At the end of my post is a list of the other bloggers writing about the book and instructions on entering a giveaway to win your own copy!
I was expecting a book mostly about her business and how it came about - but was genuinely happy, pleased and touched and the personal stories she shared and the candor in which she discussed the bell's palsy she had as a young child and how it did and more importantly DIDN'T affect her ability to work hard and succeed.
I'm finding it difficult to put into words how the book touched me - so I thought I would just write Nancy a letter - and let you read it.
Dear Nancy,
I wanted to thank you for sharing your heart and behind the scenes parts of your life with me. I know we do not know each other personally, but so many of the things you shared about your life I feel like I can relate to!
I love hearing about your farm life upbringing. My husband and I have talked often about the ideal life consisting of hard and rewarding work of a more rural life. A life that would hopefully instill those same values in our children. Having a close family and working along side each other to succeed as a family is something that is harder to do these days. I loved seeing how the roots you came from - hard working, loving, and practical parents - taught you to be the same way.
I love to cook and have always felt like it just an another expression of my creative self - so when I saw recipes scattered throughout the book I was so excited! We're getting snowed in this weekend and I really want to try the Maple Pecan Ring!! I'm not sure I could sell my family on oyster stew - but who knows maybe I'll try it - I do have some Scandinavian blood in me after all. I also want to get my kids involved in 4-H now!
When I read that you worked at Minnesota Fabrics I was so surprised! Since they were bought out no one I ever talk to knows who I am talking about when I tell them I worked there in High School! Our nearest store was right around the corner from my piano teacher and my mom would go there while I was at my lesson. I remember the day my mom talked to one of the managers about hiring me. I was a junior in high school I think. I worked there for about 2 years and expanded my garment sewing abilities sewing model garments - which would hang in the store on display for several months. What's funny when I think back on it is how my mom usually had her hand in finishing them or doing the hard parts for me! I feel a little sheepish about that. I have great memories of cutting fabric and helping customers with their projects and ideas.
Speaking of my mom - I remember around the same time watching a little sewing program on our newly acquired cable service called - yep! Sewing with Nancy! I'm sure that those first years of your show were the ones that I would watch with my mom on Saturday mornings! I was thinking about it, and those instructional local cable TV shows were kind of like the early bloggers who write up tutorials - you've been doing this for a while now and have successfully transitioned to every new type of media sharing possible! I think it's awesome. And incidentally I now want to go back and watch every single episode. :)
I think the thing that was impressed on me over and over as I read was how your positive outlook, faith and hard work are really what make you who you are. I loved what you said after talking about your multiple knee surgeries:
"I began to view myself differently. Bell's palsy, patched knees, whatever the problem - They are only a facade, a matter of packaging. I came to realize that those things are not who I am."We all have challenges in life and I think choosing to learn from them and not letting them define us is such an important lesson to learn. I've had my own share life-defining experiences and it's a good reminder to me to not let them hold me back.
Thank you again for sharing your wonderful story! I know I'm not the only reader who will feel a connection with you because of your experiences. You are a wonderful teacher, motivator and example of following your passion.
With admiration,
Amy
For a chance to win one of 20 copies of the book, visit Nancy's Feb. 4 blog post and see some great photos and leave a comment to win!
The following is a list of everyone participating in the blog tour:
February 4 Nancy Zieman http://www.nancyzieman.com/
February 5 Eileen Roche http://dzgns.com/blog/
February 5 Pat Sloan http://patsloan.typepad.com/
February 6 Melissa Stramel http://melissaslilaclane.
February 6 The Long Ladies http://www.
February 6 Tori Thompson http://totallystitchin.net
February 7 Amy Barickman http://www.indygojunction.
February 7 Melissa Mora http://mellysews.com
February 8 Shari Butler http://www.
February 8 Vicki Christensen http://www.sewinspiredblog.
February 9 Carolina Moore http://alwaysexpectmoore.com
February 9 Kate Mclvor https://theconfidentstitch.
February 10 Amy Ellis http://amyscreativeside.com/
February 10 Melissa Mortenson http://www.polkadotchair.com
February 11 Ilene Miller http://happyvalleyprimitives.
February 11 Liz Hicks http://blogerisms.blogspot.
February 11 Rachael Pannepacker http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/
February 12 Bill Gardner http://www.
February 12 Elizabeth Evans http://www.simplesimonandco.
February 13 Amy Webb http://www.amylouwhosews.com/
February 13 Lindsay Wilkes http://thecottagehome.
February 14 Gertie Hirsch http://www.
February 14 Veronica Philips http://cloverusa.wordpress.
February 15 Jenny Gabriel http://www.sewvacoutletblog.
February 15 Laura Wasilowski http://artfabrik.blogspot.
February 16 Frieda Anderson http://friestyle.blogspot.
February 16 Rita Farro http://ritassewfun.blogspot.
February 17 Cindy Cloward http://www.rileyblakedesigns.
February 17 Joan Hawley http://www.lazygirldesigns.
February 17 Patty Young http://modkidboutique.
February 18 Nancy Zieman http://www.nancyzieman.com/Visit www.SeamsUnlikely.com for more details about the book!
