Winnie Griggs

Winnie’s Winners

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Thanks to everyone who came by to leave a comment on my Monday post. The winners of my giveaway are

Rhonda Pierce

Rhonda McDermitt

Congratulations to the Rhondas! You’ve won your choice of a signed copy of any one of my published books. Once you make your selection (you can see a list here https://winniegriggs.com/booklist.html ) send me the title and your mailing info and I’ll get it on out to you

A Walk Through History: The Wheeled Chair

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Hello, Winnie Griggs here. I hope all of you are having a lovely May.

A few years ago, I found myself rolling through life in a way I never expected—literally. After a series of foot surgeries, I spent several weeks where I had strict doctor’s orders not to let my foot touch the floor.   During that time I made use of a wheelchair and a knee scooter.  And while I was grateful for the mobility, I quickly discovered how those devices shaped not just how I moved, but how I experienced the world.

Simple things—like going outside, feeling the breeze or warm sunshine on my face—became things to be carefully organized and usually involved the help of others.

That experience stayed with me.

So when I sat down to write Luke, my upcoming July release, I found myself drawing on those memories in a very personal way. Luke Dawson, my wounded Texas Ranger hero, suffers a serious injury early in the book—three broken ribs, thanks to an ambush gone wrong. His path to recovery is slow, painful, and not something he’s thrilled about. But helping him along that road is Hattie Brooks, the heroine—his former sweetheart and now the quietly capable assistant to her uncle, the town doctor.

Hattie isn’t just administering medicine and checking his bandages. She’s taking him out into her herb garden. Letting him soak up the Texas sun. Offering fresh air and green things and the quiet rhythm of growing life as part of his healing.

And yes, she’s doing it with the help of a wheeled chair. But I couldn’t just draw on my own experience, I had to research what wheelchairs were like in the late 19th century and what their availability was. Here is a little of what I found.

A Bit of History:

I used to think of wheelchairs as a modern invention, but the truth is, humans have been building ways to move the injured and infirm for centuries.

The earliest known mobility chairs date back to ancient China and Greece. Fast-forward to the 1500s, and I learned that King Philip II of Spain used an ornate chair with footrests and wheels—though it required someone to push him. In 18th-century England, the “Bath Chair” became a common sight, named for the spa town where invalids were rolled out to take in the healing waters or sea air.

. 19th Century Bath Chair

Of course, these early chairs looked more like rickshaws or high-backed baby strollers than what we know today. But their purpose was the same: to give an individual a bit of independence, to give them some form of mobility, however limited, during their convalescence—or at least provide comfort.

In 19th-century America, especially in rural towns like my fictional town of Tucker’s Gap, Texas, wheeled chairs weren’t exactly common. But they existed. A resourceful doctor or carpenter might fashion one out of wagon wheels or rocker frames. Or, as I imagine in Luke, a progressive or enterprising doctor might acquire one for their clinic to help their patients.

Interesting Facts & Trivia About Wheelchairs

  • The first recorded wheelchair dates back to 6th-century China. Although rudimentary wheeled furniture existed earlier, an image from around 525 A.D. shows a device clearly designed for mobility assistance.
  • Early wheelchairs were symbols of status as well as necessity. They were often custom-made, ornate, and considered a luxury—used by wealthier invalids who could afford attendants to push them.
  • Self-propelling wheelchairs didn’t become common until the 20th century. Before that, most designs required a caregiver to push from behind. The first modern self-propelling model appeared in the 1930s, changing mobility and independence dramatically.
  • Wheelchair racing has been part of the Paralympics since 1960. Since their introduction in the first Paralympic Games in Rome, racing wheelchairs have become marvels of speed, engineering, and athleticism.
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt used a wheelchair—but the public rarely saw it. Due to stigma at the time and press cooperation, very few photos exist of the U.S. president in his wheelchair. His disability was widely known but visually hidden.
  • The world’s fastest motorized wheelchair hit a jaw-dropping 61.18 mph (98.3 km/h). Inventor Jason Liversidge set the record in the UK in 2020.
  • Hein Wagner, a blind adventurer, completed 1,000 km (621 miles) across South Africa in a manual wheelchair alongside adventurer Jaco van Gass. This currently holds the record for the Longest Distance Traveled in a Manual Wheelchair
  • The Most Ornate Historical Wheelchair: A mid-1800s Victorian invalid carriage designed for British nobility featured velvet upholstery, brass trim, lace curtains, and a parasol. These weren’t just for comfort—they were a status symbol!
  • Created by artist Tommy Hollenstein, the smallest functioning wheelchair (used for a doll as art) measures just 4.5 inches tall and includes tiny rubber wheels that actually turn.
  • The oldest preserved wheelchair is an elegant wood and iron rolling chair from the 18th century. It is displayed at the Museum of the History of Medicine in Paris. It belonged to a French noblewoman and has a surprisingly modern silhouette.
  • The Longest Use of a Personal Wheelchair is difficult to track officially, but many veterans from WWI and WWII used the same personally fitted wheelchairs for decades, often retrofitting them with homemade parts—a testament to both durability and limited access to medical tech in early 20th-century rural areas.

 

Back to my story:

Luke might be stubborn and hurting, but Hattie knows something he doesn’t yet: recovery isn’t just about the body—it’s about the spirit. And sometimes, a slow ride through a garden can work more wonders than any medicine.

Looking Ahead

Luke releases at the end of July, and I can’t wait to share more with you about these two characters who have unfinished business, unspoken feelings, and one last chance to get it right.

Until then, I’d love to know—have you ever had a season where your mobility was limited? What made you feel most yourself during that time? Or have you ever used the simple power of nature—sunlight, herbs, fresh air—to help someone you love heal?

 

And to check out all of the books in this great new series, go to the Amazon Series page HERE

Let’s chat. Leave a comment to entered in a drawing for a signed copy of one of my books.

Winnie’s Winners

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Hello everyone – so sorry I’m late getting this post up. My only excuse is how busy this week  has been. I had the winners selected but totally spaced on posting this.

And because I made you wait for it, I am going to award a prize to all 16 of you who left a comment! So if you are one of the people who left a comment before April 16, send me your mailing info along with your selection of any of my books EXCEPT the upcoming book An Amish Widow’s Promise. You can find a complete list of the titles, including the books published in multi-book volumes.

New Release Coming Soon!

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Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. As we begin this Holy Week, I want to pause and wish each of you a joyful and blessed Easter season. Whether your days are filled with sunrise services, egg-dyeing with grandchildren, or simply soaking up the signs of spring—new life, green buds, and muddy fields—I hope your heart is filled with peace and renewal.

On the book front I’m thrilled to announce that we are just a couple of weeks away from the April 29th release of An Amish Widow’s Promise, the 2nd book in my Sweetbrier Creek series.

I’ve always been drawn to the kind of heroes who earn their place quietly—not with grand gestures or dramatic declarations, but with a steady presence, practical kindness, and unwavering character. The kind who fixes what’s broken without being asked. Who listen before they speak. Who care for what matters to you—because it matters to you.

When I sat down to write this book, I knew I wanted a hero like that. A man who wouldn’t try to sweep the heroine off her feet, but who might… catch her anyway.

Daniel Beiler doesn’t come in with romantic speeches or daring rescue missions. Instead, he shows up every day—rain or shine—to tend the orchard. He teaches Miriam’s six-year-old son how to draw maps. Fixes a sagging fence without being asked. Brings a pie as a thank-you gift (well, technically it’s from his sister-in-law, but he remembered to deliver it—very important hero points).

But Daniel isn’t perfect. He makes mistakes—sometimes big ones. He assumes instead of asking. He pushes too hard or moves forward without looping Miriam in. But what makes him special isn’t that he gets everything right from the start—it’s that he listens when he gets it wrong. He owns his missteps. And then he does better. That quiet humility? That’s its own kind of strength.

Because what truly sets him apart is this: he sees through to the heart of both Miriam and Jonah.

He sees a little boy who’s lost his daed and is eager for connection. He sees a widow carrying the weight of a farm, a home, and a deadline she didn’t ask for. And even when they clash—over orchard methods, over parenting, over control—he never tries to silence her. He listens. He adapts. He keeps showing up.

And that, to me, is the mark of a true keeper.

So tell me—what makes a hero a keeper for you? Is it strength? Gentleness? Humor? That one scene that makes you melt?  Join the discussion for a chance to win a copy of this book or any other in my backlist you select.

AN AMISH WIDOW’S PROMISE

What if the man who understands your son… doesn’t understand you?

Widow Miriam Lapp has three months to find a husband. Not for love—but for security. For her son. For the orchard that’s been in the family for generations.

She’s not looking for romance or someone with big ideas and opinions. She’s looking for someone safe. Predictable. Willing to follow her lead when it comes to the orchard.

But Daniel Beiler isn’t any of those things.

And worse yet, he stirs up a whole mess of emotions Miriam thought she’d left behind for good.

He’s not one of the men her well-meaning would-be-matchmaker neighbor is lining up for her. But he’s the one Jonah is growing attached to. And maybe—just maybe—the one Miriam is starting to trust… even when she doesn’t want to.

If you love quiet heroes with strong hearts, precocious kids, and a love story that simmers before it sizzles, I think you’ll fall for this one.

To Preorder, you can use this LINK

 

Winnie’s Winners!

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Thanks to everyone who joined in the discussion on springing forward as time travel. Sorry I haven’t gotten around to responding to everyone yet – I’ve been a little under the weather. I will respond in the next day or so, but I didn’t want to make you wait on the winner announcement.  And they are:

JCP

Quilt Lady

BN100

Congratulations! You’ve won your choice of any of my books. You can see a complete list HERE. Once you’ve selected, send me the title and your mailing info and I’ll get your book out to you.

Time Travel Is Real – It Happens Every Spring and Fall!

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Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. As you all no doubt already know, Daylight Savings Time kicked back in for most of us here in the U.S. yesterday so I thought I’d focus on that today. I’ve actually blogged about it before, discussing the history and trivia (you can see the post HERE).

Today I’m going to discuss Daylight Savings Time with a bit of a different twist. Twice a year, millions of people become time travelers—no DeLorean or TARDIS necessary, just the simple (yet strangely chaotic) shift into Daylight Saving Time. One minute it’s 1:59 AM, and the next, it’s 3:00 AM. Or, if you live in Arizona or Hawaii, it’s… just another normal night.

DST is more than just a simple clock adjustment though. It’s emotional jet lag, a productivity thief, and a reminder that time isn’t as fixed as we like to think it is. And if you’ve ever felt weirdly out of sync after the time change, you’re not alone—your brain is still catching up.

Why does losing an hour feel so weird? When we fly across time zones, we expect jet lag. But DST tricks us into thinking we should adjust instantly—after all, it’s just an hour! Yet, research shows our bodies aren’t easily fooled. Sleep patterns get disrupted, focus drifts, and studies even show an increase in workplace mistakes and cranky moods – so if you’re feeling extra irritable today, you have an excuse.

Then there’s the global time-travel confusion. The U.S. changes clocks before Europe does. Not to mention that there are some countries that abandoned “springing forward” altogether. In a world of digital meetings and international calls, this means that for a few weeks, people in different countries experience a bizarre limbo where time zones don’t quite line up as expected. If you’ve ever missed a Zoom call in March because someone got the conversion wrong, you know the struggle.

As a rule, our minds are fascinated by the concept of time—there’s a reason time travel stories are so popular. But we’re also terrible at handling personal disruptions to it. Psychologists say it’s because we don’t perceive time in a strict, linear way; instead, we experience it based on our routine and memory. So, when DST throws that off, it feels like an alternate timeline where nothing is quite right—our alarms feel too early, the sun sets at the “wrong” time, and our productivity takes a hit.

And if you live in Arizona or Hawaii, watching the rest of the country scramble around time changes must feel like sitting outside a sci-fi movie, completely unaffected while everyone else stumbles through a time loop.

But instead of dreading the time change, what if we reframed it? For those who do observe DST, it’s one of the only moments when an entire society experiences a shift in time together. And for those who don’t? Well, they get to watch the rest of us struggle.

Either way, DST is proof that time isn’t as rigid as we assume. If it can be altered, stretched, or manipulated, maybe we have more control over our perception of time than we think we do. So, as we “spring forward,” give yourself grace, be patient with your groggy brain, and if you accidentally show up early or late for something this week, just tell everyone you’re a time traveler.

So do you have trouble adjusting to the ‘time change’ or do you reacclimate quickly? Do you have stories of missing appointments or schedules because of forgetting to take the time change into account?

Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for winner’s choice of one of my books.

 

Winnie’s Winners!

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Thanks to everyone who stopped by on Monday to talk about Amish Mud Sales with me. I enjoyed I threw all the names in a cyber hat and selected the following:

Becki W.
Alicia Haney
Patricia B.

Congratulations! You’ve won a signed copy of your choice of any of my books (you can find a full list at this link https://winniegriggs.com/booklist.html ) Alternately, since we’ve been talking about Amish romances, if you’d like a 3 CD audiobook set of my Eicher Sisters of Hope’s Haven series that is available as well.

Once you’ve made your selection, send me your choice and your mailing address and I’ll get your prize right on out to you.

 

An Amish Mud Sale

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Hello, Winnie Griggs here. I’m in the midst of writing my next Amish book, the third in my Sweetbrier Creek trilogy. And I’m having my characters attend a uniquely Amish event, a Mud Sale.

If you’ve ever visited Amish country in late winter or early spring, you may have come across a lively outdoor auction, where the sound of an auctioneer’s chant mixes with the clip-clop of horse-drawn buggies. Rows of handcrafted furniture, colorful quilts, farm equipment, and livestock fill the sale grounds, and the smell of fresh-baked goods lingers in the air. Welcome to a mud sale—one of the most unique and cherished traditions in Amish and Mennonite communities.

But what exactly is a mud sale, and why is it such an important part of Amish country life? The origins of mud sales date back to the mid-20th century in Pennsylvania’s Amish and Mennonite communities, particularly in Lancaster County.

In the early 1960s, volunteer fire departments in rural Amish communities were struggling to raise funds. The Amish, who do not use modern firefighting equipment, still rely on their non-Amish neighbors to provide fire protection. Since they don’t pay into government-backed fire services, they support their local volunteer fire companies through donations and fundraising events.

To help fund essential equipment, Amish and Mennonite farmers began donating goods to local fire department auctions. These early sales were held in the late winter and early spring, when farming work was at a seasonal lull. However, since these sales were held on fields that were still thawing from winter, the grounds often turned into a muddy mess—hence the name “mud sale.”

Over time, the auctions grew into major community events, with more and more Amish families donating handcrafted furniture, quilts, livestock, and baked goods. The tradition spread from Pennsylvania to other Amish communities, including those in Ohio, Indiana, and beyond.

Today, mud sales continue to be one of the largest fundraisers for Amish-area volunteer fire companies, keeping this decades-old tradition alive.

While Pennsylvania remains the most famous for mud sales, Ohio’s Amish communities, where my book takes place, hold similar auction-style fundraisers. These sales raise money for:

  • Local volunteer fire departments
  • Amish schools
  • Families in need (such as medical expense fundraisers)
  • Community building projects

Many of these Ohio auctions follow the same traditions as the original Lancaster mud sales, offering a mix of livestock, furniture, and handmade goods, along with plenty of delicious Amish home cooking.

If you attend a mud sale, expect a busy, fast-moving auction with a wide variety of goods up for bid, including:

  1. Handmade Quilts: Each quilt is hand-stitched over the winter months and often takes hundreds of hours to complete. Some are sold for thousands of dollars due to their intricate patterns and craftsmanship. A “Quilt Row” is often set up at the auction, allowing buyers to examine the quilts before bidding.
  2. Buggies and Tack: Since the Amish rely on horses for daily transportation, mud sales are a prime place to buy and sell buggies, wagons, and harnesses. Some youth purchase their first buggy at a mud sale, making it an important milestone.
  3. Livestock: Horses, cows, goats, and chickens are common items at auction, helping Amish families stock their farms for the season. Draft horses (used for plowing fields) and saddle horses (used for transportation) fetch some of the highest bids.
  4. Handmade Furniture and Antiques: Amish furniture is known for its quality and durability. Dining tables, bed frames, cabinets, and rocking chairs are all commonly auctioned. Many buyers come specifically for antiques, as mud sales often include items that have been passed down for generations.
  5. Farm Equipment and Tools: Amish farmers rely on horse-drawn plows, wagons, and traditional hand tools, many of which are sold at mud sales. While the Amish avoid modern machinery, they do use gas-powered tools, such as generators and small engines, which are often available at the sales.
  6. Food Stalls and Amish Cooking: Homemade baked goods, such as whoopie pies, cinnamon rolls, fresh breads, and shoofly pies, are always a hit. Many mud sales serve hot meals, including Amish noodles, homemade soups, and barbecued chicken.

If you’re planning to visit a mud sale, keep these tips in mind:

  •  Wear boots – The ground is almost always muddy, so waterproof footwear is a must!
  •  Bring cash – Some vendors only accept cash, especially for small purchases.
  •  Arrive early – The best deals (and best food!) go fast.
  •  Be ready to bid – Auctions move quickly, and first-time attendees may find the pace exciting but overwhelming.
  •  Respect Amish customs – The Amish prefer not to be photographed, so avoid taking pictures of people unless you have permission.

Why Mud Sales Matter

At their heart, mud sales are about more than just buying and selling—they reflect the Amish values of hard work, charity, and community support. They also provide an opportunity for Amish and non-Amish neighbors to come together, fostering relationships between the two worlds.

Whether you’re searching for handmade Amish furniture, a farm animal, or just a warm slice of shoofly pie, attending a mud sale is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Here are some firsthand anecdotes and insights from those who have participated in these unique events:

“Beyond the bargains, what struck me was the camaraderie. Locals and visitors alike gathered not just to buy or sell, but to connect, share stories, and enjoy the day together. It felt less like a market and more like a community festival.”

“I went for the quilts but stayed for the food. The homemade pies, soft pretzels, and traditional Amish dishes were irresistible. It’s worth attending just for the culinary experience!”

“From handcrafted furniture to antiques and even livestock, the range of goods was incredible. I left with a beautiful handmade rocking chair and memories of a day well spent.”

These personal accounts highlight the rich tapestry of experiences that mud sales offer, making them a cherished tradition for both locals and visitors alike.

Would you ever visit a mud sale? Have you been to one before? Share your thoughts in the comments to be entered in a drawing for your choice of one of my books!

 

Winnie’s Winners!!

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Wow, what a wonderful response to my post yesterday about rubber duckies! I loved reading everyone’s responses. I threw all the names in a cyber hat and pulled out the following:

Bridgette Shippy
Laura Michelle Delgado
Mary Garback

Congratulations! You’ve won the book of your choice from my backlist (you can find a list here: https://winniegriggs.com/booklist.html ) as well as a cute little rubber duck.  Just send me a note with the book title and your mailing info and I’ll get it right on out to you.

Happy National Rubber Ducky Day!

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Hello everyone – Winnie Griggs here. As you can guess from the subject line, today is National Rubber Ducky Day. I always love it when I check my National Observance Day Calendar and find something fun like this. Especially when it falls on my blog day .  Because now I get to indulge my curiosity about the whys and wherefores and chalk it all up to legitimate research. 🙂

A Brief History of the Rubber Ducky

Back in the mid-1800s, when manufacturers first discovered how to mold vulcanized rubber, the earliest “rubber ducks” weren’t really ducks at all—they were more like chew toys. They didn’t float, and their designs were pretty simple. But as rubber toys became more popular, people started experimenting with new shapes and ideas.

The earliest patent for a rubber duck toy was issued In 1928 to Landon Smart Lawrence. His design weighted the floatable toy so that when it tipped over, it quickly returned to an upright position.

Fast forward to the 1940s, when sculptor Peter Ganine created and patented a floating toy duck. His design was more naturalistic, resembling an actual duck rather than the stylized, cartoonish version we’re used to today. Ganine’s ducks became quite popular, with over 50 million sold.

The transition to the iconic yellow rubber duck with a bright orange bill that we recognize today occurred around the same period. By the 1940s, rubber ducks had developed into this familiar form, becoming a staple in households and bath time routines.

Of course, the real turning point for rubber duck fame came in 1970, when Ernie from Sesame Street sang the now-iconic “Rubber Duckie” song. If you’ve ever seen Ernie and his beloved duck, you know how catchy it is. That song made rubber ducks a cultural icon and sent sales soaring. (you can listen to it HERE)

And today Rubber duckies are more than just bath toys. They’ve become collectibles, art pieces, and even globetrotters (but more on that in the trivia section!). Whether they’re in classic yellow or dressed as superheroes, rubber duckies continue to bring joy to people of all ages.

Why Ducks?

One thing I wondered about was why rubber ducks, of all animals, became the quintessential bath toy? While I couldn’t find a definitive answer, there was some speculation that gave several possible reasons for the choice:

  1. A Natural Connection to Water
    Ducks are water-loving creatures, often seen gliding across ponds or lakes. This strong association with water makes them an intuitive and playful choice for bath time compared to land-based animals.
  2. Simple and Recognizable Shape
    With their rounded bodies, flat beaks, and webbed feet, ducks have a shape that’s easy to mold into a toy. Their form is also simple enough for children to recognize and engage with, making them a perfect candidate for a fun and playful design.
  3. Bright and Cheerful Appeal
    The bright yellow color of traditional rubber ducks exudes warmth and happiness—qualities that resonate strongly with children and parents alike. Plus, ducks are naturally endearing, and their friendly image adds to their universal charm.
  4. Practical Design for Manufacturing
    When early rubber toys were being created, ducks likely stood out as a practical option. Their simple shape was easy to sculpt and mass-produce, especially as floating toys became more popular in the mid-20th century.

Whatever the reason, the cheerful rubber duck has obviously stood the test of time, becoming an enduring symbol of bath time fun and childhood nostalgia.

Today rubber duckies are beloved worldwide, with countless variations, from superhero ducks to historical figure ducks!

Quacky Fun Facts and Stats About Rubber Duckies

Here’s a list of trivia and statistics to celebrate this playful day:

  • A chart-topper: Ernie’s “Rubber Duckie” song from Sesame Street was so popular it reached #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970. You can listen to it HERE
  • Rubber ducks have traveled the world! In 1992, 28,000 rubber ducks accidentally fell off a cargo ship in the Pacific Ocean. They’ve since been tracked by oceanographers to study ocean currents, traveling as far as Alaska, Scotland and even Australia.
  • Royal Approval: In 2001, it was rumored that Queen Elizabeth II had a rubber duck in her bathroom that wore an inflatable crown. This quirky detail reportedly caused rubber duck sales in the UK to soar by 80% for a short period.
  • Hall of Fame: In 2013 the rubber ducky was inducted into the Toy Hall of Fame.
  • Giant Duck Tours: The world’s largest rubber duck, known as “Mama Duck,” stands at 61 feet tall and weighs 15 tons. This colossal duck was created in 2014 and has toured various locations, bringing joy to spectators across the globe.
  • Largest collection: The world’s largest collection of rubber ducks belongs to Charlotte Lee from the United States, with over 9,000 unique ducks as of 2023.
  • Global love: Over 1 million rubber ducks are sold annually, making them one of the most popular toys of all time.
  • Record-breaking duck race: Rubber ducky races are held around the world. Usually thousands of numbered ducks are dumped into a waterway and the first rubber ducky to cross the designated finish line is declared the winner. The Great British Duck Race once released a whopping 200,000 rubber ducks into the River Thames to raise money for charity.
  • Celebrity ducks: Some companies create limited-edition ducks modeled after celebrities, fictional characters, and even U.S. presidents. More generically, they are sometimes created wearing costumes are uniforms.
  • Cruise Ship Hide-and-Seek: A delightful trend has emerged where cruise ship passengers hide rubber ducks for others to find. This game has fostered a sense of community and added an element of fun to voyages. You can read more about this fun activity and how it got started HERE
  • Not Really Rubber: Despite their name, modern day rubber duckies aren’t really made from rubber, instead they’re made from a soft plastic.

So there you have the results of my research. Did any of this information surprise you? Do you have any personal anecdotes about rubber duckies you’d like to share? Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing to win a copy of one of my books along with a bonus of a little rubber duck reading companion!