People have often asked me why millions are intrigued with the Amish. Is it their slow pace of life? Their commitment to God and community? The fact they cling to their traditions and rarely change?
Are some people born old fashioned? I grew up in a home where items with a history were admired. My father was a Classics professor (Latin & Ancient Greek) and my mother was a portrait sculptress. Our house was awash with worn oriental carpets, copies of medieval art, and statuary.
I still use the hook rug my grandma made.
Is it any wonder that when I was in the third grade I spotted a tapestry in a second-hand store on the way home from school and purchased it? I don’t recall the cost, except that it was under $5. I’ve hung it ever since.
Tapestry I bought in grade-school.
Fashion catalogues fill our mailbox daily. I skim through them and often think: So this is the newest trend? Should I update my wardrobe? Nah. I recall years ago I wore shoulder pads, but now they’d look silly on me. Or maybe they always did and I just didn’t know any better.
Some years, orange or lime green are the rage. They look terrific on several friends, but they’ve never suited me. I’m glad I hung on to my tried and true favorite colors. Keeping things until they become problematic seems to be my motto. For example, I haven’t changed my hairstyle in many a year because I haven’t felt the need to. I also haven’t updated my car in a long time, despite many of my friends telling me to look on websites like Autozin to try and find a second-hand car that will be better than the one I have now. Perhaps looking for a new car might be a good idea though, my car might be getting a bit too old to be driving around now.
My sister loves modern architecture and I like traditional. I actually think the fact we don’t covet the same styles helps our relationship. When our parents died, she and I never competed to inherit the same items.
A few of my mother-in-law’s Scrapbooks
How about you? Do you enjoy keeping up with the latest trends? If so, good for you. Or are you content using your “old” things? Or buying second hand treasure?
Would this adorable Amish-made doll look better in modern-day English street clothes? There are many opinions on why they are faceless. A young Amish woman told me they belong to her grandmother’s generation. Which is fine by me as I was born old-fashioned.
Amish-made doll from Lancaster County, PA.
Please leave a comment and enter to win Susie, this Amish-made doll, and a signed copy of one book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy! US and Canada. Winner has three days to respond. Good luck to everyone who enters!
i collect Amish novels and read and reread them constantly till new ones come out. I would love to win one of your novels and the beautiful Amish doll to add to my collection. She would love to sit on my “special bookcase” of Amish novels. I have not had the pleasure of reading one of your yet and looking forward to reading your books! I love the culture, family love and the spirit of community they have among each other. All of us could learn from them about the importance of family, Christian values, community love for one another.
I’d love to have you read one of my novels, Linda! I’ve researched the Amish thoroughly, yet keep learning more about their fascinating culture and Bible-based beliefs. I admire them and I’ve incorporated much in my life. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I like some “old” things and things that are repurposed from old things, yet I also like some new things, just not too modern in design.
Sounds like a good balance, Leanna! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
What a beautiful way to enjoy the beginning of Spring with a cup of tea, a good book and a sweet little Amish dolly beside me. Thank you for sharing your gifts of talent and giving.
Thanks for writing words of encouragement, Bobbe! That cup of tea, a good book and an Amish doll to keep you company sounds perfect. Good luck in the giveaway!
She will fit in my cradle. Enjoy reading Amish inspired books.
How sweet to think of Susie in a cradle, Yolanda! Fun to hear that you enjoy reading Amish inspired books. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love your books, would love to have the signed trilogy by you and the cute Amish doll sitting nearby. Keep up the good work, Kate!
Thanks so much for your kind words about my books, Sharon! I announced in my recent newsletter how to receive an author (me) signed book plate and a bookmark. I think you can sign up for the email newsletter on this blog. Or maybe you’ll be the winner. Good luck!
I love old things. I have quilts and dishes from my great grandmother. She was 89 when we lost her in 1969. Even though I was just starting my teen years, I still remember her cherry jam she canned every summer.
I love visiting our Amish friends. I sit in the same rocker and it is like all the stress in my life evaporates. There is just a calm and peaceful feeling that comes over me.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Beautifully written, Marsha! That peaceful feeling is what we all need, but most of us go running about desperately looking for it in the wrong places. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love your books and would love to have this trilogy signed by you. Meeting you someday is on my “bucket” list. The dool would look good sitting in my living room (which is early attic/country). My grandparents gave me a love of heirloom items, along with my mom. Old things are special, especially if they hold memories of departed loved ones. Have a great day! 🙂
Thanks, Rhinda! So true about old family things carrying memories of departed ones. Our house is full of memories, which I find comforting. Hope you have a great day. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love to read the Amish books! And to have a signed set is beyond words.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Sharon! Good luck!
this is very awesome!…would be great to win!
It would be fun if you won, Wilma. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Amish books are great to read without stressing out. I love the Amish doll and would love it as well as a set of books. Thanks for this opportunity. robeader53@yahoo.com
Would love to win the doll and especially the signed novel!!!!
I hope you get a chance to read one of my novels, Michele! And maybe win an Amish doll? Good luck in the giveaway!
Would love to win the doll and the novel. That doll is adorable and I know the book will be awesome. Thanks for the opportunity.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Pat! If you haven’t read any of my Amish novels I hope you get a chance soon.
Would love to win the doll & book! I’m an old fashioned girl & love old fashioned things!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, where you can’t be too old-fashioned, Janet! Good luck!
Love the life style they live have a lot of friends in Berlin and Sugaercreek ohio would just love the faceless doll
How wonderful to have friends in Berlin and Sugarcreek, Karen! Bet you have fun visiting them. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love old fashioned things; I AM an old-fashioned thing. LOL! I love the Amish items, and stories about them. It’s too bad that family values and handmade items are so hard to come by these days. Through Facebook I appreciate meeting like-minded folks. And I’d love to read one of your books.
I’d love you to get a chance to read one of my books, Connie! If not the winner of this giveaway, perhaps find a copy at the old-fashioned library, which should order it for you. Or Amazon has been running a special on Forever Amish. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
My daughter and I go to Amish country every year for a mom and daughter 3-day vacation. Love the Amish people. You are a new author to me so winning one book would be another new beginning in books and authors.
I would love a daughter to travel to Amish country with, Carol! A 3-day vacation sounds delightful! Not that I don’t adore my two sons and husband … Good luck in the giveaway! One way or another I’d be delighted if you get a chance to read one of my Amish novels soon!
I’m not big on keeping up with the latest trends, but I guess to a certain point I do. Just to keep myself grounded, next to my balls of yarn, sew machine, knitting and crochet needles, I have three rag dolls.
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Jennifer! Balls of yarn, a sewing machine, knitting and crochet needles, and three rag dolls paint a lovely picture!
I would love to be a winner! I have been reading Amish books forever it seems. I pass them on to a charity when I’m done with them.
I’d love you to read one of my novels, Marge, and wish you good luck in this giveaway! Thanks for entering!
I would love to win this contest . . . 99% of the books I read are Amish themed. Born and raised in Central PA among Amish neighbors and visit them when we return to PA from FL for a few weeks each summer.
How wonderful to have friends to visit in central PA, Joan! I hope you get a chance to read one of my books soon. And perhaps win this darling doll. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
99% of the books I read are Amish . . . would like very much to win the contest.
I would love to win the doll.Have read all of your wonderful books I was born a old soul and love the treasures we still can find.
Guess I was born an old soul too, Lora! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I would love win those doll! I have always want one for a long time! I have read some of your books and you are an amazing author and love your books!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Jackie! And thank you for your kind words about my books. Good luck!
I love this doll; I find the Amish clothing interesting and fascinating. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
I appreciate your entering the giveaway, Sherry! Glad you like the doll. Good luck!
I think the reason that I like to read about the Amish and visit Lancaster is because I am so fascinated by history, and they are seeped in history. I grew up in a mill town where the houses were over 200 years old and even lived in one for a while, and my own town I live in now my house is 115 years old. I have a history group from my old town on here and belong to a historical society. I have always liked the quaintness of the Amish even when I was a child and they were at an auction place near us.
From Carolann Ellmore barlenbay@comcast.net
Our granddaughter would love your doll. She is 5 months old and full of joy and life. I am basically old fashioned and have a country cottage theme in our home. Sm. wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Had Amish neighbors years ago and have always admired their commitment. Have read pretty much every Amish book by every author. Would love to win Susie and give her a good home….as well as the book.
What fun to have had Amish neighbors, Bev! I bet you would give Susie a good home. If you haven’t read any of my Amish novels, I hope you get a chance soon. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
A five-month-old granddaughter, Sharon! What a joy. Your home sounds darling. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I am with you…I am 37 years old and as old fashioned as they come. My favorite things to do is read, sew, and make cards. I would be honored to win Susie and one of your wonderful books. Thanks for the opportunity. God bless you.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Mandy. God bless you, too. You sound wonderful. Good luck!
Nice post. Love the doll. Wish I knew where you got it. Hope to get to Lancaster County, PA next year when I get my new vehicle.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Karen! Good luck in the contest and in your trip to Lancaster County!
I much prefer a “treasure” from years gone by. They prove to be of better quality, and I love to think of what their story could be.
Very excited to read your novels, and thank you for this opportunity. Susie is a perfect treasure.
Thank you so much, Melody! You sound like a treasure, yourself. Good luck in the giveaway!
My Dad always called me Susie. My middle name is Sue. I would love to have little “Susie”! I love reading about the Amish and would enjoy one of your books as well!!
I hope you get a chance to read one of my books, Donna! How dear that your dad called you Susie. I bought this doll from an Old Order Amish woman named Susie. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I am old fashioned and when I read Amish books I can hear my mother talking!! Many of the expressions sound like my mother. She was Pennsylvania German not Amish. But I enjoy old things I have a small bell collection some were my grandfather’s. And I have several antiques pieces of furniture in my house that were passed down through 4 generations. I love your book Leaving Lancaster and I am ready to read the next books in the series.
A wonderful heritage, Christine! Your furniture passed on from four generations sounds wonderful. i’m delighted you enjoyed Leaving Lancaster (CBA bestseller) and hope you can read the next two: Pennsylvania Patchwork and Forever Amish, which is on sale at Amazon right now in paperback. Good luck in the giveaway!
We love the Amish styles and traditions. I guess we are old fashioned too. We love all that kind of stuff. We would love to win Susie and a book.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Nora! Good luck! If you haven’t read one of my books, I hope you get a chance soon.
I would love this doll. Really love the amish books.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Dianna! Good luck! If you love Amish books, I hope you’ll give one of mine a try!
I often tell my husband that I must have been born in the wrong century. I love movies set in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. I love listening to my grandmother who is 97 years old talk about her childhood. There is nothing better then finding original mason jars at garage sales.
How wonderful that your 97-year-old grandmother is still with you, Alaina! Get out your tape recorder or take dictation … I wish I’d done more of that as I’ve forgotten much of what my parents and grandmothers told me of their heritage. I love old movies or shows set in the past too, pretty much all I watch. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love the old fashion way,and love the Amish , to me they are wonderful people that love the Lord,love to eat at their restaurants,I had the privilege to visit Lancaster with my sister and her husband and have wanted to go back again.I’ve not read any of your books yet,but my niece helped me download Kindle on my I-Pad ,just so I can read books on the Amish , I would love to get one of your books to read and would treasure Susie if I win.God Bless and thanks for giving a chance to be in the contes.
I’d love you to read one of my books too, Mattie! Sounds like you have a delightful niece. What would we do w/o others (mostly younger) showing us how to work all the new technology? Thanks for entering the giveaway and God bless you!
Love the amish & reading amish books. I got my 2 sister’s into reading the books also!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Nancy! I’m glad your sisters are enjoying reading Amish fiction too!
I am old-fashioned. I do everything from scratch. I love leading a simple life.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Diane! Wishing you plain old-fashioned good luck!
Love going to THE AMISH places in Holmes county , Ohio. Takes me to time that is slower and more oeaceful.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Diane! I also love that slower more peaceful pace.
I definitely prefer the older things. I love to buy antiques, as long as they are in my price range, of course. I would prefer an old farm house over a modern style home, not to mention the fact that the older homes were built far better than the homes of today. I love anything Amish. I have a rapidly growing Amish doll collection, which includes the faceless dolls, faceless pillowcase dolls & porcelain dolls from Ashton Drake & Danbury Mint. The regular faceless dolls are my favorite, and Susie would fit in perfectly!
I agree that the majority of new homes and just about anything are not built with the same integrity as they used to be, Lisa. Your doll collection sounds wonderful. I bet Susie would have fun. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
I am for sure not concerned about keeping up with the latest trends. I’m more old-fashioned.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Jodi! Good luck and hang on to your old-fashioned ways!
I am proud to be old fashion
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Katrina! Good luck!
I’ll take the “old” over the new any day!
Me too, Jude! Any day of the week. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Love everything “old fashioned”. Had Amish neighbors for years and grew to love and admire their simplicity. Was fortunate enough to be invited to the school Christmas program, what a blessing. Would love to win Susie and give her a good home.
How wonderful to have had Amish neighbors for years, Bev! The school Christmas program would be an extra blessing. Thank you for entering the giveaway and good luck!
The Amish don’t like their pictures to be taken, so, I understand a ‘face-less’ doll. Would like to read one of your books!!
I’d love to have you read one of my books, Gloria! A couple hours ago, I asked an Amish woman over the phone why the dolls were without faces. She said she assumed it had to do with the 10 Commandments, “You shall not make for yourself a graven image … you shall not bow down to them or serve them,” but she wasn’t sure. I need to dig deeper. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Hoping to win your book and the wonderful doll.
ThanksFor entering the giveaway, Karen! Good luck!
I love second hand items. My husband and I always visit the thrift stores when we go to Amish country. You can find some really neat things. Its one of our favorite things to do.
My husband’s family was Amish & I love to learn more everyday about there life style, faith & enjoy talking & visiting with so much. I collect Amish Christian Romances, Amish History books & Amish pictures (not people, no pictures of them). Love reading the books!! I would love to have Susie in our home of Amish heritage & collection. Would love your book to go with my book collection too. Thank you so much for you kind & thoughtful Pay it Forward gift. Blessings to you & your family. God Bless
I would love to have one of my books in your collection too, Lola! It sounds as though Susie would fit right into your lovely home. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
My husband loves driving me around Lancaster County and visiting our Amish friends, Carla, but you’ve got me beat in a shopping department. Although he’s very patient. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love second hand items.I love going to thrift stores.antique stores,yad sales,flea markets and anywhere that I can find a treasure and a bargain.The amish doll is perfect just the way she is,she is beautiful.I love your blog and posts.
Sounds as though you know all the places to find the real treasures, Jackie! Thanks for writing and I’m pleased you enjoy the blog and posts. Good luck!
I love to read the Amish books. I really respect the Amish and their beliefs. I would love to have a doll like Susie. Also one of your books would be great too!! Keep up the writing.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Theresa! Good luck in winning Susie and one of my books!
I’m old fashioned and give me a thrift store any day over a shopping mall. I do not follow trends I wear the same style I have for years . I like how the Amish spend time with family and have a slower paced life. I hope that I win. Sharma Darby.
I’m with you, Sharma! Give me a thrift store any day over a mall. Good luck in the giveaway!
I read only books about the Amish at the moment . I would love to win Susie and a book. I am not a lucky person.
If you only read Amish books, I hope you’ve had a chance to read one of mine, Sharon! Thanks are writing and entering the giveaway. I can’t remember the last time I won something, but still consider myself a lucky person. I wish this for you.
Hello Kate. When I first started reading Amish books they were by Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunstetter. I understood the reason for no face was they were not to make graven images , so considering that there were no face. Now in the past year or two I’ve heard quite a few communities were allowing dolls with faces for the little girls. I can’t believe you bought that tapestry in 3rd grade. 🙂 But, we came from different lifestyles. And, I know I am probably a lot older than you. We lived in the country and had little. I got excited if I got a nickel , that is if we got to go town with daddy on a Saturday and I went straight to the Drugstore to get me a double dip ice cream cone. 🙂 And, I am happy with my old stuff, be it clothes or things. Most all of my stuff is old. Have had many years but still good so why get more? Would love to be your winner.
Maxie Anderson
That little thrift store disappeared many years ago, Maxie. I must have eyed the tapestry several times before buying it as I can’t imagine I normally brought money to school. When you were a child a nickel was actually worth something … Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!