After brushing my teeth and slipping into PJs, I love to bolster up pillows and snuggle into bed with a book. I notice what a good mood I’m in, even if the day hasn’t been all that great. But reading in bed is such a treat I can’t help smiling no matter how tired I am. Whatever I left undone, I’ll tackle in the morning.
The middle of the night is not my favorite time as I’m not the greatest sleeper. Adequate sleep is essential. I’ve heard all kinds of advice about how to get back into the dream-zone, but sneaky little worries creep in and I recall must-do’s that didn’t get done. Before I turn out my bedside light I jot down reminders on Post-it notes, which helps. And I pray for people and situations — whatever comes to mind.
Spectacular sunrise up at the beach. Our neighbors must think I’m crazy for running outside so early. Or maybe they’re sleeping.
I’ve always considered morning to be my favorite time of day, but fall and winter can be dark and dreary. Fortunately, I don’t suffer from the lack of sunshine as many do. Mornings are the most productive time of day for me to write. Cup of coffee nearby, I try to journal first thing, a practice I highly recommend. It’s amazing what emerges when you journal about any old topic. Cranky thoughts are far less likely to plague me the rest of the day. Often new story ideas and characters come life.
My favorite meal of the day is lunch, because I can eat all I want; a full tummy won’t disrupt my sleep. I’d much rather meet a friend for lunch than dinner. In my younger days I was a night owl, both in the restaurant business and while singing in musical theater. But staying up late does not mix well with rising early to write. My husband sets his alarm for 4:10 … and I usually get up around five or six. If we were Amish, I doubt anyone would see this as being too early. My father’s words, “You’re wasting the best hours of the day,” still float in the back of my brain.
The aroma of fresh-off-the-line laundry can’t be surpassed.
What is your favorite time of the day? Does it depend on the season?
Leave a quick comment to enter to win these beautiful Amish-made Oven Mitts and one signed book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy! The winner’s choice of CBA bestseller Leaving Lancaster, its sequel, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish! US and Canada. Winner has three days to respond.
Charming Amish-made oven mitts from Lancaster County.
morning
Favorite time of day is early morning -watching the sun come up !
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Susie!
Kate
Dolly, you are entered, too! i didn’t see your comment earlier. Good luck!
Kate
When ever I can sit down with my book or tablet or phone and read read read!!!
Sounds as if you’re flexible as long as you have a book in hand, Connie! Thanks and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Whenever I get a chance to read is my favorite time of day!
I hope you get many chances during your day to read, Tracie! Thanks for entering the giveaway
Kate
Say my morning Prayers. Then get up an feed my dogs, birds. I love to get housework out of way. But I’m one who is always talking to God. Would live to win. Have a Blessed day an weekend.
Looks like you have a marvelous routine, Sandi! Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Climbing into my cozy bed with a pile of pillows and a good book to read is the best part of my day. Any stress of the day just dissolves, paragraph after paragraph, word by word, page by page.
I can certainly relate, Melissa! Thanks for writing and entering to give away. Good luck!
Kate
Morning is my favorite time of the day. I get my boys off to school, feed the animals and Start my day with house chores. In order to get anything done I have to be in house on my own. Only way to clean.
Your mornings sound wonderful, Sharon! You are building fond memories before your children fly the coop. Thanks for leaving a comment!
Kate
My Favorite part of the day would be at night so I can go back to bed! Kidding. My favorite part of the day is when my Husband, Sons and I are having Family time rather we are home or gone somewhere.
How delightful, Tammy! It doesn’t seem as though enough mothers relish those special times. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
At night when it’s quiet & spend time reading a good book
You mean you’d rather read in bed then watch Monday night football, Lorraine? I’m with you: I adore quiet reading time at the end of the day. Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway!
Kate
The best time of the day for me is at night before I go to sleep each night – I read in bed for about an hour before I go to sleep. Nothing better than taking a good book to bed and relaxing by reading.
Thanks for commenting, Jean, and helping me understand why I am also so happy reading in bed at night. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
It really depends on the time of year. I love early mornings in the spring and summer but not so much now. I love curling up at night with a book in the winter.
Thanks for leaving your comment, Rachel! Sometimes those early birds chirping outside my window in spring and summer are a bit annoying, much as I love them during the day. I agree, winter is the time for curling up with a good book. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Going for a drive just to see the color of leaves. In my area the leaves just fall off and pine needles. So I love to take pictures on a drive and just look at the beauty in leaves.
Those are awesome, I love to decorate my house for fall because of the colors, don’t get it outside but do in my home
Thanks for your delightful comment, Melissa! The colors of fall are particularly beautiful, so I imagine your house looks lovely. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I like evenings. My work is done. I can relax and do what I want.
Ah, your evenings sound restful, Fern! Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway.
Kate
Hi right now the best hour of the day is when I first wake up I had major back surgery a week ago and the first hour of the day always proves that every day I am getting better and goin to be back to normal in a few months. every hour of the day is good tho my 15 year old does school at home she is here taking care of me.She does school and I read and relax. Have a great day and thank you for making me think about the hours in a day!!
You have a fabulous attitude, Sheri! And apparently a wonderful 15-year-old at home to help you. May your back heel quickly. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
thank you!!!
My best time of the day is in the morning before everyone is awake. I get some quiet time to catch up with some bible reading with a cup of coffee
Sounds like a wonderful way to start the day, Vickie! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I guess it depends on the time of year. It used to be the morning when the kids were off to school and my husband was home and in bed. (He worked midnights.) The house was quiet. I would have a time of devotions and read some of whatever book I was in. Loved it. Now we are retired. In the summer, I really love the mornings. Reading out on the porch swing is great. In the winter, I love the evening reading or watching tv by the fireplace.
I am imagining you reading on your porch swing, Pat! A lovely sight. Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Morning the start of a new day☀️
With your love mornings, I imagine your days go well, Nina! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I’m a night owl and love the Fall best.
Do owls come out earlier in the fall, when the sun sets in late afternoon, Charlotte? Next time I hear one hoot I’ll think of you. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My morning coffee, and catching up on face book and the latest news!
Nothing beats morning coffee, Linda! Sounds as though you have a great routine. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
My favorite time of day is when I go to bed, and curl up with my favorite book and read till I fall asleep, and some nights that turns into morning. But what could be better then that.
Isn’t reading a marvelous way to end the day, Darla? I can picture you in bed nodding off to sleep. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
In the evening when all my chores are done and I have time for just me.
I’m glad you have time just for you, Jackie! Thanks for leaving your comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Depending on my sleep the night before, I can curl up with a book & a possible/probable nap in the afternoon. But in the evening when the household is quite is nice too with a cup of tea!
A nap in the afternoon sounds lovely Karen! Unfortunately, I never seem to fall asleep. A quiet evening cup of tea would be delightful. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Early morn, on my porch, with a blanket and a cup of coffee…and of course a book!
What a lovely scene, Virginia! The perfect way to begin your day. Thank you for entering the giveaway!
Kate
As I stated I love the early morning hours when everyone is asleep and I am sitting with my morning coffee reading my books on amish fiction,I think I have read everyone that my library carries ,
Your early morning coffee and reading time sounds lovely, Antoinette! I like your choice in books. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Hello Kate — my favorite time of day, regardless of season, is very early in the morning while it is still dark out. I usually arise at about 4:30am and have a cup of Irish Tea while enjoying a quiet time of prayer and reading and journaling before getting to my desk to start the day.. LOVE the early morning.
And I also wanted to say hello seeing as you are in or near Seattle WA. We were there in early September to visit my son and his gf. This New York girl fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. Especially Whidbey Island. Beautiful, quaint and charming.
All the best to you with blessings and hugs! 🙂
Thanks for writing, Sheila! All year, I keep a string of white Christmas tree lights in our side yard to greet me when I awaken before the sun rises. If I’ve had enough sleep, I’m grateful for the extra hours for journaling and writing. Glad you enjoyed the PNW. This is indeed a spectacular area, But not perfect. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love the time right before sunset when everything is calming down for the night. God is so good!
I love that time of transition just before sunset too, Amanda! God is indeed good. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love mornings because it gives me time to myself to read my bible and get ready for my day
I’m glad you enjoy mornings and have time for yourself, Sheila! Mornings can be very productive and pleasant … especially if we’ve had restorative sleep. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
During the cold weather, it is when I can at least put on my warm, soft, fuzzy socks. Getting into comfy pajamas is even better. And then if I can read, big Bonus!
Thanks for writing, Karen! I love my soft, fuzzy socks and comfy PJs too. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Night time is the best time…
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Mary! Good luck to a night owl!
Kate
I like the evening time as it gets dark and I can sit back and not worry that the phone is going to ring or someone will knock on my apt. door. The I can sit back an continue to read because that is how I love to spend my time with a book in my hands and a cold glass of Pepsi sitting there.
Reading your comment made me relax, Karen, even though it isn’t dark yet! I love to sit back and know the phone will not ring because we turn ours off at 8 o’clock. Thanks for entering to give away!
Kate
my favorite time of day is late at night after everyone is in bed…. and its still and quiet =)
There’s a lot to be said for solitude, Becky! Without it I wouldn’t be able to write or read. I’m guessing you still have kids in the house. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering giveaway!
Kate
I am a night owl, this means wee early morning ours that I try and find sleep, which is always elusive for me. I love early afternoons….not because I rise late but just because I find them more relaxing. I use to rise and shine at 5:00 AM, after retirement…those days are over unless needed. I could use these beautiful pot holders! Thank you for the chane to win a great give away.
Oops! correction! Early morning hours…..not ours…lol
Aren’t these darling potholders, Linda? I’m growing too fond of them. I caught myself reading later than normal last night and realized my husband would be getting up at 4:10 a.m, so, off went the light. The early afternoon is a lovely time of day. I’m glad you enjoy it. Thanks for writing and good luck!
Kate
My favorite time of day is late afternoon, early evening. I would love to be an early morning person, but, I am a retired registered nurse,and working so many years of night shift really messed me up.
How interesting, Debbie! I have a friend, a nurse, who was hired to help with a study of women who worked the night shift. Most of the people she studied were nurses. No surprise there, right? No wonder you still like that routine after so many years. I will add, that late afternoon and early evening is a special time for me too as I await sunset. No matter what I’m doing, I pause to admire the sky. Thanks for entering the give away!
Kate
My favorite time of the day is at night when me and my wonderful husband have a cup of hot tea and something sweet before we say our nightly prayer.
A lovely scenario, Cindy! I consider anyone who is in a loving marriage to be doubly blessed. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Bedtime especially in the winter….Love to read and envelope myself in the warmth. Summertime I spend evenings in my swing reading. Love those long evenings. You have the best giveaways. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Thanks so much for your comment, Linda! Both the scenes you painted sound equally delightful. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Early morning. I love getting up at 5am..start the coffee, read devotionals and my Bible..enjoy the freshness of the morning..care for the animals and then my day can begin!
What a marvelous way to start your day, Cynthia! Thank you for sharing it with me and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Best time of day is mid afternoon…go for a walk..shop..or spend time with a friend…
I can relate, Sharon! I often go for a stroll mid-afternoon and take a break from my writing. Also, a good time to call a friend or drop by a neighbor’s. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your comment. Good luck!
Kate
When i open my eyes each morning i know God has blessed me with another day.
A lovely first thought, Rebecca! Thanks for leaving your uplifting comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Hi Katy, my favorite time is late evening when everyone has gone to bed, then it’s just my book, my tea and me.lol Seriously, I got in the habit of picking up a book a reading once the children were tucked in for the night. It’s a routine that I continue now that the children are older. The house is quiet and I get to just escape to another place for a few hours. Thank you for this opportunity.
Blessings
You and I share the same routine, Katrina! When my sons were young I even read War and Peace while they slept. The chapters are actually very short, but there are many … nevertheless, I wanted to read some of the classics I’d neglected. Now, I’m happy to read women’s fiction until I start yawning, my sign that it’s time to turn out the lights. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My favorite time of day – If it’s in the fall, and I’m outside, any time is my favorite time of the day. I like to feel the gentle breeze and see the beautiful, colorful leaves flutter to the ground. The NC and VA mountains are beautiful in the fall. If it’s any other time of the year, I would have to say late night when I’m snuggled in the bed watching a western or love story, or having a book close by that I want to finish.
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Sounds as if you’re in your element, Susan! I love fall and being outside too, except when it’s raining. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
My favorite time of day would be mid afternoon. I am not a morning person at all. I would love to win a book and those oven mitts.
Mid-afternoon is a wonderful time, Donna! I’d love you to win a book and those oven mitts. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I like sunset the best because of the beautiful colors of the sky, coll night air, and the sounds of nature.
You wrote a beautiful description of Sunset, Jenny! It does entail all our senses. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
mid afternoon to go shopping 🙂
Sounds like a fun way to spend mid afternoon, Minta! Thanks for entering to give away!
Kate
My favorite time of the day is early morning. I enjoy the quiet of early morning for my walk/jog and see the sunrise in the summer. Then quiet time wtih God with a cup of coffee before getting ready for work. The day goes so much better spending time with God through His Word and prayer. I enjoy the beautiful sunsets of an evening. Those oven mitts would be perfect to have since I’m having our family Thanksgiving at my home. I’m blessed to be able to cook for all of them. Thanks for the opportunity to win. Blessings to you, Kate.
Your family is blessed to have you prepare Thanksgiving dinner for them, Marilyn! Even on a busy day, I try to squeeze a walk in, after coffee … I get some of my best writing ideas and prayer time accomplished while walking. In fact, I just got home from one. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Kate, I agree early morning is a great time to get prayer time in. During the summer I enjoy hearing all the birds here in Central IL, too. I miss walking when we have to much snow on the ground or ice under the snow. Have a great day and wonderful Thanksgiving.
I love the morning time best. Nice time to contemplate the day, watch the sun come up and be thankful for all of God’s many blessings and the wonderful and beautiful days he sends us.
I took a moment this morning to thank God for all my blessings, Sonja, before I popped out of bed. No sunrise today through the clouds, but I enjoy the transitions of light. Thanks for commenting!
Kate
I love to watch the sunrise.
I agree, Nora, watching the sunrise is spectacular! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
My favorite time of day, is whenever I can spend time with the grand kids! Of course, I DO LOVE to read a good Amish book in bed, until I get sleepy, too!
Spending time with grandkids is the best, C J! How fortunate you are to have them. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment!
Kate
In the evening when i have a chance to sit and relax and read or work on quilting. Thank you for the chance to win.
Your evenings sound lovely, Yolanda! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Morning is my favorite time to pray and read while the house is quiet and the sun is starting to show light in the eastern sky. Wonderful reminder that God is blessing me with a new day.
Sunrise is a wonderful reminder, JR! We can’t see the sunrise from our city house, so I am thrilled to watch it from our island home. Our neighbors up there no doubt think I’m daft for running down to the bulkhead to watch the sun slowly make its way into the sky, illuminating all with its radiance. Well, unless it’s raining. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering that giveaway!
Kate
That last hour before bed when I have time to sit and talk to my husband.
Beautiful, Lori! Not many couples spend time sitting together talking before bed. I congratulate you on your great marriage. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Dusk, just when the sun is beginning to set in the sky 🙂
I love this time too, Michelle! I find this period of transition magnificent and often stop everything to look at the sky. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate