me all the same. The skillset I talk about, in finding creative uses or the best home for the unwanted object – this came heavily into play in cleaning out Doris’s home after her death. From a two-bedroom home that she’d lived in for 50 years, we sent just four bags of actual trash to landfill. All the clothing, tchotchkes, dishes, furniture and odds and ends – even her post-mastectomy prosthesis – found new homes, went to charities, were consigned or otherwise donated. As a six-year member of the Compact (along with Katy), I consider this a huge success.

And amid this dispersal of carloads of goods, there was a box of old papers that my mother handed to me, asking if I wanted them. I said I did, and trucked them home with boxes of china and a bagful of costume jewelry to sort. Some six weeks or more later, I looked into the box and saw letters, photos, and a trove of diaries that dated back to 1925. I began to read, their delicate, curled pages scrawled with blotchy ink in a schoolgirl’s hand. And I laughed and laughed to meet the young Doris, writing at ages 15 and 16 and 17 and beyond. I posted some snippets from these diaries on my Facebook page, to delighted friends who begged for more. Within a few months, Doris had her own Facebook page and Twitter feed, a web site, and a book was underway. Now, about 15 months later, I am just back from a book tour that took me 3800 miles by train (I bought a carbon credit to offset my CO2), and Doris’s fans keep increasing. Volume two of the Doris Diaries series is underway and there are more books to come.

So while I’m not quite a bestseller yet, and I didn’t actually make the books out of leftovers, I did find a creative use for these family heirlooms, and I’m happy to be able to share them with you.

Julia Park Tracey is an award-winning blogger, writer and editor, and her new book, I’ve Got Some Lovin’ to Do: The Diaries of a Roaring Twenties Teen (1925-1926), is available on Amazon or at your local bookstore. Follow Doris’s adventures on Facebook/The Doris Diaries and Twitter @TheDorisDiaries.

{ 134 comments… read them below or add one }

Lorraine Irby November 16, 2012 at 5:09 am

This book sounds very interesting!

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Meredyth November 16, 2012 at 5:23 am

Sounds like a fun read! I’d love to win a ebook.

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Alison Wiley November 16, 2012 at 5:37 am

OK, Julia’s great-aunt is definitely my kind of girl. I want this book! And Julia, thank you for offsetting the carbon emissions of your air miles (that reminds me to do the same for my last vacation). Speaking of books, I realized this week that my Books I Love page has been leaving out children’s books altogether. So, yesterday’s post features a great blogsite I’ve discovered that reviews and recommends good children’s books, organized by age group, all the way up to young adult. If you’ve got kids, stop over, if you like.

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Connor November 16, 2012 at 5:41 am

This sounds like something I’d love. My name’s Connor, and thanks so much for the chance to win!

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karen November 16, 2012 at 5:49 am

Sounds like an interesting read! I’d love to win a copy of the book (prefer paper, but either will work). Thanks!

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Kim Stewart November 16, 2012 at 6:02 am

How fun! Doris sounds delightful! My grandmother died in March and I too tried to find the best home for unwanted objects.
Kim

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kelly m November 16, 2012 at 6:08 am

I am intrigued by her mention of “my former barbecue-turned-birdbath” Would love to find out more.
Thanks.

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Margaret November 16, 2012 at 6:15 am

Doris sounds like a blast!

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jude November 16, 2012 at 6:18 am

Can’t wait to read this one.

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Kate Binder November 16, 2012 at 7:22 am

Ooh, sign me up: Kate! This is just what I want to read on my Nook over Thanksgiving weekend.

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WinterLightHomestead November 16, 2012 at 7:22 am

Oh, this is so right up my ready alley! 🙂 🙂 🙂

Please.

Rigel

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jen November 16, 2012 at 7:29 am

Sounds like a great book!
Jen W.

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Michele November 16, 2012 at 7:47 am

I have some old college scrapbooks from my mother-in-law, some letters from her aunts and letters from her brother while he was flying bombers in WWII. They are interesting social history, sometimes sad and sometimes hilarious.

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Colleen November 16, 2012 at 7:52 am

Sounds like a fantastic tribute to her aunt. Thanks for the opportunity!
Colleen W.

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Sue Rice November 16, 2012 at 8:01 am

Love the 20’s–this sounds like my cup of tea!

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Maureen November 16, 2012 at 8:06 am

If I don’t win, I’m putting this on my Christmas wish list.

After my grandmother died and we were cleaning out her house, my sister found her honeymoon travel diary. They took a ship from NY to Florida and drove back to NY. This was in 1928 before interstates. It’s a very interesting read. So I will enjoy Julia/Doris’s stories even if I don’t win.

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Jeana November 16, 2012 at 8:23 am

If I don’t win I promise to get the book from the library.

Thanks,

Jeana

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Rowen G. November 16, 2012 at 8:34 am

Sounds like a delightful book. 🙂

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Peg November 16, 2012 at 8:40 am

This sounds like a great book…I’ll also see if I can get it from the Library if I don’t win!

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Trisha November 16, 2012 at 8:40 am

I will probably read and or buy this book regardless if I’m chosen to win! Thanks for sharing!

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Erin November 16, 2012 at 8:55 am

I follow two blogs who post diary pages every day – one is from 1912 and the other 1962. I would love to read this book as well and read about list in the 20s.

Erin F

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amybee November 16, 2012 at 9:01 am

Thank you! Sounds like a fun read.

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Jen November 16, 2012 at 9:17 am

Sounds very entertaining! Love books based on letters and diaries.

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Joyce November 16, 2012 at 9:30 am

I would love to win one of these books. Thanks for the giveaway.

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Kat November 16, 2012 at 9:31 am

Ooh, ooh!
[raises hand]
Pick me!

Sounds like a very interesting book.

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Ruth R November 16, 2012 at 9:37 am

Sounds like a great book! I would love to read it!

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Kristen November 16, 2012 at 9:54 am

Would love to read this book!

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kacy November 16, 2012 at 9:54 am

My name is Kacy and I would love to read this book!!

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Liz November 16, 2012 at 10:06 am

Thank you for the lovely giveaway 🙂

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Penelope Samuel November 16, 2012 at 10:11 am

Sounds like a book my daughter and I would both enjoy! Thanks for the chance to win it 🙂

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Alyson November 16, 2012 at 10:13 am

My name is Alyson C. and I’d love to win this book.

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Sister X November 16, 2012 at 10:14 am

Ooh, ooh, pick me! Pick me!

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Laurel November 16, 2012 at 10:17 am

I have been looking for a GOOD book to read and this one sure sounds like the one. Sign me up!

Laurel H.

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Sloan November 16, 2012 at 10:19 am

This book sounds so interesting, and it’s pretty much why I started my blog in the first place- because I would love to know more about my parents and grandparents before I was around.

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Sue Robson November 16, 2012 at 10:19 am

It’s keen to know that the life of a teen girl has not changed! I’ll have to phone up some friends and share this awefully good book!

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Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef November 16, 2012 at 10:22 am

this sounds like a fascinating book! i love that time period 🙂

-sarah keil

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Sarah November 16, 2012 at 10:24 am

This sounds great! If I don’t win, I’ll try to get the book myself. thanks so much!
Sarah R.

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Denise Shelton November 16, 2012 at 10:36 am

Fabulous book! I have a copy but I also have a lot of people I’d like to give one to but can’t afford it. Winning a free one would be awesome. Thanks!

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Lisa November 16, 2012 at 10:51 am

My parents were teens during that era. It’s sure to be an interesting book.

Lisa Denny

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Jessa November 16, 2012 at 11:04 am

Cuuute! Would love to read!
Jessa Nelson -iii-<

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Kerrie November 16, 2012 at 11:20 am

My name is Kerrie, and I’d love to read this. Thanks.

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Bonnie November 16, 2012 at 11:21 am

fabulous family keepsake and way to share.

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A. Marie November 16, 2012 at 11:48 am

Julia’s post interests me on several levels. I’m an inveterate recycler/rethrifter (my husband and I did our best with both my mother’s and his mother’s belongings when the time came), as well as a collector of other people’s diaries (I have two sets from complete strangers who kept them about 100 years ago). So definitely sign me up for this giveaway!

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Kim November 16, 2012 at 12:01 pm

Pick me!! I’m in Australia so would love the e-book.
Kim

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Linda in Indiana November 16, 2012 at 12:13 pm

Sounds like a very engaging read!

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Melissa November 16, 2012 at 12:18 pm

Sounds like a great book. I’d love to win!!!

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Starling Morris November 16, 2012 at 12:26 pm

Would love to win. Can’t get enough of these type of books.

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Lorena November 16, 2012 at 12:30 pm

Sounds like a great read — I love hearing/reading these kinds of stories!

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Jen November 16, 2012 at 12:31 pm

I’ve been following The Doris Diaries since I first hear Julia’s interview on NPR. I am so excited to read the book! 🙂

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Megan November 16, 2012 at 12:43 pm

Sounds like a fun read!

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Amanda November 16, 2012 at 12:50 pm

I’d love to read this book!

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D. Savage November 16, 2012 at 1:57 pm

This sounds like a great read!
My Grandmother must have been about the same age; it would be lovely to kind of reconnect with her through this.
Thanks for the opportunity!

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Mel Waddell November 16, 2012 at 1:58 pm

I love to read and this sounds like a wonderful book. Sure hope I win!

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Lesley Parent November 16, 2012 at 2:02 pm

Already bought this book for my mom for Christmas … would love my own copy! cheers

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Krista November 16, 2012 at 2:04 pm

This book sounds great! I’m wondering- have you and Julia met?

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TraciFree November 16, 2012 at 2:08 pm

I don’t have an e-reader so this entry is strickly for the paperback copy. Throwing my hat in the ring!

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Erin November 16, 2012 at 2:59 pm

Oh Doris sounds fabulous, I would love to read the book! And thanks Julia for sharing it. I can’t wait to check out your blog Julia!

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Molly November 16, 2012 at 3:27 pm

This sounds like a book that not only ai would enjoy, but all the women in my family. Paperback copy only, please!

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marie November 16, 2012 at 3:30 pm

That’s sounds like a great read. I don’t have a e-reader either, I prefer touching books. So count me in!

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Vicki November 16, 2012 at 3:34 pm

Sounds very entertaining!

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Denise Fanzo November 16, 2012 at 3:36 pm

This book sounds wonderful!

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Anne Weber-Falk November 16, 2012 at 3:51 pm

I love, love, love period pieces like this. If I don’t win I will surely try to find it at the library. Thank you!

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Robin November 16, 2012 at 3:51 pm

Oh what a treat!!

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Linda H. November 16, 2012 at 3:51 pm

Linda H.

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Tracy Stone November 16, 2012 at 3:57 pm

Tracy Stone

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Lois Field November 16, 2012 at 4:08 pm

I would love to win a copy of this book, I can just imagine what an interesting life she led.

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jennifer November 16, 2012 at 4:18 pm

This book sounds fabulous…though I look forward to reading more from Julia Park Tracey. She’s my kind of gal. Love her writing style of a lifestyle so similar to my own – minus 4 children. Great line – strained income. I so know that!

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Patsi November 16, 2012 at 4:22 pm

This sounds like my kind of book! Patsi

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Katie Wiemerslage November 16, 2012 at 4:27 pm

This book sounds great! Love to have a copy.

-Katie Wiemerslage

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Anne Weber-Falk November 16, 2012 at 4:33 pm

I love, love, love period pieces like this. If I don’t win I will surely try to find it at the library. Thank you!

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Anne Weber-Falk November 16, 2012 at 4:36 pm

Ok, I did not mean to comment twice. I am a bit confused because the comment # said 61 but my comment is #11 but really should have been #62. ???

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Nicole November 16, 2012 at 4:34 pm

I’d *love* to read that e-book. 🙂

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Kathy McKay November 16, 2012 at 4:34 pm

I would love a hard copy of this book. My husband’s parents were married in 1925.

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Pam Gotcher November 16, 2012 at 4:49 pm

Pam Gotcher

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Claire November 16, 2012 at 5:18 pm

This sounds like my kind of book. I would love to be awarded with a copy!

Katy, I’m a new reader, but have scoured your archives recently. I would love to know what other and movies you like. Just curious, have you ever put a book list together? I know you mentioned The Little House series, the Tightwad Gazette, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, but are there any others that you could recommend?

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namastemama November 16, 2012 at 5:27 pm

Regina Dieker.
This story, of the author, is so freaking awesome, I don’t know what to say.

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Joy p November 16, 2012 at 5:33 pm

Would love to roar with the twenties.

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Sandra November 16, 2012 at 6:24 pm

Would love a copy.

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Barbara Jo Marlow November 16, 2012 at 6:37 pm

I love Julia Park Tracey and you of course…and I love the Doris Diaries and would love to win this book.

Barbara

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Chris Prokosch November 16, 2012 at 6:46 pm

I’m a reader from Canada and I’d love that ebook. What a wonderful concept to even repurpose her Aunt’s history!

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Mia McGregor November 16, 2012 at 7:42 pm

Would love to win this!

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Heather November 16, 2012 at 8:30 pm

I am hooked!!

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Tina November 16, 2012 at 8:53 pm

Looks like a wonderful book.

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Elisa November 16, 2012 at 9:01 pm

Please include me!

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Naomi November 16, 2012 at 9:35 pm

I’m in New Zealand so please put my name down for the chance to win an e-book. It’s fantastic to get a chance to enter – I am usually ineligible for competitions due to my location. This book looks awesome :0)
Naomi Morley

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Susan McLandrich November 16, 2012 at 10:08 pm

Susan McLandrich
I would like to read this book! Sounds fascinatingly fun!

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Kelly November 16, 2012 at 10:39 pm

Sounds like a fantastic book.

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Giselle November 16, 2012 at 11:11 pm

Oooh! I’d love an e-copy of this book! (I am shamefully addicted to my Kindle for Android app.)

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Katie November 17, 2012 at 1:50 am

Katie A 🙂
(my husband is a previously owned model, too! love that expression!)

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JESSICA November 17, 2012 at 3:49 am

I would gladly take the e-book or paper back, sounds like a great read 😉

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Kathleen Harris November 17, 2012 at 3:51 am

Sounds fabulous! –Kathleen Harris

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valeri j. November 17, 2012 at 4:16 am

cool how the book came about… would love to win!! Thanks.

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Chelle W. November 17, 2012 at 4:27 am

Would love to win 🙂

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Susan November 17, 2012 at 4:30 am

I would love to read this book, and to share it with a friend who recently had to go through and distribute all of her mother’s belongings, which were considerable. I was so impressed at the use she made of just about everything – all of it being either sold, gifted, donated, or repurposed one way or another. I had four great-aunts from the same Roaring 20s era and though they are gone now, would love to read about life back when they were young.

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PamK November 17, 2012 at 4:40 am

I love the idea of this book but even more intriguing to me is the subject. My mother, long dead, was born in 1908 and was a wild flapper teenager in the Roaring Twenties. I didn’t learn enough about this time in her life and would love to steep myself in someone’s memories!

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Jen November 17, 2012 at 4:41 am

I’d like to be entered in the contest, this book sounds good!

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Nancy November 17, 2012 at 4:42 am

I would love to win this book. It’s such a good match for you to give away.

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Sara November 17, 2012 at 5:15 am

Sara Schlageter

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Teresa Tinker November 17, 2012 at 5:59 am

This book sounds fantastic! I would love to win one. Thank you for the opportunity!

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kristin November 17, 2012 at 6:28 am

This looks like a fun read!

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dusty November 17, 2012 at 7:51 am

dusty

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emmer November 17, 2012 at 8:20 am

wow, wish i had ancient rels who kept diaries. but i’d be happy to settle for reading this. if i win, i promise to send it on to a new home after i’ve read it. 🙂

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Jenny Vockell November 17, 2012 at 8:30 am

I wish I had lived in the twenties. Sounds so fun. I love the fashion.

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Jenny Vockell November 17, 2012 at 8:31 am

Jenny Vockell

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Jill W November 17, 2012 at 9:49 am

Sounds great – hope the 3800 mile tour was a blast – and that you had some journal-worthy adventures during that time. Looking forward to reading Doris’s teenage adventures 🙂

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Sherry November 17, 2012 at 10:46 am

What a find! Love your writing.

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Christa November 17, 2012 at 10:46 am

Thank you!

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Shelley November 17, 2012 at 11:10 am

Wow, what a fantastic way to remember a loved one. I bet she’s laughing up in heaven!

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Chrissy November 17, 2012 at 5:00 pm

Sounds amazing! Love hearing stories from ancestors.

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Beth B. November 17, 2012 at 5:06 pm

Sounds like a fun read! Always on the hunt for new book club material. I’d love a copy. Beth B.

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Amanda Newton November 17, 2012 at 5:12 pm

Her story is too cool. Even if I don’t win, I may have to read that book. You turn up the most wonderful things.

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Amanda Fugate November 17, 2012 at 5:15 pm

Amanda Fugate

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Roanne November 17, 2012 at 5:16 pm

This sounds wonderful. Thanks for the opportunity.

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Cindy November 17, 2012 at 6:44 pm

Cindy Freihofer

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Sandra j November 17, 2012 at 8:31 pm

Love to read this!

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Paige November 18, 2012 at 5:09 am

I love reading about this era! I’m such a nerd…over and over I watched my daughter’s DVD of the American Girl Doll’s movie about Kit Kitridge. Such a good movie and people really did depend on themselves and make the most of what they had. I learn from stories about my grandparents and how they survived in those times.

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laurie November 18, 2012 at 7:11 am

Laurie Matzko

My favorite time period!

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Suzanne Percy November 18, 2012 at 8:12 am

Suzanne Percy

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AM November 18, 2012 at 9:35 am

Enjoy hearing your varied ideas & looking forward to reading about the ‘Roarin’ 20s!’

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pat November 18, 2012 at 10:48 am

I would love to read this. Pat Abraham

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Greenstrivings November 18, 2012 at 11:56 am

My grandfather had great stories about going to speakeasies and vaudeville shows in NYC in the 20s. I’d love to read Doris’s story– and I’m a fan of Julia’s blog, too.

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Wendy White November 18, 2012 at 3:39 pm

Wendy White

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Melanie Mitchell November 18, 2012 at 4:29 pm

I’d love to read Doris’ story!

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Anne November 18, 2012 at 7:47 pm

Sounds like fun. I have a special place in my heart for books like this.
anne lawrie

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Economies of Kale November 19, 2012 at 3:38 am

That sounds like a great read – I would love to win one of the ebooks 🙂

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Gillian November 19, 2012 at 4:11 am

Gillian de Villiers

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Tracy November 19, 2012 at 5:40 am

Love, Love, Love books such as this one. My favorite reads. Hope I win.
Thanks for hosting the giveaway.

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Danica November 19, 2012 at 7:07 am

Sounds like a really fun book!

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Emily November 19, 2012 at 7:18 am

Sounds like a great read!

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Laura Davidson November 19, 2012 at 2:24 pm

Laura Davidson

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Jen Cooper November 19, 2012 at 6:47 pm

Jen Cooper

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Lisa November 19, 2012 at 7:03 pm

Count me in!
Lisa

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Jennifer Vandell November 20, 2012 at 9:51 am

I can’t wait to read this!!

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Henrietta November 20, 2012 at 10:41 pm

My grandparents were immigrants who lived through the great depression. My mother passed on the frugal habits that come from surviving on lard and potatoes + wearing second-hand, well-worn shoes. I would like to have a copy of this book (either as a gift or from the library) as a guide to sharing our stories.

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