Two years ago and some change I started on a journey to write a book called So Close To Amazing.

When I first started thinking about the book and planning for the book and hoping and dreaming about the book it was like standing at the bottom and looking up a giant mountain.  I looked up at the crevices and steep cliffs and layers of sedimentary rock and sharp jagged outcroppings….

….and thought I’ll never make it.

(total aside:  can you tell my father was a geologist?)

I can’t climb a mountain.

I can’t scale those heights.

I can’t find a foothold.

I wanted to dive back into bed and pull the covers over my head and go all ostrich on myself and my book dreams.

But instead?

I took a step—a tiny, tentative, minuscule step up the mountain.  I remember that first step.  It didn’t feel like much.  It felt like I was still standing on the ground.  It didn’t feel overwhelming.  It didn’t feel scary.

So I took another step.  And another.  And another.

Until I looked down.

AND REALIZED I HAD CLIMBED THE MOUNTAIN.

That’s the thing about mountains.

That’s the thing about dreams.

That’s the thing about journeys….

….they all begin with one tiny step.

Thank you for celebrating mine today.

So Close To Amazing is about celebrating the incredible, awesome, special individual within each of us.

I wrote it to celebrate imperfection.  I wrote it for anyone who has ever mismatched their shoes or added too much soap to the washer and watched it overflow or trimmed their own bangs when a professional might have been a better choice.

It’s my story.

It’s about getting it almost right―and how, instead of giving up, we can choose to simply embrace our real selves right where we are.  It’s a story of transparency and honesty and recognizing that perfection is completely overemphasized and overrated. It’s about grace and learning from mistakes and rejoicing in every victory, no matter how small.  Because when you find joy in the “you” God created you to be….

….you’ll discover the amazing that was there all along. 🙂

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

And now to celebrate this book and all things AMAZING

I’m partnering with one of my favorite companies on the planet.

LAMPS PLUS

They have beautiful lamps and tables and chairs and everything and anything you could ever want to decorate your home.  I have worked with them for years and they offer quality products at affordable prices.

And they are giving away $1000 to decorate your home to one lucky Thistlewood Farms reader.

And the best part?

I’m going to help you decorate.

I’m giving away a design consult and a signed copy of my book, too.

Simply enter below for your change to win.

HAPPY LAUNCH DAY.

Note:  This giveaway is closed.  

Congratulations to Katie R. and Betty B!

So Close to Amazing Giveaway

Want to know how to decorate your home for free?
Click here to get my FIVE BEST secrets.

Comments

  1. Image for Cecilia Cecilia

    Yay for launch day! KariAnne, your book is a rockstar because you are! Praying so many will be blessed by it as they read your amazing story. Hugs, Cecilia

  2. Image for Donnamae Donnamae

    So excited for you! I knew this day would come...ever since that first post on your macaroni kitchen!! ;)

  3. Image for Ricki Jill Treleaven Ricki Jill Treleaven

    Thanks so much for hosting such a generous giveaway. I linked over from Katherine's Corner, and your home is so pretty! I'm a book blogger, and I think I'd love your book. Good luck with your launch. It looks like you're well on your way! Congratulations to you!

  4. Image for Deb Pelton Deb Pelton

    I am awaiting the arrival of SO CLOSE TO AMAZING with great anticipation! Sort of like getting one of your blog posts times a million. Your way with words is just epic, oh wait a minute, totally AMAZING! I just know this book launch WILL be amazing. Best to you and your always, Deb😄🐝

  5. Image for NormaJean NormaJean

    It's here! What an exciting day for you! I am expecting to see your book as Number 1 on the Best Seller List! So happy for you Karianne!

  6. Image for Lisa Lisa

    It's finally here, the most wonderful day of the book launch year! You did it! Number 1 on the Amazon Interior Decor list!!!!! I hope you find the time to actually sit and savor this accomplishment today. XOXO

  7. Image for Diane | An Extraordinary Day Diane | An Extraordinary Day

    Congratulations KariAnne!! You did it! You're a certified mountain climber and the only one I know who wears red lipstick as she braves the assent and looks so close to amazing when she reaches the summit. ;) Sorry I let you down on the pre-launch... I'm so not amazing when it comes to FB groups. I finally ordered your book yesterday... got in under the wire! Ha! Can't wait to read your words and be inspired! {{big hugs}} my friend... this IS an AH-MAZING moment!! xoxo

  8. Image for Zolane Zolane

    I am so excited for you KariAnne!!! A long time coming and so deserved. My copy is scheduled to be delivered today and I can hardly wait to get home!!! Congratulations and big hugs to you!!!

  9. Image for Bluwatergal Bluwatergal

    WhooHoo KariAnne!! Congratulations you rockstar mountain climber you! Just got email from Amazon that my pre-order is finally on the way.😁 Looking forward to reading with ☕️ in the mornings or 🍷 in the evenings ~ and being inspired for projects in between. Enjoy your TOTALLY AMAZING day!!

  10. Image for Michelle Michelle

    What a journey, Karianne. I tried to discipline myself to read a chapter a week, but I just couldn't. By chapter 3 I couldn't put it down. And when I reached the last chapter, I didn't want it to end. I can't thank you enough for sharing! And thank you, also, for this wonderful give-away.

  11. Image for Bonnie Bonnie

    I can't wait to read your book. I know it will be a book that I can't put down. Thanks so much for taking that first, small step un that mountain :)

  12. Image for Merri Jo Merri Jo

    What an exciting privilege to be able to read your book--I can't wait! I pre-ordered before all the promos --kinda like wanting to be first in line😉 How marvelous to know that you are more than amazing in His eyes, as well as the innumerable people whose lives you touch!

  13. Image for Raquel Raquel

    Congratulations on the launch of your book! It's been a day we've all been looking forward to. I wanted to confirm that we enter the drawing by commenting? Or is there a link I'm not seeing?

  14. Image for Judy Buchanan Judy Buchanan

    Pr-Ordered your book about a week ago cant wait to get my copy. When you going to be in the Tennessee area again? I never did follow you advise about starting a travel blog guess I am just having fun traveling. Wish you much success with your new book. Judy

  15. Image for Deb Deb

    Karianne~ I was up early this morning, and while checking my e-mail, there you were, girl, on "Encouragement for Today." I cannot wait to read your story. It is yours that God has given especially to you that will bless so many. I am soooo excited for you! Soak it all in and watch God do wonderful things thru you! ((Hugs)) :-) Deb

  16. Image for Julie Julie

    Congratulations on a BEYOND AMAZING accomplishment! I am so looking forward to reading your book, I know it will be wonderful, just like you blog!

  17. Image for Joanna Joanna

    How exciting! Congratulations on the book! I can't wait to get my copy!! You are truly inspirational to me! Thank you!

  18. Image for Missy Missy

    Congratulations! What a great giveaway! I love Lamps Plus!!! Would truly feel blessed to win some new lighting and a consultation! Would enjoy seeing my home through someone else's eyes.

  19. Image for Peg Peg

    You are ALWAYS full of grace and celebrate EVERY victory. That's why I LOVE you!! Congratultions!! It's well deserved. xoxo

  20. Image for Terri Terri

    OHHHHH MYYYY GOODNESSSSSSSSS.... Guess what I got ??? an email notice that my book has shipped !!!!! Whoop!! Whoop!!!! How exciting is all this !!!!! .... Congratulations Karianne!! You are the bomb ... a Rock Star !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  21. Image for Gale Gale

    Congratulations, Karianne. So excited for you and what the future holds for you. Got my notice from Amazon that my issue is on the way. This book will be in my daughters' stockings this Christmas.

  22. Image for Naomi Shelton Naomi Shelton

    What a wonderful and generous giveaway, KariAnne! One question, though. I did pin four pinterest images but I can't get the entry to work. When I click on the arrow I just keep getting a box from something called GLEAM asking for access to my profile and pins. Is this a problem with my computer or something else, do you think? I want that entry! Help!

  23. Image for Naomi Shelton Naomi Shelton

    Guess what? Nevermind! I figured it out! I'm always suspicious that my aged computer is doing something wonky! This time it was my aged brain!

  24. Image for Kathleen Kathleen

    Amazing giveaway! SO glad I beat the rush and pre-ordered your book ~ I know it will be even more ah-maz-ing! If auto correct doesn't leave that coined word alone, no telling what this will say when I post!!! WIshing you only the best for this newest project ~ I'm sure it will be a huge success! Hugs, dear girl!

  25. Image for Kathleen Kathleen

    I had Gleam prohibit me from completing that one, too! Not so much fun ... and I have too many "watching" me already!

  26. Image for PJ PJ

    My audio book arrived today...Woo hoo! I look forward to having you keep me company on next week's road trip. Congratulations on your launch! All best wishes, PJ

  27. Image for june june

    OMG my doorbell just rang...I coukd hardly get the box open I was so excited. YOUR book is absolutely beautiful!!!! I cannit wait to give one to my sister. SOOOO proud of you dear friend.

  28. Image for Donna H Donna H

    Congratulations on this wonderful day ! You inspire me to become more amazing ! Can't wait to read your book !

  29. Image for Botanic Bleu Botanic Bleu

    KariAnne, Today is your amazing day.... can't wait for the live book launch parties to begin tonight.. You really know how to celebrate! Thanks for all the inspiration, especially this summer as part of the Launch Team. Climb every mountain! Judith

  30. Image for MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!)

    Congratulations on your book launch today! I hope you have had a wonderful "Totally Amazing Day" KariAnne! So happy for you. I can hardly wait until my book arrives in the mail! May God continue to bless you with the writing of many more books! You are a wonderful gal and absolutely "amazing"! Just enjoy your posts so much! Have a blessed day! YOU ARE SO SPECIAL! 1

  31. Image for Lanita Anderson Lanita Anderson

    Congratulations on your new book and thanks for the giveaway opportunity! Blessings to you, friend!

  32. Image for Ashley yourbestfriend Mills Ashley yourbestfriend Mills

    It's a big big day! I couldn't be prouder for you!!!! Big hugs to you, precious friend!!

  33. Image for Andree Baca Andree Baca

    Just read first chapter, it was fabulous! I'm so excited, we are going to carry the book in our shop! Congratulations!

  34. Image for Sondra Sondra

    I am beyond excited for you, sweet friend! There is so much truth in this book... and it's a message that is very needed in this day. I wish you much success with this launch, and those to come!!

  35. Image for Ann Cozad Ann Cozad

    Wow, wow, wow, wow!!! This is so exciting! Just look at God, and how He had me find you on this very special day! You are an amazing woman, I know you'll be writing many more books in the future!

  36. Image for Peggy Kneen Peggy Kneen

    Congratulations on your latest achievement! I am excited for you and can't wait to grab a copy of your book and go exploring with you! You are always so positive and inspiring! I need that in my life right now! Thank you!

  37. Image for Evey Evey

    CONGRATULATIONS ON THE LAUNCH OF YOUR BOOK MY LOVE! Thank you soooooooooo very much for allowing me to be a part of it! I just know you will touch many hearts for Christ with your journey, and that this is ONLY THE BEGINNING of what God has in store for you! love you!

  38. Image for Thalal Chestosky Thalal Chestosky

    Got my book ordered, got my October, Romantic Homes, magazine ordered, celebrating Kerr Woods success....Yea, KerriAnn. ..

  39. Image for Mary Woeppel Mary Woeppel

    So happy to follow you along on this journey😊 It has been wonderful enjoying your stories and talent. Look forward to your new adventures! Mary

  40. Image for Deborah Volz Deborah Volz

    Enjoyed your launch party, KariAnne Wood👋😍 It WAS so close to amazing! If only it had worked cause I really was looking forward to your reading it🙁Too bad technology can mess up the best laid plans without you doing anything but trying and trying to connect with us...! Maybe another time👋 Good luck with the book launch! I ordered two! One for me and one for a friend's gift! We both, I absolutely know, will enjoy it immensely! Keep spreading your joy!

  41. Image for Sandy Sandy

    Wow to win this contest is a dream. Your book came yesterday. Starting to read it today, since I was helping my husband finish painting a guest bedroom. I know I will be smiling, laughing out loud, and maybe some tears as I read So Close to Amazing. Congratulations again on your first book. I know there will be another in your future. I'll give that one a A+ too.

  42. Image for Lynn Sause Lynn Sause

    I got my book today. Wow that was fast. Can't hardly wait to get started on it. Feels like a comfortable book.

  43. Image for Sue Sue

    As soon as I read your post that you had written a book, I preordered it through Amazon and I received it today. Am so excited to read and know just from the dedication and acknowledgement, that the book will have many wonderful ideas, tips and stories. Congratulations to you!

  44. Image for Susan Susan

    I got your book and read it all in one morning!!! So inspirational. Although I love your blog and your sense of humor and style of writing, I love the book more. Why? Because in a time where we are sometimes mocked and put down because of our beliefs, you stood tall and proud like a sunflower raising it's face to the sun, proclaiming your relationship with God. You touched all the way down deep in my heart. You were perfectly imperfect and not afraid to expose your flaws!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

  45. Image for Claudine Pender Claudine Pender

    So excited for you, dear Karianne!!! I was traveling (literally on the plane) on Sep 5th to Scotland so I could be part of all the launching day chats and festivities! Cheering you on as always, from a distance! I will have my book waiting when I get home 😊💕

  46. Image for Pamela Griner Pamela Griner

    Can't wait for your book to arrive! I feel a ...cough, cough...sick day coming up. Because we all know there's nothing better than curling up with a good book, a tasty snack, a cozy chair...and having a great pajama day!

  47. Image for Linda Linda

    I have six books on my kitchen table to be wrapped to give as gifts for my special quilting friends. Excited to have found theirs gifts already for Christmas. Thank you.

  48. Image for Vickie Vickie

    Congratulations to you! Wonderful giveaway..I missed it..because of a gal named Irma! Lol, But, I am feeling blessed as we NOW have back all services and our blessed ac.

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