Another twelve months have flown by. Although I’m eagerly awaiting the release of my next book, Starting from Scratch, on April 3rd. I want to savor each day until the auspicious occasion. And soon, another Amish quilt to giveaway!
For me, the start of a new year is a time of reflection. I scroll back through my memories and recall my accomplishments and my defeats—opportunities to learn, don’t you think?
Some might see my life as a roller coaster ride. My professorial father was appalled when I bought and was sole proprietor of a restaurant. Especially since I’d studied art in college and my mother was a portrait sculptor. (She did not want to be called a sculptress.) At one time, she was President of Pacific Northwest Sculptors.
Our sons’ clay portraits reside atop our piano. Mom cast most of her work in bronze.
My dad was equally flabbergasted when I sold cars at several dealerships. At that time, I may have been the only female car-salesman in Seattle. Okay, I’ve always been a bit of a risk-taker.
I adore singing on stage in a dress tailored just for me.
When I became a Christian in my 30s and started attending church, I realized I couldn’t sing worth a hoot. Determined to sing well, I found the best vocal teacher in the PNW to give me lessons. She kindly took me on. Singing was so much fun; I auditioned and performed for several musical theater groups and also sang in productions at the University of Washington.
I admire people who grow up knowing exactly what they want to do for the rest of their lives. Like my husband, who wanted to be a chiropractor at age eleven. Yet even he had to switch vocations after suffering a nasty ski accident. He became a consultant and has a thriving business. But he continues to take on new challenges, such as publishing his own book and becoming skilled at shooting videos.
I recently asked a respected orthopedic surgeon if it was easier to get into medical school or get a book published, something he wishes to do. He said medical school. So, why would I begin the arduous task of writing and being published? My first novel, A Portrait of Marguerite, seemed to emerge from my morning journaling. Being a wee bit OCD, I continued to write and write until it was finished, and then began the process of rereading and editing, sending out query letters, joining a critique group, and attending writing conferences. Not for the weary at heart.
A young Amish man driving home from church service in Lancaster County.
Writing Amish fiction has been no easy feat. I mean, really writing about them in as close to a factual way as possible. All of my endeavors have required tremendous study and research, but none more than my desire to write about the Amish of Lancaster County.
What have you been procrastinating and would like to complete? What is one undeveloped talent you are willing to explore—or wish you had? Is it ever too late to finish a project or start something new?
A lovely and ingenious Amish-made Quillow sewn in Lancaster County!
Please leave a comment to enter to win this Amish-made Quillow from Lancaster County, plus a signed copy of either A Letter from Lancaster County, or one signed book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy – either CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, its sequel CBA bestseller Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish.
Winner has 3 days to respond. USA and Canada entries only. Winner will be chosen at random and announced next Tuesday..
I question my career decision all the time. I teach 1st grade. Love teaching little minds, but sometimes the adult politics involved with teaching driving me over the edge. I am too scared to try another career at this time in my life, but would love to start a blog. I have lots of ideas of what I would like to write about just need to settle on something. This year I hope to finish a lot of unfinished projects. Stay organized, read lots, and spend some time at the beach which is my happy place. I love to read amish books and visit amish communities.
It sounds as if you have many decisions to make and projects to finish, Tracy. As a rule, I hate change, but have changed many times in my life. I’ve heard the politics in schools can be very difficult. I hope you settle on a subject for your blog and spend much time at your happy place. Thanks for leaving your interesting comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I use to Paint and loved doing it. My husband was my biggest fan, nothing I painted turned out bad to him when I knew it wasnt my best. He died 4 years ago and I stopped painting because I just didnt feel like I could do my best without him. Now, I know I was wrong and plan to start painting again in the spring. He will still be my biggest fan, just will be so in spirit. I love reading your stories, they make things so much better after I read them. You inspire me…Thank you.
Betty, you are an inspiration to anyone who read your comment, including me. I am excited to hear you will start painting again. Thank you so much for your generous complement. Hearing that you love reading my stories makes me like you. I guess we all need fans. But the enjoyment of writing or painting is a reward in itself. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love your books! I cross stitch Quilt Squares hoping to get them all done to put them together!
Thanks so much, Melissa. Your project sounds marvelous. When you get it all done … cause for celebration! Thank you for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
My granddad Yoder and his relatives are all Amish and Mennonite. I find their way of life interesting. I photograph all things pertaining to them were ever I have had the opportunely. I would love to own the quillow.
You have a most interesting background, Mary. As you might know, I carry my camera with me at all times and am very interested in photography. I’ll bet you have some fabulous shots. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Kate, I like reading your books. Happy New Year.
Thank you, Nancy Jo, I’m delighted you enjoy reading my books. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Beautiful! Love the Amish and their way of life. Love your books. Thanks for the chance to win. God Bless!
Many thanks, Donna. I’m glad you enjoy reading my books. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love anything Amish !!! The quillow is a nice addition to my Amish collections.
Thank you for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Peggy!
Kate
I would love to win the quillow and book, Kate. That would be wonderful!
It would be fun if you did win, Amy. Good luck!
Kate
I love reading your books!!! I do paint some (I don’t paint all that well, but it is a stress reliever for me), but I love to crochet. I read and crochet everyday!!! Thanks for the opportunity to enter this contest!!!
If you like to paint and crochet, I’ll bet you are probably more talented than you realize, Dianna. Reading and crocheting every day is quite an accomplishment. I’m thrilled you enjoy reading my books. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I enjoyed reading your New Year Post and your books. Looking forward to reading all your new books this year and re reading some old ones. Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful pillow and a book! Happy New Year to you
Thank you for taking the time to read my post and my books, Patti! Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Happy New Year Kate! Thank you for sharing your memories with us. It can be fun (mostly) to go back and “re”-live those memories at times.
I would love to win the quillow, it is beautiful. I really enjoyed your Lancaster trilogy series and hope to win/read A Letter from Lancaster County. Thank you for a chance.
I don’t think it is ever too late to finish a project or start something new. When I was in nursing school (1988-1993…after being out of high school 18 years!) I took an art drawing class and there was a man who was in his late 70’s in the class. He always wanted to learn to draw so he decided to take the class. It was good to see him there as I was an “older” student as well (not in my 70’s but older than most of the other students.
Blessings, Tina
Thanks, Tina! Wish that we could re-do some of our memories, because a of course not everything I did or live through was fun and games. Mostly though, I’ve enjoyed a good life. Good for you for taking a drawing class. if I had more time I’d probably draw and paint again too, but will stick to my camera for now. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have loved reading your books, and look forward to your new one. I wanted to be a high school English teacher, and after graduation went to college for a year towards that goal. However, I also wanted to be married and have children. Well, I opted to get married to the love of my life, who also graduated when I did. we decided to have a large family, even though e were so young. Three years later, he had graduated from college, and we began our family. We had 5 sons, and 2 miscarriages. But, together we raised our sons, and today they are all married and we have 7 grandchildren. I never regretted my early wish to teach because I have tight these sons to respect people, to praise and honor God, and to raise their children to do the same. We are celebrating 57 years of marriage this year, and we still love and praise our Lord, who blessed us with our life, and helped us through sorrows of losing parents and friends. It would be an honor to win the quillo, etc.Thanks for listening.
Women do face a dilemma if they wish to have a profession such as teaching, Norma. I believe that if at all possible a mother should stay at home with the kids, and that sounds like what you did. Some women seem to be able to pull it off. For instance I’ve known several stay-at-home dads, while mom worked and earned a good living. Not for me, but many women need an income and don’t have a husband to provide for them. Sounds as if you made a good choice. How wonderful that you have five sons and seven grandchildren! I’m delighted that you enjoy reading my books. Thanks for mentioning that, and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I was just looking at my huge bin of started,,but not finished crafts…would love to complete one a month
Completing one a month would be a great accomplishment, Amy. I hope you’re not too hard on yourself. Crafting is supposed to be fun. Good luck in getting them finished and in this giveaway!
Your gift of writing these books is a blessing to all your readers. Finding wholesome books to read is often challenging, so thank you for your contribution. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
Thank you for your generous compliment, Betty. I’m glad you enjoy reading my books. Yes, it is hard finding books that aren’t offensive or that use the Lord’s name in vain. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have changed careers. Parents cringed. I was a school teacher for a long time. Now, I am a store manager. When the store is closed, I read my Amish books. Your books are so nice and I feel like if I drove to Lancaster all my friends from the books would be there.
What an incredible change of vocations, Connie. I can imagine your parents cringing the way mine did. I’ve joked with my husband that my characters are my best friends. I’m delighted you’ve enjoyed them. Best luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have never had any training but I wrote my life story. I have it typed and done. I would love to have it looked at to see if it’s any good.
Wow, and congratulations, Patty! I wonder if there is a writers group that meets near you, or a yearly conference. Be warned ahead of time, not everyone likes the same thing. One person might look at your writing and shake their head, while another might find it fascinating. I wish I could do a better job hooking you up with someone. When I first started writing I asked friends to read my manuscript. Although not professional authors, they were very helpful. I wish you the best of luck in your writing endeavors and in this giveaway!
Kate
I have been raising my daughters for the past 17 years, so as they are getting to be grown I am wondering what to do for the next chapter of my life. I worked in retail sales before I had the girls, that was fun but I am not sure I am going to go back to that. I would love to do some kind of counseling for alcohol or drug addiction, but I am not sure I can do the schooling for it. I learn much better by doing and the thought of endless classes where I have to take notes and do assignments and papers seems a bit overwhelming. Might just have to take a deep breath and go for it though! Beautiful quillow, is it from a research trip to Lancaster?
I love your “next chapter,” Tracie. Your idea of counseling for alcohol or drug addiction sounds interesting. Going to school again would be a challenge, for sure, but maybe worth it. Let me know if you do. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’m a longtime quilter, and have several quilt tops that need to be quilted. Unfortunately at this point in my life I have arthritis in my hands, and it’s too painful to hand quit anymore. I have a friend who does machine quilting, so I’m hoping to get many of them finished through her talents. Careerwise, I’ve always been very happy being a full-time wife and mom, and now Nana to my grandloves. I love working with you, Kate! This quillow is wonderful!
I hope you get your quilt tops quilted, Nancee. Very sorry to hear about your arthritis. I imagine it’s frustrating to have the talent but not be able to finish your quilts. Glad you have a friend who can help you out. I love working with you too! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love all of your books, when I am reading one, I can almost picture myself being there.
I’m delighted to hear you love my books, Betty. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I want to write a childrens book with all my gra dchildrens names in it. I would,love to win this beautiful pillow. Thank you for your writing.
Writing a children’s book with all your grandchildren’s names and it is a splendid idea, Tammy. I hope you do it. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have often been told that I should write about our journey raising a daughter who had a brain tumor and rare medical conditions and a son with high functioning aspergers syndrome. It is a tough spiritual journey. Reading your books and others refreshes and encourages me.
Writing about your journey sounds intriguing, Ramona. Is it something you actually wish to do? It sounds like an arduous journey. I’m delighted to hear my books have refreshed and encouraged you, as your writing might do for others. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
You have been an inspiration to many people. Never give up on your dreams has been your motto.
I love your books. Each one has touched lives in ways you could not imagine.
God Bless You.
God bless you for writing this encouraging comment, Barbara. I greatly appreciate it. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I share your love of the Amish people and admire their deep rooted faith, their love of family and their genuine work ethic. I try to travel to Lancaster County once a week and truly enjoy my time there. I always stop at Amish roadside stands in the summer and love shopping at the farmers markets and craft shops. W=hen I read your books I feel like I am right there with the family in their Amish homes and businesses! Keep writing,as I think you are right where you should be!
Thank you for your uplifting letter, Joy. I would love to travel to Lancaster County once a week. Well, maybe not this week with all the snow. I need to check in with relatives and friends to see how cold it really is. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love reading these posts.I learn so much from them.I love your books Kate!The pillow is so beautiful!
I’m glad you enjoy reading my posts, Jackie. Thanks so much for letting me know. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Looking forward to the next book!!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Vicky. Good luck!
Kate
Thanx for the giveaway!!! What a beautiful quillow! I enjoy your books. They make me feel like I am visiting with some of my Amish friends in Michigan.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Jennifer. Wishing you good luck!
Kate
Such a lovely pillow!! I’ve never really known what I wanted to or wouldn’t have had the courage to do it, my mom has always told me I was my worst critic and never had convenience in myself, but she always thought I could do anything.
It seems we are all our worst critic, Melissa. A little voice whispering in our ear whispering that we will fail. But so what? We would not demand perfection in a child learning a new skill. It sounds as if your mother was a great encourager. Listen to her words because she was right. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I want to start recording my life experiences. Not for publication but for my granddaughter. I became a grandmother for the first time at age 63 and now my granddaughter is almost four. I know that I may not be around when she is grown and I would like for her to “know” me when I was her age. Thanks for your giveaway!
Recording your life experiences will be a priceless gift someday, Connie. I sure wish my parents had, or that I had listened to them using a tape recorder. Great idea. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love your books and all Amish books. The Quillow is beautiful. I do occasionally procrastinate. I seem to work better under pressure to complete something. Have a blessed New Year!
Being under pressure is not always bad, Debbie. A great instigator to completing tasks that we have procrastinated on. As an author, I capitalize the word Deadline. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Wish I could sing or knit but can’t do either
You are not alone, Sheila. Last week a woman told me she wished she could sing, so I encouraged her to take lessons. You don’t need to be a professional singer or knit the most incredible sweater in the world to take lessons and learn new crafts. Besides, singing is fun and I’ve heard it’s considered an aerobic activity. Good luck in fulfilling your wishes and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to write but keep putting it off. Also, I want to work on my quilting skills. I probably won’t to either because I would rather read.
Having priorities is just fine, Cecilia. But I encourage you to write and quilt if they are something you wish to do. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Beautiful quillow! Have never seen one and it would make a nice gift along with the book.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Vivian!
Kate
Thank you for sharing your life with us. I guess I would love to do a few things i wanted badly when i was younger. Music is my heart!! I took several years of chorus in school, taught myself how to play piano and organ. Grew up singing in fromt of the church. My dream was to be a music teacher and to sing in a professional choir!! I also have wanted to journal but never seem to be able to stick with it. Im in my 50’s now but i used to work with terminal patients and i would love to become a hospice nurse or aide. To be able to bring joy and comfort during their final time and to be able to share God’s Word and His love with them would be such a blessing.
I love the stories about the beautiful Amish people and their way of life. One day i hope to move near one and be able to live my life similar to theirs.
Being in your 50s is the perfect time to fulfill some of your dreams, Debra. Being a hospice nurse sounds awesome, a calling from God. I stand in awe people who want to take this on. I think singing with a professional course would be fabulous, but unless you go to the Metropolitan Opera, most courses are not professional. People gather together to sing for the joy of singing. that is a reward in itself. Here’s a thought: Journal for a day about all the things you’d like to do and see which one takes priority. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love reading the books you write on the Amish. I learn a little from each book. The quillow is such a unique item and very handy. One of the things that I am going to do this year is get back into painting. I may even do some paintings of Amish scenes.
What a fabulous idea, Dee! I encourage you to get back into your painting. If I had more time I would do it myself. That’s the trouble with having too many things I enjoy doing that require the use of my hands. At least I can sing while I’m driving my car or in church. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I wish I had the nerve to act!! I have done quite of bit of theatre set work and love that kind of creative but can’t get over stage shyness!!
I used to sing with people who had such terrible stage fright that they took some sort of heart medication to keep their fears and check, Kathleen. Not recommending this for you, but it would be fun if you could get past your stage-fright. How cool that you have done theater set work. I’ve heard public speaking is one of the biggest fears for most people. For some odd reason, I enjoy it. And I love being on stage in front of a thousand people. Thanks for your comment, and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Such a very pretty pillow keep up you stories love them.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Celia!
Kate
Enjoyed learning more about you. Love the quillow!
I’m glad you enjoyed my blog piece, Deanna. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I admire all you have accomplished. I was always to shy to pursue my dreams. Thank you for the chance. Blessings
I’ve had many shy moments, Lucy. We all do. But I guess my desire to fulfill various dreams was stronger than my trepidation. Not everyone is going to like you … but what does it matter? Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
It seems you reach each goal you have set for yourself!!! Doesn’t that give you such a great feeling? 😉
PJ, I have not reached each goal. For instance, I’m not on the New York Times bestseller’s list. My greatest accomplishment was finding a faithful husband who thinks I’m cute without makeup. That is a great feeling! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to try my hand at quilting.
I hope you do give it a try, Michelle. Starting small and proceeding slowly seems to be the best way to become proficient. This is what quilters have told me. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have always wanted to be a public speaker and an advocate for abortion and helping women decide NOT to abort their unborn child. I am 59 and had my first grandbaby in April of last year they live 2 hours away but I so want to be apart of her life if my daughter would allow me too be as much as possible. So I am going to volunteer at a new pregnancy center that is to be opening in my town and pray someday to be a public speaker for the unborn. I feel like God is opening the door and I am going to try and have enough courage to step through that door and do it!! God bless you Kate in all you do!!
Good for you, Lana! I admire your desire to volunteer at the pregnancy center. Several of my friends have joined Toast Masters, a group that meets with the goal of learning to speak publicly. Don’t know if there is one near you. I have joked that if given 24 hours, I could speak on any subject. I find it very enjoyable and have even spoken before City Hall on various issues far less important than what you are wishing to speak about. BTW: A woman very dear to me weighed 2 lb. 8 oz when she was born prematurely over 60 years ago. Thanks for entering in the giveaway!
Kate
I love your Amish books I’ve learned a lot about the Amish from your books and other writers and the Quillow is beautiful, all your books are great, I would love to win, but even if I don’t I’ll still buy and read your books. Good luck with your next book.
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement, Eleanor. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
You are such an inspiration! I knew from the time that I was little that I wanted to be a Nurse, been in the Nursing Profession for over 30+ yrs. I also Love Amish stories and would love to win! Thank you!!
Mary, you are one of those blessed people who grew up knowing what she wanted to be. Congratulations! This might be a strange thing to say but I absolutely love nurses, the backbone of medical practices. Thanks so much for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I keep in touch with the mom of one of my daughters college roommates from over 20 yrs. ago. Time passes quickly. They live by Arthur, IL. She has a relative who’s Amish. They had us spend a weekend. On our way to Arthur to visit the shops, we stopped at an Amish store which was in a barn behind their home. Unfortunately they didn’t sell crafts. They did have bolts and bolts of fabric piled high on tables. I would love it if I could go back and take my time going through the shops, etc. in Arthur. I love quilted items, especially if hand quilted. Thank you for the opportunity to win this quillow and one of your books.
Going through an Amish fabric store sounds fun, Judy. I wonder how you would use the fabric … Even though I don’t sew much anymore, other than repairs, I still make table cloths & simple curtains. I love fabric, even though most of it comes from China. Sigh. Wait until you catch sight of the Amish hand-quilted quilt I’m giving away upon my next book release. Once again, I’m trying not to fall in love with it too much. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love reading about the Amish and Mennonite families❣
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Rhonda!
Kate
I would love a quillow,as I love visiting the Amish and buying their crafts.
Been looking for a nice quilt.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and entering the gift, Debbie!
Kate
I am working toward being the best pianist I can be for the Lord!
Oh, how cool, Becky! I’ve heard many people say they wish they could play the piano who don’t make any moves to do so. I’ve never been a great pianist, but I can’t imagine not being able to read music or play our piano. Invaluable when I was learning vocal music. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love your books Kate would love to win always love reading about the Amish! Thank you so much for this awesome giveaway!
Thanks for your lovely compliment, Sarah, and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have been procrastinating when it comes to unpacking boxes from our move.
One talent I wished I had is to be able to play the patio. I also wished my parents had sent me for voice classes.
I would love to win this quillow and a book. Thank you for this most generous giveaway. Happy New Year to you.
Shirley, my parents forced me to take piano lessons, for which I am grateful. I hated the lessons at the time … They never mentioned voice lessons. I notice that many great singers started in their church choirs. A good choirmaster can be invaluable. I’m not sure playing the piano well is because of an inborn talent, but rather because a person chooses to practice. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win the beautiful quillow
Thanks for your entering the giveaway Jeanette!
Kate