I've been spending a lot of time with Amish friends recently. I'm always humbled to be welcomed into their homes and into their lives. Their hospitality encourages me to be a better version of myself. It's easy to forget I'm the outsider, or an Amish fiction author, until something funny happens and they tell me … Continue reading Never too old to learn
In Our Neck of the Woods
There is a winter weather advisory here in our neck of the woods, but even at a level 2, life goes on. I had no desire to leave the house today other than a long walk with Ellie and the dogs this morning that proved very entertaining. There's writing to do, coffee to drink, and … Continue reading In Our Neck of the Woods
Christmas Guests
Recently, Mike and I were invited to attend a Christmas meal with Amish friends. Two local Amish business’s wanted to celebrate with their employees. We've enjoyed meals with our Amish friends before, and found this event to be just as welcoming with great food, wonderful conversation, and basketball. Out of respect, I took no pictures, … Continue reading Christmas Guests
Limited Copies
Aside from writing, I spend a lot of time in the kitchen even now that we are down to only one child left. There is such joy in cooking, feeding others, and creating new dishes. Since my debut novel, To Catch a Hummingbird, and lots of influence from the amazing Amish baker, Hazel Miller, I … Continue reading Limited Copies
Stress Less, Do More
Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives. Everyone experiences stress to some degree, and if you've recently watched any television, your bound to have stress building by the state of the world these days. But we don't have to let the new world overcome and … Continue reading Stress Less, Do More
Finding Simon Graber.
It's a beautiful start to another blessed week, and I'm so thankful the Lord seen fit to let me awake in it. I recently turned in my newest manuscript and I cannot tell you enough how wonderful that feels. There's still much that will need done before it reaches you, but this particular step, the … Continue reading Finding Simon Graber.
Beyond the Pen
It's the middle of August already and just two short weeks before I can closed my office door and exchange a busy month for some time away. I'm pretty excited to get to see the Quilt Gardens of Indiana again, as they did inspire my latest release, The Flower Quilter. It's been a long week … Continue reading Beyond the Pen
55 Days until Autumn!!!
I have always dreamed of the perfect garden, but my busy everyday doesn't leave for much time for maintaining beyond just the necessary. No matter. I can enjoy the beauty of other's and still have fresh tomatoes!!! With autumn just around the corner, I'm reminded how much closer we are to "putting up plenty" for … Continue reading 55 Days until Autumn!!!
Research into Romance!!!
A couple of years ago my agent sent out a call for her authors. It was to write a duel-timeline novel. There was a need for them at the time, and though I was still fresh and had only signed my second contract, I decided to give it a go!!! Well, it didn't go. The … Continue reading Research into Romance!!!
Let it go
Are you someone who tends to hold on? I do, even knowing some things have expired long ago. It can be hard letting go of old friends and stagnant family ties, or even that favorite piece of furniture dilapidating in a far corner because you’ve toted it from home to apartment to homestead. I have … Continue reading Let it go