In Eager Anticipation…

When I was in first grade in public school (because there was no Amish school near us), I was the only Amish child in my class. When our class was practicing for a Christmas program, I played the part of one of four children who were “all snug in their beds.” The four of us…

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Giveaway of “Bonnet Strings” with Jolina Petersheim

I would like to announce that Jolina Petersheim, author of the bestselling book The Outcast, is offering a giveaway of my book Bonnet Strings on her blog, where she posted an interview with me. So head on over to leave a comment, and have your name entered for the drawing. It is now less than a…

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When Feeling Called to Write a Life Story

Stories bind us. Stories help is find our place in the world. ~ Mary Ann Kirkby,  author of I Am Hutteritie I just responded to a LinkedIn Women's Memoir Writing group discussion and then realized this is a great blog post to end the year with. Kathleen Pooler asked a great question: "How do you handle…

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Christmas Thoughts

The other day while I was grocery shopping, I encountered a woman in a parking lot outside the store. She was walking with a cane and she asked if I would like for her to take my cart back. She said it would help her. I turned the cart around in the right direction, thanked…

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Pre-Ordering Signed Copies of Bonnet Strings

I wanted to announce that you now have an online option for pre-ordering signed copies of Bonnet Strings: An Amish Woman’s Ties to Two Worlds from my website. Several of you have already found this option and placed your orders, literally minutes after my website person and I posted the order form on my website. Thank…

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Malala’s Message

I want to help millions. But the thing is that — let’s start with one and two and then go on. ~ Malala Yousafzia I just watched this video and it moved me to tears. I was struck by Malala’s amazing courage in the face of what most of us call “danger.” But a threat on…

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A Clash of Cultural Values: The Case of Sarah Hershberger

Wisdom must be intuitive reason combined with scientific knowledge. ~ Aristotle In a clash of cultures, the controversial story of Sarah Hershberger, the ten-year-old Amish girl with cancer whose parents have fled the country with her, has stirred strong responses from people who think Sarah’s parents are right, and just as strong reactions those who…

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