One reason I drive a 1995 car—even though my husband has encouraged me to purchase a newer model—is because I don’t like change.
Yet I’m jazzed every year about the approach of autumn. It’s not as if I haven’t had a wonderful summer; we’ve enjoyed the best weather in the Northwest I can recall. But I love the transition of one season to another. Almost miniscule variations, like a shriveled leaf on the ground, the smell of dried grass, a clean, brisk hint in the air.
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| Early Morning Sky |
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| Pre-Dawn Moon |
I also enjoy the rising sun, the pink display illuminating the sky in the morning. 6:15 seems reasonable compared to 4:30 AM. We don’t actually see the sun rise from our house, but the sky tells the story, and I watch our yard come to life. In the evening, the sky and clouds transform as their color drains. I keep a string of white Christmas tree lights (the little kind) on our fence right outside our kitchen window. They’re on a timer and continued to illuminate in the evening all summer and are on whenever I get up: a good morning greeting! I can imagine some of you are thinking I’m a little odd, and you could be right.
Many changes are beyond our control. A child maturing to adulthood and leaving the nest, perhaps making poor choices. The death of a spouse, a beloved relative, or friend. Some catastrophic occurrences turn our lives up-side-down: tornadoes, fire, or flood, illness. An automobile crash. A husband or wife announcing out of the blue that he or she has met the love of their life and is leaving—forever.
Of course, surprisingly delightful changes arise too: a new baby! Puppies and kittens.
How about you? Do you enjoy change, be it a new hairdo, a different job, or a quilting or gardening project. Are you the type who can’t wait to finish a book so you can start another? Or do you read more slowly when you get to the final chapters to savor the story and the characters the way I do? No wonder it takes me so long to get through a good book. How about the approach of fall? Do you see it as the end of summer or the beginning of a new season?
Leave a comment below to enter to win this exquisite Amish-made Folded Star (16” round) to be used as a table centerpiece or a wall hanging, plus a copy of either Leaving Lancaster or Pennsylvania Patchwork.
Entrants must be USA residents only. Winner has one week to respond. Leave an email address on your comment so the winner can be contacted!
Congratulations to Donna M., last week’s winner, for her comment in response to my August 12th blog post, Obstructed View. Thank you to those who left insightful and heartfelt comments!
On the outside people think I am adapting to change really well, but the reality is inside I am a total wreck. I don’t care for change in most things and yet at times I love the variety. I think it’s okay if I am in control of the change;if I have no control over it, or it catches me by surprise, well I have a hard time with those kinds of changes.
Sometimes I wish a good book wouldn’t end, but give me the wonderful feeling on and on.
I love fall and see it as a new beginning! 😀
I love fall too; it comes on slowly … not out of control. Please leave me your email address or contact info, Mippy.
Yea I would love to win and would love either one of the books(your choice).
Bonnie, thank you for your comment! I need an email address or contact information so I can find the winner!
I don’t mind change – and I try to embrace those changes I have no control over – many times we can’t see how God uses those changes to better our lives until we are fully adapted to it.
Kim, I am often shortsighted. Many times changes are for the better. If you stop back this way, please leave an email address or contact info. Thanks!
I do not like change. Angelachesnut246@gmail.com Angela from KY
Thank you for your comment and for visiting my blog!
I’m not really crazy about change, either. Isn’t it ironic, though, that I love the changing of the seasons! I would love to win the table decoration and one of your books. M. Hall.
hall.mercy@gmail.com
Sounds like you and I are on the same wavelength! Thanks for commenting.
As I get older I discover I like change less and less. I get “comfortable” with the way things are or the routine and I do not want to change. If it works, why change it? Trying something new is scary but sometimes I have to admit it is a better way of doing what I have always done. So I guess I’m on the fence. Sometimes yes, most times no.
I have to admit that learning how to use the Internet and Facebook has been a wonderful change. I love it! Thanks for writing, Lynn. Please leave an email address or contact info.
I love the quilted piece you are offering today. I think I would use it as a centerpiece base on my table. The colors are beautiful.
Change to me is a beautiful thing. I love to rearrange, redecorate, and switch it up a bit every now and then. My husband always says never try to sit on the furniture in the dark because I am likely to have moved it. 🙂 Ibakecakes4you@AOL.com
Sounds like your husband has a great sense of humor and you have a flair for arranging furniture, a talent I lack. Thanks for your comment!
I love the changing of summer to fall. This is my absolute favorite time if year. Not toovhot, not too cold. I live in upstate NY right on the border of yhe Berkhires, where the fall scenery is spactacular. If you’ve never been herevto see it, add it to your bucket list.
I thank you and look forward to the chance to win the folded star and a novel of my choice.
Monique Wood
Mosbe@aol.com
I adore the scenery in that area too! I don’t think people from the rest of the country realize the incredible beauty. Thanks for writing, Monique!
Fall is one change I do look forward to. I love the crisp, cool air and the brilliant colors. Living in the south, the heat and humidity of the summer can be overwhelming! I would love to win the centerpiece and books. Count me in!
When I watch the weather reports I wonder how people In the South can tolerate the heat and humidity! Fall will be a welcome change. Please leave an email address, the only way I can contact the winner.
I love that wall hanging! It would look gorgeous in my purple, plum, and lavender guestroom. I read Leaving Lancaster and would love to read the next one!
I’m not one who loves change. Change leaves me feeling insecure, which is why I haven’t changed my livingroom much in the past 10 yrs! lol But sometimes change is good for us and brings us out of our comfort zones, and we end up being blessed by it.
dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com
Thanks for writing, Diana! So glad you enjoyed reading Leaving Lancaster. Now to you mention, I haven’t changed our living room in 10 years either …
I love fall. So many sounds,colors,and smells. Apple season.My husband doesn’t like change either. He’s still driving his 1998 car. It’s low miles and great shape so I guess it’s good he’s still loving it..lol
Sounds like you and your husband and I share much in common, Dorita! Please leave an email address …
Would love to win so pretty. The book is great also.Thanks for another great giveaway and another chance to win! 🙂
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
Thanks, Diana!
Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! OH! That was my first thought when I saw that STUNNING wall hanging. Oh my goodness!
I had to laugh at your confession – because I am the gleeful owner of a “dinosaur” cell phone…the Treo 650. I’ve had newer phones given to me, but I prefer my dinosaur. My DH says if he can find someone who is going to bury a Time Capsule, he’s gonna put my phone in it, LOL! But I have to agree – SOME changes are delightful!
Thank you for this generous giveaway.
You made me chuckle, Carol! I own a dinosaur cell phone too and I rarely turn it on. If you stop by this way again, please leave an email address.
I’m not one for changes of any kind but at my age I’ve learned to go with the flow and leave the rest up to God.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Going with the flow and leaving the rest to God sounds like a good plan!
I like the slower pace that fall represents for me. More time to spend baking or trying out new recipes. The chilly mornings, a hot cup of coffee and a good book to start the day off right all while watching the changes around me. I see each season as a reminder of Gods love. Fall is a cleansing time showing us that change can be beautiful. Winter is white and pure just like his love. Spring is the time for new growth in our lives with each emerging bud comes promise of more good to come. Summer is the time to enjoy and reflect on the gifts that God has given us.
Beautifully described, Marg! I need an email address to contact winner. Promise not to use it in any other way.
Kate I just love this and the striking color would love the chance to be entered. Thanks so much for the beautiful give away Blessings!!! kathibud5038@g-mail.com
Thanks for entering, Kathleen! I enjoy these giveaways.
I LOVE the Fall… all the beautiful colors, the briskness in the air and the crisp way life feels. 🙂
Thanks so much for the wonderful giveaway!!
ladettek[at]gmail[dot]com
Thanks for your comment, Ladette! You wrote a lovely description.
I love the fall it’s my favorite time of the year. Would love to win a book or the center piece love the colors!
donna_mutlick@yahoo.com
Thank you for writing!
I adore fall, because it is my favorite season. I don’t, however, like change very much. I am like you when reading — if it is a really good book, I read slower towards the end, because I don’t want to finish the book.
Debbie Rhoades
ReadingMama922@gmail.com
It’s nice to know I’m not the only one with a few quirks, Debbie! I know someone who reads the end of the book first.
I like fall because of the fall of the leaves and the cooler breezes that come into our valley in Nevada. Usually, we don’t go really cold until late November. As for books, I love to try to let the story set my pace. The characters come alive and lead the way. My only sadness is when I try to slow it down so the end is farther away but, alas, eventually it ends and I know that I can always read it again to visit my new friends of the heart.
Nicely put! I’ve never been to Nevada and would like to visit someday … in the fall! Please leave an email address or contact info if you are entering the contest. C
I am NOT a fan of change either. I can handle it if “I” am responsible or in charge of it, but if it is a surprise then I’m a total wreck. Great post!
lattebooks at hotmail dot com
You mean you don’t like surprise birthday parties? My husband and I have agreed never to surprise each other … or forget. Thank you for writing, Susan!
I love that beautiful Folded Star pattern. It would look great hanging on my wall! Winning one of your books would be fantastic too!
I don’t mind change sometimes! (Hair Style is an exciting one for me.) However, even though I love Fall, there is a sadness about it for me. I guess it is saying good-bye to summer that bothers me. I really can’t pinpoint a logical reason. Fall is a beautiful time of the year…breathtaking actually. It is another gift from God for us to enjoy.
As far as reading a book goes. I don’t savor the ending at all! I’m usually in a big hurry to find out how it ends. Then on to the next book!
Blessings!
Judy B
Thank you for your comments, Judy!
Can’t wait to see the leaves turn in the fall.
Amber Horton
amber_horton@yahoo.com
Thanks, Amber!
I am not fond of changes, either. However, there are some changes that I welcome. I love fall and always look forward to it every year. I don’t think all change is bad. We need change, but I think we get used to things the way they are, and change is a bit scary.
I’m with you, Susan. I like to ease into change slowly. Maybe there’s a reason some change is scary …
I find the fall to be refreshing ~~ and a testimony of God’s beauty and splendor~~The leaves changing color, the fall harvest…
And, I often like to read the books quickly so I can get to another book. But, as of late, it has been taking me longer to get through the books that I read~~
Kristin J (keithkrisjager[at]aol[dot]com)
Nicely put about fall, Kristin. And it definitely depends on the book. Thank you for writing!
I have always struggled with change and I guess that isn’t going to ‘change’ now! But I do love the change of seasons, starting a new book, etc. I tend to read faster as the book comes to an end.
rlepree@musfiber.com
Thank you for your comment Rachel! Guess I take changes in baby steps. I admit, I hopped to the last two chapters of a book someone lent me recently. A little voice told me I shouldn’t be reading it at all.
love all your books impicbb@juno.com valerie
Thank you!
Personal changes are very difficult for me. I fight them tooth and nail. Not that it does much good.
I rejoice in the changing of the seasons. So glad I live in WI!
I do rush through books. There are so many more to read.
Martha
josieringer(at)gmail(dot)com
I do enjoy the change of seasons, Martha! I can see your reasoning about so many books yet to be read.
I have read both books, they were both excellent. I am looking forward to reading more of your books, we have recently moved, when things have settled down, the boxes are all unpacked I will be reading a lot…I would love to win, the hot pad and will donate the books to a new beginning church library..
Thank you for writing! I need an email address or contact info.
Would LOVE to win this (Pennsylvania Patchwork preferred!)
Susan Ferrell
susan828(at)Hotmail(dot)com
Thanks for your comment, Susan!
I like change most of the time. The seasons are a welcome change.
Thank you, Debbie! Please leave an email address or contact info if you are entering the contest.
Hi!
I read Pennsylvania Patchwork and very much enjoyed it! Now I just need to read the 1st book in the series (blushes a little).
I have never really liked change. For the most part, in my limited experience of 25 years, change hasn’t been very positive. Usually something precious is lost in favor of something lesser. Yes, good things do happen and change is necessary. You can see my resistance to change in my hairstyle, essentially it hasn’t changed in 25 years, though I did ditch the bangs when I was 12.
I read fairly fast and I love starting a new book and the feeling of accomplishment when I finish one. Though, my favorite books are those that stay with you even after you have started something else, you keep thinking about them. Sorry to see the characters and setting go. One reason I love books by L.M. Montgomery is that you become immersed in their world and you fee a little bit of grief when you finish the book.
Aaahh, the change of seasons. I live in Montana so there are definitely 4 seasons with dramatic changes in each. I love the fog and fall rains, the way the grass turns green again. But I dislike the feeling of ending, things dying to make way for winter. I keep telling myself that we have to have fall and winter for spring to come again but there is still that part of me that wishes summer would go on forever.
Thank you for this great giveaway!
Blessings!
Jasmine A.
montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com
Jasmine, you sound like a very intelligent person. May many positive changes come your way this year!
I can handle change, but I’m slow to embrace it. I love fall! However, fall is also a reminder to me that winter is coming. I often see the downside of change before enjoying any benefits of it. 🙂 Guess that isn’t a great quality, huh? Thanks for the giveaway!
MommaLisaof2@gmail.com
Thanks for commenting! I also have to try to “live in the moment” and enjoy the seasons, no matter what they may be.
I don’t mind change as long as I am ready for it. Sudden change is different because I feel it is pushed upon me. I love reading each page of a book slowly, this way I can smell the roses, feel the warmth of the blanket and most of all I bring all the emotions into my heart. I love it so much when a writer brings me completely into the story, and I must say all the Amish books that I have read do just that!
I enjoyed reading your comment, Anonymous. Please leave an email address, the only way I can contact the winner.
Change is something that is needed. I like change in the seasons because with all seasons whether it be the smallest of things, I know God had his hand in it. If I didn’t have change in my life it could become boring and nonproductive. It’s like reading only one genre of books, if we don’t explore and change we will not know what we are missing in life. I enjoy your books and I love all things quilt. Joannah, auntiejomama @sbcglobal.net
A woman after my heart! Thanks for your comment.
I hate change, because of circumstances that changed my whole life. I just tell myself to remember the Word, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I love fall and the paintbrush that God uses. Love your books and am thankful God blessed you with such a creative gift.
He doesn’t give us more than we can handle, although sometimes it feels like it, Lucy. Thank you for your kind words about my books!
Change is not something I look forward to–I am not that flexible. I like to start a project and instead of enjoying the process I want to get finished to do something else. When reading a book I want to get to the end but I never read the final chapter to see how the story ends. That’s unthinkable! I say my mantra is ‘woulda, shoulda, coulda!’ but I know God is in control & He gets the final word. Thanks for the opportunity to win….Great contests…Linda
dmcfarl101(at)juno(dot)com
Linda D. McFarland–forgot the ‘d’
Thanks for writing, Linda, and for entering the contest!
I am definitely one that doesn’t like a change. I drove my 88 Chevy for 18 years before the motor blew up last year. I finally gave in got a new car. Of course, I love the new car. It even has them power windows AND air conditioning. Wow, I don’t have to work up a sweat to order something at the drive thru AND I get to stay cool while the window is down. 🙂
campbellamyd at gmail dot com
You put a smile on my face, Amy! You’ve got me beat; my car has air conditioning. Thanks for your enjoyable comment.
I love change. I actually get really stir-crazy if things stay the same for too long. A bit of a creative-soul I also like to make new things so I can enjoy some change. 🙂
Lis.OGara@gmail.com
You send creative! Thanks for writing.
I often resist change. Familiar predictable things often equal security to me, except I’m often appreciatively grateful once new changes are in place. Right now selling my familiar home to move into one son’s and assist with his children–a big step, and it will stretch my schedule lots, but it’s also a maximum worthwhile investment.
You are making a giant change, and it sounds like a worthwhile one! Please leave an email address, my way of contacting winners.
This is a wonderful gift package. Thanks Kate for a chance to win it. Please put my name in. I’m not much on change either. Seems every time something is suppose to make things better and easier, instead it is harder for me. I say if it works leave it be. Hoping to win. Thanks!
MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
I must say, I agree with you Maxie. Some of the changes in this country are not for the better. Thanks to writing!
Another lovely giveaway. Love the colors and would be so happy to win a copy of Pennsylvania Patchwork. Regarding change — I am not a big fan of change. I feel comfortable when things remain the same. The exception is change of seasons — I especially love fall & spring.
Thanks for entering, Mary! I do love fall and spring too.
It depends, I like and welcome change when it comes to things like welcoming a new baby or changing up our homeschool curricula, don’t like change too much when it involves not being able to have a vehicle, schedule changes because of surgeries but I try to go with the flow.
There’s a saying about taking the good with the bad, Sarah. Sounds like you’re in that place. Well, a new baby is far more excellent than good! Please leave me an email address if you are entering the contest.
i am in love with that table centerpiece 🙂 changes are good and i have had some big ones in my life. one of the biggest was my husband and i both giving notice at work, selling most of our worldly possessions an moving 3000 miles from NH to California. things have worked out as if they were meant to be and we couldn’t be happier, although we do miss that common NH change. The beautiful fall leaves.
Wow, you and your husband have made gigantic changes! So glad to hear things are working out. I miss the fall leaves in the Northeast too, so try to visit that time of year. If you’re entering the contest, please leave an email address.
I like the changes of the seasons. Other than that, not so much. 🙂 I have both books in this series and I LOVE THEM! If I win, I will donate it to our little rural library association to be passed along through the (5) local libraries in our county as a moveable book.
majik47@hotmail.com
here is what I thought of Leaving Lancaster: http://oldentimes.wordpress.com/2012/08/21/leaving-lancaster-by-kate-lloyd/
and Pennsylvania Patchwork is every bit as good!
Thank you very much, Mary Shipman! Yesterday, I was telling my husband about you and your generous encouragement.
I love the arrival of fall, living in Fl it is the time of year when are weather does change some, the nights get cooler and the days are not as hot, we don’t get to see many leaves changing color, at least not in my area. I see fall as the end of summer and beginning of a new season.
Thank you, Deborah! Your weather fascinates me.
Hi, Kate. I would love to win either of your gifts. Thanks for the contest. If I do win, I’d prefer your book Leaving Lancaster as I read the other one and it was excellent.
My email is : flowersmarylou85@gmail.com Thanks again. Blessings. Mary Lou K
Thank you for entering, Mary Lou!
Change is not an easy thing for me but my life has journeyed through so many major changes. I pray for acceptance of these changes & always seem to be able to weather them.
However~~ I do love the changes of the seasons. Fall is the most enjoyed one of all.
My life has certainly taken some roller coaster changes too, Darlene. And for woman who doesn’t like change, it’s been a stretch. Fall is also my favorite season. To enter the contest, please leave an email address, my way of reaching the winner.
I know the perfect person to give this too. chad.cowgill@gmail.com
Your entered, Chad!
As I’ve gotten older and disabled, I don’t like change. I used to read fast, but now I find myself reading slower and I feel I’m enjoying the book more. Please enter my name in the giveaway. Thank you!
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you for leaving your comment, Barbara. You are officially entered in the giveaway!