It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
How is your house or apartment looking? Anything like Christmas is coming? Mine is but not as much as usual. Haven't had enough time but hope to fix that this week.
I pulled out some Christmas stuff the other day and the tree will go up tomorrow. Not as soon as I'd hoped (day after Thanksgiving was my plan) but hope to do it tomorrow. I found some favorite things in the Christmas stuff. There were the photos of kids and grandkids I pull out each year -- they're all festive not only with the photo itself of them in Christmas clothing and so on but also with the frames all decorated with painted packages and trees and ornaments.
But since my kids are grown and out of the house and I've accumulated pets (boy, have I accumulated pets this year) I have many things I bought to decorate for the dogs. There's a little red Christmasy pillow where I can insert a photo and a stocking that says "I've tried to be a good dog." That last one was perfect for Gino, the Italian greyhound. Oh, my, he was so anxious to be a good dog -- and he was -- that he followed me everywhere, constantly gave me affection, and even pulled his soft bed over to put on my feet and sleep there while I typed on my computer. The shelter said he'd been a breeder dog and at 11, he'd been dumped there half-starved and in bad health (his teeth were in too bad condition for him to eat). No, don't say I did a good deed taking him home. I have never experienced such unconditional love as I was with by that dog and my Chihuahua, Sarah, who came before him. Now I have three more little Chihuahuas who show me how much they love me and a dog I'm fostering until she finds a home. She was shaking so badly after being dumped...her family lost their home and so she lost hers. Now she's desperate to be a good dog and has made herself so much at home I caught her not only sleeping on my bed but on my bed pillow the other day (no, that isn't allowed...now I take it off each day and am thinking of shutting the bedroom door and convincing her the numerous dog beds are just as nice).
I also found the box of ornaments painted with the names of various dogs and photos of them. I always said I wouldn't be one of those people who dressed up their dogs but I found three Santa hats and a pair of plus antlers for a dog head so far...and bought a little red Christmas cape for the smallest Chihuahua, a chocolate and tan one named Lucy. Yes, I've lost my mind. Am going to dress up everyone this week, find the camera, and take a photo to use for Christmas.
And finally, I always say that it just isn't Christmas until this one very unusual neighbor decorates his yard. He has a big concrete gargoyle in the front yard of a very traditional middle class neighborhood and he puts a Santa hat on it every year and shines a spotlight on it. Really. But you know, he may be a little unusual in the way he decorates but one time I drove past his house (quite a ways from my house so I don't know him) and was feeling very down about something. He waved at me and spontaneously gave me a big smile just when I needed it. One of these days I'm going to stop when I see him in his front yard and tell him thank you for that smile.
What books (Amish or otherwise) are you reading now? Tell me here on AmishHearts.com and you'll be entered in my contest to get an autographed copy of An Amish Christman: Expanded Edition by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Barbara Cameron, and Kelly Long. There's a new paperback edition of the Christmas classic available this year.
Have a great week and don't get stressed about all you have to do for Christmas.
Blessings,
Barbara
I pulled out some Christmas stuff the other day and the tree will go up tomorrow. Not as soon as I'd hoped (day after Thanksgiving was my plan) but hope to do it tomorrow. I found some favorite things in the Christmas stuff. There were the photos of kids and grandkids I pull out each year -- they're all festive not only with the photo itself of them in Christmas clothing and so on but also with the frames all decorated with painted packages and trees and ornaments.
But since my kids are grown and out of the house and I've accumulated pets (boy, have I accumulated pets this year) I have many things I bought to decorate for the dogs. There's a little red Christmasy pillow where I can insert a photo and a stocking that says "I've tried to be a good dog." That last one was perfect for Gino, the Italian greyhound. Oh, my, he was so anxious to be a good dog -- and he was -- that he followed me everywhere, constantly gave me affection, and even pulled his soft bed over to put on my feet and sleep there while I typed on my computer. The shelter said he'd been a breeder dog and at 11, he'd been dumped there half-starved and in bad health (his teeth were in too bad condition for him to eat). No, don't say I did a good deed taking him home. I have never experienced such unconditional love as I was with by that dog and my Chihuahua, Sarah, who came before him. Now I have three more little Chihuahuas who show me how much they love me and a dog I'm fostering until she finds a home. She was shaking so badly after being dumped...her family lost their home and so she lost hers. Now she's desperate to be a good dog and has made herself so much at home I caught her not only sleeping on my bed but on my bed pillow the other day (no, that isn't allowed...now I take it off each day and am thinking of shutting the bedroom door and convincing her the numerous dog beds are just as nice).
I also found the box of ornaments painted with the names of various dogs and photos of them. I always said I wouldn't be one of those people who dressed up their dogs but I found three Santa hats and a pair of plus antlers for a dog head so far...and bought a little red Christmas cape for the smallest Chihuahua, a chocolate and tan one named Lucy. Yes, I've lost my mind. Am going to dress up everyone this week, find the camera, and take a photo to use for Christmas.
And finally, I always say that it just isn't Christmas until this one very unusual neighbor decorates his yard. He has a big concrete gargoyle in the front yard of a very traditional middle class neighborhood and he puts a Santa hat on it every year and shines a spotlight on it. Really. But you know, he may be a little unusual in the way he decorates but one time I drove past his house (quite a ways from my house so I don't know him) and was feeling very down about something. He waved at me and spontaneously gave me a big smile just when I needed it. One of these days I'm going to stop when I see him in his front yard and tell him thank you for that smile.
What books (Amish or otherwise) are you reading now? Tell me here on AmishHearts.com and you'll be entered in my contest to get an autographed copy of An Amish Christman: Expanded Edition by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, Barbara Cameron, and Kelly Long. There's a new paperback edition of the Christmas classic available this year.
Have a great week and don't get stressed about all you have to do for Christmas.
Blessings,
Barbara
Posted by Barbara Cameron at 12/4/2011 9:53 PM 
Categories: Christmas fiction, Amish Christmas stories, bestsellers, Christmas novellas, One Child, Barbara Cameron, An Amish Christmas Expanded Edition, Book Giveaway
Tags: Amish fiction
Categories: Christmas fiction, Amish Christmas stories, bestsellers, Christmas novellas, One Child, Barbara Cameron, An Amish Christmas Expanded Edition, Book Giveaway
Tags: Amish fiction
I am reading A Gift of Grace by Amy Clipston and loving it.
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Enjoy any and all books about the Amish. My father is a retired pastor and when we were younger we had friends that were Amish,the Yoder's. They knew with 7 kids at home on a pastor's salary that we needed help. They shared fruits and vegetables with us.
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I loved your article. After all, isn't that what Christmas is all about, be it for people or for our beloved pets. You have a big heart to do this for them and I'm sure they appreciate and love you for it. As far as what I'm reading right now, honestly I haven't been reading. I have been too busy with everyday life and its problems, and now we get ready for Christmas. But on a more positive note, I am enjoying the Christmas movies on Hallmark. They fill your heart with so much joy and happiness, at least they do for me. I want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and successful 2012. Sincerely, Ariane
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I am currently reading
Imperfect Justice by Jeff Ashton
about the Casey Anthony trial. Hope to get to a christmas-themed book very soon!
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Grace So Amazing
by
Dawn Smith Jordan
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Just started A Simple Amish Christmas By Vanetta Chapman. Just finished A Hearth in Candlewood
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I am currently reading "Dukes To The Left of Me, Princes to the Right" by Kieran Kramer.
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am reading the The Crossroad by Beverly Lewis. It's very good. I'm reading the three books .I read the first one and now on second one. They are so good.I also am reading the Log Cabin Christmas by Wanda Brunstetter. I love to read about the amish.
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Right now I'm reading The Wonder of Your Love. I like it so much that I have a hard time putting it down to do other necessary things.
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the book i am reading is A Lancaster County Christmas By: Suzanne Woods Fisher. i love readding the An Amish christmas when it first came out. I havent read the expanded edition I love when authers write together! those are my favorit to read
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I just finished reading "Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio" by Serena Miller, and I loved it! I buy my twin many Amish fiction books as Christmas gifts each year. I started "A Simple Winter" by Rosalind Lauer yesterday.
Blessings of the season to all of you at Amish Hearts!
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Barbara, you will surely receive extra blessings for all the kind things you are doing for the little souls in your life. We got a rescue dog a couple of months ago, and he is such a joy. He does seem to need lots of affection though, I've noticed. I believe he was sadly neglected and terrified at the shelter. He was fostered for a little while by another person. It didn't take him long to bond with us, and we sure do love him! Not currently reading anything right now. I just finished up one of my Kindle books.
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I just finished Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh. I started it this weekend and finished it. I was halfway through Seek Me with All Your Heart by Beth Wiseman . Promise is a library book so I had to stop Seek Me. I have since resumed it. I would love to win because An Amish Christmas is actually on my to read list along with many many other Amish books. ! Thank you Barbara.
Beth
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Our tree has been up since the Friday before Thanksgiving. Very early this year but the grandkids were visiting and we let them do all the decorating. They are ages 9 and 3. I must say they did an excellent job!
The book I'm reading right now is "The Keeper" by Suzanne Woods Fisher. This is a great read and if I could I'd sit and read it until I finished it!
I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Blessings!
Judy B
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I'm reading The Christmas Journey by Donna VanLiere.
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I just finished "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay and am now reading "Always Something There to Remind Me" by Beth Harbison. Thank you.
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I am reading "Harvest of Grace" by Cindy Woodsmall and would love to win this contest!!!!!!!
Thank you!!!!!!
Blessings!
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Hi
I am reading When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall.... Thanks so much for the chance to win a wonderful book during this wonderful holiday season.. Blessings, Rosemary Foley
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Morning Barbara, what a great post.. it is indeed stressful getting all the things out and then making the decision what to put up this year, and then the Christmas cards! But I love every minute of it..
I am reading An Amish Love and it is great.. I love my amish stories and watching for your next book, I love your writing and it has as always been able to lift my spirits when needed..
I just made a trip to In to see family and stopped at the Amish store in Berea, KY and the Swiss shop in Libery, IN and my son bought a lot of super Jams and a new Amish cookbook, and some awesome postcards.. He bought cheese.. he loves it and they have so many different kinds and are so sweet.. I would love to win a copy of your book, Have a great day and God bless you..keep those wonderful stories coming,
Merry Christmas. hugs and prayers,
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I love reading Amish books. The one I am reading now is Naomi's Gift by Amy Clipston. I would Love to own a copy of An Amish Christmas.
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I am reading The Way TO A Mans Heart By Mary Ellis
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I am reading "Christmas Mail-Order Brides" by Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough, Therrese Stenzel and Carrie Turansky. Would love to win this book.
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I'm reading Ella Finds Love Again by Jerry Eicher.
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At the present time I am reading the book " The Sounds of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall. So far it is a wonderful story.As I enjoy reading all Amish novels
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I'm reading Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Would love to win a copy of An Amish Christmas. Love Amish stories.
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Cute article about your dogs
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I am reading White Christmas Pie again by Wanda Brunstetter. love it!
Also read Amish Knitting Circle volume on Christmas on kindle ebook.
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I am reading The Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray. I read all the Amish books by all the Amish authors love them all I have a long list of books I need to get yet.
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Right now I'm reading Thomas Kinkade's newest book -- Christmas Treasures. Would love to win an autographed copy of An Amish Christmas.
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I have been busy reading A Time for Peace, White Christmas Pie, and Livvie's song. I love Christmas, and all the excitement in the air as it gets near.
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Merry Christmas, I would love to win this contest and right now I am reading The Sounds of Sleigh Bells by Cindy Woodsmall, it is wonderful
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I am now reading THE SOUND OF SLEIGH BELLS, by Cindy Woodsmall. It is my first Christmas novel. Please enter my name to win AN AMISH CHRISTMAS. Thank you.
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Barbara, just from the dog point of view alone, we would be wonderful friends! I always wanted a dog of my own, but my mother didn't like them. I've shared homes with dog owners and loved that. Now I have my own dog. A nearly 10 year old, cream and caramel coloured spoodle, (spaniel/poodle cross), named Bailey. I never dress him up, but I love your idea of having photos and special gifts for them, like the pillow.
We got Bailey when his previous owner had to move house and couldn't take him with her. None of us wanted to see him in the pound.
He has the most lovely, affectionate nature. He tries so hard to be good, like your Gino. Somewhere before we got him, he's obviously experienced some abuse. It's sad. Sometimes you raise your hand to pat him, and he cowers. Thankfully much less than he used to. He gets very put out if you don't give him cuddles when you're out with him. (Landlord won't allow pets inside). We're more than happy to oblige in loving him. It's so easy to do.
Just as Jesus finds it so easy to love us, although more than I love Bailey, and that's a lot!
I'm currently reading the first novella in the book, "Amish Hearts". I'm thoroughly enjoying it too!
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I'm enjoying "An Amish Wedding"...will link to my reviews soon.
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I am reading I think it is called What the Heart sees which is several stories that were in An Amish Christma which I have also. I have not read any of the Plain Persuit etc got to find them. I only have one wonderful Pug now she is almost 7 yrs and a loving dog her name is Panda. Merry Christmas and God bless
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Enjoyed reading all the comments. My tree has been up since couple days after Thanksgiving. I have a mentally challenged daughter and she loves all the decorations, I have been reading Amish stories now for 3 yrs one of my granddaughters bought me Preacher's Daughter. LOL she looked at the cover never opened it but told me she just knew I would like it, how very right she was. Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year, Patti
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