Am I the only one left who thinks boys and girls are different? In my experience, boys tend to be boys, no matter how much their mothers dislike their converting sticks into weapons or throwing rocks. And girls? Well, they are far more apt to like this little Amish-made doll.
Do you think a man or woman owns this pickup?
Some might disagree. They could scoff at the fact that as a child I wanted to be like my mother. All nurture versus nature, they’d claim, not knowing that I was a bit of a Tomboy, who wasn’t afraid of spiders and snakes, and still am not. I suppose that could be chalked up to nurturing since my mother was fearless. And feminine. The consummate hostess, who considered my father head of the house.
Hey, wait a minute. Was I really a tomboy? I couldn’t and still can’t throw a ball worth a hoot. And I loved to play dolls with my sister.
In Amish homes, boys’ and girls’ roles are well defined, although there are Amish girls who prefer working in the barn and fields, and Amish men who are fine cooks. Some men even assist with kitchen cleanup. But after a strenuous day of work, most Amish men are gracious enough to allow the wife and daughters to claim that dubious pleasure. I’ve seen girls and women toiling in the field along side the men, especially around harvest time. And boys weeding in vegetable gardens.
Amish women join in to help men harvest in Lancaster County, PA.
Do you think coed bathrooms are perfectly fine? Would you mind your college student showering along side someone of the opposite sex with no privacy, a practice that’s been happening in colleges for years? I could not find one article on the Internet arguing that they’re wrong.
Recently our president installed the first gender-neutral bathroom in the White House.
What do think? Are the differences between boys and girls hardwired and should stay that way? Would you be willing to go to a conference at a college with coed dorm rooms ? Do you think we could learn a few lessons from the Amish?
Leave a comment and enter to win this sweet little Amish-doll named Martha and a signed copy of one book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, winner’s choice. Winner has 3 days to respond. USA & Canada.
Amish-made Doll from Lancaster County, PA
My favorite- Amish fiction! And a doll, too! Bring it on! 🙂
Thanks for your enthusiastic comment, Nancy! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Would love this & your new book!
Susan, I’d love to have you win! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love your books!!! Please enter me, I love the Amish doll! 🙂
Thanks for your kind words about my books and for entering the giveaway, Linda! Good luck!
Kate
I would love to win the amish doll and a book. I would take her with me to chemo.
Prayers for healing, my sister is on oral chemo for metastatic kidney cancer
She would love to go with you, Angela! Hope you win, but the winner is chosen by random … Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
The doll is so cute, I have a new grandbaby due in October that would be a lovely give. And of course the book for me but I would be willing to read it to Anah irene . Thank you so much .
How wonderful that you have a new grand-baby due in October, Barbara! I’d love you to read one of my books. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Martha is so pretty in pink. Your blog post is thought provoking for sure. I think some things should be kept private and your body is one of them! As for women vs men jobs, I am thankful for my husband doing the vacuuming for me after surgery. For the record, I usually mow. Thanks for the opportunity to win, you have the coolest giveaways!
I usually mow using a push mower in the city, Linda, and enjoy the exercise and fresh air! And my husband’s cooking skills are excelling mine. Not sure he’d vacuum, so sounds like you married a gem. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
What a sweet doll! Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Kathy! Wishing you good luck!
Kate
It seems these days that each generation becomes more liberal in what is acceptable. Society, as a whole, could learn something from the Amish. Great giveaway.
I agree with you, Carolyn! Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think the times are changing and not always for the better. I like the defined….or rather what used to be defined roles of men and women. My husband and I are like that, but I do help him with what I consider to be a man’s job if he needs the help. I guess we are what most would consider to be an old fashioned couple, which suits me fine.
Thanks so much for the opportunity to enter your contest. My sewing/craft room is slowly becoming Amish themed, so this little doll would fit right in. I would also love an autographed Amish themed book to add to my collection.
Your sewing and craft room becoming Amish themed sounds intriguing, Melissa! What fun! If you haven’t read one of my books, I hope you get a chance. I can send you the signed author bookplate if you don’t win this giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
I would not want to go to a college with coed bathrooms and bedrooms. In my humble opinion, men and women are different and those differences should be honored. This kind of blending attitude about the genders has led to a lot of problems including the feminization of men. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Thanks for your wonderful comment, Lisa! Several years ago I hurt my hand and was amazed by how few men would open the door for me. It’s as if they’ve been trained not to. Very sad. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I’m what many consider old-fashioned. I believe in separation between boys and girls. Coed rooms and bathrooms. Wrong
I’m in your old-fashion boat, Marilyn! When we were looking at colleges for our son I was shocked that some had coed dorm rooms. Our son ended up going to Wheaton, IL, where the men and women live on separate floors. When I went to college we had separate buildings. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love Amish dolls. Reading Amish novels is one of my favorite things to do. Thanks for doing this.
God bless,
Helen
Thanks for leaving a comment and blessing, Helen! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Girls helping in the fields & boys helping in the kitchen are fine but co-ed bathrooms no way! Thank you for this giveaway. Martha is adorable & I love your books!
I totally agree, Lorraine! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I live in a community that includes Amish. Wonderful, helpful neighbors and friends when they get to know you. Would love the doll and the book!
I’d love to live in a community like yours, Sharon! The Amish people I do know are indeed wonderful, helpful, and friendly! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think that the differences are a combination of nature and nurture. 🙂
Thanks for leaving a comment, Denise! Scientists have done studies on twins that were separated at birth that are pretty astounding, proving the importance of nature. (DNA) But nurture also plays a significant role. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have one Amish and would love to put another next to her on my bed.
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, JoAnne! Good luck!
Kate
Aweeee a lovely doll to go with your exquisite books, what a perfect pairing!
Thanks for putting a smile on my face, Dawnda, and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would enjoy winning anything from Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy!
Thank you.
I would love you to read one of the books from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy, Phyllis! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would certainly not want coed showers. No thank you! I prefer a little privacy and wouldn’t want my kids or grandkids to not have their privacy, either.
Love the cute little Amish doll. She is absolutely sweet! Nice Article, Kate!
Thanks so much, Sonya! I prefer a lot of privacy and hate to think my grandkids might someday be deprived of it. Good luck in the giveaway!
I would like to go back to the days when a parent would be home with the children. It would solve a lot of behavior problems we find now~days.
I’m sure you’re right, Sharon! Although some mothers are single and must work to support their children. That’s where grandma’s can sometimes step in, if available. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
That doll is so cute, I would love to win her, I have the perfect spot for her in my home. And winning the book is just a great perk.
I hope that perfect spot gets filled, Pauline! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I still love dolls and thanks for this chance to win her. Blessings to you!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Lynn! Blessings to you and good luck!
Kate
I think boys and girls are different, but not total opposites in all cases. I have 2 girly girls but they enjoyed playing with their brother’s cars sometimes too! One of them would LOVE that pink and white pickup truck pictured! We had both boys and girls running all over the yard every summer playing with water balloons, nerf dart guns and everyone loved to catch lightning bugs, even my deathly-afraid-of -bugs little girls!
Your description of the kids playing in the yard brings a smile to my face, Tracie! I still love lightning bugs and playing with cars with our grandson. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win this doll because I love anything Amish and all of your wonderful books.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Marcia! Wishing you good luck!
Kate
love this Amish doll….would .love to win!
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Wilma!
Kate
Martha is such a likeness of the Amish children. She’s a treasure and I’m sure, made by talented fingers or if not, designed for someone to love.
She was crafted by talented fingers, Emma, in Lancaster County, PA! Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Would love to win that doll and any book of yours. That truck is a
beauty. Would never want to be in co-ed dorm nor have my
children/grands in one. Thanks for the chance to win this
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Patti! If you haven’t read one of my books, I hope you get a chance soon … maybe as the winner of this contest!
Kate
Have been wanting to start a collection of Amish dolls and Martha would be perfect for a first doll! 😀
Love your books!
Martha would be the perfect first doll, Karen! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think it depends on how your raised. Boys and girls are different. I grew up in the country, loved to played in the dirt, still do. I love to cook too and be in the house. So I guess you can say I am a tom boy.
P.S. I love that doll by the way! 🙂
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Liz! Being a tomboy has its advantages, such as knowing how to dig a hole in the ground to plant a garden, and not being afraid to try your hand at a hammer and nail when something needs fixing. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love your books and have read many of them. I have always been fascinated by the Amish people as a whole. I too was a tomboy as a child (still am really) and I loved to be outside. I had a doll house that had a barn with it and my favorite thing to do was milk the cow and collect eggs!! Martha is beautiful and if I win I will give her to my mother who is named Martha, she would love her. Thanks for the opportunity.
What a lovely gift for the real Martha, Regina! I love that your dolls milked and collected eggs! I’ve always loved to be outside too and try to spend time out of doors every day, even in the rain. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love reading your books and would love this doll
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Marie! Good luck!
Kate
The Amish doll is adorable. Thanks for the chance to win her and a book. I just love your books. Have a blessed day.
Thanks for your kind words about my books and for entering the giveaway, Deborah! Hope you have a blessed day too!
Kate
I believe coed dorms and bathrooms are asking for trouble. We are only human in nature and not perfect. Of course curiosity might get the better of us! I think men and women were made to be different for a reason. That doesn’t mean a girl can’t enjoy sports or a man can’t cook. But we should enjoy who we are. I would live the doll!
Thanks for your thoughtful and intelligent comment, Kelly! Several women I know are very fine athletes (I am not one of them.) and some of the most famous chefs are men. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win this Amish doll! I only read Amish books and I can’t wait to read your books!
I can’t wait for you to read one of my books, Constance! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
I would love a chance to win. These stories are my absolute favorites.
Thanks for entering to giveaway, Kayla! Good luck!
Kate, I have read so many of your books. I really love your writing style. I would love to have this faceless doll as part of my decor to place beside my Amish books. She is beautiful. Can’t wait till next year to visit Pennsylvania for our 25th wedding anniversary.
Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary, Sandra! Lancaster County is my husband’s and my favorite place to spend our anniversary. Thank you very much for your kind words about my books and writing style. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love your truck. Martha and the legacy of Lancaster Trilogy are welcome to come to Pennsylvania
Isn’t that pickup cute, Myrtle? I never did see who the driver was. Thanks for the invitation to Pennsylvania and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
My kids are past college age. I however dont want to walk into a restroom and find a male in the same restroom as myself.
I totally agree, Carla! I’d spin on my heels and flee. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
What a beautiful Amish doll.I love the Amish and learing more about them.Hoping to win the doll for my grand daughters room.Good luck to everyone.
Good luck to you, Sharon! Thanks for entering to give away!
Kate
I do not feel we are”hard-wired” for any role. Men can be just as nurturing, and a female can have a “mechanical mind.”
I love the doll!
I can’t argue with you about being hardwired for any role, Diane! I know several female mechanical or electrical engineers, and have known several stay-at-home dads, while the moms went out and worked. I’m glad you love that all and I thank you for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I think boys and girls are different because this is the way God made us. I don’t agree with all this gender neural stuff going on in the world. God must be so grieved.
I agree with you, Polly! Thanks for your honest comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win this Amish doll. She is adorable. Love your books!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Katie! And thank you for your generous assessment of my books. Good luck!
Kate
No!! I do not think co ed college dorms are a good idea. No I would not want to send my child to live in one. Yes I believe maybe in some ways we are wired different. But hello God made us that way. Boys and girls are different. Not just the anatomy reasons. We just think and act differently. Again how God made us. And no I do not think we can learn something from the Amish. I KNOW we could learn A LOT of things. Enjoy the small things, protect each other, help each other, get unwired and listen to yourself and God. Support each other, don’t get so wrapped up in “things” you forget what is important.
Thanks for your great comment, Tammy! I was not aware of the college situation until we looked for one for her son. Fortunately, he ended up at Wheaton. IL, so no problem there. I agree with everything you said about the Amish. I have learned so much from them. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Oh my gosh, I would love to win this doll. Thanks for the chance. I love your books, please keep them coming.
Thanks for entering to giveaway, Debra! Wishing you good luck!
Kate
Would love to give Martha A loving home to be loved and cuddle I have three sons and two daughters. They are unique in their own way. But my daughters do like to do some out door activites with their brothers and still do the girly stuff too..
Thanks for writing, Kristina! Sounds as though you have a wonderful family. Like your daughters, I enjoyed outdoor activities too, such as fly-fishing with my dad. I spent many wonderful hours on the river with him. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I love to read Amish books but only has a few. I will be more than honor to win the book and read of a new author that I haven’t read yet. And the doll I would be honor to put in my living room, since I don’t have anything Amish in my house and I love dolls of all kind.
I hope you get a chance to read one of my books soon, Barbara! If you don’t win this giveaway maybe the library carries my amish novels. Or check out Amazon. If you love dolls of any kind, Martha would enjoy your home. Thanks for writing and good luck!
Kate
Having a boy and two girls i can say there are differences. I think there is a lot we can learn from the Amish.
How wonderful to have a boy and a girl, Sandy! I have learned much from the Amish, and I don’t mean from the reality TV shows. Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win an Amish doll. Thank you for the chance
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Marilyn!
Kate
I love it how cute
Thanks for leaving a comment and entering bag giveaway, Traci!
Kate
Love your books!
Thanks so much, Jimmie! And thank you for entering that giveaway!
Kate