Calico Trails

Watch Night Service

2012-01-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

We had a big party
on New Year's Eve.
I know coming from me
that sounds hard to believe.

We talked, we played
and we sang,
everyone was there -
the whole gang!

We do it year
after year,
and believe it or not
there's never any beer.

And the only fight
you may see
is between some kids
ages 1 to 3.

There isn't any whisky,
drugs, or fooling around,
but one thing's for sure,
great love abounds.

We have a
grand ol' time,
and you know what?
It doesn't cost a dime!

If you want to know
what I'm talking about,
we bring in the New Year
with a great big shout.

Because we're at church,
you see,
my husband,
the kids and me.

We're really tired
when it's all done,
but we don't have a hangover
to show for our fun.

Don't you think
that's a pretty good way
to usher in
the New Year's Day?

Pam Hillman
12/31/94

Happy New Year!!!

KindlePalooza Winner Announced Soon!

2011-12-16T08:07:00.006-06:00

The deadline to enter the Stealing Jake KindlePalooza contest has passed. The winner will be announced no later than December 18, 2011 on

Pam Hillman, Author

page on facebook.

Thank you for entering!

God bless and Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday, Mamaw Lorene ~ 93 Years Young and Counting!

2011-12-03T12:05:00.001-06:00

My husband's grandmother will be 93 next week. She is an amazing woman who decided to get her GED at age 77 (that is not a typo), then received a college degree (with honors!) and taught GED algebra at ECCC for several years. A pastor's wife, many times Mamaw wrote Christmas plays (or rewrote them) to make sure each child had a part in the Christmas play.

Even at age 5, you can see the determined look on her face.

She wrote the following for our enjoyment, and I hope she'll be able to share more of her life with us on Calico Trails in the weeks to come.

Enjoy!

Mamaw has wonderful penmanship, but it's a bit shaky these days. Her post is transcribed below for your reading pleasure.

I am the last of my family living and I came into this world in 1918 December 7th. I had three older sisters and 2 brothers. I was the runt of the family but I was determined I was not going to be bossed around. We had to walk 3 miles to school, and when I was four years I went with my 3 sisters and 2 brothers every day my mama would let me.

I was sick a lot but I loved school and when I was five I was a regular student. We called it the Primary Class. I could write to 100 and knew my ABCs but I wanted to learn to read so bad. I would cry at night for somebody to help me. Everybody was studying their own lessons, but the first one that got thru, Mama would make them help me.

Lorene Jones Graham, age 5, bottom row, third from left

We went to a country school: a two story building, primary thru fourth on the bottom floor and the fifth thru ninth upstairs. This was a two-teacher school. We were not allowed to go upstairs until we got in fifth grade.

I learned to read. I made first and second grade the second year. [ie: she skipped a grade] I wanted to get upstairs so bad after 2 more years. I made it!

We could then go draw water from a neighbor's well and bring it back to the school house for everybody to drink. Only one dipper to drink out of, but noboby knew any better.

Lorene Jones Graham "Mamaw", age 9, third row, far right
Mamaw's husband, Andrew Dow Graham, simply "Pappy" or "Bro Dow", is fourth from the left, top row

My girlfriend and I went to get water one day and we had to draw it up with what they called a windless, and I lost control of it and it hit my head and made a big knot on my forehead.

At Christmas time, the schoolhouse burned down, and that was the end of our country school.
Lorene Jones Graham
"Mamaw" to everyone

Thank you, Mamaw, for sharing this slice of your life with us. I, for one, would love to read more from your pen. We all love you very much.

Happy 93rd birthday!

Your grand-daughter-in-law,
Pam Hillman

Mamaw loves mail, so comments, questions, and Happy Birthday wishes are welcome. She's not online (not for lack of trying!), but don't worry, she'll get a chance to read every comment and respond when she can.

Feel free to comment here on the blog, or on Pam's facebook personal page, or on Pam's Author page.

TBCN 100 Book Christmas Giveaway!

2011-12-02T09:32:00.005-06:00

Today is the second day of The Book Club Network's (TBCN) mega giveaway! Stop by and comment for a chance to win an ebook of Stealing Jake or a copy of Thunder Dog by Susy Flory.

Over 100 books to be given away from Dec 1st-20th.

AND you can go back and comment on the other days for a chance to win the other books. December 1st guests were Dan Walsh and Maggie Brendan.

Oh, and have you signed up for my KindlePalooza? Deadline is December 15th, so don't be left out in the cold!

Quilt: The Drunkard's Path

2011-11-30T10:33:00.005-06:00

I thought I'd share this picture of a quilt that Sis. Ola Graham made for me years ago. It's called The Drunkard's Path. There are several different versions of this pattern on Google Images, but I love mine because Sis. Ola made it for me!

The story goes like this.

One night Sis. Ola brought a quilt to church and I oohed and aahed over it. She said the pattern was called The Drunkard's Path. I asked how much her quilts were and mentioned that I'd love to have one in a blue and white pattern, just those two colors.

Well, a month or so later she came in with my new quilt.

At the time I probably didn't really have the money to buy a quilt, but I wouldn't sell it for ANY amount of money now!

We're having a quilting bee over on my new author page on Facebook, so join us and have some fun out in the cabin in the woods.

God bless and Happy Trails!

Welcome to Penny Zeller, author of Hailee

2011-10-12T05:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Penny Zeller, whose latest book, Hailee, released September 2011. So, let's dive right in to our interview with Penny.

First, Penny, tell us a little about yourself.

Hi Pam! Thank you for hosting me on your blog. It’s great to be here! I am a wife, mom, and author of several books and numerous magazine articles. I also write a humor blog “A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author” . I am an active volunteer in my community, serving as a women’s Bible study small-group leader and co-organizing a women’s prayer group. My passion is to use the gift of the written word to glorify God and to benefit His Kingdom. I devote my time to assisting and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with God. However, all that being said, my greatest ministry is to, with my husband Lon, raise our two daughters for Christ. When I’m not dreaming up new characters for books, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and camping, hiking, canoeing, gardening, and playing volleyball.

Were you an avid reader as a child? What did you read?

I was an avid reader as a child. I loved Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mysteries and read every copy of those books I could get my hands on! I also loved The Little House on the Prairie series.

Tell us about your latest book.

Hailee is the third book in my Montana Skies Historical Romance Series, which began with McKenzie and Kaydie. Following is a short blurb -

For years, orphan Hailee Annigan was just a ragamuffin in the Cincinnati streets, stealing food to keep her two younger brothers fed. Her thievery landed her in a home for delinquent youngsters, where her life was changed, thanks to her teachers. Now, nineteen-year-old Hailee excitedly heads to Montana to be a teacher, yet she's still plagued by her shameful past and the fear of never seeing her brothers again.

Based on his upbringing in high-society Boston, no one would have guessed that Nate Adams would attend seminary and become a church pastor in rugged Montana. Even now, Nate's parents refuse to put aside their own plans for his future and accept his calling.

When their paths converge, an immediate attraction draws Hailee and Nate together, even as the pressures and demands of others pull them apart. Can the unlikely pair come to terms with their pasts and face the future together?

I’m excited about the new trailer for Hailee, which was just produced and can be found at http://youtu.be/LEGoM43jtwA

Pam again: I can so relate to the character Hailee because my heroine in Stealing Jake was a former pickpocket and street urchin, much like Hailee. Shucks, the two might have even known each other except for the fact that Livy hailed from Chicago and Hailee grew up in Cincinnati.

So, next question: Are you a plotter or a pantzer?

I am definitely a pantzer! *grins*

So, you just open a Word document and let 'er fly, huh? lol Sometimes that's when all the fun starts! Does your faith affect your writing? How?

My faith influences my writing 100%. In November of 2000, I gave my writing to the Lord. I quit my fulltime job with a social services agency to stay home with my infant daughter. That was the start of my writing career, beginning with magazine articles in national and regional publications. I am humbled that God has called me into a ministry of writing.

Because faith plays such an important role in my writing, I love the opportunity it has given me to share Christ with others. Being able to talk about my career has opened the door to sharing the Gospel in countless ways.

How exciting that you were able to stay at home full-time and write. That lets me know that there should be lots more Penny Zeller books in the works, and I know your readers are chomping at the bit for the next one. So, give us a taste of what are you working on right now?

Next on the agenda is my historical romance series set in the post-Civil War era. I recently completed the first draft of the first book and am hard at work on the second.

Post-Civil War era? Oh, that sounds exciting! You've been at this writing gig for a while now. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

God calls us all to do different things for His Kingdom. If He has called you to write, seek His guidance. Never give up, even when you feel like it or when someone has unkindly criticized you. Seek to please and honor Him in whatever you write, whether it is for the secular or the inspirational market; whether it be fiction, nonfiction, poetry, song lyrics, or a screenplay. Find a mentor and be open to ideas and suggestions from one who’s “been there, done that.” Join forces with other Christian writers. After all, we are all working for the same Boss.

I speak from experience when I say that when He closes one door, He opens a (much better) one and I firmly believe that if God calls you, He will guide you.

I give more tips for writers, including sticking with writing and how to prepare for a writer’s conference here: http://pennyzeller.wordpress.com/sticking-with-writing/

What would you be doing if you weren’t writing?

Being a writer has been my dream since the time I was seven. However, if I wasn’t a writer, I would love to be a television talk show host for a Christian TV show. I think that would be a lot of fun!

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

I love to connect with my readers at my website www.pennyzeller.com
my blog www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com,
on Twitter at http://twitter.com/pennyzeller, and
on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks where I post updates about new books, giveaways, events, making a difference in the lives of others, and Just-for-Fun Fridays.

Thank you again, Pam, for having me as your guest!

Thank you for being here, Penny! I enjoyed your visit and look forward to having you again. Congratulations on your lastest release. The reviews are pouring in and I know readers are enjoying reading all about Hailee and Nate.

Penny Zeller’s passion is to use the gift of the written word to glorify God and to benefit His Kingdom. She devotes her time to assisting, encouraging, and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with Christ. When she’s not dreaming up new characters for books, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and camping, hiking, canoeing, gardening, and playing volleyball.

Penny has graciously agree to give away one copy of Hailee. Commenters who leave an email address and/or sign up for Pam Hillman's mailing list will be in the drawing for Hailee.

Penny and I will be in and out all day to keep you company, so drop by, sit a spell, and let's chat about ragamuffin street kids who grow up to be beautiful women and marry men of their dreams!

And the Winner of the Seeker Loaded Kindle Is....

2011-10-08T12:04:00.006-05:00

Wendy N from St. Cloud, FL!

Wendy's brand new Latest Generation Kindle comes pre-loaded with the following Seeker books:

The Officer's Secret by Debby Giusti
The Rancher's Reunion by Tina Radcliffe
Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy
Steadfast Soldier by Cheryl Wyatt
A Family For Faith by Missy Tippens
Dreaming of Home by Glynna Kaye
Winter's End by Ruth Logan Herne
Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders
One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean
Sushi for One by Camy Tang
Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James

And, the list wouldn't be complete without adding my debut release
Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman.

Congratulations, Wendy N!!!!

And special thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway, joined my mailing list, told your friends, and those who've let me know how much they enjoyed Stealing Jake.

Stay tuned for more contests in the future!

Kindle Contest has Closed!

2011-10-01T23:24:00.002-05:00

The deadline to register for the loaded Kindle has now passed. The winner (how exciting!) will be announced in Calico Trails, Seekerville , Facebook and Twitter on October 8th, 2011.

But plans are in the works for another exciting giveaway! So sign up for my mailing list and I'll announce in the newsletter as soon as the details are ironed out.

Happy Trails!

A Baker's Dozen Giveaway: 13 Seeker ebooks and Your Very Own Kindle!

2011-09-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Bonus Package!

Seeker books added to this Kindle Giveaway:

MOST RECENTLY ADDED:

The Officer's Secret by Debby Giusti
About The Officer's Secret: In the middle of the night, Maggie Bennett finds her army officer sister dead in her military housing. She's devastated by the loss of the estranged sibling with whom she was trying to reconnect. But as U.S. Army criminal investigations agent Nate Patterson begins asking questions about the officer's suspicious death, Maggie can't tell the handsome man everything she knows. Except that her sister was definitely murdered—for a secret Maggie can't share. Then she walks into the killer's trap and has to trust Nate with the truth…and her heart.

The Rancher's Reunion by Tina Radcliffe
Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy
Steadfast Soldier by Cheryl Wyatt
A Family For Faith by Missy Tippens
Dreaming of Home by Glynna Kaye
Winter's End by Ruth Logan Herne
Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders
One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean
Sushi for One by Camy Tang
Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James

Deadline to enter to win the Kindle with THIRTEEN Seeker books is September 30th, 2011!

Click on the Giveaway Button to Enter!

Seeker Sighting: A Rancher's Reunion by Tina Radcliffe added to Kindle Giveaway

2011-09-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

Bonus Package!

Seeker books added to this Kindle Giveaway:

MOST RECENTLY ADDED:

The Rancher's Reunion by Tina Radcliffe
Will Sullivan's reason for refusing marriage is his biggest secret. To Will, it's part of his legacy, like the family's ranch. But then the woman he has secretly loved since childhood returns home after two years. Abandoned as a child the way he was, Annie Harris understands him. But she doesn't know the real reason keeping him a bachelor. A missionary nurse, Annie is planning to leave soon. Especially when a senseless scandal involving her threatens the ranch—and Will's future. But can he trust in rekindled love to see that Annie just might be his future?

Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy
Steadfast Soldier by Cheryl Wyatt
A Family For Faith by Missy Tippens
Dreaming of Home by Glynna Kaye
Winter's End by Ruth Logan Herne
Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders
One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean
Sushi for One by Camy Tang
Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James

Deadline to enter to win the Kindle with TWELVE Seeker books is September 30th, 2011!

Click on the Giveaway Button to Enter!

And Then There Were 11 - Mary Connealy

2011-09-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Bonus Package!

Seeker books added to this Kindle Giveaway:

MOST RECENTLY ADDED:

Petticoat Ranch by Mary Connealy

About Petticoat Ranch: Sophie Edwards is doing just fine alone, until a strange-yet oddly familiar-man rides into her life, insisting on rescuing her and her four daughters. Can she find a way to love a headstrong mountain man? When Clay McClellan discovers his brother has been murdered, he's bent on finding the killers and seeing them properly hung. But first his Christian duty demands that he marry his sister-in-law. After all, Sophie needs someone to protect her - right? Faith and love help unruly wed newlyweds find common ground and a chance at love on the Texas frontier.

Steadfast Soldier by Cheryl Wyatt
A Family For Faith by Missy Tippens
Dreaming of Home by Glynna Kaye
Winter's End by Ruth Logan Herne
Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders
One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean
Sushi for One by Camy Tang
Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James

Deadline to enter to win the Kindle with ELEVEN Seeker books is September 30th, 2011!

Click on the Giveaway Button to Enter!

Win a Kindle with 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, TEN Seeker Books!

2011-09-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Bonus Package!

Seeker books added to this Kindle Giveaway:

Steadfast Soldier by Cheryl Wyatt
A Family For Faith by Missy Tippens
Dreaming of Home by Glynna Kaye
Winter's End by Ruth Logan Herne
Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders
One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean
Sushi for One by Camy Tang
Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James

Deadline to enter to win the Kindle with all TEN books is September 30th, 2011!

Click on the Giveaway Button to Enter!

Kindle Giveaway with.... Oh.My.NINE.... Books by The Seekers!

2011-09-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

I have decided that it's a real bummer that *I* can't enter this contest!!!!

I'm giving away a Kindle to celebrate the release of my debut novel, Stealing Jake. And to make winning a Kindle that much sweeter, I'm including books by my Seeker Sisters.

We're up to 9, count 'em, NINE, books!

Bonus Package!

Seeker books added to this Kindle Giveaway:

A Family For Faith by Missy Tippens
Dreaming of Home by Glynna Kaye
Winter's End by Ruth Logan Herne
Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders
One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean
Sushi for One by Camy Tang
Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James

Deadline to enter to win the Kindle with all NINE books is September 30th, 2011!

Click on the Giveaway Button to Enter!

Dreaming of Home by Glynna Kaye added to Kindle Giveaway

2011-08-30T17:17:00.002-05:00

Bonus Package!

Seeker books added to this Kindle Giveaway:

Dreaming of Home by Glynna Kaye
Winter's End by Ruth Logan Herne
Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders
One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean
Sushi for One by Camy Tang
Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James

Deadline to enter to win the Kindle with all EIGHT books is September 30th, 2011!

Click on the Giveaway Button to Enter!

Kindle Giveaway Ramps up with SEVEN Seeker Books Preloaded!

2011-08-15T16:59:00.004-05:00

I'm giving away a Kindle to celebrate the release of my debut novel, Stealing Jake. And to make winning a Kindle that much sweeter, I'm including books by my Seeker Sisters.

We're up to SEVEN books so far!

Will there be more books added to the giveaway before the September 30th deadline?

Well, a more direct question might be...Are there more than seven Seekers?

Bonus Package!

Seeker books added to this Kindle Giveaway:

Winter's End by Ruth Logan Herne
Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders
One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean
Sushi for One by Camy Tang
Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James

Deadline to enter to win the Kindle with all SEVEN books is September 30th, 2011!

Click on the Giveaway Button to Enter!

Stealing Jake - Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #499 Paid in Kindle Store!

2011-08-09T07:00:00.002-05:00

Stealing Jake

by Pam Hillman

Product Details
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 543 KB
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (June 24, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
Language: English
ASIN: B0057Z87DK
Lending: Enabled
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
33 Reviews

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #499 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Copied direct from the Amazon website, but the BOLD, RED letters are ALL mine.

Considering there are about 750,000 Kindle books for sale, this is mind-numbingly, astonishingly, absolutely phenomenal!

Purchase from Amazon for Kindle

Purchase from B&N for Nook

Kindle Giveaway with SIX Seeker Books Preloaded!

2011-08-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm giving away a Kindle to celebrate the release of my debut novel, Stealing Jake. And to make winning a Kindle that much sweeter, I'm including books by my Seeker Sisters. We're up to SIX books so far.

Will there be more books added to the giveaway before the September 30th deadline?

Well, a more direct question might be...Are there more than six Seekers?

Bonus Package!

Seeker books added to this Kindle Giveaway:

Rocky Mountain Hero by Audra Harders
One Imperfect Christmas by Myra Johnson
A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman
Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean
Sushi for One by Camy Tang
Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James

Deadline to enter to win the Kindle with all SIX books is September 30th, 2011!

Click on the Giveaway Button to Enter!

Kindle Giveaway with FOUR Seeker Books Preloaded: INCLUDING Love by the Book by Cara Lynn James!

2011-07-31T08:55:00.008-05:00

Love by the Book by Seeker, Cara Lynn James!

Product Description
A sweeping love story set in a lavish seaside mansion in 1901 Rhode Island.

Melinda Hollister is a society lady, intent on finding a rich husband before her peers discover her quickly diminishing wealth. Nick Bryson is all business, focused on making a name for himself in his father's teamship line. Despite the marriage of their siblings, they rarely gave each other a second glance-until a tragic accident results in Melinda and Nick being appointed as co-guardians of their three-year-old niece Nell.

In order to get better acquainted with Nell and one another, Melinda and Nick agree to spend the summer in their own private quarters of the Bryson family vacation home, Summerhill. As their love for Nell grows, so does their attraction to each other. And for the first time in their lives, they sense that God has a bigger plan in motion.

Yet old habits die hard and Melinda and Nick each find it difficult to resist the pull of their former worlds.

When the unthinkable happens, they find themselves faced with seemingly impossible choices and a new understanding of God's true love.

Deadline to enter to win the Kindle, A Passion Most Pure, Courting Miss Adelaide, Sushi for One, AND Love by the Book is September 30th, 2011!

Will more books be added to the giveaway? You be the judge...

Stealing Jake #1 for SIX days and counting...

2011-07-29T14:14:00.011-05:00

Stealing Jake is still #1 on the Top 100 Free Bestsellers on Amazon. If you've downloaded a copy, like this post, share it, comment or retweet it. I'd love to hear from you.

They are going, aren't they?

Click HERE to download for free.

Thanks to everyone for spreading the word about my debut book. And a special thanks to those who have left such sweet, encouraging reviews! You all are awesome!

I never would have thought Stealing Jake would stay there for so long.

Can we make it to Day 7???

I think we can, I think we can!

And don't forget to enter my Kindle Giveaway...

Stunned to be #1 for 4 Days in a Row!

2011-07-27T22:34:00.007-05:00

Stealing Jake has been #1 out of over 15,000 free books in the Kindle Store for 4 days now!

At first I was thrilled, but not wowed, or stunned because the book was FREE, for goodness sake. Of course it would tumble up the Amazon ranks.

Everybody knows that!

Then, for the fun of it, I actually scrolled through the list of the top 100 Amazon Bestsellers in Kindle Store, and got a little light-headed in the process.

There are some amazing novels and games on that list, including my fellow Digital First authors, Diana Prusik, Lynne Gentry, Michael Berrier, and Russ Masterson.

I mean, at the typing of this, Pride and Prejudice was #27 with 1,206 reviews!!!
Ack.

Stealing Jake is a new kid on the block with 20...wait, 21 reviews to its credit. And such wonderful, sweet reviews they are. Some of them bring tears to my eyes.

How did this happen?

Amazon's Top 100 Bestsellers in Kindle Store is a mixture of new releases, games, Classics, fiction, and non-fiction. In fiction, there are inspirationals, romance, suspense, westerns, Sci-fi, paranormals. The list goes on and on.

After I studied that list, I realized the complete and utter miracle that shot Stealing Jake to #1.

I see it, but I don't believe it, and I don't know that I'll ever understand how it happened.

But it did happen.

It is happening.

Wow!

Ain't God good?

Fifteen Rockin' Reasons to attend the ACFW Conference!

2011-07-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

How many reasons do you need to attend ACFW? Let the Seekers count the ways....

"Worshipping, fellowshipping, learning and networking with other Christian writers." ~ Missy Tippens

“I credit ACFW and their conference and contests and the connections I made for the fact that I'm published today. I absolutely owe ACFW and their conference for finding my first contract.” ~ Mary Connealy

“The ACFW Conference embraces the heart of Christian fiction in an informative and uplifting weekend-long event that fills me with gratitude to be part of an industry focused first and foremost on the Lord." ~ Debby Giusti

"ACFW is the one conference I refuse to miss, and the biggest reason is the chance to hang out for three or four days with some of my very best writer friends--dear ones that I may only see once or twice a year! Sure, the workshops are great, and the conference offers a chance to meet with my fabulous agent in person. But nothing beats the warm hugs, encouragement, laughter, and prayers from the loyal friends who've walked this road with me." ~ Myra Johnson

“Professional connection. ‘Big picture’ perspective. Learning. Camaraderie. Renewed sense of purpose." ~ Glynna Kaye

“I love the ACFW conference! Having the opportunity to put names and faces together makes the whole year of developing friendships and contacts an adventure. Of course the worship and workshops are very fulfilling, but it's the people that make me start counting down the days for conference the next year." ~ Audra Harders

“Why attend the ACFW Conference??? Are you kidding??? Hobnobbing in the lobby bar after nine with Seekers and friends -- an absolute highlight, as well as fabulous worship led by Rachel Hauck and her incredible team before the sessions. Because bottom line, there's nothing better than mixing passion for God with passion for friends and writing!!" ~ Julie Lessman

"All conferences are terrific for networking, improving craft, understanding promotion and the publishing business, but no other conference inspires me as the ACFW conference does through daily worship sessions and keynote speakers that both motivate and change me." ~ Janet Dean

“They say having an agent is like a marriage. I would certainly want to meet a husband before marriage, therefore I enjoy meeting agents, editors and those in the business who I could possibly be working with in the future. I love networking, learning the business and my favorite part is seeing my Seeker sisters and friends.” ~ Sandra Leesmith

“1. To serve. You can never outgive God or this organization.
2. The networking is absolutely beneficial, crucial even, to an author's writing career whether the author is published or not yet published.
3. God always has an alternate conferenve agenda than the one we have planned. He surprises and delights in unexpected ways. But those blessings only come when we show up.” ~ Cheryl Wyatt

“Pam, here are my reasons to go to ACFW. Pick one or all--it's up to you. I'm going to meet my agent, meet my friends and hopefully make a few new ones, meet editors and learn more about writing from the great workshops.” ~ Cara Lynn James

“I enjoy the warmth of getting to see familiar faces and online friends. A smaller conference allows you more one on one time to network and the slightly slower pace means you go home refreshed not exhausted! I look forward to it next year!” ~ Tina Radcliffe

“A reason to go to ACFW??? Like seeing the Seekers and all the friends of Seekerville ain't 'nuff? :)

Writing is such a singular pastime. The fellowship bonds we forge online with one another, our precious friends of Seekerville, people I know and trust from playing with them cross-country via the Internet...

Now I'll get to meet them! Hug them! Make fun of them in person! AND I GET TO MEET PEPPER BASHAM IN PERSON!

Oh, snap! CANNOT WAIT!

For me that's a huge reason right there, but the other thing is that ACFW attracts strong professionals to the conference. My editor and agent will both be there. We'll get to talk career, fall foliage, chocolate. PERFECT! And a lot of LI authors attend ACFW. And...

Wait. You said one reason???? Oh my stars, how can I limit it to ONE???? Stomping off and pouting in righteous Ruthy indignation.” ~ Ruth Logan Herne

Okay, you got 3 for one on most of the Seekers, and enough from Ruthy to cover ALL of us. Ahem. But I agree with her (for once!) I CANNOT wait, either! Honestly, if all those reasons above aren’t reason enough to go to ACFW, there aren’t reasons enough in the whole wide world to convince you.

I love me some ACFW Conference!

What are you waiting for? Go the the ACFW website and sign up HERE!

Now, are you ready for some fun? We have three, count 'em, THREE, chances to win today....

To celebrate the release of Stealing Jake, my July debut release from Tyndale, I'm giving away one copy to one lucky commenter today.

BREAKING NEWS!!!

Stealing Jake is FREE for a limited time on Amazon/Kindle and B&N/Nook, so there will not be a drawing for the ebook today. Just click to download for free! And, if you love it (please say you will!), then hop on Amazon & B&N and leave a review.

And if you haven't signed up for my KINDLE GIVEAWAY, what are you waiting for? Click on the BUTTON and sign up!

In your comments, let me know if you've signed up for the Kindle Giveaway and my mailing list either today (or already), and your name will be in the drawing for this darling vintage Cornhusk doll. It was made in 1988 by the Mullenix Family. It's so precious, I hate to part with it.

Award-winning author Pam Hillman writes inspirational fiction set in the turbulent times of the American West and the Gilded Age. Her debut book, Stealing Jake, won the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis contest and was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart contest. She lives in Mississippi with her husband and family.

Kindle Giveaway loaded with Sushi for One by Camy Tang!

2011-07-23T12:55:00.005-05:00

I'm so excited to add a THIRD Seeker book to my Kindle giveaway!!!

Sushi for One by Seeker, Camy Tang!

Deadline to enter to win the Kindle, A Passion Most Pure, Courting Miss Adelaide, AND Sushi for One is September 30th, 2011!

Will more books be added to the giveaway? Time will tell, but this might give you a clue: Was Lex's Grandma the female version of the Godfather? Well, she didn't KILL anybody, but...

Chasing Cows at 2 AM with My Cowboy

2011-07-20T10:00:00.012-05:00

Who needs tantalizing romance books with hunky cowboys on the cover when you've got your very own Cowboy chasing cows at 2 AM?

1:30 am ~ I woke up and padded into the kitchen to get a drink of water. Then I heard it. A cow lowed, the sound seeming to come from right outside the window. Okay, I'm practically blind without my glasses, but there was just enough light that I could see a black white-faced cow about six feet from the window. I woke Cowboy and he jumped up, mumbled something about it being the calves, and jerked on a pair of wranglers and cowboy boots and headed out the door. Since he sounded so desperate, I slipped on a pair of shoes and followed.
No, I didn't grab the camera at 2 in the morning, so this picture will just have to do!

1:40 am ~ There were three mama cows in the yard, and Cowboy chased them back into the pasture with the four wheeler. Horses are over-rated at 2am. Just sayin' Thinking all is well, I go back to bed, barely able to hold my eyes open.

1:45 am ~ What's taking him so long? Is he chasing cows out of the hayfield? He didn't take his phone with him? What if he flipped the four-wheeler and needs help?

1:50 am ~ Get up. Hear four-wheeler behind the barn. See lights. All is well. Go back to bed.

2:00 am ~ Still awake. No Cowboy yet. Get up again. Glasses. Cell phone. Shoes. Don't bother with housecoat. Go outside. No four-wheeler sound. No cowboy. No dog. But yelling!!! Yikes!!! Go around house and see four-wheeler light flashing halfway down the driveway. Yell back that I'm headed that way. Is he injured? Flipped the four-wheeler? Heaven forbid! Jump in a truck and head that way.

2:05 am ~ The newly weaned calves did get out of a catch pen. Ten 500 lb babies looking for their mamas were headed toward the highway! I drove them back toward Cowboy, and he chased them around the pasture until they went into a nearby pen to keep them safe for the rest of the night.

2:15 am ~ Back in bed, wide awake, but at least all the cows and calves are safe and accounted for.

My debut novel Stealing Jake available now. Click here to check it out on Amazon!

Daddy's Girl

2011-07-16T12:08:00.003-05:00

What do you think about when you hear the phrase ‘Daddy’s Girl’?

Do you visualize a princess in pink taffeta twirling before her beaming father? Or a little girl, hands encased in pristine white gloves, serving pretend tea in a tiny plastic teacup while her daddy balances on a chair so small he’s in serious danger of tipping over?

I was my daddy’s little girl, but instead of pretend tea, my greasy hands were more likely to hand him a crescent wrench, a roll of baling twine, or a screwdriver while the two of us worked to repair a tractor or finish baling hay before the rains came.

My daddy was a farmer, and when my two older brothers left home, it was my turn to help Daddy on the farm. Daddy taught me to drive a tractor, to hook up a bushhog, milk cows, and to cut, rake, and bale hay — along with a host of other skills that have come in handy over the years. It never seemed to occur to Daddy that I couldn’t do the same work on the farm that my brothers had done before me.

No one is exempt from work on a farm. Not even a princess.

So if I had to work, I wanted it to be at something I enjoyed. I liked working in the hayfield, driving tractors and daydreaming. So much, in fact, that one day when Mama told me the garden needed hoeing, I asked if we had any hay to bale. Informed there wasn’t any, I wanted to know if I could cut some. I was willing to do anything to get out of working in the garden.

I spent my teen years working side-by-side with Daddy, putting up hay for our own use and for neighboring farmers. At first, I drove an old Allis Chalmers 110 tractor to rake hay. The tractor was small and ancient. It didn’t have a canopy to provide shade, and it didn’t have power steering. For a little thing, it was a monster to drive. Later Daddy bought a used Ford tractor with a cab, air conditioning, and a radio to use for raking hay. Boy, did that air conditioning feel good on a sweltering July afternoon out in the middle of a hay field.

I wore my hair twisted under a cap when working. It was cooler and kept it out of my way as well. One day while cutting hay at a neighbor’s place, a man drove up to their home. When he couldn’t find anyone at the neighbor’s house, he drove out into the hayfield.

I cut the throttle on the Ford tractor and disengaged the PTO, letting the whirling blades on the hay mower grind to a halt. As I opened the tractor door, the stranger looked up at me.

His eyes widened in surprise. “You’re a girl!”

That just tickled me pink. I guess he’d never seen a teenage girl operating a five-ton tractor and a hay mower. I couldn’t wait to tell Daddy what had happened. He got just as big of a kick out of it as I did.

On rainy days and Saturday mornings, Daddy and the other farmers could be found at the local country store, sitting around an old stove shooting the breeze. I spent many days sitting there with them, the only girl in the bunch. And when Mama told me I could skip school on my birthday, I was very excited. My birthday fell on a Thursday that year, and I could spend the day at the stockyard with Daddy.

Daddy taught me the value of hard work through example. But more than that, he taught me that I could do anything, be anything I wanted. He never told me I couldn’t achieve my dreams — dreams mostly formed inside the cab of a tractor.
I dreamed of becoming a pilot and a flight attendant, a linguist and an accountant. I dreamed of touring the world, of taming the old west, of running away with the circus, of becoming a missionary.

Eventually, all those dreams swirled together to form the best dream of all — weaving stories where I could be all of the above and more.

Today my sons help their daddy in the hayfield, and they’re learning lessons that will last a lifetime. Being behind the wheel of a tractor and raking sweet-smelling hay into neat rows with nothing but the blue sky for company is a good place to dream big dreams and do wondrous things.

Daddy was taken from us in the prime of his life several years ago, and I never truly understood what a special man he was until much later. Even now when his name comes up among farmers in the area, it never fails that someone mentions what a good man and a hard worker he was. I’d like to think some of his work ethic rubbed off on me from the many hours we spent in the hay fields together.

Thanks Daddy. I’m proud to be your girl!

Heard about my debut novel, Stealing Jake? Click here to check it out on Amazon!

Seeker Sighting!! Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean added to Kindle Giveaway

2011-07-15T15:26:00.004-05:00

Another great book added to my Kindle giveaway!!!

Courting Miss Adelaide by Seeker, Janet Dean!

Deadline to enter to win the Kindle, A Passion Most Pure, AND Courting Miss Adelaide is September 30th, 2011!

Will more books be added to the giveaway?

The prim and proper Miss Adelaide's lips are sealed!

Kindle Giveaway + A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman

2011-07-11T19:30:00.004-05:00

What good is winning a Kindle if there aren't any books on it?

Well, not to worry!

My Kindle Giveaway now includes A Passion Most Pure by Seeker, Julie Lessman. I just love this cover and this book. Collin and Faith's story is one you don't want to miss!

Deadline to enter for both the Kindle and A Passion Most Pure is September 30th, 2011!

And who knows what other Seeker books might show up on the list between now and then...

2011-07-07T17:53:00.003-05:00

Feel free to copy and paste the html below to add this button to your blog or website:

Pam Hillman Featured Author

2011-07-04T15:41:00.004-05:00

Pam spotted on Rhonda Gibson's website talking about her debut novel, Stealing jake.

GO HERE!

to find the answers to such burning questions as:

How long did it take before you got the call?

How did you come up with the idea for this book?

How did you come up with the title of your book?

Is this book part of a series? If so, what are the other titles in this series?

How do you come up with character’s names?

What was it like when you got your first contract? Did your agent call? Did the editor call you? Were you at a conference?

My Debut Novel Available!

2011-06-28T18:03:00.000-05:00

Stealing Jake
Tyndale House Publishers

Available at Amazon!

When Livy O'Brien spies a young boy jostling a man walking along the boardwalk, she recognizes the act for what it is. After all, she used to be known as Light-Fingered Livy. But that was before she put her past behind her and moved to the growing town of Chestnut, Illinois, where she's helping to run an orphanage. Now she'll do almost anything to protect the street kids like herself.

Sheriff's deputy Jake Russell had no idea what he was in for when he ran into Livy—literally—while chasing down a pickpocket. With a rash of robberies and a growing number of street kids in town—as well as a loan on the family farm that needs to be paid off—Jake doesn't have time to pursue a girl. Still, he can't seem to get Livy out of his mind. He wants to get to know her better...but Livy isn't willing to trust any man, especially not a lawman.

Click here to read Prologue and Chapter One.

Stealing Jake: Prologue and Chapter One

2011-06-22T15:00:00.000-05:00

Chicago - October, 1874

“Where’s my little brother?” Luke glared at the man with the jagged scar on his right cheek.

“You do as I say, kid, and he’ll be along shortly.” Pale-blue eyes, harder than the cobblestone streets of Chicago, bored into his. “Otherwise, I’ll kill him. Understand?”

Luke stood his ground, memorizing the face of the man who’d paid off the coppers.

“Get in.” The man motioned to a wooden crate not much bigger than an overturned outhouse.

Luke crammed in, the three other boys squeezing together, making room. Nobody said a word. Nobody cried. They didn’t dare. Scarface would kill them if they disobeyed.

Luke knew he’d been stupid. He’d tried to teach Mark the art of picking pockets, and they’d gotten caught. But instead of going to jail as expected, money changed hands, and they’d been handed off to the man with the scar.

And now Luke would be shipped out of Chicago. Without Mark.

He pulled his thin coat tight around him and curled into a ball for warmth.

Bam! Bam! Bam!

Luke shuddered with every slam of the hammer against the nails. He drew his knees to his chest, shivering. This time not from the cold.

Bam! Bam!

He pinched his eyes closed, fighting the urge to throw up.

His heart raced faster than the first time he’d picked a pocket.

Where was Mark?

My First Sale!

2011-05-20T01:42:00.000-05:00

It's official! I'm so very excited to announce the sale of my first book to Tyndale House Publishers. Stealing Jake, the story of a former street urchin pickpocket who steals the heart of a local deputy sheriff, will be released in July 2011.

Click here to take a peek at my first sale party in Seekerville!

Seekerville Birthday Party!!!

2010-09-25T11:53:00.000-05:00

The Seekerville party schedule is now up. Our birthday bash is October 1-31, 2010. We have an awesome line up of guests...Steeple Hill Assistant Editor Emily Rodmell, Bob Mayer, Stanley D. Williams, Patty Hall, Nancy Kress, Debra Dixon, Caroline Tolley, Jeff Gerke, and the Usual Suspects. Don’t forget our pre-party guests, Avalon Editor Lia Brown, authors Angi Morgan, Sara Mitchell & Barbara White Daille and our exciting post-party guests include authors Alicia Rasley, and Cat Shield. Stop by for a chance to win CRITIQUES, GIFT CARDS, BOOKS and the GRAND BIRTHDAY PRESENT--a Kindle loaded with Seeker books.

Join us for the fun and fellowship!

Cowboys or Farmers?

2010-05-05T13:22:00.000-05:00

What's the difference?

I was raised on a dairy farm, but my parents also raised beef cattle, so I guess Daddy was a farmer AND a rancher.

Most people think of farmers as those who grow crops, run a dairy, or grow pigs, sheep, chickens, etc.

On the other hand, a cowboy is the guy who raises beef cattle. Well, technically, the cowboy is the hired guy who rides the range. The owner would be a rancher, I guess.

In this day and age, a cowboy might ride a 4-wheeler or use a helicopter to herd cattle just as much -- if not more than -- a horse.

BUT, the romantic in me says he still needs the horse! lol

Chicken farmer
Pig farmer
Sheep farmer (herder?)
Cowboy and/or Rancher

Weird, huh?

Mix it up. It's okay to have a "farm" and call it a "ranch". Dh and I raise beef cattle. He herds cattle with 4-wheelers, hauls them to the stockyard in a cattle trailer, and feeds large round bales of hay with a tractor.

But he rides horses for fun, and looks real hunky in a cowboy hat.

So, give your dairy farmer a horse, a swagger, a cowboy hat, and a drawl, a herd of beef cattle, and somebody to run the dairy side of things, and he's a COWBOY. But even he could milk the cows if push came to shove.

Why, when I was 10, the whole family went on a day-long fishing trip and I didn't want to go. I wanted to stay home and read. A whole day by myself with nothing to do but read.

Ah. Bliss!

3:30 arrived and they weren't home, and it was milking time. I had 100 dairy cows penned, the machines up and running and was putting the milker on the first cow when they got there.

Mama and Daddy were so proud.

Decorating, finally...

2009-12-11T10:29:00.001-06:00

I enjoy decorating given the time, so today I took off a day from work and started trying to put the house in order for Christmas.

I don't cover every surface, just have a few things I like to put out.

My upright piano is decorated. It's really old. One of these days I'm going to find out just how old it is. Do pianos have serial numbers and model numbers somewhere?

Here's a picture of my favorite Victorian house that's on top of the piano. See the little car in front? I have two of those and I think they were on my kids Christmas presents years ago, and I grabbed them for decorations! I thought they were just absolutely darling!

My mantle is a slab of cedar mounted on a native Mississippi rock fireplace. I love the rustic feel of it, but it's not easy to dust, by any means. I usually add a couple of candles for height, but I've got to get them seated in the candle holders first.
And this little guy is one of my favorite ornaments. Okay, I have a lot of favorites for somebody who isn't really into decorating, but I think this caroler is so cute and precious. I don't know how long I've had him, if I bought him or if he was a gift, but he's adorable!

Merry Christmas everyone! Decorate a little bit, or a lot, and do your best to enjoy the season without getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all.

As a matter of fact, check out Ruth Logan Herne's post in Seekerville yesterday. Ruth tells us what Christmas is all about. It's definitely worth reading.

Joy to the World, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King!

Borders: The Best Fiction of 2009

2009-11-21T10:22:00.001-06:00

I’m so excited!

Seeker friend and writer extraordinaire, JULIE LESSMAN’s book, A Passion Denied, is listed as one of The Best of 2009: Your Favorite Fiction at Borders.com!!!

Congratulations, Julie!

Everyone in Seekerville is SO proud of you, and all our published authors.

Poem: Today I Marry My Friend

2008-11-05T09:37:00.000-06:00

I wrote this poem years ago for Melissa and Joel's wedding. Thought I'd share it with y'all! I'm not much of a poet, but I do love this poem. Also, I don't know a thing about proper punctuation for poetry (is there such a thing?), so forgive my liberties. I put spacing and ellipses where it felt right.

Today I Marry My Friend

Today is the happiest day of my life.
For today...
...we become husband and wife.
I've longed for this day to come,
so that we can be united as one.

Today we start our life together,
And through Jesus...
...it will last forever.
So, take me by the hand, and smile into my eyes.
If only I had wings, I know that I could fly.

Today the Joy of my life begins...
...Today I marry my friend.

by Pam Hillman

Check out this new blog...

2008-09-06T21:45:00.000-05:00

Check out this new blog focusing on Christian Westerns.

Bustles and Spurs

Enjoy!

ACFW Conference: Tons of Fun and No Sin Involved

2008-07-21T08:57:00.000-05:00

Just recently, we hosted VBS at our church. At the end of the week, one of the girls told her grandmother, “We had so much fun and there was no sin involved.” We all got a kick out of her comment, but then realized how true (and wonderful!) her observation is!

Isn’t it great that Christians can gather together and have a ton of fun without sinning? Well, here’s an opportunity for Christian novelists looking to have some good, clean fun!

The ACFW conference is the premier conference for published and unpublished authors of Christian fiction. Where else can you find that many CBA agents, editors, and authors all under one roof? Not to mention the books available at the book signing. Wow! The fact that the signing is going to be at the Mall of America this year is just icing on the cake.

Where can you find so many like-minded friends who love to talk about books for four days straight? Can you imagine some of our friends who aren’t quite as into books having to endure four days of book-talk? lol But for those of us who love to read and write Christian fiction, the conference is a dream come true.

Chat until the wee hours of the morning with your friends. Meet up with old friends or form new friendships if this is your first time to attend. There is a First Time Attendee orientation on Thursday. This is an awesome opportunity to meet others who might not have forged long-term friendships. Latch onto a couple of buddies. Who knows? They’re liable to become some of your closest friends in the publishing industry. I’ve got about 1600 friends (and counting) in ACFW, but some are a little closer than others. My very best friends are the Seekers, women who are really and truly like sisters to me. I don’t know what I would do without each and every one of them.

So, for the time of your life, sign up for the ACFW conference. Tons of fun and no sin involved. What more could you ask for?

Crimson Clover

2008-05-16T16:53:00.001-05:00

After passing a field of clover every day, I took these pictures of a rolling field of crimson clover the other day. A few weeks later, the clover was gone, and the owners cut the field for hay, but it was beautiful while it lasted.

I wonder what pioneer women thought of when they passed beautiful fields of wildflowers like this. Did they see that line of trees in the background and long to settle right there? Maybe build a cabin and raise their families? Or maybe just stop for the night and enjoy the view...

Maybe they rode through Texas and spotted undulating fields of Texas bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes. Take a gander at Jeff Blaylock's absolutely beautiful pictures! Oh my stars! Wouldn't you just love to have that blanketing a pasture in your front yard?

As a matter of fact, browse through all of Jeff's pictures. They are breathtaking!

To learn more about crimson clover, click here.

This is Buck...

2008-03-17T13:29:00.000-05:00

I'd like to introduce you to Buck.

Buck's the one on the left. The one on the right is my son, Darin. (You can tell the difference, right?)

Right. No, left. Okay. Good.

Anyway, say a prayer for Buck's owner, my nephew Corey. Corey's in the Marines (Hoo-Rah!) and Darin's horse-sitting for his cousin.

When we took pictures to send to Corey, Darin didn't want to actually be riding Buck in the pictures because he didn't want to make Corey sad. Now, isn't that sweet?

Down on the farm

2007-11-02T15:17:00.000-05:00

Hey, all you modern day farm guys and gals! What’s the strangest or scariest thing that’s ever happened to you on the farm, or that was farm related?

My dh tells of the time a steer got out of the ring at the stockyard on Labor Day weekend (meaning the place was PACKED) and shot straight up the stairs and out the open door!

And there’s the time (read NIGHT!) I got caught in a stampeding herd of Holstein cows. With nowhere to go, all I could do was face them, jump up and down and scream my head off. The cows parted like the red sea, and unhurt, I fell down on the ground and just sobbed.

I could tell you more, but I’ll hold off for now. Instead, I want to hear your stories!

ACFW Book Club

2007-03-06T14:23:00.000-06:00

Want to read some great books and chat with the authors? Then check out the American Christian Fiction Writers' Book Club. The ACFW Book Club gives fans of Christian fiction the opportunity to communicate with each other, chat with ACFW authors, and discuss books.

Book Club participants are invited to join an e-mail group set up to facilitate announcements and host discussions about the current reading selection. Members will be eligible for monthly free book drawings. To join, send a blank e-mail to acfwbookclub-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/acfwbookclub and click "join this group." You will receive a confirmation e-mail after joining. Follow the instructions given in the e-mail to complete your subscription to this e-mail list.

Each month, club members have an opportunity to participate in an on-line chat with an ACFW published author. Chats will be announced in advance so Club members have the opportunity to read the featured book. Book Club chats will be held on the ACFW website in the chat room at 7:00 p.m. CST on the first Monday of the month following the month the book is read.Currently, the club is talking about Rachel Hauck's Lost in NashVegas. And then it's on to Mary Connealy's www.maryconnealy.com Petticoat Ranch before tackling sci-fi for some variety. Check it out.

Strong Pioneer Women

2005-07-13T12:47:00.000-05:00

I must have too much time on my brain: not on my hands, mind you, because I’m always busy with something it seems. But my mind does have time to wonder and ponder things.

I wonder what thoughts went through pioneer women’s heads when they realized they were about to embark on trip that would take them thousands of miles away from friends and family that they would likely never see again? Did they think of the trek as an adventure?

If so, I wonder if their views changed when they faced their first river crossing, when the wagon train had its first casualty, or when one of their children got sick and died?

I wonder how they kept their sanity living in a soddy in the middle of the prairie without seeing another woman for months on end?

Some toughed it out much the way women all over the world have done for centuries, and some couldn’t face the trauma and retreated into a place inside their heads where they didn’t have to acknowledge the pain anymore.

It all boils down to wondering what I would have done? Would I have been a survivor or not? Would I have been terrified of the unknown that lay before me? With my nice house and air conditioning in the summer and heat pump in the winter, I'm afraid I'm much to wimpy to have managed as they did. And I also don't like change very much. I like to know what's around the next bend. But I'd like to think that faced with some of the same trials, I'd buck up and pull through.

I do know that the women who stood by their men and marched across this land and settled it, planting gardens and growing children into the next generation, were brave and determined and sacrificial.

They were true heroines.

I’m listing two books you might find interesting. I just ordered both of these, and I’ll let you all know how much I enjoyed them after they arrive.

Pioneer Girl by Andrea Warren

Women’s Diaries of the Westward Journey (Studies in the Life of Women) by Lillian Schlissel

I'm in the middle of reading the online diary of Narcissa Whitman. This is an interesting account from 1836 as Narcissa accompanies her missionary husband westward. Their original destination was Oregon, but they settled in Walla Walla, forming a mission for the Cayuse Indians.

“Among the first American settlers in the West, the Whitmans played an important role in opening the Oregon Trail and left a tragic legacy that would continue to haunt relations between whites and Indians for decades after their deaths.”

Happy trails,

Pam Hillman

Pioneer women and the origin of calico cloth

2005-07-08T12:29:00.000-05:00

I have always been fascinated with the westward expansion, especially the pioneer woman’s role in it. Traditionally, we think only men had the wanderlust to explore the west and “go where no man has gone before”. But I’d like to think that some of the women were as anxious to "go" as the men were!

I named this blog “Calico” to honor our pioneer women and “Trails” to capture the flavor of the era. Then I got to thinking about the origin of calico.

Many of you are probably familiar with the fact that pioneer women used calico cloth to make dresses, curtains, quilts and even shirts for their men. But where did it come from? Where did the name calico originate from? A little research was in order!

Calico is a coarse brightly printed cotton fabric generally printed with two-color patterns. The sturdiness and bright colors helped the cloth to hold up to long, hard wear, something that was sorely needed when money was hard to come by, not to mention the fact it might be hundreds of miles to the nearest bolt of fresh cloth.

History says that calico originated as a fine weave in Calicut, India. Europe saw the earliest imports of calicoes during the Renaissance, and later Europe and the United States textile mills began manufacturing their own versions of the hardy cloth.

In my research about calico, I ran across the Riverpoint Lace Works, Inc. in West Warwick, RI. The history page describes the early textile industry in the New England states. It doesn't specifically mention calico, but it's got some great pictures of the industry and very interesting reading!

Oh…one more link! It’s just SO cute. I wanted to show you some pictures of calico dresses and found this on ebay. Darling! I’m not sure how authentic the pattern is, but I’d love to have the dress myself!

That's enough for today. Soon, we'll dig into the past and learn about some of the women who were brave enough to go where no pioneer woman had gone before!

Happy trails!

Pam

Talk about Jumping in with Both Feet!

2005-07-07T20:52:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about starting a blog, but wasn't sure I wanted to attempt such a feat. Then I started to make a comment on another blog, and it said I had to be "registered". So I followed the links and here I am. My very own blog! Within minutes!

Whadaya know!