When this theme first came up, I had different ideas.
I had all sorts of things in mind, but as I started thinking more and more about it, I realized I wanted to get a little more personal.
Personally, I’ve switched to my Kindle when I read books. It’s easier and more convenient for me. Though at times I miss the feel and smell of a real book, I like the ease and lightness of the Kindle.
Still, I like to collect certain books — namely autographed versions or something special to me. Each book I collect has a story and with only having five photos to work with, I’m leaving books behind. I’m still stretching things a little as several of these photos include more than one photo so I can not only show you the book, but what makes it special to me.
Each book has a story, too, so I’ll be writing a bit more than I usually do. I’ll look forward to see what everybody else comes up with this theme as well!
1. Hooooooooooo!
A couple of years ago, me and my brother went and saw the Hacksaw Jim Duggan show, which was a humorous “stand up” type setting where he told stories about his years in wrestling. After the event, of course, you could meet Hacksaw and buy a few things that he’d sign. I did one of the bigger packages, where I got his book, a 2×4, and a photo. Pretty cool stuff.
2. Best of the best
I’m a huge fan of Jayson Stark. For those who don’t know who he is, he’s an amazing sportswriter. And being I used to be a sportswriter, he was one of the big ones I looked up to. After the Phillies won the 2008 World Series, he wrote a book about them. During 2009, he was at a Reading Phillies game signing. So me and I took the three-hour trek down. Was totally worth it as we got to have a cool conversation with him.
3. Skywalker
Several years ago, I got into reading about the Appalachian Trail. I read trail journals and books and even did a series on this blog where I interviewed those who had hiked it. A few of them had books, and I read many of those. I even got to give a couple away. One of the books — by Skywalker — is one I got to also keep. He has more than one book and all are worthy of a read if you enjoy thru-hiking.
4. Acknowledged!
A friend of mine wrote a really good book about the Red Sox quest to its first World Series title in like a billion years and the battle with media. It’s an extremely good read. But back in the day, when we were all sportswriters, it was a lot of late night online chatting and such. So a few were acknowledged in the book … and I was one. Pretty cool. Great read though if you are into things like this.
5. My world!
For about a dozen years, each Christmas I put together a photo book of my year in photos for friends and family. This past year was the first year I didn’t do one in a long time. I just didn’t have it in me. It might return next year if I feel up to it. But this is my first one. There are my five. I look forward to seeing what everybody else came up with!
If you took part in this month’s challenge, make sure to link up below. And for those of you who participated, make sure you try and get to other people’s blogs and comment (here, too!). Let’s continue to grow this challenge and have a strong community. Come back and check out the others who link later on, too!
Also, don’t forget to get back here February 1 for the February theme!
NOTE: I set up a Facebook group for those who participate in the challenge and are interested. I’ll post any announcements there and hopefully it can be a place where things are discussed and some interaction etc. You can access it here.
Feel free to leave a comment, or e-mail P.J. at hoohaablog@gmail.com. Also, please “Like” HooHaa Blog on Facebook! You can also follow me on Twitter @softball29!
That Hacksaw show sounds like fun. Not often do you see a two by four offered as a souvenir. 🙂 You must have had such an interesting life, as a sportswriter, P.J.! How cool that you’re featured in a book, too. Love the photobook idea! I’ve always wanted to do those for our various trips. but the whole process seems a bit daunting. You’ve inspired me to check into it once again.
Thank you for this new blogging opportunity. Always great to have another outlet to connect with others. Cheers!
Debbie D. recently posted..BOOKS, BOOKS, EVERYWHERE! #PhotoBlogChal
For those who know who Hacksaw is… the 2×4 is definitely fitting. And sportswriting was a great career — sans the paycheck. I miss parts of it still to this day. The photobook… it may seem daunting. But it’s very much worth it when all said and done!
Books that are autographed and have personal dedications are SO COOL!!! What a treasure to have in your library. I love that you put together photo books summarizing the year. I’ve done that with special occasions and vacations. Fantastic shares.
lisa recently posted..January Blogging Challenge: Books
I love the autographed books. These are ones, no matter what, I will keep with me. I miss that I didn’t do a photo book this past year and I probably will try and get back to it this year. I guess it depends on how many photos I take!
Awesome job PJ!
I added “Fighting Words” to my Goodreads and Amazon Wish List. Thanks for the recommendation.
As a Red Sox person … I think you’ll enjoy that book. Well worth the read!