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
I would love to add one of your books to my collection. I love to read, but only Amish books.
If you haven’t read one of my books I hope you get a chance to soon, Cindy! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Martha is so cute!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Kathy!
Kate
I just love this site ,very interesting.The Amish are amazing people I would o love to live the way they do.A simple hard working christian life..
Thank you for visiting my blog, Roberta, and enter the giveaway! Yes, the Amish are amazing people. I have learned a great deal from them and continue to.
Kate
Totally agree with you about the privacy and separation issues! God did create people male and female to complement and support each other, not blend the differences. Thanks for this contest- I would love to win the doll and a book!
Well put, Teresa! Thanks for your insightful comment and for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Love reading your books,would love adding the doll to my amish collection.
Thanks for letting me know you enjoy reading my books, Anita! An author can never hear that too many times. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Is there enough room to answer…the truck belongs to a woman. I would never stay in a coed dorm or use a coed bathroom/shower. God made male and female inherently different. I was a bit of a tomboy – played with cars, dug in the dirt, climbed, caught bugs, etc. (I couldn’t and still can’t throw a ball worth a hoot, either!) I also played house with dolls, read a lot, loved pretty dresses, etc. I consider myself well-round. The scriptures tell us to be modest. I love reading stories about the Amish and would love to win “Martha” (my mother’s name!) and a signed book. I’d probably give the doll to my granddaughter.
You sound like me, Pam! I could play with the boys as long as I didn’t have to throw or catch a ball. And I loved my dolls. When I finally “discovered” boys, none of my tomboy activities were as interesting anymore. Thanks for your delightful comment and for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I know I could fit in as Amish. You have to know “The Grace Of God.”
I assured one of my Amish friends once that I did not want to become Amish, Karen! I think she was a little worried about me because I am so interested in them. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I love the Amish books & would love to win this doll for on my bed & then pass down to my granddaughter.I like the Amish ways.
I’m a fan of Amish books too, Judy! Thanks for entering the giveaway! Martha would be a lovely doll to pass on to a granddaughter.
Kate
Susie would love for Martha to keep her company. I REALLY think I’m gonna try my hand at writing. You have inspired me. Thank you. Cant wait for your new book to come out and the book about the bonnet. 🙂
I can’t wait for my next book to come out too, Bobbie! The Amish might say I am learning a lesson in patience. Wonderful to hear about your desire to write. As with all things, persistence is required. I’ll bet many unfinished manuscripts have been laid aside … Article writing is a great way to get started and I have a good friend who sells many. She’s also a terrific writer and studied the craft of writing, I think over the Internet and by going to writers conferences. Lots of books about writing too. My best advice is to Journal every day about any old thing.
Kate
I LOVE Amish fiction and would love to win a copy! I really like that Amish doll 🙂
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Tara! Good luck!
Kate
everything changes and yet so many things stay the same. I think that’s how it is with boys and girls. Enjoy reading your books. “Leaving Lancaster is one of my favorites! Martha is adorable!
Hearing that “Leaving Lancaster” is one of your favorites makes my day, Linda! Thanks for letting me know and for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Kate
Would love to win Martha for my Granddaughter and your book for my Daughter and myself, as we love to share our trips to visit the Amish areas. Such beauty and peace.
How wonderful that you have a daughter to share your trips to visit Amish areas together, Roberta! And a granddaughter. I bet she’s a sweetie-pie. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love your books!! I have read them all. Would love to win the Amish doll!!
Thank you so much for reading my books and leaving your generous review, Rebecca! And thanks for entering the give away!
Kate
Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t think co-ed or gender-neutral anything is appropriate.
I would love a chance to add this adorable doll to my collection & one of your books to my library. 🙂
Some of my favorite people are old-fashioned, Lisa! Stay that way. Thanks for leaving your comment and entering to give away!
Kate
I do not approve of coed showers or dorms. I have 2 kids who will graduate high school in 2 and 3 years respectively, and I would like to think they won’t experience that.
I certainly hope they don’t, Donna! That was a prerequisite when looking for college for our son. Young men and women on different floors was as much as we’d accept. Plus very strict monitoring. (Wheaton, IL) Thanks for entering the give away!
As for the bathrooms in college , I think the boys and the girls should be separate . I know at home everyone uses the same one , but that is different . I love to read about the Amish and their ways . We could probably learn a lot from them . I love your books and would love to win the beautiful Amish Doll and one of your books . Thanks
lizd225(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for leaving your intelligent comment, Elizabeth! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Love your books Kste. Keep em comming
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Sandra! And thank you for the kind words about my books, Good luck!
Kate
Thanks for a chance to win the Amish doll & add it to my small Amish doll collection. Really enjoy your books.
I would not attend or send my sons to a college with coed bathrooms/showers, etc. Don’t think it’s appropriate. Guess I’m old fashioned, need to honor God’s morals & values.
Blessings, Tina
I agree with you, Tina, and am astounded that parents, particularly of daughters, send their children to such colleges. (The winner the giveaway is chosen at random, not because of their views.) Thanks for entering and good luck!
Kate
I think we could learn a lot from the Amish. I don’t like the idea of co-ed showers. Some might consider me old fashion, but I feel like I’m just following God’s rules. I would love to win the Amish doll and I really enjoy your books.
I can’t think of a better set of rules to follow, Sheryl! Thank you for letting me know you enjoy reading my books, and thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Very interesting article! Excellent points to consider.
I would love to win Martha! I got a small wooden Amish doll when I was in Lancaster last month and she is on my dresser and makes me smile everytime I look at her. Would love Martha to sit on my bed.
I’m glad you enjoyed my blog post, Kari! Your small wooden Amish doll sounds cute, but Martha would be more comfy on your bed. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to have that precious doll I have 2 tiny ones that are about 15 years old.
Also, I would not be a bit surprised that a man drives the pickup. My husband would drive it.
Thank you for entering me in the give away.
And yes I read your books and love them. Not to long ago finished Pennsylvania Patchwork.
Not many men would drive that pickup, Nancy! It reminds me of the book about “Real Men … can’t recall the rest of the title, but the gist of the book is that they are not afraid of what other people think of them. So good for him. Thank you for reading my books! I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed them. And thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I have this series on my kindle, but an autographed copy would be treasured always. And who wouldn’t love to own Martha? Thank you for this opportunity.
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment, Sandra! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
My dad used to tease me that he didn’t think I really knew I was a girl until I was in first grade. I had all brothers, there were all boys in our neighborhood, most of my cousins are boys, and I went to a private Kindergarten (they didn’t have a public one in our school until later) with 16 boys. I was definitely a tomboy (still am). I didn’t have many dolls. I would love to win this doll! I love your books! Have a great day! 🙂
I would love the win the Amish doll “Martha”. I love to read about Amish life and I also Love to go to the Amish community in Adams County, Ohio. Their way of life is how I desire to live. Thank you for the opportunity to enter the drawing. May God Bless you.
I was smiling as I read your comment, Rhinda! My, I thought we had a lot of boys in the neighborhood when our sons were young, but nothing compared to yours. Thanks so much for letting me know you love my books. I never get tired of hearing that. Good luck in the giveaway! I think you deserve another doll!
Kate
Love your books and the doll is adorable. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Thanks so much for entering the giveaway, Jane! Wishing you good luck!
Kate
Love your books and anything that is Amish
Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway, Betty! I’m partial to anything Amish too.
Kate
What a wonderful prize.
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your comment, Bonnie! Good luck!
Kate
Love the doll! Thanks for a chance to win.
Thank you for entering the giveaway, Lourdes! Love your first name!
Kate
I love your books! I love reading Amish fiction. My son and his family live in Lancaster county, PA so they are surrounded by Amish. Your books truly give a good depiction of the Amish community. I would love to win the Amish doll.
Thank you so much, Becky! I’ve had several women who live in Lancaster County tell me I’ve done a good job depicting the area. We have Mennonite relatives living there as well as friends who help me when I have questions, which is never ending when it comes to the Amish. An Old Order Amish farmer, owner of a herd of Holsteins, told me how to strain small amounts of milk for one of my books. The Amish have been very generous. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I like your blog.
Boys and girls are definitely different.
Please enter me in the contest for the doll.
Thank you.
Glad you liked my blog post and for leaving a comment, Char! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
Kate
Love the Amish doll. Also, enjoy reading your books. They are hard to put down
Thank you, Karen, for your kind words about my books! Wishing you good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Oh I love this post. I’ve been enthralled by the Amosh and have made several trips up to Lancaster to explore their history. Such a wonderful giveaway- thank u for the post on Facebook
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Anthea! Glad you enjoyed the post!
Kate
I love all things Amish. Boys are boys. Girls are girls. There is nothing wrong with one or the other to learn what is considered women’s work or men’s work.
Thanks for leaving your great comment, Beth! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
would love to win the Amish dollove your booksl
Thank you for entering the giveaway, Barbara! Wishing you extra good luck!
Kate
I think she is adorable!!!
Good luck in the giveaway, Tricha!
Kate
Hi Kate,
I love your books. I did not know about Always Amish.
I will have to look that one up. Maybe I could win it.
I love the doll. I always get a doll from every trip that I go on.
I do not have a doll from Lancaster. Also my favorite color is purple. (hint, hint LOL!)
I would love to win.
Thank you!
I hope you do get a chance to read Forever Amish, Betty! Perhaps you’ll win a copy and the doll in this giveaway. Thanks for entering!
Kate
Like reading your books.
Thank you, Nancy Jo! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I have read all of the trilogy series,great books. The doll is great.raised 4 girls one could say all are girly girls but still love the outdoors, me I like a hotel
Wow, for daughters, Lora! I like hotels too. Thanks for your kind words about the trilogy. Really means a lot to me. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I enjoy reading your books. Lancaster, Pa is one of my favorite places to visit. Thank you for the chance to win the doll.
Lancaster is one of my favorite places to visit too, Christine! I’m never disappointed. Thank you for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Martha is so lovely. She would make me a great reading partner could read to her. Love your books
You’re right, Debra! Martha would make a great reading partner! How sweet. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
What a cute little Amish doll. She would look perfect on my bookshelf beside your books. 🙂 Thank you for the great reads and a chance to win this little girl.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Kristi! I can just picture Martha on a bookshelf next to my books. And thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
Love the doll and your books. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment, Elaine! Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win the Amish doll! Love Amish dolls but can not find any here in WV.
Thanks for entering to giveaway, Melissa! Wishing you good luck!
Kate
Hi Kate ~ I’m old school regarding bathrooms & showers being kept separate for men & women. I also believe we should be conservative in our dress. IMO our bodies are not to be exposed for all to see. As for the pink truck … hard to say. I know some men who are very masculine who wear pink shirts, but I just don’t see any of them owning a pink truck. I would love to win Martha! I think she absolutely adorable. As a child I played with dolls but my favorite color has always been blue.
Thanks for your terrific comment, Mary! My favorite color is also blue, partly because I don’t look pretty in pink. And it’s hard to beat the color of the sky on a clear day. But I like pink flowers and to see the color on others. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
Enjoy reading your books……keeping my fingers crossed!!!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Darlene! Glad you enjoy my books!
Kate
I LOVE AMISH BOOKS!! Would love to win. I can not get enough of learning about the Amish.
I love reading Amish books as well, Michele! Always something new to learn; such an enjoyment. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Kate
I’m very traditional about men and women’s rolls in life. The Bible is very clear about our conduct and life styles. I love Amish books. I never have to worry about the content being filthy or unfit to read. There is usually a very good life lesson with scripture and good advise to live by. They also show that no ones life is perfect or without trials, but gives us good examples of how to live out Christ Jesus in our everyday routines. Martha is a very beautiful doll and I would love to have her come live with me. My husband and I will be in Holmes County Ohio in July to pick up the new Hickory Tree dining room furniture and a side table for my bent hickory tree rocker. The rocker was my Christmas gift from 2013 and the new dining table and chairs are my Christmas gift from 2014. So excited to finally get to see it in person. Thank you so much for sharing your gift of story telling with us and for the chance to win an Amish doll.
I enjoy Amish books for the same reasons, Sharon! What delightful gifts you have and are about to receive! How exciting. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your most excellent comment. Good luck in the giveaway!
Kate
YOU, have got to be kidding us! Co-ed bathrooms…& SHOWERS? How do you find out where these colleges are? Wouldn’t want my kids to be students there. Just does not make good sense!
I kid you not, C. J.! Get online and prepare yourself to be shocked. We became aware when sending our son to college; applying to them was not an option. Thankfully, he ended up at Wheaton, IL. Thanks for commenting and entering the giveaway!
Kate
I would love to win!
Thanks gor entering the giveaway, Susan! Good luck!
Kate
Being Amish looks more appealing as our world sound off in such crazy directions.
I agree, Emilie! Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
Kate
Entering contest for my wife, Jane. She enjoys your books and we have a great granddaughter who would cherish the doll. Thank you and God bless.
Thanks so much for entering for your wife, Bob! Good luck to her and God bless you!
Kate