Is it just me or is this summer cruising by like a jet rocketing into the stratosphere? I recall, just months ago, the chartreuse colored leaves unfurling in our oak tree, then acorns developing and dropping, squirrels hustling to gather them. But now I notice subtle changes: the leaves on our dogwood tree are beginning to turn a shade of burgundy and the afternoon breeze kicks up with more gusto.
This morning at 6 AM, my husband alerted me to an almost full moon in the sky he’d noticed on his way home from the gym. (He’s an early riser.) I dashed out to take a shot, to immortalize the porcelain spectacle. Unfortunately, not looking my best, I ran into a neighbor walking his dogs. But still, this day will hurl forward, slipping away and soon become a page of history.
How can we slow down time? Perhaps by noticing our surroundings, not replaying our anxiety-messages in our heads, being thankful for small gifts, like the hummingbird on our feeder and savoring a square of chocolate.
Although one of my favorite times of day, I am often astounded when bedtime arrives. Of course, I haven’t accomplished half the tasks on my should-have-done list, but I set them aside, pick up a good book, embrace the story, and tell myself: There’s always tomorrow.
What is your favorite way to unwind or your best trick to slowing down your day? Leave a short comment below to enter to win this darling towel, sewn in Lancaster County, and a copy of both Leaving Lancaster and Pennsylvania Patchwork!
Your books are very interesting and very good reading and so are your posts. Thank you for running these contests. Carol Ellmore barlenbay@comcast.net
My favorite way to unwind is to pick up one of my Amish novels and read. I can get lost in a book!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
I agree, reading is a perfect way to unwind!
I follow you on facebook.
susanlulu@yahoo.com
My favorite way to unwind is reading or cross stitching while listening to my lil boys play.
Sounds fun, and I love to hear little boys’ voices!
I follow you on Twitter @michellerecsnik
I like your Facebook page.
My email is zalomom@gmail.com
I follow on Facebook n twitter@LeAnnMooneyham. angel4god(at)charter(dot)net
I follow you on facebook and I would love the chance to win this contest.I am so wanting to get that book Pennsylvania Patchwork. Thank You
Kathy Milburn
bearangel0@yahoo.com
To wind down, I bathe and dress for bed, sip a small glass of milk, then read a devotional and prayer. I lie down and read ’til I’m sleepy, which doesn’t take long. Would love to win
A wonderful routine for a good night’s sleep!
I follow you on fb
Would love to win. Bonnie Traher momtr3@yahoo.com
My favorite way to unwind is to put on soft instrumental music and curl up with a good book. Amish fiction is great for this since life seems to move slower and more simply than it does for most people.
I forgot to include my email so you could contact me. It is: debbiewilder@comcast.net
I do love a good book! Amish fiction moves at a slower pace; very soothing.
I follow you on twitter.
I like your Facebook page.
I sit in my chair with my feet up and my dog next to me with a cup of tea:) Now that’s relaxing!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
Charlotte Kay
charlovesmark at gmail dot com
Sounds relaxing! Makes me want a cup a tea, and I’m a dog lover …
I follow you on FB:)
I like to unwind by curling up in my favorite armchair with a book and cup of coffee while my husband watches his tv program. Thanks for the great giveaways you host. I like your FB page and follow you Twitter @quilteddaisy. quilteddaisydean@gmail.com
Ah, a favorite armchair and a book sounds lovely!
I enjoy the opportunity to participate in your contests.
I follow you on FB as well as Email newsletters.
To unwind I curl up in my recliner with my Kindle & my most recent Amish Fiction book. (Honestly ~~ I have read nearly 200 Amish Fiction Books since last October)
Dgtmt1@yahoo.com
You’re amazing, Darlene! I’m a slow-poke reader. Thanks for entering!
My favorite way to unwind is going to a quiet place,such as my bedroom and just being in the silence or reading a good book!!
Jdb8420@aol.com
I enjoy silence too … and reading a good book!
I am also a fan on Facebook!!
Wishing you all good luck! Thanks for leaving a comment!
To be honest, the best way for me to unwind is to sit in my chaise lounge with a good book. It makes my mind to start relaxing and forget what has happened during the day. Thank you for the giveaway and please enter me.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
I need a chaise lounge! Thanks, Barbara!
I follow you on Twitter!
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
I liked you on Facebook!
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Reading a book with a coffee in hand relaxes me. 🙂
farmygirl at hotmail dot com
I would love to have that adorable t towel. I think it is cute. Brenda lee spicer 3738 falls rd. Baltimore, md. 21211
The towel is a cutie, isn’t it?
I enjoy your blogs almost as much as your books! HeHe!
Why, thank you!
that cup towel is so pretty.i would love to win it and your books. debbiemosley44@hotmail.com
kate i like your page on facebook. debbiemosley44@hotmail.com
I read every night b/f I go to bed to unwind. Would love to win your books & that cute tea towel….thank you Kate for the opportunity 🙂 lorrainealx@hotmail.com
I don’t do Twitter but I “like” your page on FB
Love your books!
Follow on Twitter & FB
mandn@wisper-wireless.com
Hi Kate. A great give-away. I hope to be a winner. I haven’t been doing it lately, but reading a book in my rocker is relaxing and I also get sleepy too. I too am a slow-poke reader. Don’t see how so many can read their books in just one day. I love to relax also by sitting in my rocker and watching a good western movie. I have several channels that show all of the ones I used to watch. Too many times tho, I am on my computer too late. Please put my name in the drawing. Maxie( mac262(t)me(dot)com )
Kate, I have liked your page already. Please enter me again. Thanks.
Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
If it’s not too late, I have a cup of coffee with my latest book that I am reading. I checked your page to make sure that I “like” it! I love Amish books…I haven’t read any of your books yet, but I will write your name down and look for your books in the near future! Cathy (catherinehelmick@hotmail.com)
I relax with a good book, and coffee if it’s before 3pm and water if after that so I can sleep at night. Would love, love, love to win the towel and 2 books. sharon, CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
My way to unwind is to relax with a good book and take time just for me.My favorite way is to spend time with the Lord in prayer.Thanks
I have already liked your facebook page…I am a big fan.Thanks
Thank you, everyone, for entering and for sharing your tricks for relaxing and slowing the hands of the clock!,
My favorite way to unwind is to go sit out back in the sunshine with a tall glass of iced tea, watch the birds for awhile and then pick up a good book and escape for a time. (carcutie@gmail.com)
Looks like reading a good book is the favorite, so far!
My favorite way to unwind is to read. Hubby cannot understand how I can sit for hours and read. I take a book wherever I go because if the hubby is with me I can always pull out my book and read while he is yakking with a stranger for an hour or so!
Karen G.
kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com
Walking through an antique or resale shop is relaxing for me ~ to just saunter with no purpose ~ exercise and spotting just the thing “I will know it when I find it.” Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Ah, strolling through an antique or resale shop is relaxing, Lane! Good idea.
Hi Kate, You have 1,364 likes on Facebook. I have been one of them for a long time! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Read Kate’s Blog ~ check out giveaway opportunity today
Welcome To Kate’s Blog!: Time Moves Too Quickly!
katelloydauthor.blogspot.com
A native of Baltimore, Kate spends time with family and friends in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the inspiration for Leaving Lancaster. She is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society.
shared today’s blog on my Facebook newspage
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
shared today’s link to your blog on Twitter
https://twitter.com/LaneHillHouse/status/363312951773495297
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Would love to win. Bonnie Traher momtr3@yahoo.com
I follow you on Twitter [at] KateLloydAuthor ~ mine is [at] LaneHillHouse
Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Thank you, everyone, for commenting and entering!
Best way to unwind is to read a great book that brings peace to your hectic day. Visiting Lancaster was such a peaceful experience . It wad like being in a different time. Would love to win !
My favorite way to relax is to kick back in bed & read a great book or sit on the porch in the cool of the evening & read! Love your books, Kate. And I’m looking forward to reading LEAVING LANCASTER and PENNSYLVANIA PATCHWORK. The tea towel is beautiful. Would love to win. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the contest. Good luck to all entrants!
Mary E
mdegram218@centurylink.net