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Are there any Amish Hoarders?
I was recently asked this question by a friend, who has observed hoarding behavior in others. I have too. David and I had to help deal with the aftermath of it when his father died, leaving a house full of stuff from attic to basement. Old pieces of sheetrock from when the house was built…
Read MoreIt’s about Time
I love the sound of a nice ticking and chiming clock. It reminds me of all those Amish homes that I was in as a child and young person. Nearly every family had a chiming clock on a shelf in their living room. Even during church services, there was often a clock chiming out the…
Read MoreAmish Church Singing
I am often asked at book talks what aspects of Amish life I miss. One of the first things I say is "the community." I describe how the Amish come together in times of need, women getting together for quiltings, people getting together for a "frolic," for weddings; for funerals; and of course for church services. When…
Read MoreThursday Threads
Herald Press is offering a 25% discount on selected books (including Bonnet Strings) for a Mother's Day Sale at their online store. (Discount is taken at checkout.) Kathy Pooler, writer of the blog Memoir Writer's Journal facilitates thoughtful discussions on many topics around memoir writing. This week she has posted a guest blog by me called "Your Story or Your…
Read MoreConnecting with Long-Time Friends
The recent road trip David and I took all the way to Florida was a wonderful way for the two of us to connect in ways that we can't in our everyday at-home lives. It also gave us several chances to make connections with friends, old and new. You may have seen my blog post about…
Read MoreGuest Post and Giveaway of “Bonnet Strings”
David and I returned home late on Saturday night. I will soon catch up with my to-do list of things that waited while we were away. In the meantime, a writer friend, Lisa Romeo, has posted a guest blog about that old-fashioned virtue of perseverance in a digital age. She is offering a giveaway of Bonnet…
Read MoreKatie Troyer — Little Person with a Big Stature
Katie Troyer Finally the day arrived that I have for so long wanted to happen… the day I would get to meet Katie Troyer in person. She is an icon here in Sarasota, Florida and writes the blog Pinecraft-Sarasota. She is one of the most down-to-earth, genuine, caring, wise, and truly kind persons I've ever met. I…
Read MoreOde to Joy
This morning I awoke, feeling my heart fill with gratitude for all that my life is. The snow banks are melting, which I hope means Spring will soon show her gorgeous and welcome face. Maybe soon, I can open windows and let her in… what a refreshing idea that is! For now I’m airing out…
Read MoreAnna’s Choice
Your comments to my last post, How Is Anna Doing? really have made me think. About community and belonging; about personal freedom and choice; and about how the Amish preachers are right when they say that you are either Amish or not. They say you cannot have it both ways; you are either separate from the…
Read MoreHow is Anna Doing?
Many people have asked me this question since the PBS documentary "The Amish: Shunned" premiered on February 4. The answer is, "I wish I knew." The footage of Anna returning to her community was taken on January 29, 2013 for the documentary. The film has been taken off the American Experience website, but you can still…
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