What’s your idea of taking a risk? Bungee jumping or helicopter skiing off the highest peak? Scuba-diving in shark infested waters the way my husband does? I’ve got to wonder why people attempt such daredevil activities. Seeking a thrill and an adrenaline high? Pushing the boundaries and proving they’re invincible? If you do, or someone you know does you can find out what activities or injuries if any would be compensation worthy though a personal injury lawyer, you can find out more here.
Double risks for this wasp exterminator Des Moines! Glad it wasn’t my hubby.
Does taking a risk always have to be of a physical nature? On closer inspection, some of those seemingly brave people appear more confident risking their lives and physical injury than facing a personal challenge, such as in humility attempting to repair a relationship.
The characters in A Letter from Lancaster County, my newest novel, all take risks of a personal nature, thus exposing themselves to possible pain or rejection they’d avoided for many years. The instigator bringing the family together is Aunt Silvia, who took a gamble when she invited her nieces Angela and Rose to visit, and later when she confesses her troubled relationship with their mother. Not to mention revealing her lost love. But she doesn’t disclose their mother’s secret …
Older sister Angela took a giant risk when she accepted the invitation and then insisted her estranged sister Rose accompany her on this dubious journey. Angela had problems enough of her own. Rose risks accepting the invitation even though she figured she’d be miserable the whole time in her sister’s company. Can she risk revealing the true cause of her pain, which still plagues her inner thoughts and feelings?
All three women risk rejection in a number of ways. During the course of the book, each confronts her greatest fear. Some psychological and some physical. Which would be harder for you?
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Would you risk crossing this narrow bridge in a buggy?
An author writes her or his novel and then faces the arduous process of risking rejection from agents and publishing houses. Once published, 5-Star reviews on Amazon and other online vendors are like savoring chocolate-covered caramel, but negative reviews can be tough to swallow. I try to shake the dust off and move on. Good reviews are a lovely gift to any author and make it more likely she or he will be able to sell more books in the future. Writing is well worth the risk for me.
Would you take the risk of driving a buggy in snarled traffic?
Watching the saga of Hurricane Harvey unravel on TV, I’ve seen people risk their lives to save strangers and their pets. I guess we all take risks, although some seem more heroic or reckless than others. Are you a risk-taker? For me, vocal auditions were the scariest risks, and then later getting up on stage and singing, realizing some people in the audience might think my voice stinks. Or I might forget the words. Never happened, fortunately.
What is your comfort level when it comes to risks? I met a young woman yesterday who had fallen off her son’s dirt bike and injured her shoulder and hand badly. Dirt bikes are definitely out of my comfort zone, but I know that a lot of people love them and enjoy the thrill of riding one. If you are one of these people, you may want to take a look at how you can personalize your dirt bike so that it has even more sentimental and personal value to you. Otherwise, what is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? Was it on a physical or personal level? Have you regretted your timidity and wish you’d plunged in and given the endeavor a chance?
Enter to win this lovely and useful Amish-made Quillow from Lancaster County, PA
Please leave a comment to enter to win this lovely and useful Amish-made Quillow from Lancaster County, PA, plus a signed book. Your choice of newly released A Letter from Lancaster County, or one of my novels from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: Leaving Lancaster, it’s sequel Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish. Winner has three days to respond. US and Canada.
Love everything about you and talents love the Amish
Thanks for your kind words, Karen. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Great blog post!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Thanks for cruising by my blog and entering the giveaway, Kailey!
Kate
I’m a risk taker in anything that doesn’t cost my life, board games, staying up to late, drinking caffeine late at night. Do those count 🙂
Anything that would cost me my life or a bad night’s sleep is out of my comfort zone, Jen, and for good reason. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Kate I dearly love reading all of your books, I would love to have a signed copy to put into my library Thank you for the opportunity of entering, keep up the wonderful writing as I read for 2-3 hours nightly before I go to sleep. Have a wonderful day.
Thanks for your lovely compliments, Marilyn. I also read every night before sleep, something I highly recommend to everyone for a good night’s rest. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Thanks, Kate for this opportunity. Love your books. Would love your newest book since I already have the trilogy. Have an awesome day.
I hope you have an awesome day too, Debbie. Wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Well, when I was younger I wanted to parachute. Never having the chance, now that I am older, I no longer want to. I don’t think I would do it even if I had the chance now….but I never say never 🙂 Steady land is good enough for me now!
Thanks for all of your contests, Kate.
I’m envisioning a parachute … and an airplane, Loretta. You’re braver than I am, even when you were younger. I’m happier on the ground. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
The biggest risk I have taken in my life was leaving most of my family in Vermont/New Hampshire and moving to Maine to be near my only grandchild(at the time). We had no jobs, but found a place to live in one weekend visit! We literally knew about five people!!! But God provided jobs in a timely manner, and the strength to live so far away from family.
Now that’s what I call taking a risk, Connie. Praise God for providing jobs and strength. Thanks for writing and sharing your active bravery. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
The older I get, the less I am a risk taker. Seeing your pictures here, I would take the risk of crossing a narrow covered bridge or drive a horse and buggy on a busy street (only in daylight). But, risks that take my feet too far off the ground, are no longer for me.
I can relate, Elaine. My husband said he’d hop a ride on one of those Blue Angels (jets) in a heartbeat, but I prefer to see them from the ground. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
would love that pillow to add to my Amish roots…I have taken risks in life some did not work out well but I keep trying.
As long as you learned from the risks that didn’t work out, you’re in good shape, Janet. A Failure here and there is no reason to give up trying. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Such a great prizes. Thanks for the chance.
I’m glad you like the prizes, Susan. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
would love the pillow but i love your books more
Thanks for the lovely complement, Sheilah. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’ve been a risk taker all my life and I’m thankful since I have had many memories that I treasure.
Good for you, Sally. I have also been a risk taker, but there are certain things I hope to never do, like scuba diving with my husband in shark infested waters. Risks of a personal nature can also be huge. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I started reading one of your books. I love it. Thank you for your skills of writing.
What fun that you’re reading one of my books, Sue. I re-read one of them last week because I forgot a part … hard to believe? … and was most gratified how much I enjoyed the book. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I am not much of a risk taker! But I would love to win the beautiful pillow, which would be perfect for my guest bed, and a copy of your new book, since I have read the others. Thanks for the great giveaway.
I would be delighted if you won, Evangeline. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Just found your blog. Love the Quillow!
I’m glad you found me, Sue! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am so glad you take the risk to write Kate, I love your books! I do not really consider myself a physical risk-taker. Personally I will take risks for relationships and being bold to share the Gospel with others.
Good for you, Tracie, as those are sometimes the hardest risks to take. It seems most Christians are indeed ashamed of the Gospel, or maybe they just don’t want to risk rejection. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’ve never taken any big dangerous risks, I try to play it safe, I don’t want any broken bones!
Broken bones are no fun, Connie. It seems as though our sons had more than their share when they were young, but they bounced right back. Hearts get broken too … This life on earth is risky. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I do not like taking Risk of any kind. It is out of my comfort zone. It also depends on what the risk involves.
One way or another, it seems we all must take risks, even if it means driving a car or applying for a job, Kristina. I’ll bet you have taken a few in spite of yourself. Like entering this giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I am definitely not a risk taker but can’t wait to read about Aunt Silvia, Angela & Rose! Thank you so much for the opportunity to win a copy!
Blessings,
Lorraine
I can’t wait for you to read about them too, Lorraine! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am not — nor will I be — a risk taker. I like my comfort zone. I can do small risks but not big ones!
What might seem like a small risk for you could be huge for another person, Christine. For instance initiating a friendship or adopting a new pet. It seems as though everyone’s comfort zone is different. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m not a risk taker at all. Roller coasters when I was a kid was my thrill (not risky, I know).
I have trouble believing I used to love to ride roller coasters when I was young, Meredith. When we took our grandkids to Disneyland last year, I was forced to ride them again, although I did sit a few out. Yikes, not my idea of fun anymore. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Sometimes we’re made to take such as leaving a spouse and being totally on your own. I’d say I’m a risk taker and feel I’ve handled is pretty good so far. Thank you for this awesome chance Kate.
I’m glad you did well after taking a humongous risk and being on your own, Myrtle. Those are the risks that paralyzed some people. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Kate, I am definitely with you when it comes to shaking off negative remarks. I can mostly shake them off; but somehow, in a quiet place or in the middle of the night, I rethink (over and over again) about what was said. I admire your strength to move on.
Isn’t it amazing how easily those negative remarks can lurk in the back of our brains, Jan? I think that my journaling in the morning helps me get them out on the page and out of my thoughts. For the most part. Sometimes I have to revisit them and will think or write about them again. This whole syndrome of negative remarks is one of the themes in my book A Portrait of Marguerite. Well, probably in all my books. Self therapy? Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
You ask if I’m a risk taker? I’d say yes… definitely. I feel like I’ve had to restart my life several times and I believe that each time I took a risk and trusted that God would see me through to the next chapter. My trust in Our Lord has sustained me and given me strength I didn’t know I had.
Wonderful, Jan. I’ve had a few restarts myself, but they’ve given me good fodder for my writing. One thing for sure, trusting in our Lord can see you through anything. Even if your prayers are not answered as you predicted or wanted. He can make all things beautiful. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Pillow is nice but I’m still looking for an autographed book lol
I hope you do read my book, Richard, keeping in mind that it is women’s fiction. Although several men who read it were pleased. You could give the Quillow to your wife? Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love reading your books! Thanks fir the great giveaway!
Thanks for your kind compliment, Vickie! Music to my ears. Wishing you the best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Thank you for a chance to win!!! I’ve enjoyed several of your books.
I’m delighted you entered the giveaway, Fay. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed several of my books. (Yay!) Good luck!
Kate
Oh and I’m not good at taking risk. I’d say I’m a chicken. Lol.
My greatest risk was when I was little the carnival came to a neighboring town. I was on top of the ferris wheel when it broke down. I set there leaning over the door rail swinging away, when they called the Fire Co. Thought I was going to tip the ferris wheel over. Since then I have been afraid of heights.
I don’t blame you for being afraid of heights, Billee. Yikes, I’d never forget an incident like that either. Thanks for writing and sharing your hairy-scary story. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’m new to the Amish Book Addiction. Can’t wait to start reading your books
I can’t wait for you to start reading my books too, Lisa! Hope you enjoy them. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I enjoy your books. Thanks for a chance to win. Lovely giveaway.
Thank you so much for your nice compliment, Ruthann. And thank you for stopping by my blog to enter the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Sometimes I am a risk taker and sometimes not…depends on my mood.I think the biggest risk I have took is to give people my all only to be destroyed by them..I love your books Kate and thanks for sharing.
Now, that’s what I call taking a risk, Jackie, because other people can hurt you. But they cannot destroy you, no matter how evil they are. I’m going to pray for protection for you, that you will heal from past injuries. Thanks for writing and also for the nice compliment about my books.
Kate
What a beautiful way to have an uplifting book combined with a gorgeous quilt pillow. Amazingly nice of you!
You are very kind, Pam. I’m delighted you like the prizes and happy you stopped by to enter the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I think we all take risks whether we recognize them as risks. Meeting someone new for the first time and becoming friends, going to some place new, changing jobs, and so forth. As far as taking a “Big” risk, I try to evaluate the situation to see if it is worth the risk. What will be the benefit (or enjoyment) to me (and others)? Does the benefit outweigh the risk? My answer would be that I am a risk taker. I still climb mountains, go on rides at amusement parks, go to new places for vacations, and so forth in addition to new experiences.
I admire your attitude, Dee, and also your thinking. You are so right when you mention the different kinds of risks. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am not a big risk taker at all. I might try some different foods on occasion. The biggest risk I took was moving to Texas with my husband. I was not happy moving there but God gave me peace about it and we lived there for four years. The people were wonderful and we made many friends while we were there. We bloomed where God planted us in that season.
Moving would be a huge risk, Maryann! I’m glad you found peace during the four years you live there and made friends. I wonder where you moved to next … Husband in the military? Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I left an abusive husband, became a single mother of 3 (ages 1, 3, 5), then remarried less than a year later. He had 2 & my 3 children. We were married 31 years. I continued to pursue a degree in Occupational therapy, graduated at age 42 & am now a Certified Hand therapist. I am 67 years old & continue to work & enjoy my 7 grandchildren.
I’m glad you were able to leave your abusive spouse, and take the three darling children with you. It sounds as though you have done well, marrying another man with two children and becoming a certified hand therapist. Good for you. What satisfaction you must get from your job and your seven grandchildren! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My comfort level of risk taking is fairly small for things, especially if I let my anxiety get the best of me then my level diminishes quite rapidly. :/
I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone though. I force myself to do it.
People often instruct Be anxious for nothing, but it’s not always easy. Good for you for stepping outside your comfort zone, Sabrina. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Just love the Amish. We have some living close to us & I LOVE to go to Holmes County, Ohio and Lancaster, PA & many places in between where the Amish live. Love books on the Amish. This Quillow looks lovely. The book looks so interesting.
It sounds as though you are well acquainted with the Amish, Sharon. Thanks for stopping by my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Beautiful pillow and love the book covers.
I’m glad you like what you see, Lisa. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I would have to say no I’m not a risk taker! I don’t want to end my life anytime soon…LOL!
I’m glad you decided to stick around, Tammy. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have never really thought of being a risk taker. This post is great for reflection. I think everyday there is a risk, but to me it comes down to choices. My biggest “risk” was becoming a mother; two of the six pregnancies I’ve had ended up in a surgery within the first trimester. At the time, I was doing what I believed needed to be done and felt right following through with, not taking a risk. However, looking back, it was a gigantic risk for both myself and my baby; luckily there were no negative outcomes. But thinking about risks makes me reflect on keeping the Lord first in my life. If He is there to lead me, guide me and walk beside me, I can do anything that needs to be done; risk or not.
Your comment has given me much to think about, Terressa. I’m glad your gigantic risks turned out well. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m not much of a risk taker, but when I was younger, friends and I would go rappelling. I love that I can say that I’ve done it!
Wow, Kathy, you have certainly outdone me in the physical take-a-chance arena. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Admire the Amish and love reading stories about them. Pillow is so lovely.
Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my blog and enter the giveaway, Elaine.
Good luck!
Kate
Love to win your book you are a awesome writing,thank
I would love you to win a copy of my book, Ruth. Good luck!
Kate
Always a wonderful giveaway! Thank you.
Thanks for entering, Tina! Good luck!
Kate
I am not much of a risk taker. I don’t even like to ride rides at a carnival or amusement park. I will pedal a bike and drive a car! Thank you for the contest.
I’m not crazy about rides at carnivals and amusement parks either, Anne. Although, we did take our kids to Disneyland and I forced myself to ride a few for their sakes. On the other hand, I enjoy public speaking, what most people dread. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
The biggest risk – for me – was taking a helicopter ride over Niagara Falls. I am petrified of heights. I’ve never been up the ladder to the attic I’m so fearful of heights. So to go up in a little helicopter was definitely taking a leap of faith. The funny thing is I remember absolutely nothing about the ride. I was so consumed with taking photos of all the marvelous sights that I was seeing that I never realized as my husband says that we twisted, turned and was on our side most of the time. In fact, I laughed as I was getting off the helicopter and told them I needed to go again to see what it was like to fly. I have never flown in a plane either. Would I do it again? Well, give me a camera and I just might but only if my wonderful husband was by my side. 🙂
Wow, I’m impressed, Kay. Much as I love photography, I doubt I would have enjoyed that ride. I’m not even afraid of heights or flying in jets, but that ride sounds beyond my comfort zone. Thanks for sharing your experience and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think to a certain extent we take risks and we don’t even realize we are doing it. Going out on a limb to meet a new friend, a new job, a new new choice, some of us just take it one or two steps further. I at times do, but when it comes to sky diving or bundging jumping count me out! Ha
Kate as usual your blog piece is wonderful!
I agree with you, Cherese. We do take risks every day. Some seem more dramatic than others, but small risks could have huge impacts later. Thanks for your kind complement and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am looking forward to reading A Letter from Lancaster County. Have a wonderful week.Thank you for the opportunity to win.
I hope you get a chance to read it soon, Emma. Maybe as the winner of this giveaway!
Kate
I was more of a risk taker in my younger years. Drove fast, raced my first car, got a lot of tickets in my hometown but got rid of them because I knew the right people to help me. One time I went motorcycle riding with a friend of mine who had something else in mind and I said no. Walked away hoping to make it home by calling someone to come and get me. No one was around except another guy on a motorcycle who offered to take me home. He seemed very friendly and concerned so I took the offer for the ride. That was the biggest risk I ever took – Home was 25 miles away. He dropped me off in front of my house and went on his way. I was bad in my younger years until I met my husband.
I’m glad you settled down with a good husband, Karen. I’m sure you’re not alone; many young women take risks with men they don’t know. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate