Giveaway: How to Build a Fire
One loving husband I know calls his wife his “Pioneer Girl.” I am not-so-secretly jealous of this nickname. If there’s one thing I love, it’s that quality that causes me to buy Girl Scout Handbooks from the 1930s in junk stores––an unflappable can-do spirit. This is why I loved Erin Bried’s last book, How to Sew a Button, and why I am as equally excited about her new book, How to Build a Fire: And Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew. It’s not only filled with practical bits like how to change a flat tire and make toast. It’s got good life advice about leaving work at work and bouncing back after bad news, all delivered with good humor and good cheer. What better way to start the new year than with an I-can-do-anything surge of self-reliance? To enter to win, leave a comment by midnight EST, Friday January 7 about a skill you’re proud to know. One winner will be chosen at random.
Update 1/9: You are won amazingly competent group of ladies! I loved reading about everyone’s talents. Paige C was the winner, and thanks to all of you for entering!
Emily: First commenter wins, right? No? Darn. Well, I’m a pizza addict so I’m proud to know how to make awesome pizza dough from scratch. This looks like a great book!1 year ago
H: I am proud to know how to sew. It really surprises me that so few people, at least that I know, know how to.1 year ago
Carley: I am proud to know how to weld. I learned in college for a metal sculpture class, and I remember feeling really empowered during the process.1 year ago
Sara: To work my way through college, I did manual labor in a custom cabinetry factory and learned how to prepare, cut and apply the molding to cabinet doors. Everyone needs some snazzy cabinets right?
1 year ago
Charlotte: I am proud of all the one-handed skills I aquired whilst feeding, jiggling, holding a small boy on one hip!
Blue Skies
Charlotte xo1 year ago
Annie Hall: I’m really proud to know how to sew by hand. And to make pie crust from scratch.1 year ago
Amanda: I know how to chop onions correctly and how to sew on a button. I’m young enough to say that I don’t know everything
1 year ago
Vicky Carpenter: I’m just happy that I was able to raise two daughters, and take care of the house duties with my husband always working. I laugh now at running a cable wire, shoveling a driveway in the blizzard of ’78. Tried to bring my daughters up to depend on themselves for everything as well. I can say with pride they are doing well.1 year ago
Kara: oh, I’m so excited about this! Definitely keeping my fingers crossed! One thing I’m proud of is not really a specific skill, but the belief that I know I am capable to do whatever thing I set out to do (usually). Whether it be learning to stain an old piece of furniture, or learning to sew and making new pillows, or hanging those new curtain rods all by myself and having them be level…. I am woman, hear me roar!1 year ago
Kim: I’m proud to know how to throw a punch. I haven’t had to use this skill since I was six and ‘accidentally” broke a girls nose after she pushed me.
I do, however, remember my parents sitting me down at a remarkably young age and teaching me how to throw a punch correctly, not because they wanted me to fight, but because they had grown up in a not so great neighborhood and figured this was an important life skill…one I didn’t get to use much in my quiet suburb.1 year ago
Katie @ cakes, tea and dreams: I’m proud to know how to sew and mend…and how to make a few dishes from scratch, without recipes.1 year ago
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday: I know how to change a tire.1 year ago
Rachel: I’m actually proud to say that I can build a pretty awesome fire, but I’m sure there’s more in the book I could learn!1 year ago
Margaret: I can make my shoulder pop! Wait, wrong type of skill? Ok…
1 year ago
I am proud to know how to chaine turn, pique turn, and pirouette! I practice at home to keep up the dance I learned at college, since it makes me happy and (tries to) keep me fit!
Elyssa: I’m proud to know how to knit and crochet. My grandmother taught me how to knit when I was very young, and I learned how to crochet so that I could make baby blankets for coworkers.1 year ago
Kanesha: Thanks for the opportunity, Sarah. I refer to my husband’s family as the “pioneer family” because they are pretty handy at everything and I’ve learned so much since 1996. I’m still being tutored on sewing and currently learning to use the jigsaw.1 year ago
Meredith: I gave a dear friend of mine “How to Sew a Button” and can’t wait for the next book to come out! I could sure use tips on how to keep work at work.1 year ago
Teresa: I’m very glad that I can drive a stick shift car. A surprising number of people can’t.1 year ago
Kristina Strain: Here’s one that hasn’t been mentioned yet: upholstery. I’m no pro, but after last year’s couch project, I’m pretty sure I can handle whatever else might come along.1 year ago
Bethany: I’m proud of my cooking skills. Usually with baking, I follow a recipe but often when I cook, I improvise when a recipe calls for something I don’t have. On New Year’s Eve, I made farfalle with steamed vegetables and a light parmesan yogurt sauce instead of alfredo. My boyfriend tasted it and told me that I needed to write it down.1 year ago
Julie Lanier: this book looks so great! if I don’t win, I think I’ll be asking for it for my birthday!1 year ago
jj: That book makes me think of my own grandpa, who is an Eagle Scout and also taught me how to build a fire, as well as how to balance a checkbook, carve a walking stick, tie all sorts of knots, and have the discipline to keep ones cool even when that inner temper wants to burst out. Grandfathers are wise with that wisdom from a different time, it´s true!1 year ago
Jen: I am proud I can knit!
I have her other book, How to Sew a Button, and I use it often. I hope I win!1 year ago
taiyyaba: i’m proud to know basic cooking techniques – baking bread, canning jam, cooking rice, etc.1 year ago
Katy: Hmm. I’m proud to know how to…splice. I grew up on a commercial fishing site in a family with a lot of girls, so we’ve all learned a lot of pretty cool skills.1 year ago
Jess Watson: Oh that book looks fun. I know how to bake a loaf of bread from scratch without a recipe and how to pickle okra. And of course change a tire.1 year ago
dru: Bake bread, change a tire, knit a sweater.1 year ago
Pam P.: I am proud that I have taken chances with other crafts and cooking. Before, I would only cook out of a box but now I cook everything from scratch and it’s so much better. Also, I love gardening! I taught myself all about having a garden to feed myself. My next adventure is going to be ducks and chickens.1 year ago
Carly: I love that canning no longer feels daunting and now feels effortless. It brings me countless hours of joy. My other coup is perfect poached eggs. Sounds like I need to bulk up on the “manly arts”…this book could do the trick!1 year ago
kristin: I’m proud that if I don’t know how to do it, I know how to search it, look it up, and figure it out myself. It always surprises me how many people just don’t know how to get the information for themselves.1 year ago
Sarah F: I can lay ceramic tile. I don’t know if my grandfather could or not, but it was of great help when the parents redid their kitchen several years ago!1 year ago
Elizabeth: In the last few years, all of those little domesticky things I saw my mom and grandma do finally stuck: I can now bake bread (and pizza dough, etc) from scratch, grow a substantial portion of our food, process and can whatever we can’t immediately eat, mend our clothes, and knit hats to keep our heads warm. My skills in the kitchen have also improved by at least 100% in the last three years – so far this week I’ve made pita bread and hummus, a quinoa stir fry, beef goulash, and pea soup, all from scratch.1 year ago
Lucy: I know how to make a sourdough starter from rye flour and water. And looking through all of these responses makes me want to pick up a few more skills!1 year ago
Alexandra J: I’m glad to know how to tinker with recipes without ruining them. Perfect for when I don’t have an ingredient in the house, and need to substitute.1 year ago
Evelyn: I know how to darn a sock! I read instructions online and followed them to a “T”. I was so proud of myself!1 year ago
Robin: I actually do know how to build a fire, and I’m pretty proud of that. I grew up in a house with a wood stove so I got a lot of practice. The coolest part was that my mom chopped the wood herself. Pretty awesome example.1 year ago
Paige C.: What a great resource! I own a home by myself, and I’m sure that would come in handy.
1 year ago
Starlene: I’m an excellent camper (thanks to 8 years of girls scouts!) but there are so many things I wished I’d learned from a dad or grandpa (I had neither).1 year ago
Suzy: I’m proud I know how to play the piano–not as well as I’d like, but… I almost quit when I was growing up but my dad wouldn’t let me. Thanks Dad!1 year ago
Christine: I’m proud to know I can cook for myself! It’s amazing to me how many people don’t know how or are intimidated by cooking.1 year ago
Faith: I, like many others here, am proud to know how to sew. It’s very handy and it shocks me how few people seem to know even how to sew on a button.1 year ago
leili learning life: I can knit, set a table, and make a mean omelet! I’m also a master at putting together IKEA furniture.
1 year ago
Cynthia: Making cream biscuits in under a half hour is a great skill
to have! An impromptu visitor stays for tea, a lovely addition to Sunday breakfast, or shortcakes for summer berries!1 year ago
Kasi: Changing my own oil is definitely one skill that I am glad my daddy taught me.1 year ago
KBG in DC: I can knit, play the guitar, run a business, cook mushroom risotto to die for and paint a mean wall! Do I win???
1 year ago
Lia D: Oh, my, I’m a proud girl. I knit, crochet, quilt, paint wood, sew, and even cook!!!
1 year ago
amanda d: i can use my grandma’s singer sewing machine fairly well….still working on the straight lines, but i have made a lot of gifts in the last 2 yrs and am kind of proud of that!1 year ago
Stephanie: I just gave a How to Sew a Button to good friend! I can sew a little bit, and love to send handwritten notes and postcards to friends as much as I can.1 year ago
Nicole: I love to learn things that I just don’t know yet!!!!1 year ago
Chrissy: I am proud that I can make pizza and bread dough from scratch– which turns into pretty darn good gourmet pizzas and rolls! Hoping to add some outdoor skills to the list- looks like that book can help!1 year ago
Shanna: I know how to teach special ed kids. And make tasty coffee. I would love to learn about all the things in this book, though!1 year ago
laurel sauls: Cool book!
1 year ago
I am proud that I know how to can food, cook seasonally, and change a tire.
Adrianna: I love the title of this book. I’m fairly certain my grandfather knew how to do everything and could do it all blindfolded too. And he made apple pancakes that were to die for.
I’m proud that I don’t throw “like a girl”, that I bake a mean challah, that I know my way around a stable and horses, that I have a tool box the contents of which were compiled and used by me, and that I know the value of handwritten notes.1 year ago
Erin: Oh, I love it! I recently came across the book “Make your Place” which sounds like it would be right up your ally too.1 year ago
EB: I loved ‘How To Sew A Button”. I’d like to see what she’s got to say about grandpas…1 year ago
jen: man, you people are talented! i’ve got a few tricks of my own I guess. I can drive a standard (prefer to actually) and I must say I write a mean cover letter and resume.1 year ago
Lex: I’m proud to know how to tie an amazing knot called a bowline – easy to tie, will never slip and easy to untie. I learned this sailing as a kid and have used it for everything from tying down things in a trailer to hanging Christmas cards!1 year ago
Kendra: Arg, I keep trying to teach myself basic car maintenance— how to change my oil, signaling lights, tires, etc– My Grandpa taught me how to play Dominoes and Gin Rummy, but never how to tie different kinds of knot, etc.1 year ago
Samantha: I can change a tire, research like a librarian, and talk with you in a way that lets you know you’ve been heard.1 year ago
matriarchy: I tested my tire-changing skills just last month, and was relieved that I can still do it. I think I can build a fire, from long-ago Girl Scouting. I need a list of “to be acquired and practiced” skills. Sounds like this book would be a good start.1 year ago
Jess: I’m proud I know how to jump a car. I helped out a group of four–two being boys–in college and was just so damn pleased that I knew what to do.1 year ago
Alison: I’m proud I know how much to tip everyone and their assistant and the hair salon!1 year ago
Nim: Oh, I love reading everyone’s comments. They’re all awesome.
As for me, I’m proud of my ability to cook and bake, to mend clothing, to do hardcore research, and to edit like a crazy person. But I’m pretty sure I want to learn absolutely everything in that book too.1 year ago
Erin: I definitely need to add these books to my list of things to check out! They sound really handy to have around. I know how to sew a button and do a little other sewing, but I wish I knew how to do more.1 year ago
Alison: I am proud that I can bake a mean loaf of bread, and that I can tramp around a field and know which are the freshest mushrooms. And also that I can live on a shoestring budget when necessary!1 year ago
Tricia A: I love that I can cook really well and sew buttons or small tears in clothing! I love that I am a huge bargain shopper and pride myself on my steal deals : )1 year ago
Kate: I’m proud that I know how to cook and can – but I am always looking to learn new things.1 year ago
Veronica: I am proud that I can do anything with my hands, from knitting to repairing the kid’s toys. My father taught us to rely on ourselves.1 year ago
Cristina Keith: I’m proud to know how to take apart and clean the garbage disposal after I’ve shoved too many vegetable scraps into it after making dinner. Thanks, mom!1 year ago
Kelly: As a Girl Scout leader, I can build a campfire and… set up a tent, make ice cream in a bag, hike a mountain, properly fold the flag and guide a group of traveling girls be it across town or across an ocean.
Always looking for new skills to pass on…this looks like a great resource.1 year ago
SaraJane: I’m proud to be calm and assertive when faced with adversities. That’s a bit of a skill sometimes, I think. I’m also proud of my ability to cook something great out of almost nothing.1 year ago
janet: This sounds like a very practical book. I will have to see if my library has it.
1 year ago
dawn: I grew up with hippie parents who had the full set of the “Foxfire” books — does anyone remember those? At the age of nine, I was pretty convinced I could build my own house in the woods, if need be. In reality, I am mostly proud of my ability to make and stuff sausages! When I was training as a pastry chef, this was a wee side skill we learned, and I just LOVED braiding the links into bundles of three as they formed. It’s silly, but a complete joy when they came out perfectly!1 year ago
Erica: I’m proud of my ability to dance without feeling self-conscious!1 year ago
Sasha: Do you think this book contains what to do when you come home at midnight after a cross-country flight to find your bed completely soaked because of a ginormous hole in your ceiling due to water leaking through the roof of your apartment building due to a rather large snowstorm and the first day of your new job is in the morning?
My great-great-grandfather was a shoemaker and my great-grandfather was a tailor, so I’m happy I’ve learned to make things, including shoes and clothing as it’s helped me find creative solutions to everyday problems.
Oh, and the answer to my question is strip the bed as much as you can, put trash bags over it and put your sleeping bag on top of that!
1 year ago
Bev Bourne: I need that Grandpa book!!1 year ago
Ali: I can bargain my way to anything! Me = a true New Yorker.
1 year ago
Hannah: I am proud that I am really good at Scrabble and I beat my boyfriend every time.1 year ago
Gina @cakeandcordial: I’m very proud of my ability to make excellent meringues. A friend of mine who is an excellent cook and baker has dubbed me the “Queen of Eggwhites” – which from her is quite a compliment!
1 year ago
Jenn B: i can tie a slip knot.1 year ago
Tanya: I am proud to know how to crochet. It’s nice to be able give a handmade blanket to keep my loved ones warm1 year ago
Cindy: I can proudly dismantle/assemble my vacuum cleeaner, repairing internal parts without send it to the Hoover’s Service. Just can’t live without a tool box
1 year ago
Christine H.: Aside from knowing how to mend & sew, I’m proud that I’ve mastered the skill of being able to read anywhere, no matter the surrounding distractions (the sounds of Call of Duty is now almost as soothing the classical station).
1 year ago
Athina: I’m proud that I can cook pretty much everything from scratch, can take good care of my potted plants and be conscious about spending money! The book seems very nice, thanks : )
is_tavrit(AT)hotmail.com1 year ago
Jude: I’m proud that I can parallel park like a champ — in fact, I’m the Queen of Parallel Parking. I learned the hard way, practicing on the crowded streets of Boston, but now I can pull onto any Main Street on Cape Cod and park in front of a crowd of smug men eager to give me advice.
In one smooth move. Ha.
Thanks for teaching me, Mom!1 year ago
wendy: I am proud of my organizational skills, my fishing abilities, my reading skills, and my husband catching skills.1 year ago
CS: I wish that all these wonderful people leaving comments could teach me their skills! (What a diverse and interesting group of readers you have!) I am proud of my housekeeping and cooking skills, and more than that, my ability to talk to almost anyone–particularly children.1 year ago
Laura K: I am proud to know how to gut a fish, change a bicycle tire and make creme brulee with a kitchen torch.
Actually, I can’t do any of these things (truth is, I can barely sew a button) but I do plan to learn in 2011!1 year ago
Amanda: I’m proud that I know how to knit. My grandmother taught me when I was young, but I started up again a few years ago to keep my hands busy while watching TV. Now that my memere is gone, I’ve become the family knitter. It’s become a way to keep her and our family traditions alive, and it’s a great hobby because there is always something new to learn if you like to challenge yourself.1 year ago
J.: I’m proud of my pattern drafting skills.1 year ago
myra: my dad wouldn’t let us take our driver’s lic test until we could change the tire, refill winshield wiper fluid, and check the oil.I used to embroider, but I’m also FINALLY learning to knit and sew- I love it Hooray for Handy!
Just found your blog – loving it!1 year ago
Rebecca: I’m proud to know how change a flat tire. I’m proud to know to how to knit a scarf. I’m proud to know how to install a new kitchen faucet. And I’m proud to know how to soothe a crying baby.1 year ago
Barbara: Use beeswax on a wood screw to make it screw into hard wood just like butter!1 year ago
Deena: I’m proud to know how to bottle-feed a baby goat, how to write a good cover letter, how to cook a tasty homemade meal, how to efficiently pack a moving truck, how to calculate a tip for a restaurant meal, and how to write a thank-you note.
1 year ago
Jennifer: I enjoy putting together furniture that comes in pieces. That and my love for organization I’m most proud of.
I would like to be able to do most any of the great things everyone has said they can do – Such talent!
My Grandfather taught my Mom everything he knew so I hope to be as handy as her, with her help and this book’s! My husband’s Dad is the handiest man I know and has helped me in turn be confident enough to learn and do whatever I can. Hopefully in 2011 I’ll become quite handy myself!1 year ago
jackie: ummm, i’m proud to know how to cook, hang pictures and shelves, and mix concrete!
1 year ago
I need this book!
Stacy Reardon: I’m proud that I always make my own pie crusts and stocks, and that I can throw together a pretty convincing roux-based sauce on most occasions.1 year ago
Andrea: I am a registered midwife and practice out of hospital.
Which means that I can deliver babies safely during a snowstorm without electricity.
But to be honest, if I could vote – I’d vote for the girl who can throw a punch or the one who can fix her own vacuum cleaner. They don’t teach you those skills at university…
Your site is lovely, thank you for publishing it!1 year ago
Heidi: Gee, all my mad skills have been taken! Sure, I can build a fire, bake a loaf of bread, knit a blanket and paint a ceiling. But the skill I am most proud of is my ability to write the perfect thank you note. I’ve actually received emails thanking me for my thank you notes!1 year ago
Christina T: I’m proud that I can bake a baguette that rivals the bakery’s.1 year ago
Jackie: It’s comforting to know that if I need to mend a small hole in a sweater or sew a button to a pair of pants in a pinch, I can do it myself — if it needs to look professional though, I know I can bring it to my grandma!1 year ago
Tami -- Teacher Goes Back to School: I’m proud to know how to make cocktail conversation.1 year ago
Kira: I’m proud to know how to ask for help and glue a cake back together.1 year ago
Katie D: I know how to make Chicken Soup from scratch! It’s always a comfy meal to share1 year ago
Kate: I love books like these! I’m proud of all the country kid skills I still maintain – how to bottle-raise a calf, how to field-dress a deer and of course, how to change a tire. (I’m a miserable failure at “feminine” stuff, however. My husband is much better at sewing.)1 year ago
Chris: I wouldn’t say that I am the most proficient person at building a fire, but I can build a fire better and faster than my husband. And that is something I am proud of!
1 year ago
Miranda M.: Yowza! Folks sure do want this book, including me! I’m proud to know CPR and First Aid for humans AND animals. No Joke! Next on my list is how to change a flat tire.1 year ago
Jen: When I bought my first home 6 years ago, I had never even mowed a lawn before. Being a divorced single mom I had to learn things fast! Not only did I learn to mow the lawn, last year I replaced my front yard with a perennial bed of beautiful plants and flowers. And I am proud to say I now know how to replace a broken sump pump, clean out my gutters and replace light fixtures. It feels good to learn to care for my own home and my daughter is learning to be self sufficient in the process.1 year ago
allie: I think that cooking is the skill I am most thankful for. This book sounds so great! I love being resourceful whenever I can.1 year ago
Betsy: I am proud that I have learned to multi-task effectively (one nice thing that fast food taught me; that and people skills with irate, demanding people).1 year ago
Kayduh: Looks like a fun book.1 year ago