Do the choices I make line up with how I really want to live?
That’s the question Tsh Oxenreider asks herself – and challenges readers to ask themselves, as well – in her brand-new book, Notes from a Blue Bike: The Art of Living Intentionally in a Chaotic World
Following her journey to Turkey, where everything she’d believed was the “normal” way to live as a family was turned on its head, and then her return to the States, where Tsh and her family struggled to readjust to a fast-paced life that no longer seemed normal or necessary, Notes from a Blue Bike is both a memoir and a call to action.
That is, a call to taking a series of small, manageable actions to improve your own family life so that you can live more in touch with your values.
As any reader of her blog The Art of Simple knows, Tsh is an engaging, inspiring, and compassionate writer. But I loved seeing her talents as a travel writer, too. The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of her family’s slow, simple life in Turkey come alive in the “expat” chapters (the book alternates between her family’s life in Oregon, Texas, and Turkey over a five-year period.)
Those vignettes make the contrast to her earlier life in America even more jarring, and really illustrates how much of our fast-paced culture is both a choice we make and ultimately, just gets in the way of family health and happiness.
If you want to live a simpler life (hint: it doesn’t have to include moving overseas) you’ll love this book. If you are currently living out of step with your ideals, you’ll feel convicted, but never condemned.
And if you just want to read a fascinating account of the differences between family life in the United States and Turkey, you’ll love it.
Either way, I’m very happy to be able to give away a copy to THREE lucky readers!
Just leave a comment below – make sure to include a valid email address! – by Monday, February 10 at 10 PM EST. We’ll randomly select three winners and notify you by email if you win.
Oh, and check out the trailer for Notes From A Blue Bike, below. (If you’re reading this in an email, click here for the video link.)
*Amazon links are affiliate, which means that if you click and make a purchase, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Happiest Home!
I love her writing and would absolutely love to read this book!
I would love to read this book!
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
I am intrigued by the book description, it sounds like a beautiful mix of travel, family, and putting things in perspective. I don’t know anyone who couldn’t use those!
I have been waiting for this book to come out!
Excited to read Tsh’s book! Hoping to attend the meet up and signing in Atlanta next week!
I’ve been excited for Tsh’s book release and would love it.
I can’t wait to read it!
I’d love to win this book!
I love her other books, and I’m excited to read this one too!
Sounds like a great book!
Awesome giveaway!
Love her and would love this book!
I follow her blog and am looking to get a copy of this book. Very excited to ready it!
Thanks! I’ve been looking forward to reading this book! It would be fun to win!
What a thought provoking question, ‘Do the choices I make line up with how I really want to live?’ I know they aren’t right now. Leads me to definitely want to read this book!
I’d love to read this book! Even if I don’t win, I’ll still pick it up. Thanks for doing a giveaway!
I really enjoy Tsh’s writing.
Wow, I would love to read this…I’m heading to her blog now too!
I’ve been looking forward to the book’s release! Can’t wait to read it!
This has been on my radar for books I want to read in 2014. Would love to win this book – thanks for the opportunity!
Sounds like a book worth reading.
I am always fascinated by people who want to live a simpler life – would love to read this!
This book sounds delightful. I would love to win it.
Thanks for sharing this book…
I am fascinated by those who explore alternatives to the rat race!
I’m always trying to figure out how to live more simply as my days seem to get more full!
It sounds like this book holds just the message I need to hear these days!
Tsh’s blog has inspired me too rethink the way we live our lives time & time again. I’m excited about having the opportunity to win a copy of her new book. Thanks for a great giveaway!
Yes, I want to live a simpler life!
I will read this book. Mike and I have wanted to take our children to Europe to show them a different way of life but I have always wondered why I can’t live that way here. From not shopping on Saturday afternoons or Sundays. To being able to ride a bus anywhere we would like to go.
I am super excited to read this book. I would love to win a copy!
My one word for the year is Intentional and I have a feeling THIS is just what I need to help me fulfill my goal.
Ooh, this sounds like a good read!
Sounds like a great read!
I’ve never read anything of hers, but this sounds awesome! I’d love to read it.
Her Organized Simplicity began our family’s transformation. I have the hard book, the e-book and my husband even downloaded the ebook!!! LOVE HER work. Thanks for letting us know she has a second book!
Simple… what a concept! One I’m not very good at, I’m afraid, despite the desire to be.
The topic of this book speaks to where I am right now. I’ve been asking myself the same question lately: how much do I need to be happy?
Just like Tsh and lots of others, I and my family have been struggling with a fast paced life here. We have cars, computers, dishwashers, don’t have to raise cows ourselves, but why are we still so busy all the time? I would love to read her book.
Thanks for the giveaway! I read Tsh’s first book and am a blog follower of her site. I am eager to read her new book and would love a chance to win a copy. Btw..I have really been enjoying your more personal reflections of Sunday morning tea each week. Thanks for continuing to keep it real and inspiring us!
This sounds like exactly the book I need right now to help me decide on the next chapter of my life. Thanks for the giveaway!
I can’t wait to read this!
Looking forward to the book’s release! Thanks for the giveaway!
We’re working on a slower-paced life, and I’d LOVE to read this book! Can’t wait to hear if I’ve won one! 🙂
I’ve been waiting for this book to come out for months! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Looks like a great book! Thanks for the opportunity to receive a copy.
Sounds wonderful – I look forward to reading her book. Thanks for the chance to win one!
Can’t wait to read this book!
Sounds like a great read, and just what a busy mom needs!
This sounds fabulous (and it would be a great birthday present to myself)!
Been listening to her podcast for a while now and would love her book!
I definitely need to read this. Thanks for the chance to win it!
I’m (finally) reading Ann’s book; I’d love to read this next!
I hope you pick me!!!!
Sounds like an interesting read and perspective on something I know lots of people struggle with… Would love to read it!
I would love to win this book. Thanks.
I actually pre-ordered the Kindle edition a couple days ago!
But, a hard-copy would be fabulous as well… 😉
I’m so excited to read this! I preordered so it’s on its way to me as I write this, but I would absolutely love an extra copy to give away to one of my friends. I’m bracing myself to be challenged and preparing to make some intentional changes!
I’ve been waiting for this book!
I would live the chance to read this book! Much needed!
Sounds like an interesting book
I would love to read this book. This is perfect timing as I’m trying to balance career and being a fist time mom and just simplify it all!
Living a simple, slower life is a something I am continually working toward. I would love to learn more from Tsh with this book. Thank you for a great giveaway!
Definitely want to read this book!
book looks great and perfect for this moment in my life.
This book is already on my to-read list! Thanks for the giveaway!
I’m in that space where I’m fully in need of help on the topic of simple living. Thank you for giving a wonderful review and free offer; I would love to win a copy.
I am craving simplicity these days. The book sounds wonderful!
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to read this book!
This looks like such a great book. I can’t wait to read it!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks for a chance to win her book. I love her ideas!
Thank you for the opportunity to win this book, would love to have it to read while I am stuck at work for snow duty.
Thanks for sharing the book trailer. I hadn’t seen it yet. This book is definitely on my TBR list.
Thank you for the giveaway! I can’t wait to read this book!
I’m new to Tsh and her writing, but I’m not new to wanting to implement changes like this in my family’s life. Looking forward to the insights!
I’ve been dying to read Tsh’s book – would love to win a copy!
I would love some ideas about living with more intentionality. With (soon to be) three children under three, I feel like I’m in reactive mode most of the time!
Your sense of living more intentionally struck a chord within me. I am retired and find the Lord has given me a burden to write a novel. It has been a labor of love since I do not have any idea of how to craft a book. I would love to find more ways to carve time out for more writing as well as how to simplify my life style with practical ideas from your book.
I would love to hear her thoughts on travel. From each of the videos I watch on the topics she covers in the book, it sounds so similar to the family life I dream of and envision for myself when I start one eventually. Traveling as a lifestyle is something I so desire in this season of life that I am in – a young 20-something single woman – but I want to know what that would look like logistically and financially when a husband and children come into the picture. Some people think it is impossible, or they make it a once every year or once every few years thing to travel (especially internationally) with their family.
I am a dreamer but I lack intentionality. I believe I can do both though, I am really looking forward to gleaning some wisdom from Tsh and applying it to the context of my life and relationships
I’d love to read this (during nap times, hiding in the bathroom, and so on). Thank you!
(Incidentally, glad is found your site, Meaghan. Always good stuff when I check in. Well done, madam!)
Great prize!
Hope to win, excited to read this book!
Hope I win!
I would love to read this!
I so want to read this book! It sounds so wonderful and wise. My e-mail address is hael1101@stcloudstate.edu. Thank you!
Would love to win and looking forward to reading this book.
Pretty sure I need this book. I am floundering so far this year.
I would love to win a copy of this book!
I would love to read Tsh’s book!
Our family does really try to live intentionally and this book sounds right up my alley. I would love to win.
I love her writing and her podcast!
Would LOVE to read this.
I’m standing at a crossroad and would love to be inspired!
Looks great!
I’ve heard nothing but good feedback about this book, and would love to give it a read!
I love Tsh and her podcast! I’m weeks away from delivering my first baby and I think this read would help me reflect on the choices I make every day, as a woman, wife, citizen of humanity, and mother. I would love to win a copy of this book.
I so want to read her book. Thanks for the opportunity!
So excited to read this book. Tsh is a great example of slowing down to enjoy your life.
Thanks for the giveaway
This book is on my wishlist – can’t wait to read it!!
Excited to read this!
I really enjoy Tsh’s site and would love to read the her book.
Win or not, I must read this!
Tsh has such a wonderful view on life. I would LOVE to win her new book. Thanks!
I’ve been to Turkey(though only for a few days), so I’m interested to read about what it was like to live there.
Squeakin’ in under the wire here–I’d love to win a copy of Tsh’s new book! I just discovered her site recently, I’ve no idea where I’ve been! 😀