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. He wants to be the best chiro Melbourne who can provide relief to everyone.
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..
Hi, Kate! I would love to win this quillow, it would look perfect in my house. Also looking forward to reading your latest book!
Thanks, Carolie! Glad you wrote and entered the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I find my self procrastinating when my heart wants to try a new quilting project and my mind says that’s too time consuming, blah, blah, blah!! However, I did learn to do hexies during 2017 so hopefully I can finish that sampler quilt this year and move on!!
We’ve all heard that blah, blah, blah in our head, Syble. Too hard, no time, and on and on and on. Hope you finish that sampler quilt this year. (I have no idea what hexies are.) Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Enjoy reading your blog!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Anna!
I would so love to win this! My passion in this life is yo escape thru the Amish books. I love all of them so much. It is my heart and soul.
In that case, I’m wishing you good luck in the giveaway, Michele!
Kate
I have wanted to teach myself to do machine applique but have been procrastinating because I know I will not do a good job. Time to buckle down and just do it. I know I can do and with practice it will look good.
When I am starting something new I just assume my first few will be less-than-perfect, Lori. I hope you go ahead and stop worrying about doing a good job. You are correct: You can do it with practice and patience. Good luck on your appliqué project and in this giveaway!
Kate
I love this Quillow. Love seeing and reading about the Amish lifestyle.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Martha!
Kate
I would love to have this pillow gift!! I collect Amish things! I have all of your books and they are awesome!
Thanks so much for your kind words about my books, Debbie. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I would be absolutely thrilled to win and start my New Year off to a great start!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Ruth!
Kate
I would love to win that beautiful quillow Its beautiful
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Gloria!
Kate
First time I have heard of a Quillow. Thank you for the opportunity to win it and A Letter from Lancaster County.
Good luck in the giveaway, Nyla. If you don’t win this giveaway, I hope you do go ahead and read A Letter from Lancaster County.
Would love to win this handbook! Thanks
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Cathy!
Kate
Wonderful give-away, and attractive as well. I have been interested in the Amish for many years. Thanks!
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Deborah!
Kate
I love to ponder and reflect on the heartfelt simplicity of Amish Life. Your beautiful “Quillow” expresses quiet times in the country.
In some ways their life is much more simple than ours, Priscilla. In other ways, not so much. It’s pouring outside and I’d hate to hitch up a buggy to get to the store. Not that I want to go shopping, but there are times when I appreciate my car … and other modern conveniences. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win this. I love everything Amish.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Olivia!
Kate
My one undeveloped talent I am willing to explore—or wish you had would be more quilting and sewing lessons think it’s never to late to finish or start a new project.
I remember one time my mother broke her leg skiing and was in the hospital, where she took up macramé out of boredome, Christine. I hope you do explore quilting and sewing. What fun to have a finished product when you’re done Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Accounting is my procrastination. I manage our home, farm, and 3 other accounts… I’m doing great so far Katie!
Congratulations to you, Penny. Accounting is not my forte, although I’m sure I would find a way to do it if I managed a home, farm, and three other accounts. Wow, very impressive. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Just made a quillow for a Christmas gift, would love one for mine and my husbands bed. Beautiful! Reading Amish books a lot as I am interested in the lifestyle, have some old order friends in Smyrna, ME.
Brenda
You sound like a talented seamstress, Brenda. I hope you get a chance to read one of my books … if you don’t win this giveaway. Thanks for entering!
Kate
I love to win things!With a limited budget, it’s not easy to get things
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Tammy. If you don’t win, you can find my books at the public library.
Kate
Would love to win this beautiful pillow. It’s beautiful !!!!!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Regina!
Kate
I love reading your books! I would love to win this!
Thanks so much, Deb! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
One thing I wish I could did is crochet and another is quilting. Sounds like you have done quite a few things before writing but I for one am glad that you did since I enjoy your books
Thanks so much, Ellen! I have tried many things, but not quilting. Not that I don’t own a few quilts. My aunt (no longer alive) dedicated the third floor of her house to quilting, and she made beauties. I hope you give either crocheting or quilting a try. If your first project turns out awful, you can always try another. Each attempt will no doubt be better than the last. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Not sure there’s anything I am procrastinating about in my life (other than eating right and exercising!) Would love to win the quillow. I made one for a grandson a few years ago and he still uses it when they travel! Thank you for pursuing your writing, you have made a lot of readers happy!
Thanks so much for your compliment, Anne! Moderate exercise and eating right does seem to improve longevity. Although sometimes it doesn’t seem to make a difference. BTW: I consider walking around the block exercise, as long as there is no snow on the ground. Plus, I get to meet my neighbors that way. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have always wished to learn to play a musical instrument.I love this quillow and thank you for the chance to win it.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Sharon. I wonder what instrument you would choose if you were back in high school and told you had to study one. My mother used to play the recorder and belonged to a group that met at various members homes. Well, she belonged to a French group too. A fun way to get together. Good luck!
Kate
Hi Kate,I am writing this one more time because I messed up on it The first time.So sorry!I appreciate you giving us all a chance to win this Beautiful Quillow. I would love it win and I know everyone else would. Whoever wins , I know they will be blessed.I love reading your books as well,and I would love the autographed copy as well,Be blessed!
Did you have trouble the first time you tried to enter, Linda? Not a problem. I’m glad you tried again. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My goal, though not necessarily putting it off, but rather taking time away from school for awhile;is to get my degree as Nurse Practioner. I started out with baby steps… 8 years as a CNA, 10 being a stay-at-home Mom until my youngest entered kindergarten then I returned to school for acclererated 2 years in 9 months course as a Medical Assistant. I then took my exams to become both Certified and Registered. I have been out of school almost 2 years now and soon I will return back to school to complete my career goal. 🙂
A wonderful goal, Cris-Annette! I admire those gigantic baby steps. Too many people give up, but you have persevered and are almost at the finish line. Congratulations! And thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win this. Thank you for giving everyone a chance.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Linda!
I’ve been procrastinating for 25 years in making several quilts.. I need to tap back into my quilting and sewing abilities.
Blessings!!
I hope writing this comment is a catalyst toward your getting back into quilting, Kim. How wonderful that you already have the sewing abilities. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate! I procrastinate with my Bible journaling. I try to do it everyday, but sometimes things get in the way. I kinda redesigned how I do it now, so far so good I am doing it daily. Thanks for the giveaway!
If you and I were face-to-face, I’d ask you what your strategy is, Tina. I’ve wanted to attend Bible study again, but when I’m writing or on a deadline I don’t have time to prepare. Sometimes a verse will catch my attention (jump off the page and hit me in the eye?) and I will read and ponder it for 3 or 4 days. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win this Willow. I have been reading Amish books for a couple of months now. They inspire me to be a better person. I do not own anything that is Amish, so this gift would be cherished forever. Thank you for your generous gifts of the Willow and a signed copy of one of your books. Both would be a forever treasure in my home. Best wishes to you and yours for a Great New Year.
Most Appreciative,
Tami Sue Sunblade
Thanks for visiting my blog, Tami. I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying reading Amish books. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Beautiful and I love Amish books. Very nice prizes.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Susan!
Kate
I’d love to win this quillow…All your books are great, can’t wait until your new one comes out. Thanks for the opportunity
Thanks, Kathy, I appreciate your kind remarks about my books. I wish I had a quillow for everyone who leaves a comment … Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have never read one of your books, but I would like to do so. And, I would love to win the quillow. I have seen one, but I would like to own one. Thanks for the opportunity.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Phyllis. It would be fun if you won the quillow and read one of my books. Hope you get an opportunity to read one soon.
Kate
I have never heard of a quillow. I need to look up a pattern because I bet my mom would like it.
There are patterns on the Internet, Jennifer. I think they are such an ingenious idea, and cute too. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Overcoming from not walking but being disabled I love the Amish and the way they lived love to read your books and more books
Thank you so much, Karen. Glad to hear you like reading my books. I can’t go to sleep at night unless I’ve done some reading. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Hello, Would love to win the Quillow it is Awesome!! Cant wait to read your book!!!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Aletha. Wishing you good luck!
Kate
Kate, I so enjoy reading your books! I have relatives who live in Lancaster so when I read about certain towns I feel like it’s a bit familiar. I procrastinate on housework…especially when I have a good book to read!
First, please let me thank you for your lovely comment about my books, Donna. You sound like me when it comes to procrastinating on housework. my husband and I joke that we wish one of us was obsessively/compulsively neat. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Now, I need this! I am quilt crazy!
You are fabulous crazy-lady, Mary Jackson! Good luck in the giveaway!
I procrastinate on a lot of things! I don’t like to set goals either. I find I don’t even use that word, goal. It makes me feel locked into something. I guess that’s why I procrastinate. Sigh…. On the other hand, when I have to get something done, I always do, and I do it on time. Also, since it’s never too late to right a wrong, it’s never too late to start something new. Go for it!
It sounds as though you better strike the word goal from your vocabulary, Kathy. As an author, I’m used to the word Deadline. That seems to get me going. You must have some way of tricking yourself into finishing projects. I agree, it’s never too late to start something new. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Would love to win. Love the quillow. It is gorgeous.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Elaine!
Kate
Very pretty! Would love to win it to go in our Amish themed living room.
I bet your living room is cute, Jodi. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Would love to win this beautiful quillow.
Good luck in the giveaway, Juanita!
Kate
Pretty thought provoking article. I’ve been really contemplating the futures of my grandkids and where their interests will take them.
I’m delighted you found the article thought-provoking, Sonja! How wonderful that you are encouraging your grandkids and getting them thinking about where their interests might take them. A+ in the grandma department. Thanks renting the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate, I would love to win this beautiful Qillow. Quilting is on my list to learn one day. I love reading your books❤️
I hope you do learn to quilt someday, Rachael. Thanks so much for your lovely compliment about my books. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’ve always thought I would like to play the piano or some musical instrument. There was no extra money for lessons or room in my house for a piano when I was growing up. I don’t really seem to have musical talent, but always thought I would like to try. I could do it now, but it don’t seem to be a big priority in my life, so I will put it off a little longer, lol!
I hope you don’t put it off forever, Connie. How do you know you don’t have any musical talent? I don’t know your age, but you are not too old to learn to play the piano or some other instrument. Thanks so much for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway. Good luck to you.
Kate
I enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for the chance to win the quillow. It’s beautiful.
Thanks, Christine. I’m glad you enjoy reading my blog. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
This Giveaway is officially over. Thanks for stopping by!