While I eagerly await the release of my next novel, Starting from Scratch, I’ve pondered the title. As several of you mentioned on my last blog post, many things start from scratch other than cooking. Although a good home-made meal is hard to beat.
Homemade pie crusts taste the best! Our son made this from scratch.
Last year, Harvest House Publishers asked me to write an Amish book, but not a sequel to A Letter from Lancaster County. The story could take place in the same general location and perhaps my new characters could cross paths with my old ones. Bottom line is I had to start from scratch.
Every new house needs a strong foundation. What an undertaking.
Fortunately, ideas are always buzzing through my head and the story line seemed to sprout like an unexpected flower in my yard. Know what I mean? A bird or the wind drops a seed and a new flower appears in the spring. The plant takes root but where will the branches grow? When writing a novel, I usually envision the beginning and the ending, but sometimes the characters and their circumstances seem to take on a life of their own. That journey is what is fun for this author.
Checking out the Amish section at Zook’s Fabrics in Intercourse, PA. Love that store!
Can you think of a project or change in your life that started from scratch? Sometimes, a person such as my new character, Eva Lapp, has too many options that come with serious consequences. Other adventurous people might decide to change the trajectory of their lives on a whim, such as finding a new job, taking a class, learning a new skill, moving, or even getting married.
I love this Amish-made table runner or wall hanging made in Lancaster County, PA!
Leave a comment and enter to win this exquisite Amish-made 39” table-runner/wall hanging (has loops on back) plus a signed copy of A Letter from Lancaster County, or one signed copy of a book from The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, either CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, CBA bestseller Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish. Winner has three days to respond. USA and Canada only.
Have you pre-ordered your copy of Starting from Scratch, to be released April 3rd? Please save the receipt! A fabulous Giveaway waits around the corner to celebrate Starting from Scratch’s birthday you won’t want to miss.
We “started from scratch” in a big way 14 years ago when we moved from our home state and came to Maine! My husband’s job had ended and he didn’t know exactly what to do. So because our first grandchild had just been born in Maine and the little family seemed to need help, we moved lock, stock and barrel, as they say, to a new state. We had found an apartment on one weekend visit, but we had no jobs. We knew about 3 people!!! It was a very interesting experience, and more than a little scary but we felt so confident that it was what the Lord wanted us to do. Life didn’t exactly turn out the way we expected here, but we still are positive it was the right thing to do.
I can’t think of better reasons to move across country than a new grandchild and the Lord’s prompting. You are a brave woman, Connie, and I wish you the best in this giveaway!
Kate
Wow it is beautiful. I think there things through out life we start from scratch. Beginning with a marriage to having that first baby. I can’t think of all things in life I have started in my 40 years of marriage and I still have some start from scratch projects I need to finish. 🙂 Love your books. Great blog.
Blessings
Diana
I hadn’t thought about marriage, Diana. And that first baby was a huge learning experience. I’d never even babysat. Thanks so much for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I make a lot of my jumpers and vests. When my kids were little ,I made a lot of their clothes, and come to think about it, I made my clothes in high school ,too. I Would make Something And Wear it the next Day ! I Guess counted Cross Stitch Is MAking Pictures from Scratch Too. And Making A Quilt .love sewing !
In my younger years I sewed my own clothes too, Peggy. In fact, my first real job was in a fabric store. Yes, cross stitching counts, as well as quilts. Thanks for your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I make memory bears from scratch. The first ones were made from pieces of my parents clothing, after they had passed, for their grandchildren. Now I make new memory bears for new babies coming into the family.
What a delightful idea, Mary Jane. Those bears sound darling, plus they have a sentimental value. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I made a lot of my children clothes from scratch. Also crochet baby blankets. And scarves for a women’s shelter. Would love to win.
Sounds as if you make a lot from scratch, Cynthia. And you are generous woman. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Two years ago in January I had to leave the school system and get a job in a daycare. I took a huge paycut and took on longer hours. I loved working in the school, but due to circumstances beyond my control, I had to move on.
Sometimes we have to do what we can to help pay the bills. I work with 2 year olds which is fun.
If you work with two-year-olds and enjoy it, I can tell you have a great attitude and are in good shape, Brenda. They’re not easy to keep up with! Sometimes those unwanted circumstances lead us to a better place in the end. (BTW: Years ago, I worked 2 jobs to pay the rent.) Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I guess I do a lot of things from scratch. My cousin once introduced me to her boyfriend as her cousin who likes to do things the hard way. Lol. We met them at the grocery store buying milk to make mozzarella cheese. Lol. I had to laugh.
I also started from scratch 21 years ago when I moved to Ohio from Texas. I brought one daughter, and I had a boyfriend here.. that was it… We made it good though.. Still together and still happy too. Have a great day!
Many would think that doing things from scratch is the hard way, Kim. I wouldn’t have minded sampling that mozzarella cheese. Also, a huge move from Ohio to Texas. Glad to hear you and your boyfriend made it and are still happy together. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My hubby made stink bait from scratch. he also terminated chum to put out to draw in Catfish. The Catfish loved it. Just don’t sit downwind.
A man or woman who loves to fish will go to great lengths, Jan. I fished often with my father, and by myself, and loved to eat our catch for dinner. Thanks for living your fun comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Going back to school after 50. It was indeed starting from scratch. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone with a dream. Thank you for your gift of words.
That is a great encouragement, Connie. Learning about the Amish was like going to college again. Not to mention learning about the ins and outs of the publishing world. Thanks for your uplifting message and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Too many times in life I’ve had to “start over, start from scratch”, it seems. Each time I did and moved forward.
I learned in Home Ec to make my clothes, totally from scratch, starting with picking out the pattern, zipper, thread, etc I, along with everyone, it seems, got away from it. I often think now that I would love to sew again but mama’s old sewing machine no longer works, so I don’t. I like the old simple machines not one with all kinds of gadgets.
I loved my mother’s old Singer sewing machine, Loretta. Not only did it lack those distracting gadgets, it had the heft to go through leather. I sewed a few simple purses and a pair of suede pants, which I sold on consignment. I studied sewing in middle school, but doubt those classes are even provided anymore. One thought is to buy a used sewing machine. I think mine is, not that it sees much use except repairs. Thanks for your fun comment that tossed me back to earlier times. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I do a lot of sewing and I do gardening from scratch. I start the seeds and watch them grow than plant in the garden and some in pots. I love to watch them grow and ready to eat. So much better then the store brought stuff.
Love reading and love the Amish books.
I just saw a new garden plot in on my walk yesterday, Sue. Can’t wait to see what they’ll plant in that nice sunny spot. I’m so impressed that you start your seeds. I must do more of that. Thanks for entering the giveaway! Glad you like Amish books.
Kate
I feel starting anything from scratch gives us a greater appreciation of the completed project. Thanks for a chance to win 🙂
That is an excellent point, Michelle. I do appreciate my started-from-scratch projects the most. Thanks for leaving your insightful comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Starting from scratch is when your children are all grown and you go back to college to finish your degree and I’m in my 60’s the star pattern is beautiful love your books
Three cheers for you, Earnestine! You are doing what many wish they had the courage to do. I’ve even heard friends speak of it, but they never actually go back to school. Best of luck in your fantastic endeavor and in this giveaway!
Kate
Photo albums and scrapebooks
You just reminded me that my photo albums are dwindling now that I don’t make prints from my digital camera. No excuse, right? I bet your scrapbooks are terrific. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Fruit cake every Christmas. My aunt taught me when I was in high school and, have made it every year since! A lot of fruitcake since I’m 68! Its amazing!
What a fun tradition, Rita! I was very close to one aunt, and I can imagine that you feel nostalgic every time you make it … from scratch! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Starting from scratch isn’t my problem…it’s seeing it through to completion, but something I’m working toward every day. Beautiful quilt runner. Every time I go home to visit, I try to make it to Lancaster and visit the shops. It’s such a beautiful area.
I’m sure you’re not alone, Amanda. Hey, at least you give it a start. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Besides the obvious cooking from scratch like you mention, I usually jump into crafting from scratch. I’ll need to make a card for someone special, and I’ll think of their likes and then jump in to create it just for them. Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful runner.
You’ve got my curiosity stirred up, Cindy. I’d love to get a peek at one of those cards. Fortunately, our granddaughter was here on my husband’s birthday last weekend, so she could make one. I should buy a couple dozen and just hang onto them. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Beautiful! I loved reading this post too. My family moved to Kentucky last year and we started from scratch building a life in a new state. Plus, there are many Amish in this area.
Moving to a new state would be a huge accomplishment, Gina. My husband and I have discussed it, but for now were staying here. Hasn’t stopped us and complaining … I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Started from scratch when I left a situation of domestic violence 18 years ago. I still cook from scratch. How things blend together from nothing to something beautiful has always intrigued me.
Yes, that blend intrigues me too, Cynthia. Hooray for your bravery and 18 years of freedom. I have friends who have walked in your shoes. Not all women escape. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Our 49 year marriage!
49 years of marriage is a huge accomplishment, Murna! Congratulations and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love to cook from scratch. Love your books Thanks for a chance to win in this awesome giveaway
I cook most of my meals from scratch too, Regina. Although I don’t grow my produce or keep a chicken coop. Thanks for your lovely compliment about my writing, and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I loved the book, Starting from Scratch and will post reviews today. I love doing things from scratch. There is so much more satisfaction from doing it that way and much more loved worked in!
You’ve read and liked it, Kate? Thanks, I’d love short reviews. Two or three sentences usually works best. (No spoilers) I also derive more satisfaction when doing things from scratch. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
The Amish table runner is BEAUTIFUL !
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Betsy!
Kate
This is a perfect piece of work,I enjoy collecting and shopping for one of a kind beautiful art work.
I love how the Amish put their heart and soul into their crafts, Kim. Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving your comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My favorite things I started from scratch are my children! My firstborn turns 18 today. If I may brag a bit I have to say they turned out beautifully!
You may brag a lot, Tracie! These days, not all parents would say the same. Your apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Happy birthday to him! Thanks for your uplifting comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Cool runner. I love your books.
Thanks for your kind words, Rena. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I do a lot of things from scratch the way my grandmother’s taught me – bake bread, make jam, sew quilts, clothes. I love the feeling of making something myself and sharing with others.
How splendid that your grandmother taught you all those skills that can be passed on for generations, Debbie. And she passed on her generosity too. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
This is a beautiful wall hanging/table runner. My quilting experience is not that good. I lean more counted cross stitch. I am getting ready to start a 5 panel piece called The Nativity. I think it is sad that these talents/skills are not being taught much to our daughters and granddaughters! We who do have a duty to do just that!
I agree with you, Cheryl. When I was in middle school I took sewing class, but I doubt if it’s taught in schools at all anymore. Or encouraged. My mother’s Singer sewing machine was always set up and ready to use. Your new The Nativity piece sounds intriguing! Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Oh my this is just BEAUTIFUL.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Tammy!
Kate
Instead of buying flower planters I usually make up my own. This way I know whether to use flowers for sun to part sun or no sun at all. Love to do this and I also make up planter arrangements like Bridal Bouquet or water fall. When we lived at the house before we downsized I would plant flowers from seeds. I’d baby them along all winter. Pansies and petunias. I had some hardy ones . Thanks for your lovely giveaway.
I wish I had you nearby to offer me some planting advice, Shirley. I’ve learned the hard way to not plant too early, but reading about your hardy varieties makes me want to jump in. But better wait. Sigh. Thanks for your interesting comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
The table runner is so pretty! I love to make things from scratch, gardening, cooking,sewing, and crocheting. So much nicer that way.
You sound like an artistic woman with many talents, Vickie. How wonderful. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
We started from scratch in 2000. My husband was injured in an automobile accident and we got a settlement. We leaned on God’s direction in where we should go and decided to resettle in Missouri. It was a hard choice to make as we both left our families behind. It ended up being the best decision ever made. God always knows best.
Julie
Yes, He does, but sometimes I forget to listen. Or even ask. You two made a brave decision and I’m so glad that it was the best ever, Julie. Thanks for sharing your uplifting story and entering the giveaway!
Kate
After 23 years of having my own family daycare in my home, we no we to the city where my doctors are mostly.. Being in a position to start over feom scratch is indeed a blessing..some never get that chance..day by day..
Lovely stitching…thank you for the chance of entering.
I imagine moving to the city would be a gigantic change, Carla. Starting over again with everything, from where to buy groceries to meeting your new neighbors. I’m glad it’s been a blessing for you. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Our from scratch moment as learning to not depend on others for happiness. I come from a large family and my parents are divorced. After being pulled from my mothers abusive home my life revolves around my dads household. I was getting married and felt guilty for it and for leaving my dads home – at 25! I learned to love my own life and start from scratch and really understand myself. Since then I’ve started many pies and cooking items from scratch
Learning to not depend on others for our happiness is one of the biggest lessons in life, Kayleigh. Many never get it. I’m delighted to hear you’re doing so well. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Besides cooking, baking and preserving, i crochet, cross stitch and sew. Thank you Kate for this wonderful opportunity to win such a beautiful gift
You are a woman with many interests and talents, Robin. You achieve what many wish they could, but don’t for whatever reason. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Stories. I begin with something I see in the creation, relate it to my experience and write about it.
Wonderful, Mason. Keep writing. Who knows where it will take you? Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Wow i have started from scratch in alot of ways in 2016 after being homeless i got a place then last August at 52 i took a class which was extremely scarey as i was never good in school it was a class for certified peer specoalist. Thank you for the chance to win this exquisite handiwork and of cpurse one of ypur books God bless you always!
You have made some major transitions, Jean. Probably a few not by choice. Good for you for taking your class. Many who were not good in school when young find they excel as adults. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
The Amish table runner is beautiful! We live about 45 minutes from Lancaster County, PA & try to visit there a couple times a year. I enjoy your books & share them with my 86 year-old mother, she loves them too. Thanks for the giveaway.
As to starting from scratch, I have done that many times in many ways. When my 2 sons were small I sewed a lot of their clothes, as well as shirts for my hubby, clothes for myself & things for our home. I love to bake from scratch using recipes from my mother & grandmother. I even started from scratch when I went to college for my nursing degree after being out of high school 18 years!I
Blessings, Tina
I should add that I started from scratch again when I started having a lot of health problems & had to stop working in 2007 & go on disability. I loved nursing, so this was hard. Now my hubby has retired so we are starting from scratch again. However, God is faithful, always!
Blessings, Tina
Wow, you could have written this post, Tina. I’m impressed that you got your nursing degree at any age, and that you could sew your husband’s shirts. How wonderful that you still use your mother’s and grandmother’s recipes. Thanks for writing this fun and thought-provoking comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
That is so beautiful! Wow, that will be one lucky winner! Love your article, Kate. Have a wonderful day!
I’m glad you enjoyed the article, Sunnie. Wishing you a wonderful day too, and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Wow, how beautiful. I wish I can say I make a lot of things from scratch. Working full time and having two kids, just leaves me no time, oh did I mention, I am also a Girl Scout leader and I help out in my son’s Cub Scout pack. Maybe once my kids get older, I can start making more things out of scratch.
Being a Girl Scout leader and helping in your son’s Cub Scout pack are gifts your children will never forget. I know this, as my mother was the leader of my Campfire Girls group. No need to apologize for being too busy, because this is a busy time of life for you. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
We started from scratch when we moved for a new job opportunity. Finding a new church, making new friends, new places to explore. It was fun.
Those sound like humunguous changes, Maryann. Although one of you had a job opportunity, you definitely started from scratch. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
This is so beautiful I use to make my daughter summer outfits fro scratch it was so much fun Thank you Kate for this wonderful giveaway God Bless!
How wonderful that you used to sew your daughter’s summer outfits, Sarah. With two sons, all I ever sewed them were Superman capes and Halloween costumes. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I make lye soap, lotions, and tie blankets. I love giving homemade gifts
I imagine the recipients of your homemade gifts enjoy them thoroughly, Bettina. Sounds as though you have a generous heart. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I like to knit socks, hats, scarves, sweaters, Afghans, and baby blankets from scratch – but I don’t spin the yarn. I loved to sew clothes for my children when they were young. I sewed my oldest daughter’s going away dress when she got married. And sometimes we still see costumes for fun.
An impressive array of knitting, not to mention sewing, Kaye! I wonder how many people spin their own yarn, but I do know of a few. Aren’t we fortunate to have yarn shops? Thanks for your lovely comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
This runner is so-o-o pretty! I also quilt, a lot. I knit , sew, made all the curtains, etc. in our large home. I took classes on basket making, loved it and mad a few. We do alot of gardening, and painting, papering, etc. I also read many, many books. We love to keep busy. We have 5 grown sons, 7 grandchildren, and pick grandsons up from school daily, and they are with us (a joy), until Mom & Dad are home from work. We have done this for all our grandchildren, luck, blessed, us
You sound as though you keep busy, Norma, with all your many projects. The most fun sounds like picking your grandchildren up from school daily. That would be a joy! While waiting for their parents to pick them up, I’m sure they’ve learned, or at least watched, many of your projects. Thanks for your uplifting comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
When we moved to our new home 20 plus years ago there was nothing but a pile of dirt. I have planned, planted, pruned, and nurtured it all and love every minute of it! Thanks for the opportunity to win one of your awesome giveaways!
How very impressive, Linda. When I got married, both my husband and I decided we needed to move into a home that didn’t need major remodeling. Planning a garden is one thing, but starting with a pile of dirt was more than we could face. Thanks for leaving your fun comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I like to make food and non food items from scratch when I have the time. Taste so much better. {food} Thanks for a chance to win a amazing table runner and a book wow double bonus.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Kristina. I agree that from scratch food taste better, and I have no fears that there are items such as MSG, etc., mixed in. Good luck!
Kate
I “started from scratch” after I went through a divorce. I still struggle today. But, I am a much stronger person because of it. My faith has been found. God is love! What a blessing!
I’m delighted to hear you’re a stronger person and that your faith has been deepened through God’s love. A friend said last week, “There ain’t nothing that so bad it isn’t good for something,” and I think she’s right. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway. Good luck, in all aspects of your life.
Kate
My mom would love going to that fabric shop, she loves material, she use to sew and quilt alot but not so much anymore, she misses it.
I hope your mom misses it so much that she starts again, Melissa, if she’s up to it. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Beautiful table runner. I already pre-ordered Starting from scratch. Can’t wait to read it.
Thanks so much for pre-ordering Starting from Scratch. Please save the receipt to use as an extra entry in a fabulous giveaway coming up when Starting from Scratch releases. Best of luck in both giveaways!
Kate