As I stood outside under the blazing sun waiting for the Blue Angels to skim over our house in preparation for Seafair, I pondered how much patience is required to capture a good shot, especially if the subject matter is moving at almost the speed of sound. In the quiet of the nearby nature preserve, I’ve seen photographers using tripods waiting for an unusual bird to land on a nearby tree for hours.
Often nabbing a photo is a matter of patience & good luck!
Determined to catch the jets in flight, I’d brought my camera, a pen and paper to make notes on an article I’m writing, and our house phone outside with me. I was expecting an important telephone call. I stood in the sweltering sunshine for five or 10 minutes. The phone rang just as one Blue Angel passed overhead. What to do? Grab my camera or phone?
I needed to speak to this person so I scrambled into the house. As I chatted, I heard but couldn’t see the sleek jets fly in formation. I usually avoid loud noises, but I appreciate their precision. By the time my telephone call had finished, the Blue Angels had vanished. I’d missed my photo op.
I consider myself a patient person. When our two sons’ many friends came over I rarely got rattled the way some mothers did. I tried to entertain them as honored guests, but ran a tight ship. My husband enjoyed them too, especially at our island cabin, where the boys could pretty much run free all day.
My aunt, a gifted quilter, was extremely patient. This quilt is 13″ X 15″!
I admit there are a few instances when I get annoyed. One is when I have a doctor’s appointment and the practitioner is chronically late. Once, I was literally forgotten in an exam room; the staff was quite surprised to find me waiting. This was many years ago and since then I’ve left doctors’ offices because I couldn’t tolerate waiting anymore.
I’m far from perfect, but strive for punctuality. Hard to do when traffic is a gridlock or if you’re stuck behind a city bus that won’t pull over when stopping to pick up riders.
When I asked a man what made him impatient, he said, “Slow moving traffic is the worst … and popup ads.”
Living in the city, a person could spend their whole day in a state of impatience, what with rush-hour traffic, stop-lights, long lines at the grocery store. Often labeled the rat race.
As an author I try to keep my impatience from surfacing. I prod myself out of bed each morning to write. And rewrite, in preparation for a publishing house, which will most likely demand more editing. And a Deadline. (Notice the capital D.) Writing is not for the faint at heart.
What makes me impatient? With a local election approaching, a never ending stream of Robocalls bombard us. How can I handle the constant calls from recorded messages? Since I just had my credit card stolen again I’m not about to answer personal questions to the many solicitors claiming they’re conducting a survey.
Anything in Amish Country make you impatient? How about if you’re stuck driving behind a slow-moving horse and buggy? My husband and I thoroughly enjoy the leisurely pace of Lancaster County, PA., even awaiting our turn at one-way bridges.
Do you think the Amish get impatient at times? I figure my Old Order Amish friend was last week when her phone shanty flooded and her answering device wouldn’t work for three days. How do you think the Amish deal with impatience?
What makes you impatient? Have you found a method to help yourself when irritation sets in?
Leave a comment and enter to win “A Courtin’ We Will Go,” a delightful, framed and matted 8 X 10 photo by Lisa Myers. Plus a signed copy of one book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: the winner’s choice of Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork or Forever Amish! USA Only. Winner has three days to respond.
Photo taken in Berne, IN, by Lisa Myers, editor of Amish & historical fiction & photographer. https://www.facebook.com/lisascountryphotos
Impatience for me is waiting for a new craft project to be finished, I try to pace myself and breathe. I would feel Blessed to be able to follow an Amish buggy and hear the horse clip along. The rhythm is beautiful.
Finishing a new craft project sounds fun, Sparkle! Great that you pace yourself and breathe. I agree: the rhythm of the horses’ clipping is beautiful, like music. Thanks for entering the giveaway and I’m wishing you good luck!
Kate
We visit the Amish areas in Ohio frequently (several times a year) and often follow the buggies. Since we drive a large diesel powered truck we are especially careful to stay back and if we have to pass them, then we try to do it as carefully as possible so as not to spook the horses. The funniest thing that happened when following a buggie up a steep hill on a 2 lane road was when the Amish man (an older fellow) fell asleep as the horse was pulling the buggie up the hill and just before topping the hill the horse just stopped. I guess it was because the Amish man was no longer holding the reins to guide him. We didn’t want to to honk the horn for fear it would startle the horse or the driver. We could not pass because we couldn’t see over the hill what might be coming. So we had to get out and go wake him up. It was really funny.
What a great story, Donna! Amusing and unique. As Mark Twain said: Truth is stranger than fiction … Thanks for your entertaining comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
We visit Holmes County every Spring and Fall.. my daughter and her family live 30 minutes from Lancaster, PA…. It would be a dream come true if I win !! thanks for the opportunity!
Your visits to Holmes County every spring and fall sound terrific, Carol! Plus, you must visit your daughter and her family near Lancaster. Fun! Thanks for your enthusiastic comment. Good luck!
Kate
I get impatient when I’m stuck behind slow traffic if I’m trying to get to work but if I’m off, I might not mind so much. Thanks for the opportunity!
Me too, Lisa! Time to put on some soothing music and maybe even sing. Sometimes, when I’m sure I’m going to be late, I actually arrive a few minutes early. Not sure how that works … Thanks for entering the giveaway! Wishing you the best of luck!
Kate
no I would not. we have an amish community not far from here. I love shopping at their business and talking with them. nobody’s life is worth getting some where a few minutes earlier. if it bothers you find another route. here in Michigan everyone knows which way to go and avoid the buggies.
Good attitude and advice, Jan! I’d love to go shopping with you at the Amish businesses. What fun. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering that giveaway!
Kate
I didn’t get impatient when we were behind buggies in Lancaster, PA. I guess it is because we were on vacation and not trying to keep up such a hectic pace.
It is lovely to slip into vacation mode, isn’t it, Donna? We love peaceful Lancaster County. It’s somewhat of a shock to return to the airport’s hectic pace at the end of our trip. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I was raised in the country in a large family .I can relate to the Amish In so many things that they have and do.
I love to come to the Amish country to visit, I also would love living in the Amish country.Ihave the most highest respect for the Amish because they do not waver from the way the believe regardless of what others think.
They take care of there own people and are so for giving, I don’t know how any one could be impatient with them in any way. I read Amish books all of the time I just feel like I am at home.i love seeing the children out the back of the buggies.
I don’t understand why anyone would want to rush them and maybe cause an accident .this is their own means of transportation and the way they make a living so why shouldn’t they be in tilted to part of the road and not be rushed by people traveling through sight seeing. That is so uncalled for to rush them when all they would have needed to do is started sooner.wounder how the sight seers would like it if they were being rushed in their own home town.
Your comment is terrific, Neva! I appreciate your insights, enthusiasm, and thoughtfulness. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I WOULD NOT ,I WANT TO MOVE BY THE AMISH ,AND I ALSO WOULD LOVE TO FIND OUT WHERE I CAN FIND A DOUBLE WEDDING RING QUILT
It would be fun to live by the Amish, Karen! As for quilts, if you’re willing to purchase online you might try The Old Country Store in Intercourse, PA. Website: http://quilts.theoldcountrystore.com
Riehl’s Quilts & Craft in Lancaster County will send you a catalogue. Since Riehl’s is Amish-owned, no Website. Their telephone number: (717) 656-0697. Very nice people. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Impatience to me depends on the circumstances involved. What might make me impatient today may not affect me tomorrow. I get inpatient driving in heavy traffic some days, but other days I just enjoy the time with listening to my books on CD and get lost in them hoping I can finish before I get home. It’s getting and being rushed that makes us impatient. If I was behind an Amish buggy like in the picture I would not be impatient because it probably means that I am on vacation and in no need to rush.
Taped books is a great solution, Beverly! Our gardener downloads books and uses a headset with his IPhone. Of course, he doesn’t need to listen for traffic noises. Or clip-clopping buggies. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would never pass a Amish buggy ,i have the patience to follow them, i visit Lancaster a few times a year and love Amish country,would love to have this picture i think its beautiful..
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Charlotte! We love Lancaster County, too, no matter how slowly we have to drive. In fact, we pull over to let motorists pass us. Wishing you good luck!
Kate
Thank you Charlotte!
Where I live in southern Lorain county, Ohio, there are many Amish. I have seen them often growing up and always wanted to meet them. I never get impatient behind the buggies. As a matter of fact, if there are children in them, I wave and smile. I was just at an Amish home today, buying produce. I love them, they are do nice.
I wish I could’ve been with you buying produce, Elizabeth! I have yet to meet an Amish person I did not like, but I’m probably being unrealistic as they vary in temperament … but never honk at you when you’re driving too slowly. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
You’re on the line at the grocery store…you’ve already switched lanes three times and one seems worse than the other…you’ve finally decided on a lane where the little old lady only has a few items…how bad could it be. Well, as usual for me, pretty bad. She picked up the Welch’s Jam instead of the Welch’s jelly. My first reaction, buy the dumb jam, how bad could it be!! By now I have two wagons behind me so I am basically trapped while a young man goes running off trying to find the jam, make that the jelly..aisle. How do I cope…usually poorly at first. But then I realize how lucky I am to be able to fill my cart with whatever I want and even if it turns out I got the wrong thing, it’s no big loss. There’s always tomorrow to get something else. When I realize not everyone is so fortunate, that their money was for “jelly” not “jam”…somehow the wait does not seem quite as long as before.
You have a great attitude, Eleanor! I rarely switch lanes, for that reason. And sometimes when I’m at the end of a long one a new checker comes on and takes my cart first. I make a practice of allowing people who only have one or two items to go ahead of me. Only once has another shopper done the same for me, but that’s okay. Once is pretty good in this hurry-up world. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Now that I am older, it seems I have patience for most anything. Following a amish buggy would be most relaxing to me nowadays.
Patience does seem to expand with age, Brenda! For most people, anyway. Some are doggedly impatient, thus making themselves no fun to be around. Especially when following an Amish buggy. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I am never impatient, and especially not behind an Amish buggy. Sometimes we need to slow down in life and take in the beauty of all things.
If you are never impatient, you have me beat, Amy! I applaud your attitude toward slowing down and taking in life’s beauty. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Impatience is my name especially if I have to drive in the city. If I was out in Amish country I wouldn’t mind being stuck behind a horse and buggy. I so enjoy looking at things like that. There is just something about the Amish that is so breathtaking.
I find Amish country breathtaking too, Cheryl! No need to hurry. I avoid traffic, even if it means I must drive slower route. But then, a truck or crazed motorists might prod you along. Sometimes, I find a place to pull off to the side of the road and let the speedster pass. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think I am more patient now that I am retired. I used to drive fast to work, from work, and going places so I can get to where I need to go and get things done. I yelled at people when I was driving to get out of the way, talked to the red light, etc. Now, I have plenty of time and no clock to keep track of time. I do everything during the week when everyone is working because I know the weekend everyone will be out during the things they couldn’t do during the working hours.
I’m delighted to hear you’re enjoying retirement, Karen, and no longer impatient with other motorists! Some of them really do make you wonder, but yelling never helps the situation. Although, who knows, it might be an aerobic workout or good for the lungs. LOL. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I get impatient when I have to wait on someone to get ready to go somewhere. I really hate being late. I would rather be five hours early than be one half second late!!!; I have a friend who use to be late all the time. Would tell her the time an hour earlier so she would be ready at the right time!!!
You are even more chronically punctual than I am, Dianna! My husband’s the same way, but we have found that telling people to arrive an hour earlier doesn’t work. I have an appointment tomorrow morning and plan to call ahead of time to make sure the person is running on schedule. If they’re half a second late, I let it go and assume they will show me the same grace. And I always bring reading material. Thanks so much for your fun comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’m not impatient with the Amish buggies,I follow them on a daily basis.I am a driver for a work crew,they are such wonderful people and I enjoy my time with them.
Your job sounds fascinating, Reba! In another location it might be boring, but I’m sure you are thoroughly entertained. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I get impatient when I am tired. So I guess the solution to that would be to sleep more! I used to get impatient with slow traffic and then I dtarted listening to books on tape. Now who cares how slow we go…just means I get further in my book !
Someone before you mentioned listening to books on tape and it sounds like a fabulous idea, Anne! A clever way to read and entertain yourself. I also need a good night’s sleep, so I turn off the Internet early and plunk into bed with an entertaining but not scary book. I keep paper by the bed to write down ideas and must-dos for the next day. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I try to be patient, but that is my key word, try. I am getting better as I age. I think life’s experiences help me in many ways to learn this sometimes difficult attribute. What I feel a bout of severe impatience cropping up, I send up a little prayer for a little extra help. Right now, being an only child of aging parents with many needs, I really have to count to 10—perhaps a few times over!
You have my empathy, Sonja! I’ve lived through your situation, but fortunately have a patient and reliable sister as an ally and support. Right now, I will pray for you in this difficult situation and ask Him to give you the extra help you need. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Never! I enjoy seeing all the Amish out and about and esp. with love in the air!!!
Thanks for leaving your enthusiastic comment, Susan! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Traffic on the highway that is moving slower than I think it should.
You mean at 5 miles an hour, Alecia? We rolled along at that turtle-speed last weekend. No fun. But fortunately my husband had downloaded something on his iPhone we wanted to listen to. And when he’s driving, I get to read those catalogs I never have time to look at during the week. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would be very patient and just stay behind the buggy at a safe distance. I just love seeing the horse and buggies. Thanks for a chance to win. Have a blessed day.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Deborah! I’d be rolling along at the same slow speed. So much fun to see horse and buggies. Good luck!
Kate
Every once in a while we all need reminders to slow down a little.
You’re absolutely right, Sally! Occasionally those reminders are no fun, but they’re teachable moments. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I just want to say no i would not be impatient driving behind a Amish courting buggy. That is there way of getting around and weather or not it is a courting buggy or a family buggy. I would just be happy taking my time and in joy the ride.
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your comment, Jenny! I would be patiently driving along with you behind an Amish buggy and taking my time. Sounds like the epitome of fun. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am not impatient following an Amish buggy. I just do not want to make them nervous by following and also not sure if I should just pass them. I am not impatient for the most part but do have pet peeves like people at the grocery store who are talking on their cell phones not paying any attention and blocking the aisle or those that leave their carts in the middle of the aisle and walk away to look at something. Love your giveaways…thanks for the opportunity to win.
Thanks for your great comment, Linda! I’m always amazed and annoyed when someone is talking on a cell phone in public, usually speaking loudly, or even when walking their child in a stroller. What must babies think? At least with texting I don’t have to hear the conversations. However, when behind the wheel, not a good idea and I don’t think legal anymore. The carts in the middle of the aisles don’t bother me as much. I admit, I’ve been known to wander away from my cart and then can’t remember where it is. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I hate being late to appointments, especially if it’s because I have to wait in someone else before I can leave! It drives me crazy…. Most appointments are hurry up and wait anyways! And the other thing I am impatient about is waiting on a good book to come out in the stores! I LOVE reading!
Isn’t that the truth, Marlene? Often, I race to an appointment and end up waiting 30 minutes. I bring a tote bag with my iPad and magazines … yet I wish I had just left the house later. Punctuality was very important in my home growing up, and it is to me too. When a person is late, it feels as if your time is not important to them. Yet, I try not to take it personally and sometimes I’m late myself because of bad traffic. When I meet my husband or sister, I know they’ll be on time. I love that quality about both of them. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I try to have patience but if I have a Drs. appt. and have to wait I get impatient. You have to reshedule if you are 15 minutes late so the Dr. should be on time. Would love to win this book
I totally agree, Sharon! If they are going to keep you waiting, they should schedule you for a later time. I’ve gotten into the habit of calling offices first to see if the doctors are running on time. I’d love to have you win one of my books. If you don’t win, I hope you get a chance to read one soon. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
No I do not get impatient when I am behind an Amish buggy, a tractor, or a slow driver. The rare times I have been behind an Amish buggy I watch the horse and his/her beautiful rhythm and think what it must be like to be content in the simple things. Behind a tractor I thank God for farmers who bring us food. Cars, I figure God is protecting me from something up ahead.
I sometimes ponder the same thoughts, Tammy! When behind a slow car, I wonder if God is protecting me from something up ahead. Plus, I’m less likely to get a speeding ticket. Always content behind an Amish buggy. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I never get impatient behind an Amish buggy, because they remind me to slow down and not to be in such a hurry. I live about a quarter of a mile from the closest Amish and deal with them on a daily basis. I love the way they live, their simple way of life, their love of family, faith, and community. They would go out of their way to help you no matter who you are. English or Amish. Have a Blessed Day.
It’s splendid that you live close to an Amish community, Deb! I love their way of life too and their generosity to all, not just other Amish. They been very kind to me in my research for my writing. Patient too. In one novel (Pennsylvania Patchwork) I needed to know how the Amish milk one single cow and how they strain and stored the milk. A busy farmer took the time with me and said it was no trouble, when in truth I’m sure he had better things to do. Thanks for entering the giveaway and hope you have a blessed day!
Kate
My impatience varies at times. I guess I am most impatient about being rushed trying to get somewhere on time. Would love to win! Thanks for the opportunity!
I can empathize, Tiffany! I always want to be on time, if not a few minutes early, and hate rushing. Especially when I an the cause of the rush … like not being able to find the sweater I’d wanted to wear. Usually my fault. Thank you so much for entering the giveaway. Wishing you the best of luck!
Kate
Hi, just wNted to write and try to win this contest. I am using my daughter’s e-mail address! I would like to say that patience is a virtue. When someone lives in an area where Amish people live , they should be prepared to drive slowly behind a buggy or they should have taken another route. I would love to ride behind an Amish buggy just for the experience and Yes , I would be patient. I have read many books where people in cars have caused many accidents or deaths and to me this is so sad.if someone is in a hurry and are impatient with someone driving a buggy. That person should have left earlier to give themselves more time , in the event something like this were to happen. A person’s life is much more important than getting to a certain destination. God bless these Amish citizens. Thanks , Linda Stowe
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your thoughtful comment, Linda! I totally agree with you. Even when motorists are on time they often drive erratically, changing lanes when not needed and prodding the person in front of them to move faster. I see cars slide through amber-turning-red lights all the time. If you’ve never visited an Amish community, I hope you get a chance to. I think God does bless the Amish as their population is growing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I guess it depends what kind of mood I’m in whether I get impatient or not. They are doing road construction on my main route to & from work and there are days that the traffic back-up can really irritate me. Other days , not so much; I just think about something else and I’ll get there when I get there. When visiting Amish country, I never get irritated when behind a slow-moving buggy — Just loving the chance to be there and to take in all the sights and beauty.
I can relate, Sheryl, as it seems there is continuous construction all over town. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but I tried to take back roads. I’d rather be driving slowly been backed up behind other cars. Now, if the vehicle in front of me were an Amish buggy, I’d be content to wait for hours! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Awesome picture of Lancaster and to add a book is awesomeness
I’m glad you like the photo and hope you get a chance to read one of my books, Christie! Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I don’t mind getting behind them at all! I am jealous of their slow paced life and how they are able to do literally EVERYTHING for the glory of God!! They are incredibly inspiring !!
Thanks for leaving your comment, Melissa! They do lead a slow-paced life for the most part, but get up early and work throughout the day. Sometimes into the night if a storm is approaching and the corn needs harvesting. The Amish would be the first to admit their imperfections. No human being is perfect. But you are correct: they strive to glorify God and I admire them greatly. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We never get impatient behind Amish buggies in Amish Country here in southern Indiana. Of course, when we visit that area we go with the plan to enjoy the lifestyle and the Amish friends we have there. We would love to win the picture and the book.
You sound like the perfect visitor to Amish country in southern Indiana, Nora! If you haven’t read one of my books I hope you get a chance soon. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I’ve always been told I have no patience and I know I don’t lol! I’m trying to get better at it tho. When i find myself getting impatient, I try to sit and enjoy what’s around me or read one of my Amish fiction books or I call my daddy and ask him about him growing up Mennonite. I never get tired of his stories. 🙂
Sounds as though you have excellent strategies to combat impatience, Nicole! Many don’t realize they’re growing frustrated until they “blow up” or do something they later regret. Speaking to your father sounds fascinating. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I wouldn’t get impatient in behind an Amish buggy,I would be too busy observing every little thing they were doing and taking as many pictures as I could.This picture is beautiful and someone is going be very blessed.
Thanks for leaving your comment, Jackie! You sound like me when it comes to taking pictures, always careful never to take one of an Amish person’s face. Only because I’m friends with some of the shop owners do they let me bring a camera into their store, after I’ve promised to never photograph any Amish people. Good luck in the giveaway! I’m glad you like the framed photo!
Kate
Patience has never been nor more then likely will ever be one of my virtues. I try really hard to not be so impatient. I will say though that the 13 years we lived in Glasgow Kentucky, following behind an Amish buggy never bothered me. We came upon an Amish buggy one day on a little two lane road. An Amish man came running out of the wooded area chasing the buggy as there was no one in the buggy. We assumed he stopped for whatever reason and the horse must have been impatient and decided not to wait. It was really funny but sure the Amish man did not think so..
I enjoyed reading this delightful story, Judy! I’m sure you’re right: a buggy without a driver could get into all sorts of trouble. Thanks for your honesty. Who knows, one day patience may indeed be one of your virtues, even when not following an Amish buggy. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We travel past Amish homes on our way home from the city. The highway is marked for seven miles to share the road. I love seeing the families with their wagons. My method for impatience is always having a book with me ~ ready to read. My choice of a win? Pennsylvania Patchwork print copy! Thank you for your offer. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Kathleen! If you don’t win, I hope you get a chance to read Pennsylvania Patchwork soon. The ending surprised even me. Maybe your library will get you a print copy? Best of luck!
Kate