American Experience Goes to the Emmys!

The PBS documentary "The Amish: Shunned" that aired on American Experience in February has been nominated for an Emmy Award for "exceptional merit in documentary filmmaking." The American Experience film "JFK" has also been nominated for an Emmy. I was very honored to take part in both "The Amish" and "The Amish: Shunned." I was…

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A Universal Sign of Hope

Yesterday afternoon was beautiful here in the Pioneer Valley. I had attended a church service in the morning, and then in the afternoon, I wrote. I was writing something hard, about a traumatic childhood event. At times I wanted to look away from the emotional pain it still causes to remember what happened. But I…

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A Treasure Trove

It is a gorgeous, sunny day. I'm looking down into the village, enjoying the beauty of a small town on a winter's day. Each house has at least one chimney, with white smoke curling out and above the white peaked roofs. It curls out in thick streams, then the stream widens as the smoke thins…

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Winner and another Giveaway

First, I'd like to mention that you have two more days to sign up for a chance to win a free giveaway copy of Bonnet Strings on Goodreads. I hope that you will sign up and let your friends know. And I also want to thank all of you who signed up for the giveaway…

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Ministering to the Amish?

Sally Schwartz wrote: I grew up in Canton and later taught in Ashland Ohio so seeing Amish and Mennonites was a common experience. I think if I were Amish, all those tourists coming to stare would really tick me off. I haven’t seen the TV programs you mention but see all those Amish romance novels…

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Perceptions of the Amish

From where I’m sitting, it seems to me that the perceptions of the Amish are changing for those who look in from the outside. For years it used to be that people would say “Amish!” with stars in their eyes, and they would think an Amish life is idyllic, pastoral, and “simple.” In short, the…

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Announcing the Winner

I would like to thank all who commented for a chance to win a giveaway copy of Jolina Petersheim's new book, The Midwife. And many thanks to Jolina for the interview and for offering a free copy of the book.  So the lucky winner is Linda. Congratulations, Linda! Please send me your mailing address and I will…

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A Few More Days…

  If you haven't already read the interview with Jolina Petersheim and are interested in a giveaway copy of her new book, The Midwife, you still have time. Sunday afternoon, June 22, I will be choosing the winner.  So don't delay… leave a comment for Jolina on the last post, and you will be entered into…

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Interview with Author Jolina Petersheim and a Giveaway

"Masterfully told, The Midwife is a riveting story with enough twists and turns in the plot to surprise any reader – all while exploring the real ethical, moral, and emotional issues surrounding surrogacy." ~ My endorsement of The Midwife. Several months ago, when I was asked to endorse Jolina Petersheim’s second book, The Midwife, I did so wholeheartedly. I…

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