Posts by Saloma Furlong
My Book’s on Sale!
Thank you to those who let me know that it was difficult to leave comments on my blog. I have corrected that situation, so you don’t have to type those indecipherable letters/words just to be allowed to leave a comment. Since I’ve done this, I’ve been getting a lot of solicitations, which always start out…
Read MoreIs Our Image of the Amish on Trial?
There is a news story written by John Seewer that was just circulated by the Associated Press about the centrality of Amish shunning in the hate crime trial in Cleveland, Ohio. These last few days the trial has had me reflecting on why the outcome of this trial (which has yet to be determined) is…
Read MoreTurning the Amish Table
I’ve been following the media stories about the trial of members of the Bergholz Amish community in Ohio. Among all the back and forth of the two groups, the one thing I find the most fascinating is that it has become a contest on who is the most Amish — as if this is a…
Read MoreHe Restoreth My Soul
Sunday morning David and I realized we hadn’t made any plans for the weekend because our lives have been so busy. We felt like getting away from our everyday life, so I called our long-time friends, Janel and Paul Gamm, and asked them if we could come to their Labor Day party. Janel and I…
Read MoreRebecca Questions Answered 2
Stephanie Reed wrote: Has Rebecca had a chance to begin attending a Bible-believing church since she left? I believe that’s a hugely important step in her journey, one that will provide a whole community of support in addition to yours, not to mention setting her on a path to healing. Rebecca has chosen not to…
Read MoreRebecca Questions Answered
Elin wrote: Would Rebecca perhaps like to tell us a bit what it has been like this far to be out of the Amish? It must be a very emotional experience, both good and bad, at least I would guess so myself. Rebecca says, “Yes, it is emotional.” She describes one example of something good…
Read MoreHeath Fair and Introducing “Rebecca”
So last Sunday was the Heath Fair. I ate no fried dough, I stayed away from cotton candy (what I think of as colored steel wool), and I took no rides. For me it was fun to walk around and see the people, hear authors speaking in the authors’ tent, listen to music, see the…
Read MoreAmish Manners
“Dave” emailed me these comments and questions in regard to Amish humor. I’m glad you posted this. Just Saturday evening, we had supper with a young Old Order family which we recently befriended. After supper, Elena washed the dishes while Amos and his children retired to the living room. We enjoyed light conversation with some…
Read MoreThe Heath Fair
When I lived in Burton, Ohio I knew that the Geauga County Fair happened every year. Some of the Amish youth went to it and had fun there, but it was supposed to be off limits for the us. I was a goody-two-shoes, so I never went there. Here is a photo that "proves" the…
Read MoreAn Amish Handshake
One of the little-known facts about the Amish in general (and I’m sure there are exceptions, given there is such diversity among the Amish) is that they are not demonstrative in their affections. In my home community, hugging and kissing was just never done as a way of greeting people or saying good-bye. Handshakes were…
Read More