Kate's Blog

Did you have a favorite teacher? Or you may be taking a class right now and adore your instructor. As well as writing about Amish schools last week, what got me musing about teachers is the fact my friend songwriter, poet, and author Marty Nystrom was recently...

Greetings, Everyone! I’m going to be moving my blog closer to home, so to speak, with my website. Starting on February 28, 2014, my blog may be found at https://www.katelloyd.com/. All of my previous blog posts will be moved as well so all of your comments will still...

There was a time when most children in rural America attended one-room schoolhouses, including the Amish and Mennonites. Many years ago, my dear friend Marian taught at one and recalled her students with fondness. The teacher had quite a job on his or her hands, but...

Vannetta Chapman When Zondervan asked me to write another cozy mystery series, I was pretty excited. Our series in Shipshewana was so much fun that I couldn’t wait to dive in. But that series took place in a quilt shop. I wasn’t sure how to top that location. After...

I don't know about you, but I've been in some mighty fine homes that were beautiful but sterile. Nothing beats the smell of baking bread, cookies, or cake, and the sound of laughter and chitchat. This is what I think of when I envision an Amish home, the physical...

  I hope you enjoy a lovely day, leaving aside unrealistic expectations of perfection. You've received at least one Valentine's Day card. From me!

Handbags and purses have a long and illustrious history, but is there anything a man from North America dislikes more than carrying his wife's purse? How did pocketbooks get such a bad rap? I've seen real men carrying small, handsome leather purses in Italy. I read...

I hate saying goodbye. But sometimes I have no choice. Farewell, Bill Coleman, photographer extraordinaire of the Amish. He died at age 88 after battling heart disease. We can see through his lens what an extraordinarily generous heart he had as well as a keen eye....