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
Would be no problem for me…drive slowly and with patience …do not spook the horse. You will get where you are going in the end.
When I find myself behind an Amish buggy (not often) I prefer to just slow down and enjoy the slow drive.
But, they sometimes politely wave you around. 🙁
Thanking the driver for their courtesy.
I’ve had that happen too, Regina! When they wave us around we comply with their wishes, and wave a thank you. I appreciate your comment. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I love your point of view, Janet. So true, you will get where you’re going in the end. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am not a patient person.
I’ve been forced to improve my patience skills several times, Angela! Nothing like an injury, temporary illness, or waiting for the right publisher to fall in love with a manuscript. Thanks for your honest comment and good luck!
Kate
When I was younger, I was in a hurry & impatient. Time & life have taught me that things are going to happen at there own pace.
You are so right, Susan, although I notice some people never seem to learn that important lesson! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
My Husband and I travel to Lancaster.,Pa. frequently. One of our favorite things to do is drive the back roads. We encounter many Amish driving their horse and buggies. We are always very respectful and patiently wait for a safe time to pass. . After all we are entering into their world. We leave our world behind for a day or two.
You sound like perfect visitors, Christine! I’m sure the Amish you encounter appreciate your curtesy. Thank you for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Not at all, I love following an Amish buggy and hearing the horse’s hooves on the pavement.
It is a treat, Rachel! I feel the same way. Love hearing the horse’s hooves on the roadway. Thanks for commenting. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Lack of sleep makes me impatient. Love your giveaway, thank you!!
Lack of sleep does not bring out the best in us, Angie! I’m sure you’re not alone. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Love the Amish portrait!
Thank you very much, Nicole! 🙂 I love the Amish & everything about them.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Nicole!
Kate
I have more patients then my husband usually but when were behind a buggy….automatic patient kicks in and we could follow one right home 🙂
Kate….I hope you got to view my video of the horse playing with the ball in amish country Ohio. Do I need to post it on your page?
Your video is positively delightful, Carla! Thanks so much for alerting me to it. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
And miss the beauty of simplicity?…. No way would i wanna miss that.
I’m with you, Mary, and don’t want to miss a thing! Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Living in an area surrounded by Amish and Conservatives has allowed me to daily be following behind a buggy. Rarely do I get impatient, I just factor in extra “drive time”. Sundays however, are a different story. On our way to church, it is not uncommon to get behind several dozen buggies on their way to whomever’s house their services are being held at that day. We have labeled this “buggy Sunday”, because it only happens a few times a month.
“Buggy Sunday.” You’ve coined a new phrase, Shondra! Preaching Sundays would require extra time and probably make you late to church every now and then. However, all those buggies would be a delightful vision that brings a smile to my face. Thanks for your lovely comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
absolutely not. Living near Holmes county we know when going there what and where the buggys may be and to drive slowly and enjoy the scenery. Love our Amish country. Its their country too.
How great that you live near Holmes County, Gloria! I imagine you visit it often. What a pleasure! Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I try to be very patient
Thanks for writing, Nicole! Trying to be patient is an excellent endeavor. Good luck in the getaway!
Kate
I have more patience now than when I was younger. My grandkids are always telling me to step on it and I reply that I have precious cargo in my car. Wish I had a horse and buggy.
Precious cargo indeed, Pauline! I bet your grandkids are darling. Our sons, when young, often encouraged us to speed. As I recall, one of them told my husband to ram into the slow-moving car in front of us. Good luck in the giveaway! PS: I wish you had a horse and buggy too.
Kate
I’m very fascinated by the Amish and any time I hear the clip clip of the horses hooves I run to just watch them go by….I would stay behind if I had to.
I am the same way, Fay! The Amish are fascinating. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I am a very patient person, love the Amish & I could follow them all day if i had to. Also I drive very carefully when in amish territory, I wouldn’t want to hurt any of them.Photo is beautiful & I love reading any kind of novels that ate Amish.
Thanks for leaving your comment, Carol! I am always reminding my husband to be watchful in Amish country, but no need; he’s extremely cautious when behind the wheel. He drives and I get to take photos. The arrangement works well for both of us. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am going to Holmes county tomorrow so I can practice patience!!
I would be practicing patience too, Janis! Have a marvelous visit. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Generally traffic makes me impatient, but being in a rural area behind a buggy probably would be relaxing for me as a passenger! As the driver it might cause a bit of concern because I wouldn’t want to unknowingly do anything to spook the horse and possibly cause harm to anyone.
My husband usually drives and I’m the passenger, Tracie! He’s very cautious and also stops the car when I ask him to so I can take photos. Visiting Amish country seems to transform him into a patient driver. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway! Good luck!
Kate
I am far more patient now that I use to be. I would be so happy
being in Amish country till being behind any of their buggies would
not bother me. Thank you for the chance to win this. Good luck
to all and God bless
I am also more patient as I age, Patti! I had very patient parents, which I think helps. May you get a chance to follow a buggy soon. And if you haven’t read one of my books, I hope you get a chance to. Good luck to you and God bless.
Kate
Living close to Holmes County and traveling through there I am used to seeing all kinds of buggies. I enjoy seeing them, I have Amish friends (not in Holmes Co) and think of them travelling on their roads. I slow down and enjoy the view.
What a lovely view, Marsha! I’d slow down too. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I live in Rural Knox county Ohio which we have many Amish communities so driving slow is a must as the Other evening we were in Danville Ohio near us as we were in town were most of the young Amish meet at the Gas station was a small tractor with a cart that had 5 plastic lawn chairs which healed 2 young dating couples and one young lady who must have been the drivers date as I was watching them I was also worried too as what if they word fall out no seat belts …I always take extra time in going to my destinations I am better being to early then late at an appointments I <3 this picture
Thank you very much Connie! 🙂
You sound like a considerate and patient person, Connie! Thanks for sending this colorful scenario. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
We get behind Amish buggies when we are in Holmes county. There are cars & trucks who are impatient & go around our car & the buggy. We are extra careful because Going around a buggy in traffic is not only putting us in danger but the Amish in the buggy also. When there are children in the buggy,it is nice to be behind it.
Too many people in a hurry, Barb! And so sad when the vehicle hits a buggy. Makes me shudder to think about it. Seeing Amish children is fun! Thanks for leaving your thoughtful comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I just love the sound of a horse’s hooves on the pavement. Something about it is just so relaxing to me. When we visit Amish Country, we are never in a hurry. Its a time for relaxation, so why hurry?
That’s just the way I feel, Melissa! My husband and I visit Amish country to relax and slow down. Plus, spend time with friends and relatives. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would enjoy being behind an Amish buggy. That’s what is wrong with the world now too many impatience people. What if God had been impatience with Us. Love the Amish an would love to win picture. God Bless You.
Too many impatient people is certainly one of the world’s problems, Sandi! I hear more and more honking these days and can usually see no reason for it other than Hurry up! Fortunately, God is slow to anger … (Numbers 14:18) But He does have His limits. Thanks for entering the giveaway. I’d love to see you win the framed photo and one of my books. Good luck!
Kate
I would patiently wait.
Good luck in the giveaway, Sarah! Thanks for leaving a comment!
Kate
I have been behind them many times. It does not bother me at all.
Sounds as though you are a patient person, Kristin! What fun to follow buggies when you’re willing to move at their speed. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
If I was in a place as peaceful as Amish country sounds, I would enjoy my time going slowwwww.
I’d enjoy my time going slowwwww right along with you, Andrea! Millions of tourists visit Lancaster County every year, and some of those city-folks probably find the leisurely pace annoying. Hard to switch gears for many. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I try to be patient. Thank you for the opportunity to win. I enjoy reading your books.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Emma! And thank you for your kind words about enjoying my books. Good luck!
Kate
I have lots of patience for everything. I especially love being behind an Amish buggy. I love to watch the horse’s happy little feet dancing from beneath the buggy. Delightful!
How wonderful that you have so much patience, Vicki! I love your delightful description of the horse’s feet dancing beneath the buggy. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Lovely picture.
We visit Lancaster County PA often, being behind buggies do not bother me. In fact, I enjoy watching them.
Blessings,Tina
I also enjoy watching the buggies and am fortunate to have my husband chauffeur me in Lancaster County, Tina! He is a patient driver and pulls over often so I can take pictures. (not faces of the Amish) Thanks for leaving your comment and entering to give away. Blessings to you!
Kate
Thank you Tina!
I’m a fairly patient person, emphasis on the word fairly. I grew up in a steel city, so lots of trains. They made my impatience shine, especially when 2 tracks were side by side and there were trains running on both tracks or the train would just stop. urgh! That made me crazy with impatience. But I’ve gotten better.
I live near an Amish area so I’m used to the buggies. I just take my time and enjoy.
Thanks for writing, Dali! I enjoyed your description of the trains and tracks, and the impatience they fostered. I didn’t realize you live near an Amish area, you lucky thing. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
No when we go to Lancaster, PA I love seeing the Amish. My only impatience is when someone behind me passes me and the buggy. People don’t understand they have a right to be on the road just like us and we should show them some respect. Besides I love watching the horses trot.
I love watching the horses too, Sandy, and the Amish drivers’ skill in handling them. They do have a right to be on the road. Thank you for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I mostly get impatient with people who are impatient….those who honk or recklessly pass a vehicle they feel is going too slow, or those who hurry past a disabled or elderly person and make comments or roll their eyes or those who just tell a child to shut up instead of listening to the child. Yes I get impatient, but try hard not to let it show.
I can relate, Donna! It seems people are honking more and more, and many show no respect for the elderly and disabled. And children. I try to ignore the honking, but have actually gone into a restaurant and the post office looking for the person who locked their young child in the car. Several times I’ve been met with anger. I told one woman if she didn’t come outside immediately I’d call the police. She was not happy, but after hurling a few nasty words my way, eventually complied. Thanks for leaving your comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I was captivated watching the Amish buggies when I was in Lancaster. I can’t explain it, but I am really drawn to them. Spent a week in Lancaster on an Elder Hostel event, studying the history of the Amish. Loved every minute including a dinner in an Amish home.
I don’t feel impatient around them.
Your week in Lancaster sounds fascinating, Maxine! I’d love every minute of it too. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I live where there is a small Amish community and when I was younger I hated getting behind them because they were so slow and the roads didn’t have many straight areas to pass. Since I’ve been reading the Amish stories I’ve come to respect them and understand. I no longer get impatient and when pass them I give them respect..
I’d love to live near a small Amish community, Jenny! How wonderful that reading Amish stories has encouraged respect and understanding … and patience. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I am totally captivated by the Amish and their ways! I believe they can be more patient than most other people. I am sure they are taught in the church about this. Also God is never in a hurry and they want to be like Jesus. Excellent topic. Waiting can be hard but attitude can help. Danki and may God bless you always!
Thanks for leaving a comment, Larry! Waiting can indeed be difficult. James 5:7 “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” NIV. God bless you and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love the Amish. Lived around them. It brings back a simpler time. Love reading Amish books and looking at pictures.
Glad you love reading Amish books, Beth! I hope you get a chance to read one of mine. What a pleasure you must have had living around the Amish. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
i would so enjoy being behind them watching them smiling knowing they are falling in love , what a romantic time for them why not sit back and enjoy it. for impatience i have learned to deep breathe , take my mind off what is at hand and begin a fresh with concentration and try to get to the task or what ever it i have to tend to with quiet in my heart and mind patience is a hard virtue many seek it many have many lose it along the way find it and enjoy what surrounds you
Thanks for your great comment, Jana! It sounds as though you found techniques to cope with impatience. I realize sometimes when I’m driving I’m not breathing deeply and my shoulders are tense. I have a few tapes of hymns and praise songs in my car (it’s that old) that reign in my zigzagging thoughts. Singing along relaxes me too. Of course, I can’t relax completely while driving. Now, if I were sitting in a buggy …
Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love trips to Berlin and the Amish comminties. Love being behind a Amish buggy. Even makes you feel the patience they have. I could so love living the Amish life they seem to have patience like no other. The atmosphere around seems so calm and full of love.
Your trips to Berlin and the Amish communities sound delightful and calming, Nella! I love the atmosphere surrounding the Amish too. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Not at all. I would love it.
I’d love it too, Fern! Can’t wait for our next trip, Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Not impatient at all, just peaceful!
If you’re not impatient at all, Rhonda, you have me beat. I would love to be peaceful all the time. Thanks for your comment and good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
First, I love your photo and blog and would love the chance to read your book.
I find driving down local country roads serene, peaceful and uplifting so, NO, I would have no problem behind any buggy. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your encouraging words about my blog post, Fran! I’d love you to win and read one of my books, and possibly the frame photo. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Patience ….. oh how fleeting, yet, when we wait we are so blessed with such wondrous surprises. I love the picture of the buggy and the couple. I can almost hear the gentle clopping of the hooves as the horse moves gently down the road. There is no “urgency”, just the matter of moving along to the destination. Oh, how I wish that we could be more like this on a daily basis.
So do I, Deb! Maybe that’s one reason I enjoy walking, where I can actually mosey along without a sense of urgency. I love the photo too and wish you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I would not be impatient. There were a few time while visiting Lancaster I wished I could try living their lives. I would love to try it. I have stayed at a Mennonite B & B & have had dinner in 3 different Amish homes. Loved it.
Your experiences sound like so much fun, Eileen! It would be fun to stay in an Amish home, but the rooster might start crowing mighty early. We’re early risers anyway … Our Mennonite relatives live in Lancaster County, but they lead, for the most part, an English life, meaning they drive cars and use all modern conveniences. Wonderful Christian people. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m never impatient behind an Amish buggy. I picture myself in the buggy and wonder what my life would be like if I were Amish.
I’ve wondered the same thing, Karen! As one of my Old Order Amish friends told me the other day, “Since I’ve never used the Internet I don’t miss it.” However, she was speaking to me on her phone in her phone shanty, responding to my recorded message. I assume she’d miss the ability to use a telephone. Thank you for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would have patience driving behind a horse and buggy. Have heard to many stories about accidents with cars and buggies. Love reading your books. I would take the one you gave me. Thanks.
Those terrible accidents make me shudder, Nancy! Yet the Amish bear no malice toward the automobile driver; they forgive the person. The Amish suffer from grief just as we do but do not seek revenge. I was speaking about the death of a mutual friend with an Old Order Amish woman, coup told me, “It must have been God’s will.” I’d love to have you read one of my books and hope you get a chance to soon. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m never impatient when driving behind a horse and buggy. I enjoy the beauty of my surroundings and respect the mode of transportation of the Amish..
I’m sure the Amish appreciate your courtesy, Cathy! When in Amish country I also enjoy the beauty too much to be in a hurry. Thanks for leaving your comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I can be impatient at times over silly things. I find myself impatient in line at the grocery store when the checker decides she wants to hold a lengthy conversation with everyone . Then I am reminded that perhaps she lives a very lonely life and needs this interaction with people. I sometimes get impatient with God when He doesn’t answer my prayer quickly. Then I’m reminded that He may have already answered my prayer, but I was to impatient to notice. I love reading about the Amish. They seem to have patience with everything that others find hard to wait for. Perhaps we could learn a lot from them. First we need to slow down and stop being impatient over things that don’t really matter.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your comment, Deana! Maddening as it can be in the grocery store line, I take special time to connect with the checker and know several by name. I discovered after years that one leads a Bible study. Perhaps her job is her ministry. I can relate with your angst about God not answering prayers quickly. But He will, perhaps in the better way than I ever imagined. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love the picture.. Shows the quietness of their life style..
Thank you very much, Barbara! 🙂
Thanks for writing, Barbara! Lisa’s photo does capture the Amish way of life. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I grew up in the New Wilmington, Pa. area which is shared with the Amish community. When l was in my late 30’s we moved to a metro area in Florida. To sum up the next 17yrs in one sentence would be, “to much traffic,not enough trees”. We moved to the mountains four years ago. I retrospect, l don’t feel l ever was impatient in the metro enviroment. I was frustrated from the congestion. Now l get behind a hay wagon and find peace in that. Back home in Pa. I too found peace in being behind the Amish Buggy. A good question would be , “Is it impatience or just plain frustration”?
Good question, Karen! Before children can speak they become frustrated trying to communicate with adults. Impatient when their hungry! I guess we’re all children deep inside. Some have matured and can cope with frustration, while many remain in a hurry-up, honk-the-horn mode. I’m with you: i would love to be driving behind a hay wagon. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love to watch the horse’s hooves when I’m behind a buggy. Also being behind one is a good reminder to slow down & take it easy.