Winner of "No Empty Seal"

    I had so much fun reading all your delightful memories from when you were younger.
    And now it's time to choose the winner for the book, No Empty Seal.

    Random.org has chosen comment number ...

    Congratulations!

    Loretta said … Shared with a friend on fb.

    I think this is the first time a comment about sharing my giveaway was selected as the winner.

   Please send me an email with your address and I will get your book mailed to you.

No Empty Seal ~ Giveaway

    Today I'm surveying my pile of Amish books again to select the one that I'll be giving away this week.
     And ... let's go with the little book, No Empty Seal by an author who interestingly enough wishes to remain anonymous. Other than someone Amish, I have no idea who wrote it.
     It used to be one of my favorite books when I was a teenager. It was a well read little thing on our limited assortment of reading material.
     It's about young Miriam Schlabach and follows her as she navigates rumspringa and the summer of instruction classes for joining the church.
   

     If you would like a chance to win this book all you have to do is leave a comment telling me a fun little memory you have from your teenage years.
    As always for more entries, post a link to this giveaway on your Facebook, blog, Pinterest, Instagram or other social media account and then come back and leave another comment to tell me that you did.
    I will choose the winner next Saturday June 29th using random.org.
   

Winner!

    LV and I just got back from an out of state business thing we had to take care of, and after getting a nice glass full of fresh sweet water, (I miss it when we're gone) I quickly consulted random.org for the winner from last week's giveaway of the book, The Miting, by Dee Yoder.

    And the lucky winner is ....

    Comment #3 magnoliasntea said ...
The best book of fiction I've ever read is The Hidden Hand by E.D.E.N. Southworth. I've read it three times, which I rarely do, because it is that good. Thank you for a delightful giveaway.

     Congratulations! Please email your address to me and I will get the book shipped to you.

      And now, for our next giveaway ... I'll have that post up in a few minutes.

The Miting ~ Giveaway

     I've been working my way through our storage room and attic, cleaning, organizing, and downsizing. In the process I have come up with this stack of Amish related books that I've decided is time to find a new home and allow some other people to enjoy them.
     My plan is to do a giveaway every Saturday for one of them.
     Up first is The Miting. I had talked about this one when I first read it, and I still feel the same way about it. You can read that post here.

      To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment about a book that you have enjoyed reading.
      For additional entries link to this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or other social media and then come back and leave another comment to tell me where you posted. (One entry per comment, so if you link to more than one social media account please be sure to leave an individual comment for each one.)
     I will be choosing the winner using the random generator next Saturday June 22nd.
     Giveaway is now closed and winner chosen.

Fragrant Whiffs of Joy ~ Winner

     Reading all your comments of things that bring you joy, was such fun. I've come to the conclusion that the little things are actually, really not that little.

     Now for the next step, let's head over to the random generator and see who the winner is for the book, Fragrant Whiffs of Joy.

     And drumroll please ....

     The winner is ...

     Comment #39

     butterflywoman57 said ... Sweet memories of my husband

Congratulations! Please email your mailing address to me and I will get the book sent to you. I hope you'll enjoy the book as much as I did.

I wish I could have given everyone a book, but since that's not possible I'm happy to be able to tell you that it is available for $12 per book plus $2 postage.  You can mail a check to Dorcas Smucker, 31148 Substation Drive, Harrisburg, OR 97446.  Or PayPal  dorcassmucker@gmail.com

Fragrant Whiffs of Joy ~ Giveaway

    In our living room we have a huge oak cupboard. It was built by my oldest brother seventeen years ago after I had voiced my dream version of an "Amish entertainment center". A section of it holds our favorite books. These books are selected carefully and each one of them has to earn their right to call this cupboard their home.
    I just tucked a new book inside its doors. Fragrant Whiffs of Joy by one of my all time favorite authors, Dorcas Smucker. She cleverly weaves beautiful stories from her often touched by humor, ordinary life.

Fragrant Whiffs of Joy is a collection of short stories or essays if you will, which makes it a perfect book to pick up and read when you have a few minutes. Each chapter is sure to encourage, inspire, and maybe give you a new view on life, with a healthy amount of chuckles mixed in.

From outings to the beach that don't go as planned, serving food to loved ones, a heartfelt glimpse into the little known life of her son's birth Mom, and everything in between. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book.

 

I think you would enjoy it too, and I'm happy to be able to give away an autographed copy. If you would like a chance to win one, all you have to do is leave a comment telling me about something that gives you a whiff of joy.

 

For a second entry share a link to this post on your blog or Facebook and then come back and tell me about in another comment.

 

I will be using the random generator to choose a winner on Friday, November 17th.

 

If you are eager to start reading this book you can order it now.

Fragrant Whiffs of Joy is available for $12 per book plus $2 postage.  You can mail a check to Dorcas Smucker, 31148 Substation Drive, Harrisburg, OR 97446.  Or PayPal  dorcassmucker@gmail.com

 

Giveaway is now closed and a winner has been chosen.

Winner of Lily Series

 Reading all your comments made me feel as if I'm in good company. Winter evening activities are so much fun!

After consulting the random generator I can now announce the winner of the Lily series.

Comment # 21

Carrie said ......

My favorite winter evening activity is watching Hallmark Christmas movies with the family.

Congratulations Carrie! Please send me an email with your address and I will get them shipped to you.

I'm sorry I can't gift everyone a set, but if you check out the links in the sidebar you can find options to buy your own.

Life with Lily ~ Giveaway

Winter and Christmas time always brings me many fond memories from my childhood when we would all gather in the evening to listen to Mom read several chapters from a book before bedtime. We would eat popcorn and apples, or sometimes enjoy a mug of hot chocolate, or a glass of apple cider while we listened.

Christmas time always meant new books. Or at least new to us. It was around Christmas time when my parents would first go to the library and bring home armloads of books, which would then continue until spring came and things got too busy to do loads of extra reading.

With winter and Christmas just around the corner I decided I would like to give my dear readers a chance to win the entire set of Lily books. You can keep them for yourself and give them to someone on your Christmas gift giving list.

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment telling me of one of your favorite winter evening activities.

For a second entry post a link to this giveaway to your blog or Facebook and then come back and leave another comment telling me you did.

Since I'm in the Christmas mood I'm giving you a third entry if you either like this Facebook page or send me a friend request on my personal page.

I will be choosing a winner on Monday November 28th just in time to kick off the official Christmas season.

Giveaway is now closed and a winner has been chosen.

Flexi Winner

This week passed by quickly, and it's already time to choose the winner for the Flexi Clip giveaway.

As usual, I'm consulting with the random generator, and here are the results.

Comment # 14

Elizabethd said .......

Every time I look at these I think how lovely they are. My hair is blonde with a bit of a wave, and I love the Pearl Drop one.

Congratulations! Please send me an email with your address and I will forward it to my friend, and she will get your clip sent to you.

To everyone wanting a clip, but didn't win. Good news! There's a sale going on right now, so you can get one at a great price.

Passing on the Love

Several years ago I acquired my first (and only) Lilla Rose flexi clip. I immediately fell in love with how pretty it looked, how easy it was to use, and how comfortable it was to wear.

It's still in great shape even after having been used regularly all this time.

The friend who gave me the clip is generously offering to also give a clip valued up to $16.00 to one of my readers.

Today there will be several different ways to earn an entry.

• For the first entry, let's do something fun and easy. Simply leave a comment telling me what color and type of hair you have. For example I have brown hair that also happens to be long and straight.
• For an additional entry share a link to this giveaway on either your blog or Facebook, or both. Then come back here and leave another comment telling me you did.
• For a third entry like this Facebook page.
• For the fourth and final entry go to this website and look at all the flexi clips, and then come leave a comment telling me which one you would like to have if you were the lucky winner.

I will be choosing the winner on Friday, August 19th using the random generator.

 

Giveaway is now closed and a winner has been chosen.

Family Life - Winner

Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway. It was so much fun reading all your comments and getting to know you a little better.

And now to choose the winner.

Comment #56

Alyssa said ......

Interesting fact about me.... When I was younger I used to love climbing, but now I have an unreasonable fear of heights. I have no idea what happened to change that.

Congratulations, Alyssa! Please send me an email with your address and I will get a subscription started for you.

Amish + Hugging + a Giveaway

Recently someone had asked me about the reaction she received when she tried to hug a mother at a visitation for her (Amish mother) child. She asked if the Amish never hug anyone.

My experience of being Amish for close to 30 years is that Amish refuse hugs from anyone other than their spouse, and even that wouldn't happen in public. But I can't make blanket statements about every Amish community or person.

However when this months issue of the Amish published Family Life arrived in the mail I found it interesting that they addressed the very question I had received.

Click on picture to enlarge.

If you're interested in having more of an inside look into Amish communities and their way of thinking I am giving you a chance to win a one year subscription to Family Life.

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment telling me something interesting about yourself.

For an additional entry post a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook and then come back and leave another comment telling me you did.

On Monday, July 18th I will be choosing a winner by using the Random Generator.

Giveaway is now closed and a winner has been chosen.

Winner!

As another Monday morning dawns in my little corner of the world, a glance at the calendar reminds me that it's time to chose a winner for this giveaway.

 

After consulting the random generator I can announce that the winner is:

 

Comment # 3

 

Peggy Lineberry said ...........

 

April brought kidding season to the homestead. Its always a happy time but this April also brought sadness as we lost Buttons. She was our head goat and such a loving gentle soul.

Congratulations Peggy! Please send me an email with your address and I will get the package in the mail for you.

Celebration Giveaway

While doing the A-Z challenge this year, my 7th blogging anniversary came and went quietly.

It doesn't seem that long ago when I sat down one afternoon and started writing some of my childhood memories in hopes that our children will somehow be able to keep a slice of our heritage, and have a better understanding of where we came from. Even though our life was different now because we had chosen to leave the Amish, it wasn't something I wanted to lose entirely.

Today I'm celebrating the anniversary, and the fact that I successfully completed another A-Z challenge by having a giveaway.

I'll be giving a copy of the first cookbook I ever used, and a doll dressed in authentic Somerset County Amish clothes to one lucky winner

If you would like a chance to win this, leave a comment telling me about something that happened in your month of April.

For an additional entry, post a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook, come back and leave another comment telling me you did.

On Monday, May 9th, I will be choosing a winner using the random generator.

Giveaway is now closed and a winner has been chosen.

Lydia's Bonnet

A little while ago I was contacted by Lillian Stoltzfus. She had written a little children's book and wondered if I would consider reviewing it. 

 

 

Lydia's bonnet arrived, and Buddy was excited about having a new book to read. He clambered onto my lap and we proceeded to read.

 

I was impressed at the large pictures on every page, depicting the scene we were reading.

 

The story of Lydia's bonnet was cute and provided a great launching point for a discussion with Buddy after we were finished reading.

I was impressed at the authenticity displayed throughout the book. The clothes, the girls' hair. and even the stance of the boy on the left of this photo is all very authentic to the Amish in Lancaster.

I decided to go ahead and start the year off by giving you a chance to win a copy of Lydia's Bonnet.

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment telling me your ...... ah let's see ....... how about since Lydia was feeling lazy and not wanting to help her mother with the dishes, why don't you go ahead and leave a comment telling me about your least favorite household chore.

For a second entry, post a link to this giveaway on either your blog or Facebook and then come back and leave another comment telling me you did.

I will choose a winner, using the Random Generator on January 8th.
 Disclaimer: I am not being compensated in any way for doing this giveaway. I simply feel like giving someone else a chance to have this book.

Giveaway is now closed and a winner has been chosen.

Winner

Monday morning and time to choose the winner for the memoir My Journey to Freedom by Mattie Mullet.

 

I enjoyed all your comments and seeing what books you have been enjoying. The last few books I have tried reading were real duds, but the one I'm reading right now is great, so my love of reading has been restored.

 

Turning to the random generator now to choose the winner.

 

Comment # 20

 

Linda from KY said......

 

Just about five minutes ago I finished reading the 5th book in a series of Jane Austen murder mysteries: Jane and the Stillroom Maid by Stephanie Barron. I don't usually enjoy Jane Austen fan fiction, but this series is absolutely delightful. Stephanie Barron is very faithful to Jane Austen's writing style.

 

Congratulations Linda! Please send me an email with your address and I will get the book mailed to you.

Celebration Giveaway

It's May, the April A-Z challenge is over, there is a certain feeling of anticipation in the air, and I'm in the mood to celebrate!

I was digging through our books yesterday and happened upon this one.

My Journey to Freedom is a memoir of one woman's journey of growing up and leaving the Amish. I probably won't be reading it again, and rather than tucking it into the attic I thought I would pass it along to one of you.

If you would like a chance to have it leave a comment telling me what was the last book you read, and did you enjoy it?

I will be selecting a winner on Monday, May 4th.

Footprints on the Ceiling ~ Winner

I hope you all had a very nice Thanksgiving. Ours was delightful with beautiful snow, and good food. The snow is still piling up, which makes it feel like the perfect type of day to curl up somewhere with a good book. Which brings us to the point of this post.

I'm happy to announce the winner of Footprints on the Ceiling.

Comment # 11

Betsy said ............

Footprints to be cleaned over and over when I helped my daughter move into her new home in Maryland this month. It was raining and the movers didn't seem to care about the wet and mud at all!

Congratulations Betsy! Please send me an email with your address and I will get the book in the mail for you. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

Footprints on the Ceiling

When Dorcas Smucker asked for volunteers to review her latest book, Footprints on the Ceiling, I jumped at the chance to do so. For starters with a title like that, especially after I had just cleaned off a big footprint on our ceiling, it called my name. Delightful title aside, I am a huge fan of her writing. She has a way with words and cleverly weaves beautiful lessons from her often touched by humor, ordinary life.

 

Footprints on the Ceiling is a collection of short stories which makes it a perfect book to pick up and read when you have a few minutes. Each chapter is sure to encourage, inspire, and maybe give you a new view on life, with a healthy amount of chuckles mixed in.

 

From young cooks in the kitchen, sorting through favorite books, travels to Thailand, and everything in between I enjoyed every minute of reading this book.

 

I think you would enjoy it too, and I'm happy to be able to give away an autographed copy. If you would like a chance to win one all you have to do is leave a comment telling me about the latest footprint you had to clean up.

 

A winner will be chosen on Friday, November 28th.

Footprints on the Ceiling is available for $15 per book, postage included.  You can mail a check to Dorcas Smucker, 31148 Substation Drive, Harrisburg, OR 97446.  US addresses only.  For international orders, email Dorcas at dorcassmucker@gmail.com

Giveaway is now closed and a winner has been chosen.

Flexi ~ Winner

How has the weekend flown by so quickly? Monday mornings seem to come faster than any other morning, and since it is Monday it means it's also time to choose the winner for the flexi clip. I read all your comments and they made me hungry for Thanksgiving dinner even though I just finished a hearty breakfast.

Consulting my friend, the random generator ......  the winner is......

Comment # 12

Becky said.............

I have indeed except for deciding what kind of pies! LOL Turkey, deep fried! With the fixins too!

Congratulations Becky! Please send me an email with your mailing address. I hope you will love your flexi as much as I love mine!