I received another letter from one of my Amish friends today. As I handled the long white envelope that arrived in my mailbox, I thought about how it had been in a home built in the 1700s and addressed to me in the same manner as if it were the 1700s—by candlelight. I slit open the envelope with my letter opener and unfolded the crisp, white paper with a smile of anticipation on my face. Seeing the handwritten words and knowing that I have in my hand the opportunity to “visit” with my friend always touches my heart.

E-mail, texts, Twitter, Facebook, etc. are wonderful. I enjoy those too. We can stay in touch with family and friends no matter where we, or they, are. But how often do we save or print out e-mails? Most of the new communication technology promotes brevity.

I poured myself a cup of coffee and moved to my recliner, ready to absorb the sights, sounds, and aromas radiating from those pages in my hand.

Even in this age of instant communication, there is something special about getting mail that you can hold in your hand, knowing that someone cares about you enough to sit down, take pen in hand, and share his or her life, thoughts, and feelings, then seal and stamp the letter or card and take it to the post office.

Do you have any special letters or cards you have saved that you enjoy rereading? Handmade cards from your children when they were little, with misspelled words and crooked hearts pasted with too much glue? Maybe a collection of special letters from a loved one, tied with an old-fashioned ribbon?

I could never give away the letters that have passed between my Amish friends and myself. But I can share one part of a letter I received recently. It read: Subject: AMISH VIRUS You have just received the Amish Virus. Since we do not have electricity nor computers, you are on the honor system. Please delete all of your files. Denki!

Another thing I can share is an Amish-made goody.  I have a quilted wall hanging—sewn with the same care and thoughtfulness as the written letters I receive.

If you’d like to be entered into the drawing for the 17-by-18-inch wall hanging, all you need to do is leave a comment below.

If you’re reading this on one of my Facebook pages or Amazon or elsewhere, you need to pop over to my Web site, http://www.cindywoodsmall.com, and leave a comment on this blog entry.

The winner of the last Plain Talk Blog contest is Sandy Moritz of California. Sandy won an autographed book, a set of Amish-made potholders, and a box of Amish-made gift cards. Congrats, Sandy!

Note added by Cindy on March 12–WOW at the beautiful notes you all have written! I’ve been so moved by them, and I know many others have been too. THANK YOU!!  I forgot to mention when the contest ends. I’ll draw a winner on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 and notify her (or him) via e-mail.

Tea Tonic

Throughout history, honey has been effective as an analgesic (pain reliever) and perhaps even a healing remedy. Vinegar was always my mother’s favorite antiseptic, as it containing many purifying and therapeutic properties. With this delicious tea, you’ll get the restorative powers of both.

Begin by making a cup of hot tea, preferably decaffeinated. Add one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Any honey is good, but health advocates claim that honey made by bees in an individual’s own region is even more beneficial to the body’s system—especially if you deal with seasonal allergies.

This tea is very tasty and is known among the Amish as being helpful with headaches, colds, flu, sore throat, insomnia, and many other ailments.

*

Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig

Ronie Kendig is a debut novelist. That’s right a debut novelist! Her first book, Dead Reckoning, releases TODAY!!! Ronie is a suspense writer, and she’s devised MISSION JULIA! Look for clues in the text below, follow the trail from one blog to another, and you’ll have a chance to win a prize package that includes an iPod Nano!!

If you see names you don’t recognize, you may be engaging with her characters. I hope you’ll play and welcome Ronie and Dead Reckoning on the book circuit!

MISSION REPORT: Julia Jaxon is still missing. Her brother, Reece Jaxon, launched this mission to find his sister when details about her identity were inadvertently released in Ronie Kendig’s DEAD RECKONING. After hijacking Ronie’s post on Novel Journey, a team of specialists are searching for clues to her whereabouts. Won’t you please join us and help locate Julia? The more eyes roving the globe, the better the chance to find her.

When Shiloh Blake’s first large-scale unDerwater archeologIcal dig traps her in the middle of an internatioNal nuclear arms clash, she is forced to flee for her life into the streets of Mumbai , India . Is the man trailing her an enemy, or is hE sent by her CIA father to protect her? Whoever he is, the only way to end this nightmare and prevent a nuclear mEltdown is to join forces with former Navy SEAL Reece JaxoN.

For more information on how to play go to: http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com/

Ronie Kendig has a BS in Psychology and is a wife, Mother of four, and avid writer. Her novels Include Dead Reckoning (March 2010, Abingdon Press) and Nightshade (JuLy 2010, Barbour Publishing), Book#1 in The Discarded Heroes series.  She speaks to various groups, voLunteers with the American Christian Fiction WritErs (ACFW), and mentors new writeRs. Ronie can be found at www.roniekendig.com.

MISSION: JULIA (M:J) is entirely based upon a work of fiction entitled Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig. No lives are in jeopardy, but if you thought so—imagine how awesome Dead Reckoning will read!

THE CONTEST LISTED BELOW IS NOW CLOSED.

I love the aroma of foods, don’t you? —Chili, stews, or soups cooking all day in the Crock Pot or simmering on the stove, bread baking, casseroles in the oven, or steaks on the grill—to mention a few. The wafting scents each carry its own pleasure and those smells often bring memories with it. When I think of a great meal, desserts often come to mind. The sweet, spicy fragrance of a fresh-made pie or cake can linger in the home all day…and remain in the memory for a lifetime. Our Amish friends love to bake, but it’s just one part of a very busy day. Even though every Amish person I know grows their own vegetables and cans their own meat, you’ll find many also trying to save time by using cake mixes, packaged seasonings, or prepared foods from the grocery store. Do you find it surprising, disappointing, or encouraging that most Amish women use a few modern ways to help them accomplish their goals? Do you have a time-saving tip you can share with us? Do Amish novels encourage you to enjoy cooking?

If you’d like a chance to win a set of Amish-made potholders, gift cards, and your choice of one of my books  just leave a comment. Contest/sweepstake is open to those in the United States and Canada. A winner will be drawn Monday, March 1.

To my Facebook friends and fans, you’ll read this blog entry on Facebook through a feed, but if you’d like to be included in the chance to win, you need to go to my Web site and leave a comment. http://www.cindywoodsmall.com

Amish Chicken Noodle Soup
3 pounds chicken
2 quarts water
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
2 cups celery, chopped
2 cups carrots, chopped
1 tart apple, chopped
1 cup onions, chopped
Dash of pepper
4 cups egg noodles

Place chicken in kettle with 2 quarts water. Cover until tender (about 2 1/2 hours).
Remove chicken from kettle and strain broth. Debone chicken and return to kettle with strained broth. Add chicken stock, celery, carrots, apple, onions, and pepper and cook until vegetables are tender. Add noodles and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.

Behatz Hoffning (Embrace hope)!

P.S. The winner of the Facebook Contest for the Amish-made quilt is Facebook fan Mary Collins. Congratulations, Mary!

I’m having a special contest that will only last until February 15.

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

The winner of the quilt is Facebook fan Mary Collins!

CONGRATULATIONS, MARY!

The prize is an Amish-made quilt! The one seen in the photo above. This quilt was sewn by Anna, who is the daughter of a bishop. She’s signed and dated the quilt.

This special contest is for anyone who becomes a Cindy Woodsmall Facebook friend or fan. You are welcome to join either.

Are you already a friend or fan of mine on Facebook? I appreciate you so much and want you to join the contest, too. Just check out #2 on the entrance guidelines below.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Become a Facebook friend or fan. OR
2. If you are already a fan or friend, get one other person you know to join as a friend or fan. THEN…
3. After you become a Facebook friend or fan (or have recruited someone else), send a blank e-mail.
4. Place the words “Facebook Contest” in the subject line. If you’ve recruited someone else, put their name in the subject line as well. And they can enter the contest also!
5. Send to cindy@cindywoodsmall.com.
6. Each person may only submit ONE entry for this contest.

This contest is open to residents of the continental United States and Canada. If you have any questions, just zip me an e-mail.