Shannon here: Abingdon Press inspirational author, Vannetta Chapman shares her real-life romance and the fictional romance of her characters in her book: A Simple Amish Christmas this week. Since her book isn’t out yet, she’s giving away Texas Treasures, a box of items from Texas. She’s also helping me give away a copy of White Roses. For the Texas Treasures, comment on this post or the Aug. 18th post. For White Roses, comment on any post thru the 20th. Deadline for both drawings, Aug. 21st, 8:00 PM Central. Here’s Vannetta:
Texas Treasures Giveaway
1. What’s the most romantic present your spouse ever bought for you?
It’s a tie between an A&M Sweetheart ring and a barbecued chicken. I’ll explain. When I first met Bobby, we were living in two different apartment buildings in the same complex. I was a single mom and somewhat poor. I was also in grad school. He would jog by my window and stop to talk to me as I was typing away on my thesis. One morning he stopped to ask if I needed anything, and I say “YES. I need an egg.” He offered to bring me more than one egg, but I assured him I only needed one. At that time, if my son wasn’t at home (he was probably on a scout trip that weekend), I saved money by eating only eggs. (Honest story – you can survive on only eggs, it’s the one nutritionally complete food.) He brought me an egg that day, but then the next weekend, he showed up with a complete foil-wrapped chicken that he had barbecued while he was at his ranch. He was so proud when he handed me that chicken, and I was speechless. I couldn’t conceive eating an entire chicken. I remember him saying something like “I thought you needed more than just an egg.” I probably knew then that he was THE ONE, and although it wasn’t flowers I thought it was very romantic. (I’ll tell about the A&M sweetheart ring another time, but it’s very special as well and I wear it every day.)
2. What simple gesture does your spouse do that melts you every time?
He draws cards for me. Bobby is a civil engineer and not artistically inclined. Early in our marriage he admitted that he hates the “Hallmark thing” – meaning spending money on expensive greeting cards for Valentine’s birthdays, etc. I said that was fine, and I understood. Then I found a box of crayons and a sheet of paper and told him to go out to the patio table, that he could come inside when he’d DRAWN me a card. Now for special occasions he draws me a card. I have an entire collection of them, and yes – I do melt every time he hands me one, because they’re special and they’re our shared “thing.” They also show how much we understand each other. I love that.
3. Where did you and your spouse go for your honeymoon?
We went hiking and fishing in Taos, New Mexico. Nearly every vacation since then we have hiked, backpacked, camped or fished. It’s what we love to do, and it’s become a fun shared interest between us. Before we were married I didn’t know a lot about the outdoors, but since I’ve met Bobby I’ve learned a lot and now it’s one of those special things we do together. Two years ago we moved to central Texas and we’re much closer to a lot of hiking, but it all began in Taos, New Mexico!
About Vannetta: Vannetta Chapman holds a BA and MA degree in English. Chapman has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, and has received over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She is a member of RWA, FHL, ACFW, and San Antonio Romance Authors. Chapman currently writes Amish romance novels for Abingdon Press and Amish mystery novels for Zondervan. Her debut inspirational novel, A Simple Amish Christmas (Abingdon Press) will release October, 2010. Chapman lives and teaches in the Texas hill country with her husband, cats, and a rather large herd of deer. For more information, visit her at www.VannettaChapman.com or blog with her at http://vannettachapman.wordpress.com/. She can also be found on facebook and MySpace.
Come back on the 18th for a glimpse into the fictional love story of Vannetta’s characters in her book.
I enjoyed your story very much, looking forward to the next writting..
Vannetta, I enjoyed your story. It really is the small things that matters. I too, don’t need diamonds to be happy. A day spend with my sweetheart just enjoying each other’s company is a wonderful thing. Even after 36 years. I’m looking forward to your next installment.
What a great romantic story! Thanks for sharing today.
Wanda, glad you enjoyed the story!
Mary, it IS the small things; isn’t it? Congratulations on the 36 years. That’s quite the accomplishment!
Regina, I thought it was romantic, but then I find the oddest things to be romantic in my PERSONAL life. This weekend my husband took me to see the Texas Rangers play baseball, and I thought that was just the greatest gift, even though it was 102 degrees. For me it was the perfect end to summer and yes, romantic. : )
Loved the story. It definitely is the small things in life that at times, mean the most. If I remember nothing else about different times in my life, I always remember something small, that made a lasting impression. And always the little romantic things. My husband always signs any card he gives me with the ending “I love you, me” . The 1st time he did that, he scrolled the word me and put a fancy line under it. When you turned it over it looked like he wrote my name, Sue, upside down. He had no idea when I showed him, but was suprised. Now he does it purposely. Sounds silly, but I love it! Looking forward to the next story, Suzanna
Hi Vannetta,
I usually try to pop in sooner. Getting ready for first day of school and doing all the fun stuff we could before kept me hopping. It’s weird to type your name so similar to mine. I’ve enjoyed the posts and comments this week. Your book sounds really sweet. I love sweet romance. Obviously.
Suzanna,
I’ve been married 26 years, and when I sign cards for my husband, I always sign: me. No fancy scrolling though.