UPDATE: This giveaway is now over. Congratulations to Donna Taylor and “tmhhherbelin.” They’ve each won an autographed copy of Plain Wisdom.
Last week, I offered a “grab bag giveaway” of fifteen books from my box of slightly damaged books. It was so much fun! Thank you to everyone who responded with such enthusiasm! Here are the fifteen winners:
- “Carmena…”
- Elizabeth Dent
- Julie Trout
- Vanessa Bockover
- Brenda Veinotte
- “Judystetz…”
- Kathleen Grieser
- “Raggedhar…”
- Tammy Courts
- Peg (mquir…)
- “Cindyflynn…”
- Pat Moore
- Liz (guruon…)
- Kristie (connectionlife…)
- Marilyn Dotson
Congratulations to each of you! Please send your name and mailing address to cindy@cindywoodsmall.com to claim your autographed book!
The following story can be found in Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into An Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. It is told from the perspective of my Old Order Amish friend and co-author, Miriam Flaud.
From Miriam
Like passing plates of steaming meat and vegetables at the dinner table, we often pass stories around during mealtime. Since our oldest boys are married with homes of their own, we rarely have the whole family here for a meal, but when we do, it seems that the conversation is the main course.
Recently I heard a story I hadn’t thought of in a while, and it reminded me that when children get bored, adults usually pay the price.
My husband’s sister Martha and his cousin Ruth Ann were at their Uncle Mannie’s for a week while their dads were in Virginia. The girls were around seven years old and had run out of things to do. Ruth Ann said, “I know! Let’s peel potatoes!” Martha said, “I don’t know how,” but Ruth Ann agreed to show her. So they began peeling potatoes—a big bag of ’em—down in the cellar at an old sink Uncle Mannie had. Peelings piled thick and fast. The potatoes were quite small once they had the peelings off! They peeled a five-gallon bucket (approximately thirty pounds of potatoes) and put the dear little things in clear plastic bags. When they showed the first bag full to Aunt Katie, she mumbled, “Uh-huh,” and went right on enjoying her after-dinner nap.
Guess what they had for every meal the rest of the week? Potatoes, of course, that Aunt Katie didn’t have to peel!
Bored children often get into mischief, but sometimes they simply want to learn how to do what the adults do. If we want to instill a love of work, we can’t wait until they’re truly capable of being helpful. That will likely be too late. Catch them while they’re still young and work looks exciting to them. Otherwise they’ll grow up to be couch potatoes.
Aunt Katie would have benefited from this recipe that day.
Crumb-Top Potatoes from Mrs. Martha Esh
1/3 cup butter
3 or 4 large potatoes, cut in thin slices
1½ cups sharp cheese, grated
¾ cup crushed cornflakes
2 teaspoons salt
1½ teaspoons paprika (optional)
Melt the butter in a jelly-roll pan in a 375-degree oven. Add the potatoes and turn once in the butter. Mix the remaining ingredients, and sprinkle over top. Bake 30 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. Delicious!
Do you have a favorite dish or dessert you remember from childhood?
Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into An Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women was chosen as a part of the official book list for the United Methodist Church!
Book Giveaway
As a celebration, I’d love to give away TWO copies of Plain Wisdom.
If you would like to enter for a chance to win one copy of Plain Wisdom, please leave a comment at the bottom of this blog post.
If you are reading this anywhere other than my website, such as on Facebook, in an email, or on Goodreads, please hop on over to my website (http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/2013/01/30/when-amish-children-get-bored/) and leave a comment at the bottom of my post to enter the giveaway.
Only comments left on my website will be entered into the giveaway. (It’s just too hard to track down all the comments left in various places, and that means it’s too easy to miss some of the comments.)
The deadline for this contest is Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at noon. The winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be contacted privately, as well as announced on next week’s post.
If you’ve already purchased a copy of Plain Wisdom and would like to make it into an autographed copy, I’d be honored to send you a FREE autographed bookplate!
Bookplates are adhesive-backed stickers that I can sign and mail to you in a regular business-size (No.10) envelope with current letter-rate postage. Putting the sticker on the title page of your book makes it an autographed copy. Click here for more information on how to request autographed bookplates.
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Thanks for the excerpt from Plain Wisdom, and for offering a giveaway. I’d love to win a copy.
Nancee
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Thank you for your generosity to your readers.
I would love to win anything you are giving away Cindy…
would love to win your books
I love the way Aunt Katie handled the girls with all those peeled potatoes. Instead of scolding the girls they just ate a lot of potatoes. :-) I would love to win Plain Wisdom!
Thank you for the giveaway!
Our circle just started Plain Wisdom and I’d like a signed copy of your book. We look forward to reading and discussing the book.
Loved the story of the children & the potatoes and thanks for the recipe.. I will try it for sure.. and I would love to win a copy of your book…
I would love to win your book. It sounds like a very fascinating read.
If it’s meant to be, I’ll get the chance to try one of your books having recently found out about your writing whilst watching Amish out of Order! Either way, please accept my warm wishes to you and all of the people who have found their way to into God’s loving heart. We are truly blessed
x
Plain Wisdom “Take me Away”
wouldlovetobethewinnerofyourbook
Would love to read Plain Wisdom, thank you for the chance to win a copy!
I’d love to give this to my mom as a gift for Valentines. <3
Please pick me!
I’d like to read this book!
Please enter me
I would love to get a copy of When Amish CHildren go…….
would love to have your book.
Would love to add this to my other books Have a wonderful week and God Bless
I haven’t read a single book by you, but would love a chance to read one. Thanks.
i have all your books and love them keep up the good work and may God bless you
Love your books and have made many recipes for my family….thanks so much for your beautiful writing….your generous sharing…and your faithful heart!
I would love to win a copy of Plain Wisdom. It would look good next to your other books on my bookcase. Please accept my entry. Thank you.
I would be very blessed to receive this book from you. Thank you for offering it..
I would love to win a copy of Plain Wisdom…thanks for the chance to do so! God bless!
Thank you for offering this giveaway. Would love to win a copy of Plain Wisdom!
I would love to win a copy of your book . The article Lee Hough was very touching, especially because I have an Aunt who has cancer that has spread to her brain , and she has been told there is nothing more they can do for her, and she is being kept comfortable at home .
Would love to win a copy, thanks.
I would love to win a copy of Plain Wisdom!
I love your books, I am an avid reader.
Cindy, I love your books, I read Amish books all the time. I am hooked on them. I live among the Amish and they are some of the sweetest people, they would go out of there way to help you. dsimmering68@gmail.com
i’d love to win this book.
would love to win one of your great books!!!!
Thank You and God Bless+ MelissaWillard
I would love to read Plain Wisdom. =)
I would love to read this book. or any of your books.
Not been able to get hold of any Amish books yet. still trying to find them in the u k would love to win one
Would love to win! I loved the Season for Tending!
I would love to win!!!!!!!!!!
I love amish fiction and love your books.. i hope i win.. either way i will be reading Plain Wisdom for sure
I really enjoy Amish fiction and am intrigued by their culture and lifestyles. I’d love to win. sharon, san diego
I would love to receive a copy of your book Plain wisdom. Thanks for you excellent writing.
sign me up please and thanks you
Plain wisdom is actually the only book of yours I don’t own yet. What a great blog post, I love learning about the Amish from your posts.
Since coming across your name as an author I have read 6 books in the last 2 months. I live in Australia and very few people know of you. I am determined to change that fact and I am sharing my copies of your books with friends. Thank you for writing such wonderful stories.
I love reading your Amish books–they bring peace to my soul and inspire me to slow down & appreciate the simple things God wants to show me. In the hectic world we live in, we often are in such a hurry we fail to hear God’s voice.
Sounds like a great book.
O Norman
onorman@wilkes.net
I would love to add this to my collection of your Amish books! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you and have a blessed day
Pam Lenharr
Enter me please…THANKS!!!!!!
Hope to win a copy of your book. My girlfriend loves your books and I’m stuck at home b/c of surgery. Hoping for some good reading. Thanks.
Super Fan here. I have my pot-holders I won in my kitchen window sills, just waiting to win one of your books now.
I love reading your books. I would love to win Plain Wisdom. Thanks Susan
I have enjoyed reading your books. I Would love to win this one. Please enter me ..Thanks!!
please enter me in contest!
Really enjoy your books, Cindy. As church librarian, I put in all I can get my hands on.
Oh Cindy, I’d absolutely LOVE to win a copy. PLEASE, PLEASE enter me into your contest. And by the way, I’m going to make those potatoes, they sound so yummy.
When I was a child, I remember bread pudding. It was so good.
Thankyou for lucious recipe. Looks yummy.. My favorite dish would be strudle. I can still see my grandma rolling them out so thin and spreading butter or maybe it was bacon grease on the dough, then rolling them up really tight.. They are so delicious. I’m forever looking for the recipe have found a few but, just don’t taste like grandma’s strudle…
I just got reading Plain Wisdom and it was fantastic and very inspirational. Loved the stories and the recipes. I havae admired the Amish. I live about thirty mile from Arthur Il where there many amish make thier home. I would to become friedns with one of them but so far that hasn’t happened. yet. thanks for all the good books
My mom made the best meat loaf in the world. When I was a child, that was the meal I requested for my birthday.
I would so love to win this book and would be so happy if I were picked! Thanks for offering this contest and keep on writing! Sincerely, Mary Lou
Love a another chance to win one of your books. Thanks
Love your books and would love to win a copy of this book. Keep up the good work.
Sounds delicious. I need to get that book back out and review the recipes now that I’ve ‘inherited’ 3 little ones to feed.
Love your books and contests. Thanks
Michelle
4conti@oh.rr.com
I love your Books and it seems like any more the Amish Genre is about all I read. I would be honored to win one of your books
I love reading your books. Would love to have a signed copy of one of your books. God Bless.
Always love your books! Ready to read . . .
i would love a signed copy of this book. i already have the original one. thanks. mary hernandez
I love reading your books. I can set for hours, read, and feel like Im right there with them. I would love to read Plain Wisdom. I’ve read most of your books as I am a great fan of your writing. I look forward to seeing more of your books. Keep up the good work!
Prayers & Blessings
Sherry Strother
I love reading Amish books. I used to live near their community and was actually ale to go to one of their Annual auctions the hold to raise money for the school there. I have a doll size double rocker made by an Amish man.
I think that book would be awesome! Thanks for the chance to win
your one of the best writers love your books
I would love to read more about the Amish.
I think the most of the Amish have their priorities in order. God, family, community. I could really learn from their tips. Thanks for the great giveaway! Kristie from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Hi Cindy! I’ve heard you interviewed om Amish Wisdom several times & love hearing your stories. I’ve just started reading Plain Wisdom from my library. You both are wonderful writers. The word pictures are amazing! I must need a vacation cos I felt the warm night with the farm sounds at night, hear the flapping of clothes on the line all being described! I’m only on page 24 but I realized I’ve got to own this book. As a gardener when Miriam spoke of the warm spring sun on her back & feet in the warm soil I ached for spring while I’m in 10 degree Mo today.
I keep thinking I will read Plain I wisdom, so hope I can win it, would love to have it.
Love to read your books and would love to win one.
I love reading your books and your blog. It is a nice getaway from the craziness of my days.
Would be thrilled to win a copy of Plain Wisdom. It would be a wonderful addition to my collection. Thank you.
Hi Cindy – this is the only book of yours that I haven’t read. Keeping my fingers crossed that I am lucky enough to win a copy. Thank you!
Love to read that book, so I enter in.
Thanks for the recipe. Can you please tell me how many grams 1/3 cup is?
thanks a lot.
Thanks for your generosity to your readers!!
Love your books trying to wait patiently for the next book. Would love to win this book.
Love your books. Would live to win. Thanks for the chance. God Bless.
Would love to win a copy of the book!
I love to read books about the Amish and how they live. Hope to win a copy of this book!
This looks like a great book to read! I would love to win the book!
I would love to read Plain Wisdom. Oh, how I recall peeling potatoes as a kid. As one of ten children, and one of 4 girls, I was always in the kitchen helping my mother prep and get meals ready. It was always a treat when she assigned a duty to me….it felt like I was in charge. And then later, to hear compliments on the dinner during the meal also made me feel special.
I would love to win this book!
I smiled when I thought of those little girls and the potatoes. I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance.
Love the common sense way of raising children described by Miriam!
I would love to win a copy
Would love to be entered for the book giveaway! Thank you so much. Enjoy all of your books!
Anothet great giveaway.
I recently finished A SEASON FOR TENDING & I’d love to win a copy of PLAIN WISDOM!! Thanks Cindy!
Robin in NC
RW620@aol.com
I would love to win a copy of Plain Wisdom. Have a great day!
I keep trying to get to the entry site and pop-ups keep appearing wanting me to ‘enter their contest or such. NOT what I was expecting from your site and I am disappointed.
Cheryl Williams
Please enter my name for the drawing. Thank you. Cindy, also.
I would love to win Plain Wisdom. Love Cindy’s books! Thanks for a chance to win.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
This definitely is a must read book. It would be great to win a copy!
Chicken Tetrazzini. Loved it! Chicken, cheese, celery, mushrooms, and peppers with the tiny hint of bacon mixed with spaghetti noodles. YUM!
Congrats to the fifteen winners! Have fun with your goodies!
One of my fav dished growing up is a recipe for swiss steak i think. I dont know exactly what it was but it was tasty. Lol.
Would love to win this book ! It’s my time to get lucky ! Thanks
I would be so happy to win a copy of Plain Wisdom
Thank you Cindy <3
would love to in your book thank
sounds wonderful!
woulf love a copy!
Would love to read “Plain Wisdom”. Please enter me in the free book contest! Thank you!
I would like to be entered to win a book. Thank you Terri Clark Terrilea@yahoo.com
Wonderful potato story. Glad I like potatoes but not sure about that many! Another great give away.
I would love to win a copy of Plain Wisdom. Love your books. Have a blessed day.
Plain Wisdom sounds amazing! I could use wisdom on so many levels at the moment!
Please enter me in the giveaway. I Love your books. Thanks Kim Ralston ralstonsweets@yahoo.com
Thanks for the opportunity to win!!!
Have enjoyed several of your books, and would love to read another……
Please enter me in the free book contest. Would love to read it. Thank you.
llbarna@windstream.net
I would absolutely love to win this book. I live in a town where there are Amish all around. They are beautiful to see. <3
would love to win a copy of plain wisdom!
What a sweet story!
I love the simplicity of the plain life! I would love to win your book, and have it join my other amish novels. Keep writing, you are a true inspiration!
Cindy, I love al of your books but have not been able to buy Plain Wisdom. I have read every other book you have written and love every one of them. I would love to win this one. Please enter me.
I would love to win a copy of Plain Wisdom Yes please enter me
Would love to win a copy of “Plain Wisdom” - enter me please!
What a fun story and recipe! I’m anxious to try fixing this. When I was younger, I loved homemade chicken and noodles, and still do! Would love a copy of Plain Wisdom, your books are always a blessing!
I would love a copy of Plain Wisdom. Please enter me in your drawing. I enjoy your books so much.
Oh Cindy…… pick me!!!!
Please include my name for the Plain Wisdom Book. I love all your books very much.
I love all your books and wait patiently for the next one. Many Blessing to you. Teresa Hahn
For years I have read Amish novels of Beverly Lewis, but once I discovered Sisters of the Quilt, I am your most loyal fan.
I have read all three in this series and also love Christmas in Apple Ridge, The Scent of Cherry Blossoms, The Hope of Refuge and
The Bridge of Peace. I am now rereading the saga of Hannah Lapp Lawson once again. It is unbelievable to me that this beautiful and heart rending saga was your very first novel. Your writing draws me like a magnet….”Nevertheless”….I will always hunt for your latest novel and pray for Book Four of Sisters of the Quilt because these characters are ever so real and respond to each other with true and real emotion…..something that has been missing in other aurhors novels of the Amish. What a true talent you are, Cindy Woodsmall, and I am so honored to pass your books on to others. However, I will always keep Sisters of the Quilt for my very own. Oh, yes….winning a copy of Plain Wisdom would be beyond my dreams to have a book autographed by you and your dearest friend, Miriam Flaud. Thank you both for giving us such believable and true stories of the heart. Sharon Jones
I read this book at the library but but would love to have a copy of my own.
Thank you for giving me a chance to win ” Plain Wisdom ” Amish -when-children-get-bored. When i was a child my mom use to make this for us, i don’t know if she had a recipe, this is what was in it there was applesauce with cinnamon and sugar in it, she would a layer of applesauce down first in the bowl, then she would put layer of vanilla wafers in a bowl then the applesauce over it, then another layer of wafers then continue in that order until you run out of the wafers. Growing up it was delicious. Thank you again for letting me enter. God bless you and have a great week. Norma
n38stanforth@yahoo.com
Ahh Picked Beets!
I would love to win. God Bless.
Hello Cindy, I would love to recieve a copy of the book. I’ve already read it but I enjoy reading your books more than once. You are the best author.
God be with you,
Debbie Feavel
Would love to win a copy of Plain Wisdom.
Would love a copy of Plain Wisdom.
thanks for the chance to win plain wisdom
I would definitely be interested in receiving a copy of Plain Wisdom. Thanks for sharing : )
I follow you regularly, because I enjoy your column and your books so much. Thank you.
Phyllis
I love reading Amish related books. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
rayptc(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to win,Enter me!!!
I love ice cream and cake and a lot of other deserts too.
Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!!!
Sarah Richmond
sarahrichmond.12@gmail:disqus .com
Blanch,N.C.
Plain Wisdom sound like a wonderful read. I always enjoy your books. The recipe I do have to try. They are really different and my family always enjoys new ways of making them. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Love the story of the little girls peeling potatoes, so true. Will try the recipe soon. One of your faithful readers, we met when you were in Fairhope, AL at Page and Palette.
I have got to try those potatoes. Thank you for the recipe. An Irish girl can never get tired of a tater.
The potato receipe sounds yummy. I enjoy your writings so much Cindy . Plain wisdom sounds most enjoyable. I never get tired if Amish readings. Just keep them comming. And yes it would pleasure my heart to win a signed copy of you book “Plain Wisdom” thanking you in advance. Marijane at wgmj@aol.com
I think i’ll give the Crumb-top potatoes a try. We grow potatoes and I’m always looking for a new way to serve them. I would love a copy of “Plain Wisdom” to add to my collection!
I am absolutly enamored with the Amish and their zeal for life, this comment is just one of the reasons why, what a great story you shared with us. Thank you!
“If we want to instill a love of work, we can’t wait until they’re truly capable of being helpful. That will likely be too late. Catch them while they’re still young and work looks exciting to them. Otherwise they’ll grow up to be couch potatoes.”
I’d like to try those potatoes, sounds good.
Would also like to win Plain Wisdom.
Carolyn Jefferson
carolynj63@att.net
This is the way I was taught to peel potatoes, I soon learned not to say I was bored on the farm as I soon was shown how to do a new chore. Now that I am an adult I am glad I did. Love your books.
I would love to win a copy of Plain Wisdom, it’s on my list to read!!!!
angelicamac77@msn.com
Love the story! Wish my kids would offer to peel potatoes if they were bored!!! Ha Ha! I do also love the recipe! Yum!! Can’t wait to make it! Thanks for the recipe and another offer to win one of your fabulous books!
Love Your Books and know I would enjoy these if I win, Thanks for the opportuinity Myrt
This insight is so true. I really want to work on getting the little ones involved in helping me, by just setting aside my expectations and simply enjoying being together. This little story was good encouragement to me today, Thanks for all you do!
In Him,
Susan
Love your books. Thanks for all the opportunities you give us to enter and win. Keep writing. We never get tired of your books.
Gayle
I love your books. Thanks for the many opportunities you give us to win books and such.
Keep writing.
Love your books!! Thank you.
I’d love to win this – thanks for the opportunity!
I too would love to win Plain Wisdom. I have loved all of your books. I can say from my heart that I can’t put your books down and my two younger daughters love to read them. Thank you for a chance to win. LeAnn Mooneyham angel4god@charter.net
I remember on Sunday nights my Mother made homemade pizza. We were only allowed one soda per week and this was the night we had it. Then we watched the Disney show for an hour and off to bed. Great memory. Blessings, Susan Fryman
How I wish I’d have been able to implement this wisdom when my children were small! I’d love to read more!
I love to read books about the Amish. Please add me to the giveaway! Not sure if you need my email.
I am ready to try out this potato recipe!
I would love to win a copy of Plain Wisdom. I really enjoyed your other books that I have read.
What a lovely story! I would love a copy of Plain Wisdom, please include me in the drawing…thanks!
Susan Cravatt
I would love to win a copy of Plain Wisdom. I can’t get it at my local Christian bookstore, and I would really like to read it.
Would love to win and read PLAIN WISDOM! Sharon, San Diego
I would love to win!!!!!!!
I would love to know what wisdom these two ladies are sharing! Thank you so much for sharing your gift of talent with all of us.
I would love to win one of your books!
I would love this book
Funny and a touch of wisdom. Children want to do what they see adults doing. Setting a good example is something I don’t always do, but I make a deliberate effort to try. Thanks for the giveaway.
Please enter me!
Could really use some wisdom!
I would love to receive a copy of Plain Wisdom! As an avid reader, I am always looking for a GOOD BOOK to read. My favorite memory of food from my childhood is making popcorn at my Grandparents house. We used an electric popper and we would bend over the lid to watch the corn POP! Yes, we always jumped back on that first kernel.
I would deeply appreciate a copy of this book!
Would love a copy of this book. Plain Wisdom!!!
i would love to wi n thanks for another great giveaway!
My grandparents and my mom made a dish we call Mince. It is a hamburger stew with potatoes, carrots, and onions. I made it it for my kids and now for my grandkids. We love it!
Hi Donna, This recipe sounds wonderful (Mince). Do you share the recipe, or is it a “secret family recipe?”
~Pat in New Hampshire
I would love to win of your Plain Wisdom books. It sounds wonderful.
Alecia Ernst
greatdane@citlink.net
I would love to win Plain Wisdom. I have not yet read this one yet but have read many of your other books and love them all!
Would love a copy of this book!
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Plain Wisdom is just that – plain wisdom. It would be great to be able to read and get “pointers” on how to simplify our busy, “Englischer” lives. Thanks for all the opportunities to win great books!!
Yhis was a most enjoyable book. I would encourage everyone to read it, whether you win a copy or not. I absolutely could not put it down. I have had so many friends read my copy that I would love to have an autographed copy to keep for myself.
Love your books and my birthday is the 7 of February and this would be the best present ever.
Wisdom is something we all can use more of!!! I would love a copy of Plain Wisdom!!
I tried this recipe and it was delicious. Thanks so much for posting. Would love to win one of your books. Thank you
Please add me to the list, I’d like to win this book
I would love to win – would love a copy of Plain wisdom
I would love to win your new book Plain Wisdom. I have read several of your other books and LOVE them
I once started to read Plain Wisdom but then we moved and I had to return the book. I would love to win a copy of my very own to read.
faithfulacres7@gmail:disqus .com
Loved the story about children getting bored. It’s so true! I really enjoy your books, Cindy!
I would love to win and read your new book Plain Wisdom.
I have read other books of yours and they are very good.
Thanks for the chance to win your book.
Thanks for the great newsletters and giveaways.
Blessings!
~Pat in New Hampshire
This seems like it would be a great read!!
I would love to win your book!