A few short weeks away is the release of my new book, A Letter from Lancaster County! I like to think of myself as a patient person, but truth is I don’t like all this waiting. Long lines at the grocery store are not my favorite, but I usually chat with people and flip through the latest magazines. Twice, I left a doctor’s office because I was generally ignored and kept waiting too long. Have you ever done anything that zany?
Remember the oldie song “Anticipation”? Its lyrics have been circling in my head as I anticipate the release of A Letter from Lancaster County, July 1. Not that far away. Any day now I expect to receive from my publisher a box of books!
Are you delighted to wait in line for your latte?
Over the weekend, I was admiring the gorgeous quilt my friend Old Order Amish Emma Stoltzfus of E.S. Quilts in Lancaster County gave me as a recent gift. Running my fingers along the masterpiece. I imagine meticulous quilters are patient. They must be! There’s planning the design, purchasing the fabric, piecing it together … Not to mention the hand stitching! The same amount of time it takes to write a book? However, quilts do not need to be re-sewn and copy-edited. Do they?
You’ll have to wait to see the whole of this gorgeous quilt, a prize for some lucky entrant in July.
I can’t wait for you to see the incredible Amish quilt I’m giving away to celebrate the release of A Letter from Lancaster County! Emma Stoltzfus sent me photos and I asked her to choose one with hand-quilting she considered of the highest quality. Plus the design and colors are gorgeous. Wait until you see it!
How is your patience? Can you think of some things you anticipate? What do you do when you find yourself in a situation where you have no choice but to be patient?
How’s your patience when you’re running late and stuck in traffic?
Leave a comment and entered to win this Amish-made 43” Table Runner made in Lancaster County, PA. Plus a signed copy of A Letter from Lancaster County (!!!) or a novel from The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, its sequel CBA bestseller Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish. USA and Canada. Winner chosen at random and has three days to respond. Winner announced on next week’s Blog.
Enter to win this Amish-made 43” Table Runner made in Lancaster County, PA.
When I travel to see grandsons, it’s not l9ng trip but I just think okay we just left this house. Another hour paces we just left house, meaning I just lived a block or two away. Lol
What fun, Melissa. I would love to live only a couple blocks away from my grandchildren! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I try to be patience I think all good things take time. But then I get antsy about waiting for the Dr at a appt.
I put my self in that situation and think if I really had a big health issue I would want the Dr to take his time with me too so I ask God to help me be patience and slow down my thoughts and relax till my time to be called .
Sometimes I joke that my favorite doctors are always late, but I need them, Brenda. You are right; I want them to take extra time with me too. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I use to be very impatient. Over the years I have mellowed and now that I have Grandchildren, I have patience. Watching them do things on their on”I can do it Nana” instead of hurrying and do it myself…. although I don’t like having to stand in long lines at the store!!!
I’ve mellowed a lot too, Dianna. Still, I will do practically anything to avoid a long line at a store. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’m patient and I love your books can’t wait to read it the table runner is very beautiful
Thanks so much, Jennifer. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I must admit I am a pretty patient person. I kinda grew up with a attitude things will happen when need be. I try not to fret on things. I had a pass experience in my life that I think God’s lesson was He’s got this. Can’t wait for your new book to come out.
Blessings
Diana
A patient woman who has learned from past experiences is a rare find, Diana. Fretting never makes things happen faster, that’s for sure. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
What a gorgeous table runner! My patience is bad with myself or anything good I am anticiapating even the bad stuff I am impatient about…lol
I have the same problem, Sabrina. I am most impatient with myself, and more forgiving with others … most of the time. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
You know I think I’m not a very impatient person I never remember getting antsy about anything, I think it’s because If you spend your time thinking of what you want to come your missing what is already there today. I try really hard to enjoy the minute I’m in, I never want to regret missing something because I was to busy to stop and pay attention.
The quilt is beautiful! And the table runner is very pretty. I think quilters are very patient people and also enjoy the minute they are in.
You are right, Cherese. Living in and enjoying the minute is the key. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am not a very patient person I guess as I sit here and write this. I sat here thinking “what am I patient with?” I guess I’ve learned to be somewhat patient with people, that’s the have to, but seems I need to pray more and work harder for the blessing of patience.
Patience has never been my best virtue either, Bettina. Although I am extremely patient with my grandkids … And I must be patient enough to write a book and await its release. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am patient in some things. In others, not so much!! Especially, when it comes to release day of certain books.
I love the colors of the quilted table runner. Great choice!
Congratulations on your upcoming book! I am looking forward to reading it!
Thank you for your encouragement, Elaine. I’m glad you like the table runner. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I do not consider myself a very patient person. I do not like long lines, crowded places or congested traffic. If waiting in an office for an appointment, I am fine as long as I have a good book to read, (particularly an Amish fiction book)! The quilt is beautiful, as is the table runner. I would also love to win one of your books.
Smart thinking to bring along a book to the doctor’s office. Too bad we can’t read when driving and stuck in annoying traffic. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
To get a stain out of your carpet, half cup white vinegar, one-fort cup of Dawn dish soap,put it in a spray bottle spray it on let it set for a few minutes and pat it some.thank for a chance to win. It is pretty table covering.
Thanks for your excellent cleaning tip, Barbara. I’m afraid I’m fighting a losing battle with the stain. I hope I stop noticing it so much and beating myself up for my negligence. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Patience? Working on that, I try to ask for teaching moments instead of patience. My Grandmother always told me not to pray for patience , but to ask for teachings. When I find myself getting anxious I pray .
Insightful grandmother, Sparkle. I will try following her sage advice. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My patience has always been pretty good. When I have no choice but to be patient, I usually find myself praying or reading to pass the time.
Two excellent ways to pass the time, Kathy. I pray throughout the day, so why not do it when standing in line waiting or in traffic? Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I consider myself a pretty patient person, although I have a real problem with bad drivers!
Bad drivers, especially when texting, are downright dangerous, Carole. The other day I pulled off to the right and let two tailgating motorists passed me by. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I always get very impatient when having to wait at the Dr. appt. My time is just as valuable as anyone else. I think they try to squeeze in too many appt. thus when someone needs more time it runs into another appt. Love the table runner and love your books. Thanks for the chance to win. Have a blessed week.
You could be right about trying to squeeze too many people in, Debbie. Like dominoes falling, their days get further and further behind. I try to make appointments right after their lunch hour, but that doesn’t always work either. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am not a patient person at all!! If I am ignored at a restaurant, I will get up and leave. I generally tell the hostess about it. When I have to be patient, I will just take a deep breath and relax. I always take a book with me, if I know that I will have a wait at the doctor’s office.
Taking a book with you is a clever idea, Linda. I come from a long line of punctual people, but I kept my sister waiting yesterday and felt terrible. I noticed she was reading … Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I try to be patient most times but every know and then it goes out the window lol. Table runner is very pretty. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Ronda. I congratulate you for your patience … most of the time. Good luck!
Kate
when you have no choice, then you have no choice, the answers will not come sooner. I hunker down and pray. And yes I pray for what I want, I beg for it…then a peace comes where I’m saying, “Your Will Lord, Your Will”. He always shows up on time. I wish I could make a trip to the Amish Country!!!
A lovely prayer, Virginia. Only He has perfect timing. Sometimes when I’m stuck waiting I speak to people I might never have met otherwise. I hope you make it to Amish country. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I was impatient and hot tempered before I had kids. Then everything changed. I learned to be patient and enjoy all those little moments and find some humor in it all somehow! I now have 3 beautiful Grand Boys and I find myself tested every now and then but then they make me smile even more in my older years <3
Excellent, Michelle. I also became more patient when I had my sons and especially with my grandkids. I feel sorry for children with impatient parents on their case all the time. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I feel that am a pretty patient person — unlike my hubby Beautiful table runner, Kate. Thank you for the opportunity to win this wonderful giveaway.
Good to have one patient in each household, Mary Ellen. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
my son likes me to go fishing with him…..he has a lot of patience…..he tells me i need to work on mine when i am fishing….i tend to get frustrated when i try for 30 minutes without a nibble
Fishing definitely requires patience, Amy. What an insightful young man your son is. How wonderful that he enjoys your company. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I knit or I read. Both calm frustration for me.
Both knitting and reading sound like wonderful, soothing occupations, Christine. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to own this table runner. I would also love to expand my Amish collection of books. Thank you and I wish others the best.
Thanks for writing and editing the giveaway, Brenda. Good luck!
Kate
My patience really stinks. I really do try, like when I’m waiting on someone and the later they come the crazier I get, or I tell myself just relax and if it’s meant to be it will be. I’m terrible in long lines and I’m terrible at the Dr. Offices. I’m hoping that as I get older I’ll find that slowing down will be better in the long run!
I found my patience has increased with age, Fay. Sometimes when I make an appointment for the first time I will ask the receptionist if the doctor/dentist tends to run late so I know ahead of time to bring reading material. The only chronically late person I know stopped being late a few years ago. How cool is that? Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am impatient in traffic for sure! My Dad joked that I am so impatient I didn’t even wait the usual 40 weeks to have my children, they were both a bit premature(though healthy, thankfully)and I was getting impatient to meet them! I think some things just take time and part of growing is learning to cope with the wait. Not really my strong suit though! I am eagerly awaiting your new book, but it is coming up quickly so I think I can stand the wait!
I enjoyed reading your letter, Tracie. The older I get the better I am at waiting. One trick is bringing reading material wherever I go. My favorite doctor is so chronically late that I actually call ahead of time to see how he’s running so I don’t arrive too early. Both my sons were late! One by a week and the other 10 days. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am usually a patient person, more so now that I’m getting up there in age. Time seems to go so quickly anymore, I don’t have time to get impatient. 🙂 Beautiful quilt and the new book sounds great.
You have a great attitude, Pat. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am very impatient– especially when people are late. I am working on this but it is a long, slow haul for me. Thank you for the chance to win the beautiful table runner and your latest book!
Thanks for writing about something I struggle with, Christine. But every once in a while I am late and I have to remind myself my tardiness was my own fault. A good dose of humility. Good luck the entering the giveaway!
Kate
God is what helps me to be patient specially when I’m waiting for some of my medical test to come back April 26 I had a biosphy to see if I us had skin cancer but didn’t I found out I have Lupus and with GOD’S love and my faith help me while I was waiting the 9 days I had to wait for test results
I was just talking to a friend and laughing about how quickly I forget about answered prayer, Ernestine. By the way, the woman I was speaking to was diagnosed with lupus but actually had Lyme disease. With proper treatment she is reclaiming her health. I pray that you also are healed. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think over the years I have become more patient then I use to be. I won’t give all credit to my husband who always makes me wait regardless of home knowing what time we need to leave. He has gotten better I will say. Now, in times of patience I just look up and say help me please why? I breath and it passes. Thanks for the chance to win.
An excellent strategy, Tina. Sometimes I just say: Help! Thanks for leaving your fun comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m usually a patient person.
Patience is an excellent virtue, Pen. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m kind of patient.. I take care of my mom. Although, I hate traffic and ten not to be patient in my car. 😉
If you take care of your mom you deserve 10 gold stars, Jeanine. No matter how much you love your mother, a difficult task which requires great patience. Good luck in the giveaway.
Kate
Hubby and I determined many years ago that we would get in a hurry tomorrow – or maybe the day after. That decision has taken so much stress out of our lives!
One time many years ago I waited in a doctor’s office for over an hour and a half. When asked when I would be seen, the receptionist said the doctor was leaving for lunch and I’d be seen when she returned. I did demand to be seen now as several others had been seen after my appointment time. I was seen then but never returned. That situation was so stressful, it helped us make the determination not to let delays upset us when we had not control but to control the situations we could.
Kate, the table runner and quilt are stunning!
Please enter me in the drawing – I’d be content to win just the book!
That may be the worst case scenario in a doctor’s office that I’ve heard, Judy. However, I may be able to top it. Years ago, I was put in an exam room and forgotten until closing time! Fortunately the doctor hadn’t gone home yet. Can’t recall why I didn’t complain after 10 minutes. Must have been reading a book while waiting. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I try to be patient but at certain times and in some situations it’s not possible. I try sticking to a schedule when out. I normally have a routine, to do lists, places to be and stuff to get or get done. I don’t like lolly gagging…. dilly dalling
I grew up in a very punctual home and my husband is too, Crissy. I try to stick to a schedule and am usually successful. However, some days everything seems to go wrong and I get off track. In those times, other people’s patience is greatly appreciated. Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Thank Kate!
I had one of those days where everything did go wrong the other day. We have to just remember to breathe and look for the positive. It’s always a plus to have another calming voice beside you when things do go a miss…
So true, Crissy!
Kate
I tend to not be very patient when waiting for someone to help me at a store or in traffic. Thankfully, I don’t live where there generally is a lot of backed up traffic!
I’m glad you can avoid that nasty traffic, Becky. Thinks renting the giveaway!
Kate
I’m more patient as I get older, but still a work in progress. I like getting things done. I try to be easier on myself & others now.
I love that thought that I’m a work in progress, Susan. I’m going to take that with me today and go easier on myself today. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am not a patient person at, my husband tells me all the time,and something that really drives me crazy is when my daughter and I want to do something together and she has to ask her husband and he will wait right up till last minute to say if she can go or not, I like to plan and know what’s going to happen. So I get where your coming from Kate
I like to plan things ahead of time too, Melissa. That sounds frustrating. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have learned to be patient in doctor’s offices, it’s a given. My overall patience level is pretty good, even waiting to see if I’m a winner in one of your fantastic giveaways! Can’t wait to see the quilt in July! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
If your patience is good, please sprinkle some of that this way, Linda! You are right about doctors’ offices … although I know a few very punctual ones. Hope you win the giveaway!
Kate
Patience is my weak spot. I am always praying for the Lord’s help in that area of my life!
I pray the Lord gives you more patience … and me too, Michelle. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I don’t have a lot of patience. I’m told I inherited that from my grandmother. We were two peas in a pod. Thanks for the chance to win the beautiful table runner and one of your books.
What fun to inherit traits from your grandmother, Cindy. I wonder if I inherited any from mine. She was fabulous and loving, but not perfect. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Waiting for this give away is testing me..lol. Thanks for the give away! After a miscarriage last year, our daughter & son-in-law & grandson are expecting a new baby in August this year!! Oh how blessed we all are from God!! Still walking on ‘pins & needles’ as they say. We are already blessed by 5 grandsons & can’t wait for our first granddaughter to be born!! Best part of this “waiting” is our daughter Chelsie asked Jesus to be her Saviour!! After baby Abby comes, Chels will get baptized!! Amen!! So, guess we have a few thibgs we are all waiting for!! Blessings to all and good luck on the give away!
I’m excited for you in several ways, Brenda! Along with heartache comes blessings from God. Waiting for a new baby has got to take the most patience. And I’ll bet you prayed a few times for your daughter. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
As far as traffic, I used to be impatient but then audiobooks happened! The longer the trip the more book I could listen to! Can’t wait to read you newest. And the table runner is lovely. Here’s hoping…
Audiobooks are a wonderful solution for traffic, Anne. Some authors get great inspiration in traffic, or so I am told. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am not a patient person. As I get older though I am trying to become one. Becoming a parent has also helped with that process.
Thank you for having a fun contest. Love the runner and hope to read your book 🙂 Many blessings!!!
Thanks for writing, Angie. not all people become more patient with age, but without patience, parenting would be a constant battle. Good luck in the giveaway.
Kate
A wise woman once told me to takes things one at a time as they come. She said that after her third child she prayed daily for patience…and that God answered her prayer. He blessed her with four more children and she learned to be more patient, lol. I took this to heart and most of the time I choose to “savor the anticipation.”
I love your books and hope to read this one soon!
What great advice this wise woman imparted upon you, Donna. I love the thought of savoring the anticipation. That will be my goal for today. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Kate! So excited about your new book. I have read the others, and certainly want to read this. So happy for you. As for patience, that is not a “virtue” that I have too much trouble with. I find as I get older it has seemed to be something I definitely have relied on in life. There are many situations in my life that call for patience and as such, I feel that this is one hurdle that I have conquered. So now on to conquer a few other hurdles that need conquering. I really enjoyed your post. It’s so nice to know we are all human and have things we can always be working on to become a better person. Best wishes on your new book!
Thank you so much, Sunnie. You have conquered a huge hurdle many people never will. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
When I plan a vacation a year in advance, as it get closer to the date I am impatient to go. Planning side trips or excursions helps with the impatience. However the time seems so fast once your there.
Like reading a book, you can wait for it to come out. When your start reading it and then all of the sudden your done and wonder when the next one is coming out.
Isn’t that the truth, Cathy? Planning and waiting go hand-in-hand, and then the time seems to fly by. Thanks for writing these words of wisdom and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Waiting in the Laundromat for my clothes to wash & dry. But I take one of my Amish/Mennonite to read. This seems to pass the time quickly. Then when I get to a real good part of the book it’s time to fold them & head home. Then can’t wait to get everything done at home so I can go read again. I’ve not turned my TV on in more than 6 months. I would rather read!! GOD BLESS!!
Good for you for taking time off the TV, Jill. It can swallow up your whole day. Thank you for the blessing and for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Sometimes it is hard to be patient and it is always worth working on.
Being patient may be a lifetime struggle for me too, Melanie. Always worth working on. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Kate, love your books. They always keep my attention, touch my heart and make for a beautiful read. That said, love the quilts that you showed on this page. Also the photo at the top. Your books are definitely paperback novels. E-books I can’t put on my shelves and that makes it bad for books that I consider keepers. Always buy favorite authors in paper. Have a wonderful week & God bless you & your family.
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement, Pat. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I like to think I’m a patient person; or at least patient enough not to walk out or cause a scene. When I’m driving and the car in front of me is waiting an eternity to turn or they’re doing 10 under the speed limit, I talk to them. Yes, I totally sit in my car and in my normal tone and pitch say, “turn, turn, turn” or “speed up. Let’s go. Come on people.”
Monday we were at a swim meet when a storm hit just before we started. Some parents from the opposing team immediately grabbed their children and left. Other parents waited until the weather had cleared an hour later to leave when their kid was being told to get in the water and warm up. The latter puzzled me the most. I’m pretty sure we won the meet simply by so many people from the opposing team leaving before the meet started. =/
What fun that your swim team one due to the other team’s lack of patience, Jennifer! How lovely that the weather cleared. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Congratulations on your upcoming release, Kate Lloyd. I’ll definitely be getting a copy of A Letter from Lancaster County. I loved your other books and know this will be pure joy to read.
Lovely table runner for your giveaway. I love the color combination.
I’m a early person whether rising of a morning or getting some where. Thus, I learned to be patient waiting for those who are running late to arrive when we are meeting some where for lunch, coffee, etc.
Thank you for your words of encouragement, Marilyn. I tend to run early also, but every once in a while I get every red light, etc., and am late. I always feel terrible and am grateful for the other persons patience and forgiveness. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate