School Is Out — Let The Summer Begin
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The Ice Harvest.
Since temperatures have fallen, Mike and I know the ice harvest is soon upon us. For centuries, the Amish and some Mennonite groups, have been harvesting ice in the winter to fill ice houses that will keep their food cold the following spring, summer and fall. It's the way it was done for all our … Continue reading The Ice Harvest.
A Word For The New Year
A new year arrives like a fresh, unmarked page—full of promise, yet often weighted with expectations we stack far too high. We hope for better health, greater security, and smoother paths than the year before. While those hopes are good, they can sometimes leave us weary before the year even begins. Each year, I try … Continue reading A Word For The New Year
Unplug and Recharge
As an author, social media is a large part of my life. I'm not complaining. I love connecting with readers, long-distance family, and friends. It’s an incredible tool for building community, sharing stories, and keeping up with others, but sometimes, it's a distraction, taking me away from what's really important. I've seen lots of media … Continue reading Unplug and Recharge
Where do books go?
As an author, I’ve held the pen at the first page and lived through all the ins and outs of bringing a story to the shelves. I’ve pulled ideas from everyday moments, stirred in a bit of imagination, and blended it all together to create characters readers can fall in love with—sometimes lovable, sometimes likable, … Continue reading Where do books go?
The joy in a slow journey
The Amish still travel much as their ancestors did—by horse and buggy, the steady clip-clop of hooves setting the pace of their days. When longer journeys call, they may hire a driver, or sometimes board a train or bus. Closer to home, my Amish friends often walk, or glide quietly on scooters. I’ve been blessed … Continue reading The joy in a slow journey
A Plain Woman
The Amish are known for their simple way of life, which is rooted in their Anabaptist Christian faith. They live by distinct rules and practices. Both men and woman have significant roles in their communities, and in within their families. Here are ten things Amish women cannot do that many of us might take for … Continue reading A Plain Woman
Cleaning house with audio!
When I was young, my younger sister and I loved listening to books on cassette tape. Our favorite was the Fox and The Hound. The narrator did such a fabulous job keeping us engaged as we followed along. Now, fast forward a lot of years later, I've found renewed love in listening to audiobooks. Not … Continue reading Cleaning house with audio!
May Day
It’s the first day of May. Birds are singing, bees are on the buzz, and young calves and chicks are gaining their legs. May Day has a long history and tradition in England, some of which eventually came to America. Children would dance around the maypole, holding onto colorful ribbons. I remember doing this in elementary … Continue reading May Day
Coffee with a Cause Devotional
I was reading recent reviews from beloved readers for my latest release, A Stolen Kiss, and I cannot tell you how much it warms me when readers connect with characters from one of my books. LeEtta is such a sweet character, but one who had to learn much by watching those around her. Community is … Continue reading Coffee with a Cause Devotional