tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50247175319073227252024-03-16T11:53:11.476-07:00Amish Crossings with Karen Anna VogelKaren Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-8516978203152968172022-07-05T09:15:00.001-07:002022-07-05T09:16:11.020-07:00The Amish & the Power of Silence<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; line-height: 107%;">You may have noticed a big gap between blog posts starting around 2020.
Well, it wasn’t because of Covid, but my son-in-law passing from cancer,
leaving two young sons and my daughter. It was a time of focusing on what’s
more important than writing. It was hard to write, something I usually find
quite fun. Everything seemed forced and labored. Why? Because I was depressed, pushed
down, worried.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">The Lord goes before, as He promised, and going to the Amish dry goods
store was one of the only places I went when lockdowns came. Oh, and the peace
and quite in that store. Most Amish women don’t shout across isles but are
quiet, concentrating on their grocery list, as if in a library.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Josh’s cancer treatments began the month before Covid hit, and I
craved to go to Smicksburg more, not knowing why. So, I reflected what it was
about silence. Amish friends listened to my confusion and pain with a holy hush,
as if experiencing it themselves. I came away feeling understood.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">These people listened and didn’t give me packaged answers.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">“We’re praying for a miracle.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">“Thoughts and prayers.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I have wonderful friends and family who didn’t act this way, of
course, but the Amish culture lifts me in a way like no other. They don’t
expect life to be easy. They read about their ancestors who were martyred for
their faith. Dare I say they are not entitled? When someone in the Amish
community passes, they don’t give answers, but sit with those who grieve. That’s
it. They give the gift of their presence in silence. But they used words:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">“I’m here for you.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">“I care.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">“I don’t judge you for not believing hard enough for a miracle.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">Like the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">As I see so much division in the USA and around the world, we could learn
so much from the Amish. Pause and think about what the other person just said.
Don’t judge the person but try to understand. If we did this, perhaps the anger
would go down because people would feel understood.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">We can do all this by just listening, while being silent. It is a
gift.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">I was looking for a picture to match this post and when my book written in 2021 came up in my file, I was shocked. It's about just what I mentioned about silence. Subconsciously I wrote about a girl being understood while others listened. Oh, my. I do write what I'm going through.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;">God bless you and I hope to be blogging more! </span><br /><span style="font-family: Papyrus;"> </span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-75705500655325931422021-04-15T10:37:00.000-07:002021-04-15T10:37:35.745-07:00Covid and Grief Among the Amish<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">My daughter-in-law and I decided to stock up at the dry goods
store in Smicksburg, PA. Usually Smicksburg is a healing place and we needed
it. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">She’d been pregnant during Covid and
the talk of death made the grief of losing her dad resurface. We were also dealing
with the loss of Josh, my son-in-law who died of brain cancer in October, 2020.
So, going to Smicksburg seemed perfect.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When we got to the dry goods store, I noticed too many
buggies lined up around the owner’s house next door. Some Amish were walking
soberly. I gasped. NO! Surely not Clara! But it was Clara. She died of a heart
attack. Wow, I will miss her pleasant, quirky humor. Her daughters will
continue the store, but it won’t be the same. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Let’s drive past the Bylers,” I suggested. “Maybe their
greenhouses are open.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another lump in my throat as we approached. “No!” I near
shouted as we saw many buggies, vans, and cars with Ohio license plates. As the
rain beat on the window, I let it down and shouted, “Bishop Byler?” The Amish
man shook his head. “I’m not Bishop Byler. I’m from Ohio.” I forced a smile. “You
have a twin then. Who passed away?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was the mother of all Bylers who came to Smicksburg in
1963 from Ohio, the lovely woman who in her late 80s gave me a four-hour interview
on their spirituality. How she relied on forgiveness and the power of the Holy
Spirit. She amazed me and since that day I’d drop in and she’d be sewing
clothes for her many grandchildren. “I’ll be sewing until I die,” she’d said. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her husband preceded her in death by three months. I didn’t
even ask what the cause of death was. We all knew they were in their 90s and
that virus took them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Somehow Smicksburg wasn’t my slice of heaven that day. The
only thing that helped was their view of death and not questioning the timing
of God. The sovereignty of God. I had to admit that since Josh passed, I’ve
struggled. Why, God? He was only thirty years old. His sons need him. My heart
hurts. Where are you in all this? <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, despite the stages of grief, the Amish simple trust in
God helps me again. I’m looking for more help, and I’d like to mention that a
letter from our Compassion child in Uganda made me see things from a childlike
faith. <br />
“I’m not afraid of Covid. God knows my beginning and end,” Owen wrote.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Owen is six. Death is not foreign to him. It is to us living
in America. Many don’t know what to say to my widowed daughter. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m taking time away from novel writing for a season. It was
an easy decision. My book,<i> 31 Days to a Simple Life,</i> talks about simplicity of
mind. My family will always come first. My grandsons need Tim and me to take
them on a train trip, go to the zoo, have another sleep over and the list goes
on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to be too busy to see what’s
important. And to accept the things I cannot change, as the Amish put it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDeuj-FCNw6aZIMWz9bEApNBVWIjWIuGlSVfR8XFYy2OdYr7reC0_RMU3RcOyESOlL-ZSw1tSEsG3PytGImppuyEB6rwyylbSAz_pTF_Otoyd75mwm5CyOBB8Suf-2Epu0PbduCZ2fB8/s2576/20190531_143814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDeuj-FCNw6aZIMWz9bEApNBVWIjWIuGlSVfR8XFYy2OdYr7reC0_RMU3RcOyESOlL-ZSw1tSEsG3PytGImppuyEB6rwyylbSAz_pTF_Otoyd75mwm5CyOBB8Suf-2Epu0PbduCZ2fB8/s320/20190531_143814.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clara was proud of her loom...in a good way! </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxPelA0xoDxQ2tI1V0ie6y2WoK5gZjms_Kg28munz0ABNZmEJ-Iiv9XoGpuEzS_DeNZG-Pn1oHW85PaUGriNRzY4JuHTE-8IMAUD7RXwJMPqQp3Zg7P5_Fgb_WcghN-TFsTjDkUZKXaE/s2576/20190531_143356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxPelA0xoDxQ2tI1V0ie6y2WoK5gZjms_Kg28munz0ABNZmEJ-Iiv9XoGpuEzS_DeNZG-Pn1oHW85PaUGriNRzY4JuHTE-8IMAUD7RXwJMPqQp3Zg7P5_Fgb_WcghN-TFsTjDkUZKXaE/w300-h400/20190531_143356.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The many spools that feed into the loom is truly an art. Clara was the best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvkia1GM3LaI8kfB_0ANa0WmZtFodBaQfuzU6THJHDx4-y2eDUPd_aWknRmWeCw_Xkon_RgYWn_6a39OTFzLJQxcAa599ZTdo_FM97UAWJo5X7gzgXostJPiQDGZSmxnvJ-5RpJnoduw/s646/20200829_102310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="458" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvkia1GM3LaI8kfB_0ANa0WmZtFodBaQfuzU6THJHDx4-y2eDUPd_aWknRmWeCw_Xkon_RgYWn_6a39OTFzLJQxcAa599ZTdo_FM97UAWJo5X7gzgXostJPiQDGZSmxnvJ-5RpJnoduw/w284-h400/20200829_102310.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Life goes on among the Smicksburg Amish, despite the loss. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yNXsRaINTZAbnMjKYmX4iLeoIk-6tMsqQeRs_d0ECqlhnexJxvOwo4vv-z29emwZPupoGGe6sdM6Q0YrD-T-ap80bL63AVPw8CSNpE-2AOsMcrt3M3cGx7U48lTOgAOc5-jcmZxVRp4/s2560/20200826_134046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yNXsRaINTZAbnMjKYmX4iLeoIk-6tMsqQeRs_d0ECqlhnexJxvOwo4vv-z29emwZPupoGGe6sdM6Q0YrD-T-ap80bL63AVPw8CSNpE-2AOsMcrt3M3cGx7U48lTOgAOc5-jcmZxVRp4/w225-h400/20200826_134046.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Josh until the end, trying to make good memories for his family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-42894211425922764362019-08-20T14:33:00.001-07:002019-08-20T14:33:59.204-07:00Why many Amish have free healthcare! <br />
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“The Amish outnumber us!” my daughter squealed. “This is
great!” My youngest daughter LOVES the Amish! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our family went to the annual Smicksburg Benefit Auction last
weekend. They make enough money to pay into their special hospitalization plans
made with local hospitals. This lump sum covers the community for a year. Gasp.<i>
Jah,</i> I wish we <i>Englishers </i>could do this somehow. Just imagine if your church made
quilts, furniture and whatnot for a year. If they accepted donations such as
guns, chainsaws, livestock, etc. And then you ask all your friends to attend
and you have enough money to pay in advance on a medical plan for your entire
church! This would indeed be free healthcare! <o:p></o:p></div>
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We can learn a lot from the Amish! </div>
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Since a picture is worth a thousand words, consider this photojournalism. :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxwi8ZWD5i_GcFuOseqT7J84uoCfY16mCkZg3HRgN0zh8DR3Dci8hwdQAJ0CkGKwsOA886cB2B_PLh4K1fVU7Foa5gYlnIIhbW_KVRW7D0dID4oupwC8M_dP7HiPkY4tHfuKaXfR5h-Y/s1600/Amish+Auction+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxwi8ZWD5i_GcFuOseqT7J84uoCfY16mCkZg3HRgN0zh8DR3Dci8hwdQAJ0CkGKwsOA886cB2B_PLh4K1fVU7Foa5gYlnIIhbW_KVRW7D0dID4oupwC8M_dP7HiPkY4tHfuKaXfR5h-Y/s400/Amish+Auction+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What struck me funny in the grass parking lot was the number of Amish children surrounding <i>Englishers</i>. They love a good story or "telling". I wonder what yarn this man is spinning. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2shnzj7mGFqRJkUYpsICpG6lbErjZ-OXq-KL7eZNkMBRqTLRyQtDS73-qiWqmqj0ZftecDNdDN7KeVsOXnje9Zv8UWREQau_hoi2dwmzDNzUO9r3FyF5fIT4d5q_3okpZiyAxX0pZO8/s1600/Amish+Auction+13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2shnzj7mGFqRJkUYpsICpG6lbErjZ-OXq-KL7eZNkMBRqTLRyQtDS73-qiWqmqj0ZftecDNdDN7KeVsOXnje9Zv8UWREQau_hoi2dwmzDNzUO9r3FyF5fIT4d5q_3okpZiyAxX0pZO8/s320/Amish+Auction+13.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the first quilts up for auction was this unique Pennsylvania Keystone State quilt. I've never seen a quilt like this. Faces are blotted out to respect their culture. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_C7ODBTHn8e15guN8qB6fsoyv16S6ngf6hRQMScIwF34fghwr8ZfL5mojPNQ58BDWUle0uGeFUG0SFVIrUZmKF7ndqvXC4FmON3zEdYEp0uVs9WbQCbpcrV0PMfO-QW6VeBTnzDqkqA/s1600/Amish+Auction+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_C7ODBTHn8e15guN8qB6fsoyv16S6ngf6hRQMScIwF34fghwr8ZfL5mojPNQ58BDWUle0uGeFUG0SFVIrUZmKF7ndqvXC4FmON3zEdYEp0uVs9WbQCbpcrV0PMfO-QW6VeBTnzDqkqA/s320/Amish+Auction+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My granddaughter gasped when this quilt was lifted up on a long pole. She loves purple. Grandma didn't bid though. This one went for over 7K. </div>
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What I love about the Amish in Smicksburg is how friendly they are to Outsiders. A closer look at this picture would have been nice. You'd see many shooting the breeze, but I must not take pictures showing their faces. I want to remain a Trusted English Friend.<br />
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It was 88 Degrees Fahrenheit, so many found refuge under the refreshment tent. Again, Amish chatting with the Yankees (English).<br />
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Unlike their church service, there was no need to separate men and women on this day. But how fun it was to see them do it naturally. Friendship among the Amish is a cornerstone of their culture.<br />
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On my wish list! Lots of rustic furniture was in the auction barn, along with tree root tables. TREE ROOT TABLES! How creative!<br />
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I was shocked at how big this event was. I've been invited for fifteen years but something always comes up the second Saturday in August. Not this year. I engraved it in stone on my calendar.<br />
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Too many buggies to count! They were unhitched and horses were tethered to the exterior fence that surrounds this large farm. I have never in my life seen so many Amish in one location.<br />
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Different types of buggy styles for different church districts of settlements. I was hoping to see a yellow topped buggy from Volant, PA, but not a one. All black with slight variations.<br />
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On the way home, my granddaughter asked how long it took the Amish to get home. I told it that it depends on how far they have to travel. She looked puzzled and asked when are they coming back. Next year? She didn't know that many lived right there in Smicksburg! "I want to visit them again and again!" she exclaimed. "I love them!" So, now I have another Amish loving travel companion.<br />
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My middle daughter wasn't an Amish enthusiast, but after the auction, she changed her mind! "They have something we all lack in America," she said. "They all pulled together like worker bees. They have real community."<br />
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I agree. How can we do this in our churches? Suggestions or information welcome. Leave it in the comment box.<br />
<br />Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-25280475135876982842019-07-08T08:15:00.000-07:002019-07-08T08:15:33.459-07:00Christmas in July Multi-Author Book Giveaway Plus a $100 Amazon Card<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Can you believe there is just 6 months until Christmas? Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away 20+ Christmas books, including one from yours truly. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">PLUS a $100 Amazon gift!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Click here to enter: </span><a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="async" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpromosimple.com%2Fps%2Fe5b5%2Fjuly-christmas-multi-author-promo%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3Slo5YPxwUKfFVDkpNQvS3ycrUHTjnqBGuCC8NUsoT2VSZF3d0bSyw7gs&h=AT2Kam_kP79MRahlb84Hzytylped6Dv8Ai-c-wRcQFbU8_PHt80c2nwuhHxP6duS7Tb3R2Mn0GryJvUXPUC3UyNxNq0pcGmzHCvQqakRr7WTJpt3bT4-BuKoGjdxmy0Ch80q5Ysr4FeDQahO45IrMC5fGS3GGT3q8ReKbJKivsoTB7dK_o-ONyaek7UGsXN1v4Np13sicj-KC5uhx7p1CTKOE7jvxrfgnFXYm_B7lTUHeJNhsmuqE27jFpVuo-2ufQK3tjiswzicqEK-U4AWMUvgq5kFAzgatE5zm1TH2yZnOZLAotUBfwO00ff9tmbjQCKsaERoWqkH-_zuUFAwWDG4-p_TLijUGMx0dIFeRs8zmClk-qdzxTX4juzAvhZyKn5A7T9efGSHiPb1IHYc1GcTg40OL5r7QoFub7VtDVPjJdu3c_EdPCcS7hTdYFyoYLTgNauNHQobavzlOxSRCO5ZCKBHqXIXerFe7XdURQA8Hjj4XFeMMM6Kl3VY6nZtK3z4FnGfz4lBNvS2qsYro_MF5SK2AqcBFgcXyVY0GS6HN3lkzA1cC9fPsPB90IhLDq9BTYDNVHVn306krRWmDmexRin3xaCNrp7p36lONtDctRFzatObQA15YIDS-Om7J2__WhluR6bRmTTchlbb" href="https://promosimple.com/ps/e5b5/july-christmas-multi-author-promo?fbclid=IwAR3Slo5YPxwUKfFVDkpNQvS3ycrUHTjnqBGuCC8NUsoT2VSZF3d0bSyw7gs" original_target="https://promosimple.com/ps/e5b5/july-christmas-multi-author-promo?fbclid=iwar3slo5ypxwukffvdkpnqvs3ycruhtjnqbgucc8nusot2vszf3d0bsyw7gs" rel="noopener nofollow" saprocessedanchor="true" style="background-color: white; color: #385898; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://promosimple.com/…/e5b5/july-christmas-multi-author-…</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The event and giveaway is going on now through July 13. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"I WILL HONOR CHRISTMAS IN MY HEART AND TRY TO KEEP IT ALL YEAR! (Charles Dickens)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-4956002535987965532019-05-09T10:55:00.000-07:002019-05-09T10:55:15.410-07:00Do the Amish lie? Do they seek attention?<br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I took my friend Janet to Smicksburg to get plants for my
garden…and a shopping list from others…my kids. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Mom, text me when you get to Lydia’s. See if she
has sweet banana peppers or Amish Paste Tomatoes.” </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">At $1.65 per six-pack, </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">jah,</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> I fill my back deck with orders from family and friends. And
then Lydia’s flower arrangements…sigh…what a talent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was great as usual. Janet exhaled with utter satisfaction
as we wandered around the windy roads. “They have something we don’t have. I
feel so peaceful,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As usual, I agreed. It’s why I’m hooked on the Amish way of
life. We visited Barb, an Amish mother of nine who also runs a greenhouse and
her daughters and grandkids were all sitting around talking, and a young Amish boy
on a pony came up. How much more of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little
House on the Prairie</i> could we take? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little House on the Prairie moment!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We continued to mosey around, trying to find a new quilt
shop, but instead saw a sign for cedar lawn furniture. We followed them and to a
new shop, and to my surprise, it was the youngest brother (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bruder</i>) of a well-loved Amish family I write about. (I must change
names to protect their privacy and culture. MOST Amish don’t want attention
brought to them.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I talked to “Joe” about getting a new picnic table, he
said he’d like to start reading my books because SO MANY LIES ABOUT THE AMISH
ARE CIRCULATING! (Yes, I know I said that in all caps, which writers shouldn’t
do, but I do mean to scream it out.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You see, the Amish in Western Pennsylvania have been targeted
by big name media to tell lies. Paid to be on shows that are utter nonsense. If
they were any other people group, they’d sue, but of course they don’t believe
in defending themselves. They trust God to do it, but I like to help. </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Garamond; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Garamond; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😉</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Joe” told me the Amish in punxsutawney are particularly hurt,
since some Ex-Amish who took the bait (money) to tell lies still hold their
ground. Some are still making money selling slanderous tales. I don’t know why
people are addicted to reality shows that demean people of any culture or race.
Why do we need to look down on others? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One theory on why many crave to bash the Amish is very
interesting. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We want to pop their perfect,
little world. </i>It’s like saying, “Aha! I told you they were fakes!” Instead
of looking within to change our lives to make them better, it’s easier to look
down on others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And sadly, there are a handful of Amish willing to exaggerate
(lie) to get attention to give us that ‘aha moment.’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s heartbreaking to listen to people like “Joe”
because of the shame placed on his culture. (Some tales are too salacious to
write on this blog.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although they don’t believe in suing, they do want the record
set straight. And that’s my mission as an author about these fine people. Many real
Ex-Amish folks can give a truthful, fair account of their lives growing up
Amish, but it’s not degrading enough to create a media mania. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-2404383860639828912018-05-05T09:33:00.000-07:002018-05-05T09:33:04.758-07:00Amish School Picnic! <br />
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Tim and I spent the last day of April in Smicksburg. While visiting an Amish family, something extraordinary happened. Let me explain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Little Andy, age ten, is the chatterbox of the family, and he had ants in his pants, excitement making him jump. “Do you know we had a half-day today because tomorrow is the school picnic? We walked home because we had a half day. It’s only a two-mile hike through the woods. And it’s so nice outside. I can’t wait for the school picnic! We have so much fun. So much to eat. We play games! The parents come to school for the whole day!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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I chuckled and asked what else they did at the picnic. He tilted his head and flung up his arms and repeated what he just said with more gusto. And he added, “There’s no school, and it’s the last day! We’re off for the summer!!!!!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I understood that part. I lived for the last day of school when I was in elementary school. I chatted with the other kids and they came back to talking about the school picnic. <i>You’d think they won a trip to Disneyland</i>, I thought. And then it hit me. These children enjoyed simple things. A picnic with food and games. Community. Once again, I felt like I was transported out to the prairie and was talking to Laura Ingalls Wilder. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The oldest son, Reuben, was thirteen and graduating. He seemed a little sad but went on to explain that he has an apprenticeship with a wood carver to satisfy the state’s requirements. Pennsylvania makes Amish children do a one-year vocational training after they finish eighth grade. Rueben will put in his one year, but he already had a job with his grandfather making sheds. He’ll be taking over the business someday. That transported me to Ben Walton who worked with his grandpa on Walton’s Mountain during the Great Depression. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, what was extraordinary? Children content with simple things. Children not hooked to electronics. Children who had fun the old-fashioned way. Baseball and apple pie. I think I need to hang out with these kids more and learn from them. How easy it is to become discontent in our pleasure saturated culture. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We went back to the camp and reevaluated our lives.</div>
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<br />Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-43295070697568555472017-02-17T12:55:00.000-08:002017-02-17T12:56:04.660-08:00Amish Reconciliation Dinners: Finding Unity over Food <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">A while back, Tim and I bought fifteen acres from an Amish friend in Smicksburg, PA. But there was a problem; we needed to use a road (a right of way or easement) through another Amish family’s property… and they didn’t like this. So much so, that when we went down the road to get to our land, there were rakes and pitchforks blocking our entry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then an Amish man, we’ll call him 'Eli' instead of his real name, came over on a cussing rant. I’ll admit, I can be feisty at times and wagged a finger, telling him, “I’m going to tell your bishop on you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So we went down the road to tell Amish friends what happened. “Who is his bishop?” we asked. Gulp. The Amish man who’d just cussed us out was the bishop. Our friends said, “Jah, you have a bad apple in every bushel. Even Amish have problems.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After we were able to speak due to shock, we learned that no one, even a bishop, is above being corrected. A few Amish families got together and had the bishop over for a reconciliation dinner. We weren’t invited; they wanted to work on this bishop’s inappropriate behavior on their own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We waited a few weeks to go up to our land and were met by the bishop with a smile and an extended hand. (No pitchfork in it). He humbly apologized and told us all he was going through as we walked our land. He ended up playing the harmonica for us on his front porch. A real Walton’s moment for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We asked our Amish friends about this reconciliation dinner. No details were given except that it was worked out. The Amish intrigue us to know end! <i>It</i><i>'s in the past and worked out. </i>They asked us to report any future problems, but "things were worked out". <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We had to ask, “So problems are solved over food?” Well, there was more than one meal, but yes. One thing I’ve noticed having observed many Amish over thirty years is that they work differences out. And they expect to have problems since they’re human. The Amish are a Christian group who know they have a sin nature that needs fixing here and there. Not working out sin can lead to a ban or shunning, but that's another story. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.” Galatians 5: 19-21 <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Many see the Amish as beings so pious, it does them no justice. They work hard to maintain the peace and harmony we see when visiting Amish tourist places or shops. Millions from around the world visit Lancaster County to soak in their quaint and charming ways, but most don’t realize the hard work it takes to have their level of unity. (Thousands from around the world read this blog with no access to a Bible, so I’m putting the scriptures in from the World English Bible.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What we usually see in the Amish is the fruit of the Holy Spirit:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We’ve never had a problem again with this Amish bishop. I can’t help but wonder that if our country had reconciliations dinners, we wouldn’t be so divided. We are the United States of America. As usual, the Amish give me much to ponder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskdDR1Yu3t50PYhZ1Bwo1mFlVygmfb5gyM9F_5CyvWi6KaXZo3KBT1MXDa9lWVFaQP3wdyId0CiziS5dbzp0iiQKytCSyk-FsSxpcPd0JssWa6ftrLAFMiknNUqORGqrTapnozttqrfQ/s1600/buggys+visiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskdDR1Yu3t50PYhZ1Bwo1mFlVygmfb5gyM9F_5CyvWi6KaXZo3KBT1MXDa9lWVFaQP3wdyId0CiziS5dbzp0iiQKytCSyk-FsSxpcPd0JssWa6ftrLAFMiknNUqORGqrTapnozttqrfQ/s400/buggys+visiting.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I captured this grouping of Amish buggies in Smicksburg. <br />
Most likely not a reconciliation dinner, but folks with cabin fever! Brr. Cold out!</td></tr>
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Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-37702050930408868252016-05-12T20:49:00.000-07:002016-05-12T21:02:40.783-07:00Road trip Across America seeking more Amish & Native American Connections<br />
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After thirty years, I’m still gleaning secrets to a simpler
life from Amish friends. My husband and I are taking a road trip across America
to learn more. Ever so thankful to have a husband who's partners in Amish
hunting. ;) We love our Amish friends in Smicksburg, but we get a bit myopic,
since they're only half hour away. So we're expanding our horizons. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As the Amish are now in 40-some states, hubby and I are
getting ready to leave for three-weeks from Western Pennsylvania. Something
deep within makes us seekers and lifelong learners of the Amish and Mennonites.
I’ve wondered about their appeal and lately, I think they’re similar to St.
Augustine and some of the Desert Fathers & Sisters who left a materialistic
world in 300 A.D. to embrace simplicity and be off-the-grid. Today, all the
buzz about tiny house living and modern day minimalism, are we at the breaking
point? I think so. Tim and I are. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I also want to get back to the old-fashioned way of life.
Both of my parents were first generation immigrants. My mom passed on some
Italian sayings and my dad his Croatian. When I was a teen I was shocked to
find that “cleanliness is next to godliness” and “charity begins at home” were
not in the Bible. I checked “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything
at all’ was in there, and it’s not either.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, I do understand the Amish with their sayings. They’re
taught to their children as little nibbles of wisdom to steer them in life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Regrets over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow are twin
thieves that rob us of the moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Live each short hour with God and the long years will take
care of themselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m so blessed to have learned so much from the Amish. I
hope to inspire and point not only to God in my writings, now to include
non-fiction and a lot more blogging here. I yearn to help readers to walk a
path a bit less chaotic. Granny Weaver, an elderly Amish woman character who
finds her way in most of my books, knitting needles in tow, is a lover of
Robert Frost. (The Amish love poetry.) She reads and ponders The Road Not
Taken:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>“Two roads diverged in
a wood, and I— <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>I took the one less
traveled by, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>And that has made all
the difference.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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As we head from Pennsylvania to New Mexico, we know there’s
unrest in America. What path should we take? For answers, we hope to connect with
and understand Native American culture as well. Having lived near Seneca Nation
in Salamanca, New York for ten years, we admired how, despite present day
opposition and prejudice, they aren't bitter, but give a warning: "Our
country was taken from us. It can happen to the White Man." Somber words,
but true. So intrigued by Natives, I hope to meet some that live near Amish so
I can continue to combine both cultures like I do in my novels <i>The Amish Doll</i> and <i>Plain Jane.</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, hopefully, you'll be seeing plenty of pictures of Amish
across America along with Natives, two cultures dear to my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOVMwevx6qZN-sTSho8-I0mBCBNjufQv2xaZrC9PT0QV7nyMkrslvqCpqDC0EkS8F9SATDKnleGVXDFpXU-JEfeRIME5PIT1OA3qqVclWphoghgQRXqq2z9KP-G0ECa80CdAwQbwqqKY/s1600/Camper+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOVMwevx6qZN-sTSho8-I0mBCBNjufQv2xaZrC9PT0QV7nyMkrslvqCpqDC0EkS8F9SATDKnleGVXDFpXU-JEfeRIME5PIT1OA3qqVclWphoghgQRXqq2z9KP-G0ECa80CdAwQbwqqKY/s400/Camper+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you see us, give us a holler! </td></tr>
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Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-39729939400453945812016-04-29T14:14:00.001-07:002016-04-29T14:14:39.395-07:00Interruptions. The life God is sending us day by day? I just got back from
Lydia’s greenhouse and had to share something. I experienced <i>Gelassenheit</i> (quietly waiting while putting
others first) in action like never before. This is personal, but I’ll share with
<i>‘yinz’</i>.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I cried my eyes out when talking to my Amish friends
yesterday, right there in Lydia’s greenhouse. My youngest daughter, Kara, is
moving thousands of miles away. Kara, my companion in ‘all things Amish’, has
known Lydia since a young teen, but now she’s married with another baby on the
way. Her husband, after battling brain cancer over the past 6 months, needs to
be in an area where alternative medicine is more readily available. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I just stood there losing it, and Lydia listened, tearing
up, helped me pick flowers for a ‘healing garden’. What I forgot all along was
her husband pulling his beard, taking it all in. Oh, I felt so insensitive.
After my meltdown, Lydia’s husband talked to me for a while about his first
wife’s cancer. He accompanied her to Mexico fourteen times on the train to save
the Amish community thousands of dollars on chemotherapy and alternative
medicine. Alternative medicine had helped extend his first wife’s life. This man opened a painful chapter in is life
to help me get a perspective shift. My dear son-in-law’s cancer was caught,
contained and operable. And he needs alternative medicine. And I will live; his
children from his first marriage all live just as far away.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh, what an emotional day at the Amish greenhouse, but let
me tell you, many Amish are concerned for us stressed out Americans. And if you
ever stop by a roadside stand, or visit a shop and feel like crying, go right
ahead. They’ll listen and quietly wait for you to finish and just be there for
you. It’s part of their <i>Gelassenheit</i>,
a pause to listen and care for others. Yes, there are grouchy Amish. I’ll blog
around Christmas about the Amish in New York that made wooden children’s toys
that were meaner than spit, (we told our kids they were Santa’s elves…wink,
wink) But it’s a rarity to find a rude Amish person. It’s not part of their
upbringing and culture. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I had to create a C.S. Lewis book club into the Smicksburg
Tales because I get so much out of his writings. Too profound not quote, so Jeb
and Jonas meet to talk about Lewis’ teachings when the women knit. But Lewis is
sounding mighty Amish to me lately. Interruptions are a part of Amish life,
almost scheduled in. They’re never too busy to talk. Lydia’s husband (he has a name but says the
internet is the devil and doesn’t want his name on it ;) could have kept on
doing his accounting for their businesses, but he didn’t. He lived out a Lewis
quote: <o:p></o:p></div>
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“The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the
unpleasant things as interruptions of one's 'own,' or 'real' life. The truth is
of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one's real life
-- the life God is sending one day by day.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgVxa4So7mcntLAVrI2GYm8_XgsdfGG13SDXJqXa-FJP7FiIxg8wTaOL1wzs2K9ZdEXAP3gEN7pYMYQeV2N199GFnXyoInlHV_6eHSHegcyYksVGMa9857U3Ny-iCdnaznG-7gJspQVw/s1600/AC+Interruptions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgVxa4So7mcntLAVrI2GYm8_XgsdfGG13SDXJqXa-FJP7FiIxg8wTaOL1wzs2K9ZdEXAP3gEN7pYMYQeV2N199GFnXyoInlHV_6eHSHegcyYksVGMa9857U3Ny-iCdnaznG-7gJspQVw/s400/AC+Interruptions.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-79229738636970468692016-04-25T10:59:00.000-07:002016-04-25T10:59:07.086-07:00Amish & Choral Singing<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">“Music is my life,” was my mantra
in high school, so starting college as a music major was a no-brainer. When I
met my voice teacher, I was so embarrassed for him. He was an extreme
stutterer; but when he sang, he was instantly cured. Oh, he was so inspirational.
Research suggests there’s a brain overlap with music and speech. Music also has
the ability to help dementia patients remember. Music is the last thing to
decline in the brain. As a beginning music therapy major, I was floored. </span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/experts/kimberly-sena-moore-phd"></a><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Here’s
a snippet of Kimberly Sena Moore Ph. D in </span><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Psychology Today</span></i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">’s article </span><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-musical-self/201506/therapy-throughchoir"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Memory through Choir?</span></a><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">“Let’s take choir, for instance. Think about some of the
benefits that come from singing in a choir—there’s deep breathing involved
(respiratory strength), vocalization (speech production), the need to focus on
a given task (sustained attention), the challenge of learning new material
(learning and memory), the pleasure derived from performing (emotional
benefits, like pride), all within the context of a social group
(socialization).”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Pretty impressive, huh? What most
don’t realize is that singing is a staple of Amish culture. Singing at home,
church, Singings (for youth to meet up) or singing in three-part harmony while
working on our barn. It was the most heart-warming look into Amish comradery</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">; I soaked in the beautiful German accapella (no harmonica in tow), closing my eyes
and fantasizing once again that I was on the set of </span></span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0.2in;">Little House on the
Prairie.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">And then I thought of the joy my
kids brought to nursing homes as we tried to be the Von Trapp Family Singers.
Patients were wheeled in or used their walkers to get to the lounge room. Tim
and I strummed the guitars to slow songs like <i>Kumbaya</i> or <i>Amazing
Grace</i>. After a few songs, the audience was so excited, they shouted out,
“Play something faster.” So we did and some stood and others clapped their
hands. The room was filled with laughter and joy and comradery. To be honest, I
didn’t want to expose my kids, then four years old to nine, to the nursing home
environment. But after that night, we went back faithfully once a month and my
kids learned some valuable lessons from World War II Vets. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">A benefit music plays in the
Amish church services is the ability to connect with the writers of their hymn
book, The <i>Ausbund</i>. The core of it is fifty-one songs written by
Anabaptists while imprisoned between 1535 und 1540 because of their
convictions. Some didn’t survive and many were martyred. A fresh respect for
their ancestors and the courage to keep the faith, solidifies their beliefs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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"Alleluia" oil painting by Thomas Cooper Gotch</div>
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Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-19728397040654695002016-04-20T11:06:00.000-07:002016-04-20T11:06:56.992-07:00Gelassenheit: Serenity in Quietly Waiting, an Amish Way of Thinking<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I treasure this trait among the Amish more than anything. <i>Gelassenheit</i> is putting others first,
the Golden Rule seen in technicolor among the Amish. When speaking in a group,
all eyes are upon you, taking in every word said, and then you may find the
‘Amish pause’. They take to heart what you’ve said and want to give you their
full attentive answer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">For example, I asked a man named Levi about what he thought
of Old Order Amish verses New Order Amish. He bowed his head, pulled at his
beard and said nothing. I thought I’d pushed it this time, asking too many
questions or touched a nerve. After a ‘spell’, Levi kindly looked up and said,
“I think an older Amish person can explain it better. They’re wiser than I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I almost fainted. Here he was, in his prime at thirty-some
years old and he’s saying he doesn’t know it all, that the older the wiser and
he meant it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Gelassenheit</span></i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> is
seen in their culture through their personality, yet they have nicknames like
‘Tall Laughing Jonah’. Some are hilarious to talk to, but there’s still that
deep down seriousness that comes with being an attentive listener. And if you
say something you shouldn’t, they usually just smile, overlooking quickly any
hurt or irritation. Talking to Barb, mother of nine, I blurted out, “Oh my
goodness you put up the hard way. Have you heard of a vacuum sealer?” Silence
and then a smirk from Barb. Her daughters were there and I may have enticed
them to dream of greener pastures. Without having to be told to stop tempting
her daughters with modern gadgets needing electricity, I got the message. I
simply said, “But to each their own, I suppose. Many can with a pressure cooker
and love it.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Gelassenheit</span></i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> in
German means ‘serenity’. In the Amish Froschauer (German) Bible they take this
virtue from Lamentations 3:26 and it means ‘quietly wait’. So, when I flubbed
up in front of Barb’s daughters, she was quietly waiting for me to get the cue
to say the right thing: don’t tempt my daughters to go the English route. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Gelassenheit</span></i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"> is
part of the Amish <i>Ordnung</i>, which is
German for order. This serenity or quietly waiting is shown in their simplicity
of clothing, house style and having things in common. No competition to keep up
with the Schmuckers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">This is not to say that they’ve lost their identity, as so
many are known for their unique talents, but their hope is that it all points
to their simple lifestyle. By putting others first, Amish businesses don’t
believe in ‘extortion’. They say that right out loud. “Why should we charge you
too much if we’re happy with our profit.” Again, you just want to hold on to a
chair, shocked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">My good friend, Maryann, had to get her entire kitchen
replaced due to flooding. She shopped around and was discouraged. Since we go
to Smicksburg often, we thought of Amish cabinet and furniture makers. and you
they don’t cut corners. (No pun intended) They use real hardwoods and are
upfront about costs. They have a yearlong waiting list because Maryann got a
custom-made kitchen with over twenty cabinets plus an island as big as a dining
room table, installed, for $12,000.00. Let me spell that out if you missed it:
twelve-thousand dollars. And her cabinets are cherry! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">So how can we embrace this ‘serenity’? For me it’s jumping
out of our performance based culture. What you achieve isn’t more important
than who you are. Having the biggest house on the block doesn’t mean it’s the
happiest one. Finding joy in serving others is what’s important. An Amish
proverb, painted on a simple little board, lives on my kitchen window sill.
“The most important things are not things.” It brings serenity to my soul every
time I wash dishes. </span></div>
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<i>The slower pace of Amish life lends to 'quietly waiting'. </i></div>
<o:p></o:p>Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-35709872230693130802015-12-14T13:25:00.001-08:002015-12-14T13:25:55.678-08:00A Simple Christmas, the Amish Way<div class="MsoNormal">
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Well, I haven’t blog here in quite a while. Life has thrown
is a few curve balls. Our son-in-law was diagnosed with a cancerous brain
tumor. Please pray for him. Only twenty-five years old. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our nephew’s wife became sick in Alaska and they’re living
with us with their five little angels, all under ten years old. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I wanted to share with you that I wrote a short eBook that
can be bought worldwide. So many from Russia, Ukraine, Latvia and other wonderful countries reading this blog. You can go to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/International-Shipping-Direct/b?node=230659011" target="_blank">Amazon International </a>to see if my book is sold in your area. It’s my journey towards a peace filled Christmas Amish
style. But as learning simplicity seems to be challenge daily, I’ve tweaked our
Christmas all the more after reading the blog <a href="http://www.embracingasimplerlife.com/" target="_blank">Embracing a Simpler Life. </a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s that’s different. I’ve had the tradition of make an
Italian cookie. This tradition has been passed down for ages. Centuries. I felt
that if I didn’t make pizzelle, it was just not Christmas. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But I love the history of our country, the Colonial American
Period. So, I’ve given myself <i>permission</i> to make gingerbread and sugar cookies and not pizzelle. My iron broke and I can't find one of good quality. </div>
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I also have a love for all things British, especially Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, I plan to make
mincemeat pies and maybe a figgy pudding. (If you have a recipe for figgy pudding, a Colonial Christmas favorite, can you put the recipe or link in comments? Thanks!)</div>
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It’s so freeing to say that two little word. N-O. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When the new year starts, I’ll be blogging more here. Until
then, Merry Christmas! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Christmas-Amish-Way-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0186RU3DC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447957055&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Simple+Christmas+the+Amish+Way" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Click here to order.</span></a></div>
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Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-72679335233234651182015-04-27T14:32:00.000-07:002015-04-27T14:32:04.212-07:00Smicksburg, PA, a little slice of heaven challenged by the Technology Revolution<div class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-before: auto;">
Living among the Amish in two states, I've admired their unity. But
there’s an odd storm brewing.</div>
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During the Industrial Revolution, when electricity and phones came into
most American homes, the Amish had a debate over what to permit, and in the end
they decided to pull back, not wanting to be beholding to anyone, not having
monthly bills. Their decisions to not own cars soon followed.</div>
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Now it’s the Technology Revolution and these
dear people are challenged like never before; the biggest debate is over cell
phones. Our twenty-five year old Amish friend, Joe, got feisty about it last
month. My pen pal, Ida, had moved from Smicksburg to Punxsutawney, fifteen
miles north, where cell phones are allowed for business. Joe said Ida was no
longer Amish. “Amish who use cell phones are not real Amish,” Joe said as he
threw up both hands. </div>
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<i>Really?</i> Punxsutawney Area Amish
say, “We need them to run our businesses, and we only turn them on during business
hours.” </div>
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But there’s something I admire about the Smicksburg Amish. I don’t know
if they remind me of my cousins in rural Italy who want to keep their
traditions and their way of life despite the pressure to move to the cities for
better jobs. Going there is a time warp back to a time when family and
community really mattered. Their traditions still exist, cementing them closer.
They even speak a regional dialect of Italian not always understood by other
provinces. I find that rather charming. </div>
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The Smicksburg Amish charm me, too. They’re trying to live off the land,
the fathers being home. They also want their loved one to live nearby, not
lured into living in New York where they can make a living by selling organic
milk. So, the Amish of Smicksburg worked out a solution with the local government.
Electric milk houses now dot the area so milk can easily be collected in tin
jugs delivered by horse and buggy. (The state pays for the electricity, not the
Amish.)Now many can have as little as dozen dairy cows and provide for their
families. </div>
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Joe now has a sawmill running that provides for his growing family. His
brother Melvin has 12 cows and stays home. Their brother, Noah, who moved to
New York to farm, is trying to move back because he can now dairy farm. Not
only will the <i>daed’s </i>be home, but the
<i>kinner</i> can visit grandpa and grandma
by walking down the road. How wonderful.</div>
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In <i>Amish Knitting Circle: Smicksburg Tales 1</i>, I show the dangers of cell phones among the Amish and that was written three years ago. Much more is happening, and I think for the “<i>gut</i>”. I’m addressing all this in <i>Amish Knit & Crochet: Smicksburg Tales 5. </i> What’s happening in Smicksburg, (my little slice of heaven ;) is what’s usually happening in the <i>Smicksburg Tales. </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeYwCwEwjDeQXz_mS-ku2OoJMboZ_XYsPseicXW7AbtRRjhzYDg9tAedQLBaE_uxCW2vpFVJ-JLLgA_sM-nd3Pbztg39vZoIiMy_nuuuz95BPYB9bhh10K10E896pdLEUoaVWnSeiHVA/s1600/Man+with+milk+containers+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUeYwCwEwjDeQXz_mS-ku2OoJMboZ_XYsPseicXW7AbtRRjhzYDg9tAedQLBaE_uxCW2vpFVJ-JLLgA_sM-nd3Pbztg39vZoIiMy_nuuuz95BPYB9bhh10K10E896pdLEUoaVWnSeiHVA/s1600/Man+with+milk+containers+-+Copy.jpg" height="332" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy milk jugs make for wunderbar gut exercise </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCs38zB_kwvGZxNsXREsqsRHehlwX3JoSTImEYZsQL9DQDnXYvgL-3MbOwOERyA138djNYzkhyW8G89YsJlHqCNWVlss14TedAu4Np2K-OxX4MPruUUPhmA_03nufzavgTTvzwqYiMPfU/s1600/milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCs38zB_kwvGZxNsXREsqsRHehlwX3JoSTImEYZsQL9DQDnXYvgL-3MbOwOERyA138djNYzkhyW8G89YsJlHqCNWVlss14TedAu4Np2K-OxX4MPruUUPhmA_03nufzavgTTvzwqYiMPfU/s1600/milk.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Englisher' refrigerated milk house where Amish deliver their milk jugs </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFQRBb8Mi9ZjDEsXrdBe309OIHCAX7LnUhyphenhyphenb1peyLoAdBD7vv6Z-D9ppZOhW6XjETSoXZpummxO17s2RRscksLU6zWtzcDreTMLyjCbfPkhNGuPSyH-RL7hKGuXYnCEsxhf1SSysfiws/s1600/DSC_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZFQRBb8Mi9ZjDEsXrdBe309OIHCAX7LnUhyphenhyphenb1peyLoAdBD7vv6Z-D9ppZOhW6XjETSoXZpummxO17s2RRscksLU6zWtzcDreTMLyjCbfPkhNGuPSyH-RL7hKGuXYnCEsxhf1SSysfiws/s1600/DSC_0956.JPG" height="400" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phone shanty attached to an Amish business in Smicksburg</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCtE_KrMVyZoayKEPRVhpZRIF4RtvVrf3E7slUlgHXaumgteR421VCwGO-WUvxgBoS6v_Z3jB6oEtvKSHW6ZxeeYp9uKwGBtZDQYXgaH8nPdv0UMfCVUpQLI4p4X0fKz1de450n1ef_Y/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUCtE_KrMVyZoayKEPRVhpZRIF4RtvVrf3E7slUlgHXaumgteR421VCwGO-WUvxgBoS6v_Z3jB6oEtvKSHW6ZxeeYp9uKwGBtZDQYXgaH8nPdv0UMfCVUpQLI4p4X0fKz1de450n1ef_Y/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neatly stacked milk jugs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijfhW9_sqen66JCqbPtygu1x1ouALpEQqHkT6oXhRBUCNFizGD-4iwpnOuorUBveYnkebfXMrmPeQbH9MliX5MPclDb5AXm8NGeoGLNZnTgOAwFGCVW1A1QgX_KnBlLBphWYFbVYk_V8/s1600/milk+jug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijfhW9_sqen66JCqbPtygu1x1ouALpEQqHkT6oXhRBUCNFizGD-4iwpnOuorUBveYnkebfXMrmPeQbH9MliX5MPclDb5AXm8NGeoGLNZnTgOAwFGCVW1A1QgX_KnBlLBphWYFbVYk_V8/s1600/milk+jug.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a family affair, the kids 'pulling' their weight ;) </td></tr>
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<i>. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-23321077507789600452015-04-13T11:35:00.000-07:002015-04-13T11:40:09.032-07:00Do the Amish celebrate birthdays? Do they attend “Outsider” birthday parties? <br />
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The Amish never cease to amaze me on their unique
ways of getting together just to have fun and enjoy each others company. I saw
on Facebook last week that it was National Sibling Day. It’s a start, but we
have a long way to go to catch up with the Amish concerning siblings and
celebrations.</div>
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The woman I use as the character of Granny Weaver in
my novels told me how she and her sisters celebrate birthdays. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIhp6ve3PsRKNmSmk6IxcQs9f78Xi3NwzOGw4JMpXIHC6QhwlDwAa6JGZj4oVH_lJm62MYJfiJeVAIatNhqpZIJ4fq8HbgGOCl5Uu1rUrGtBUxtf5GCyCQOfw1aVHvMIq5YhVN2xIjqY/s1600/Amish+2+boys+and+windmill+jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIhp6ve3PsRKNmSmk6IxcQs9f78Xi3NwzOGw4JMpXIHC6QhwlDwAa6JGZj4oVH_lJm62MYJfiJeVAIatNhqpZIJ4fq8HbgGOCl5Uu1rUrGtBUxtf5GCyCQOfw1aVHvMIq5YhVN2xIjqY/s1600/Amish+2+boys+and+windmill+jpg.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to Mayberry...oh, the simpler times. </td></tr>
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“Well, it all starts with a surprise,” she quipped,
her light blue eyes twinkling. “On the day of a sibling’s birthday, we
celebrate, give our loved one’s a present, but we don’t tell them who it’s
from.”</div>
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“What?” I gasped. “How do they know who to thank and –“</div>
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“We all get together in October, or whichever month
suits us, and we celebrate Sister Day. On that day we all guess who gave the
presents.”</div>
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I was too stunned to talk. Some Amish women have
several sisters and that would mean they’d have to remember not only what they
got, but what they gave. I’m trying to think what I gave my sisters for their
birthdays last year! I have two! </div>
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“It’s another way to get together,” Granny said with
a gleam. “It’s lots of fun and keeps us connected.”</div>
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Again, I feel like one of those seekers who want to
live with the Amish to see if they can cross over, but I have a husband, adult
children and grandkids who’d have to jump the line with me and…well…not anytime
soon. ;) </div>
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Amish children have birthday parties that take me
back to my youth in the 1960s. Levi’s little girl had ten boys and girls
running around a water pump when I stopped in to see his father. Oh, that
camera of mine makes me sin! I took a few snaps, knowing I’d Photoshop them out,
but I got busted and had to delete them. But these children were having fun,
the old-fashioned way, like we used to run through the water sprinkler all day
with neighborhood kids. Times were simpler. </div>
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Well, anyhow, someone called out that it was time for
cake and the kids went charging towards the house cheering. I’ve never seen
this level of excitement over having a cake before. Levi told me that his wife
made a big cake. “The <i>kinner</i> like
cake and ICE CREAM!”</div>
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Oh, once again, I was 6 years with friends, balloons
and a party dress waiting for my mom to bring out her homemade cake with “cooked
icing”, my favorite. </div>
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I wasn’t invited to go into Levi’s little girl’s
party, but recently when at a cabinet shop in Smicksburg, the UPS man shocked
me to no end. He opened the door to the shop, slid a small box to one of the Amish
workers, and yelled, “The wife’s birthday’s today. Having cake and ICE CREAM! Can you come over?”</div>
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Without hesitating, the two men gave their word they’d
be there without the “Amish pause”. They don’t say they’ll do something unless
they can keep their word. I don’t know if it was their great love for ice
cream, or the fact that after supper, the day is pretty much open. Well, when
you get up at four in the morning, it should be. </div>
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I’ll always be an Amish seeker at heart, trying to
glean what I can from their cultures. A simple cake along with ice cream is all
that’s needed. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ayxWIG4_yX8RSpAF0H6HHhAMQjgaupXpka_8RBix_QA9CurcC-YBnpTlkDuqw4Wj7VIvgWOcVRc1DhWWBHZDiOAHLhYrYvhyphenhyphentX1hZKrrK_t95w8MPJLdq_MuPXXEzRz6CuNBqLHaWcY/s1600/DSC_0588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ayxWIG4_yX8RSpAF0H6HHhAMQjgaupXpka_8RBix_QA9CurcC-YBnpTlkDuqw4Wj7VIvgWOcVRc1DhWWBHZDiOAHLhYrYvhyphenhyphentX1hZKrrK_t95w8MPJLdq_MuPXXEzRz6CuNBqLHaWcY/s1600/DSC_0588.JPG" height="640" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's 1960s cake pan. I used it to make my granddaughter a birthday cake. <br />
Passing down memories (and pans that actually hold up! ;) </td></tr>
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Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-5481605649619114482015-03-16T11:01:00.000-07:002015-03-16T11:01:30.581-07:00Do the Amish pay taxes? <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; page-break-before: auto;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“I pay school tax and our <i>kinner</i> don’t even go to public school,” is a common gripe among the
Amish. “We pay two school taxes, one for public and one for our own one-room
schoolhouses <i>and</i> the teachers’ pay.” If
you ever want to hear an Amish person talk fast, just ask about taxes. You’ll
see how spirited they can get. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The notion that Amish don’t pay taxes is a pet peeve
among them. They never want to be accused of mooching off of anyone, paying
their fair share. They pay all taxes except social security, and here’s the
rub. Our government agreed to them not paying social security because they have
a good track record of taking care of their elderly. It’s on religious grounds,
but I wonder why other Christians can’t do the same. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I went to a funeral a month ago for a dear friend who
suffered a stroke at 72 and for the next ten years his wife refused to put him
in a nursing home, taking care of him herself, along with help from family.
This is a bunny trail away from what the Amish pay in taxes, but there are more
and more Americans taking care of their elderly. Maybe there needs to be a
revision in what we pay into social security if we sign a paper stating we’ll
take care of our own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I lived in Ellington, NY, people would complain
that the Amish don’t pay taxes but get all the benefits: paved roads, bridges,
telephone lines to their phone shanties. I believed this at first, but then I
asked Amish friends and oh boy do they get fired up. The Amish pay taxes for
all infrastructure needs…cough, couch…electric lines they don’t use…but they
don’t have to pay for social security. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On this blog I sometimes mention Noah, a young man in
this 30’s now who helped remodel our house and practically lived with us for
two months. Well, he’s trying to move back to Smicksburg because his land taxes
went up in New York. Yes, the Amish can
lose their farms and homes like anyone else if taxes aren't paid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, if anyone accuses “those Amish” people of having
it so easy, being able to live off the grid because of no taxes, well, you can
defend them. I think people are so spitting mad about how much we pay for taxes
in America they want to blame someone, and unfortunately, it’s sometimes the Amish.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAHv2Vn0oukmfn1xopAmHouSt9J-wqseGFJB-3_omqGRjARajrm4aynXvctmQlhRYRdnTAYc1NHRmWIxdl5SKlq1zvbWQwfFno7SSmA-mY9FlFUs_e3tj46D6YbqOXZGUvEh7wzZPvrE/s1600/Amish+quilt+shop+kara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAHv2Vn0oukmfn1xopAmHouSt9J-wqseGFJB-3_omqGRjARajrm4aynXvctmQlhRYRdnTAYc1NHRmWIxdl5SKlq1zvbWQwfFno7SSmA-mY9FlFUs_e3tj46D6YbqOXZGUvEh7wzZPvrE/s1600/Amish+quilt+shop+kara.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fannie's quilt shop in Smicksburg helps make ends meet. <i>Jah</i>, they have a tax bills to pay. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2lEW_80sVO97Vw_xLhweROQ8nq2dUS7B8RKk-6H10dhV599zbdzUFmT5mJRp87ftK_qB1M3Czogo7k5HVLd8kk1NS9pDa9oT9fELYVJ9VN1SIMvzh3EZ3t2r08aCdQG3wsGvTckgwVU/s1600/Amish+Kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2lEW_80sVO97Vw_xLhweROQ8nq2dUS7B8RKk-6H10dhV599zbdzUFmT5mJRp87ftK_qB1M3Czogo7k5HVLd8kk1NS9pDa9oT9fELYVJ9VN1SIMvzh3EZ3t2r08aCdQG3wsGvTckgwVU/s1600/Amish+Kids.jpg" height="400" width="386" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Amish children walking home from the one-room schoolhouse their parents pay for along with the teacher's salary.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-S2ym86Bj3yqnKQZ2BVVi5YGWm9nn4M671Jmqa7eNc0egoTXahuNSDoxzqxwoVL4bnlfD-qxJtmT0fuiiKuznbx5wEZrzFiNzVFCL_7zTdxFpgz60aCynMTjDTQjOTvKlcolNHOCmhtc/s1600/Amish+with+Umbrella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-S2ym86Bj3yqnKQZ2BVVi5YGWm9nn4M671Jmqa7eNc0egoTXahuNSDoxzqxwoVL4bnlfD-qxJtmT0fuiiKuznbx5wEZrzFiNzVFCL_7zTdxFpgz60aCynMTjDTQjOTvKlcolNHOCmhtc/s1600/Amish+with+Umbrella.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Amish men enjoying the roads free from pot holes, at least for a while, with the help of their tax money.</span></td></tr>
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Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-83600479874730773502014-07-03T11:38:00.002-07:002014-07-03T11:38:45.211-07:00The Amish man who reads 200 books a year and runs an antique mall
<span style="font-family: Garamond;">My jaw dropped when I met Leander Yoder yesterday.
More like scraping it off the floor. This middle-aged Amish man, Old Order
Amish man, has a thing for Apple. Not an apple from a bushel, but the Apple
phone. My daughter, Karamarie, started to agree with how awesome the company
Apple is and Leander said he knows all about the marketing, reads marketing
books all the time. (I kept staring at his cell phone) “Oh, I love Dale
Carnegie’s book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">How to
Win Friends and Influence People. </span></i><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I read it 16 times last year. I love
John Maxwell, too.” <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">I seriously could not keep up mentally with
this man as he went on and on about things I didn’t think Old Order Amish people
had or did. “Leander, can we back up to the Apple phone?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">“Oh, I have two.” He grabbed one out of his
pocket. “He tapped the yellow gadget on his belt. “This is my walkie-talkie.
Use it when off work. I can only use a cell phone during business hours.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">I’d heard this from other Old Order Amish,
but never had an Amish man so open and animated. He told us how his large “Antique
Mall” was run. He rents out spaces to vendors. His family orders merchandise
that you can actually see clearly. Why? He has electricity in the store run off
of solar panels and a generator. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">“I have a passion for running a business,”
he said. “It’s my gift. I can’t get enough of it.” Actually, I travel and teach
the English how to run businesses. (Now I’m fainting) How does he do this? I
understand why he does, as the Amish are super entrepreneurs, but how does he
get contacts? On the internet. You can put me on your blog. I advertise to the
Englishers?” He whips out his business card. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reads, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life
Leadership. </i>He wanted me to put his contact info up on my blog so people
could contact him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">“Wait, Leander,” I said, “you’re Amish and
can’t fly in a plane, right? What is someone in California wants you to come
teach a seminar?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">“We can’t fly? Oh, I didn’t know that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">Okay, now I’m laughing hysterically,
emotions all over the place. “Leander, are you Older Order Amish? I know enough
Amish in Smicksburg, not too far away, and they can’t fly.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">He paused. He did have the Amish pause, as
they measure their words carefully. “Every church district is different, you
know. And things are changing. I can ask permission to fly. I doubt I’ll be
allowed, but they’re so no one size fits all.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kind of changed the subject by saying, “I
usually do local, Greater Pittsburgh Area and Western PA. How about you come to
my house for dinner sometime and I can explain it all. Answer all your
questions.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">“Yes, Leander, I’ll take you up on that
because I have so many!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">What impressed me so much about Leander and
his whole family was the service, friendliness, (I could take pictures in the
store and it was hard not to get an Amish face) and his love for books. He ran
over to the store book section and gave me two. “You need to read these. Best
books around.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">He said that in his family at night, you
can hear a pin drop. They’re all reading. “When you come to my house, I’ll show
you all my books. It’s ridiculous how many I have, but I love to read. We only
go to the 8<sup>th</sup> grade you know, and after that, you learn anything you
want on your own.”<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Garamond;">“Yes!” I exclaimed. “As a former teacher, I
agree wholeheartedly. It’s one of the reasons I homeschooled my kids.” (That’s
for another blog) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Here are some pictures of Yoder Antique
Mall located at </span><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">14342</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pennsylvania 36, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. (He’s on Google
Plus for more info) </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #222222; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">If you’re taking a road trip this July 4<sup>th</sup>
weekend, stop in. They have a restaurant that has the best ice-cream and their
food portions are double the norm. My daughter and I plan drive the hour long
haul to get groceries once a month. Their prices are at least half the cost of
other stores. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvlMtaSqGJh9e6o1fgLNcmRbj0W9MB_Hr-JI3OEMtgLtwftf5dB67j1jO-1Swz65lFb2hh0UIdUHAduvmBjaIP8WLlwRTPV-2qaFV7g5RwrRA9pG8sRYBcssH0tqkD6KTT8adLIwBVpg/s1600/Yoder+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvlMtaSqGJh9e6o1fgLNcmRbj0W9MB_Hr-JI3OEMtgLtwftf5dB67j1jO-1Swz65lFb2hh0UIdUHAduvmBjaIP8WLlwRTPV-2qaFV7g5RwrRA9pG8sRYBcssH0tqkD6KTT8adLIwBVpg/s1600/Yoder+1.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A book Leander gave me to read.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsKTEtbwUNaV5UUZFd724YojG7Srwh6lT2OcBDKAmwUVEMKFZDPqcFbNg3z6dYuC7mCT-a-w5B32zqym3f7BIaJ5DLegB8ZQtfs47yBTE7nL-hilKWFPO-Dqn7AbLis2knRrlWgk1tRY/s1600/Yoder+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsKTEtbwUNaV5UUZFd724YojG7Srwh6lT2OcBDKAmwUVEMKFZDPqcFbNg3z6dYuC7mCT-a-w5B32zqym3f7BIaJ5DLegB8ZQtfs47yBTE7nL-hilKWFPO-Dqn7AbLis2knRrlWgk1tRY/s1600/Yoder+2.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leander's walkie-talkie </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLAYJZj9idhfD3lML04kimTjlpMa_lTF3jFgQghClSPko-ZjYm2Aw98jNEi0xQoNJa3Ok1odryMXoxtHCWoGoWekzFc2W1kJakjrL3IrDmui7mDNk6CCfwKQH5GFN3H0y0_nW3N0EL_c/s1600/Yoder+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLAYJZj9idhfD3lML04kimTjlpMa_lTF3jFgQghClSPko-ZjYm2Aw98jNEi0xQoNJa3Ok1odryMXoxtHCWoGoWekzFc2W1kJakjrL3IrDmui7mDNk6CCfwKQH5GFN3H0y0_nW3N0EL_c/s1600/Yoder+3.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daughter Karamarie, at 7 months pregnant enjoying ice cream from the snack bar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuiF2wPUjp3grW0mRXGGQ__eHSAhoM2npvD5PK3esXbjMNcuZ8r1H44YclxHx12NDMhHAmc1cOuamFmwrN8xpdi9pmmMbSAx7QoNn3t_HRAXwfuSDE58Z_m5Y-6Lvep4Aw2NbEmtqsF4/s1600/Yoder+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuiF2wPUjp3grW0mRXGGQ__eHSAhoM2npvD5PK3esXbjMNcuZ8r1H44YclxHx12NDMhHAmc1cOuamFmwrN8xpdi9pmmMbSAx7QoNn3t_HRAXwfuSDE58Z_m5Y-6Lvep4Aw2NbEmtqsF4/s1600/Yoder+4.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade purses</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSEoEJLH8-EUDY7FCaFJIU3a4a1CYaxBQPOdvojeYVTT9bhPA2yk1iP-whKcrKiwwm9PnA2B4u72T8nivPaDM9k0tOLMEgCKXkb5Vh2MDQWYP7VlSV_9vCXFMRoo_e8UGweWq52XjyhQ/s1600/Yoder+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSEoEJLH8-EUDY7FCaFJIU3a4a1CYaxBQPOdvojeYVTT9bhPA2yk1iP-whKcrKiwwm9PnA2B4u72T8nivPaDM9k0tOLMEgCKXkb5Vh2MDQWYP7VlSV_9vCXFMRoo_e8UGweWq52XjyhQ/s1600/Yoder+6.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amish ring up customer at the check out line.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzibRBHupqvXV4KWz3WrjXWUDKvDFN8gBFK6fTr_H_dOqMP26Ph3EVrtSNR-_TfUwrYxekFqbMSVI2FuvhpY5wMm86wbPAXHnkX4B-R7VKu_QQhx7fGk_w5W0gJ0PN2ZAHpshxuKrm-ys/s1600/Yoder+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzibRBHupqvXV4KWz3WrjXWUDKvDFN8gBFK6fTr_H_dOqMP26Ph3EVrtSNR-_TfUwrYxekFqbMSVI2FuvhpY5wMm86wbPAXHnkX4B-R7VKu_QQhx7fGk_w5W0gJ0PN2ZAHpshxuKrm-ys/s1600/Yoder+7.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spin and span clean. Notice the electric lighting! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzanne Woods Fisher's books in the store. Had to take this pic for my friend. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP0ROdIWdgzqDUu8njLh8S6ttgTABN6Y__3e-F0jEDqVymPXgk9271WkrA-QdUJ4ZgtPix4HIgNnbsrALD8aVKhnKpELXTeM8glMo8PJP6R5oPcl4Ae-7f3HmuwiTDJVgkGy4Okeu4bc/s1600/Yoder+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP0ROdIWdgzqDUu8njLh8S6ttgTABN6Y__3e-F0jEDqVymPXgk9271WkrA-QdUJ4ZgtPix4HIgNnbsrALD8aVKhnKpELXTeM8glMo8PJP6R5oPcl4Ae-7f3HmuwiTDJVgkGy4Okeu4bc/s1600/Yoder+14.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big sign that you can't miss! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOef3-XaZTZzAeJPI0R_naQJOV3SxBHmbmLEXCY0iCPsIXFBJfIPLp_LOrwlHPqGewaChV6wiLwBBePgDA0YNdtq-4qluNI9TtlrOlGgENFCf7JGnvf-tbYPlMrEy89n-_xWClslQqS3M/s1600/Yoders+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOef3-XaZTZzAeJPI0R_naQJOV3SxBHmbmLEXCY0iCPsIXFBJfIPLp_LOrwlHPqGewaChV6wiLwBBePgDA0YNdtq-4qluNI9TtlrOlGgENFCf7JGnvf-tbYPlMrEy89n-_xWClslQqS3M/s1600/Yoders+10.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old fashioned toys Amish children can play with since no electronic gadgets allowed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtxv33aYVeyIqzfTG81aEjOW4ODTCO5mvQxKhHgLrGDk7EiCpjSIcwq3Ub6nCT1QtTL4h-TM2YR64qS_ttL5wM7Na09Llso9sEwWbKxlb6NaAgzyBPHG9rcoZO7psjtOvJamNcL0Vy8I/s1600/Yoder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtxv33aYVeyIqzfTG81aEjOW4ODTCO5mvQxKhHgLrGDk7EiCpjSIcwq3Ub6nCT1QtTL4h-TM2YR64qS_ttL5wM7Na09Llso9sEwWbKxlb6NaAgzyBPHG9rcoZO7psjtOvJamNcL0Vy8I/s1600/Yoder.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, herbs, vitamin and minerals the Amish are so big on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmM8drlKFTqW6O0kjcXkq3wkWvpYZRdD5xDDY-cMK7TXRdFbZ91U_DjEDRpSgC1CKrWc8Q13xnXb-vRFoPd7UinUuHr0SapWaeogoZ8hQpjoVhwzH06YLK1omrXi2YbXQnrnxMNKMNPkY/s1600/Yoder+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq96z2x35ym00GUfXFBs92AS5d54LxIe_yhvWkKBuuaXl-6upQfv4vPUq8ZrnSK2b9e9X7YwgPuOvGPK5Xu4HyW1sS2FU3OaoYDF0q54VhNvWXoVEuCvLNUz7bAn6TK-kF9CkZ88ViwJo/s1600/Yoder+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq96z2x35ym00GUfXFBs92AS5d54LxIe_yhvWkKBuuaXl-6upQfv4vPUq8ZrnSK2b9e9X7YwgPuOvGPK5Xu4HyW1sS2FU3OaoYDF0q54VhNvWXoVEuCvLNUz7bAn6TK-kF9CkZ88ViwJo/s1600/Yoder+12.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life with Lily books by friends Maryann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher. Fine reading for Amish children. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7S8dYuww9pF2mfbs8C8_9D6XFoMfBtlBIx0Enq3g1V9b3y-wPVwgVIJiqbNmOitPDkRBDwglrTzxrfRfH6Ipa1-sNljTEbysO05WWh4ORTa3dE9cxpKEMKNEI4_HEaIz8GyfXgHR-Ng/s1600/Yoder+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7S8dYuww9pF2mfbs8C8_9D6XFoMfBtlBIx0Enq3g1V9b3y-wPVwgVIJiqbNmOitPDkRBDwglrTzxrfRfH6Ipa1-sNljTEbysO05WWh4ORTa3dE9cxpKEMKNEI4_HEaIz8GyfXgHR-Ng/s1600/Yoder+11.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The corner cabinet I gawked at! Cherry wood! Love the Amish rag rugs, too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NQaUyFiOHe_jRbA8fmMWwACY5r-OJqCAo1K3NA8djEDa8xAxPvSwJsEdu3GuypaG84iL9WTLBDsLob6IL9XAP1lh6xrTncWzQgFNDQ3UBzeVRAa0gte-EQ-B1lKroyZCBNmiFpeN0C8/s1600/kara+shower+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Garamond;"> </span></o:p></div>
Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-91056432943639946102014-05-30T08:11:00.000-07:002014-05-30T08:11:02.550-07:00Do the Amish go to the doctors or depend only on herbal medicine and natural remedies?<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; page-break-before: auto;">
There’s a
misconception that the Amish shy away from medical treatment by a real medical
doctor. I’ve heard people cluck their tongues and say the Amish don’t get their
kids vaccinated. They are shocked to see Amish in hospitals. </div>
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I believe
the view that the Amish erect a wall away from Outsiders is the cause of this
misunderstanding. The “Little House on the Prairie” syndrome, as I call it,
that the Amish live like pioneers is another view that fuels such notions. </div>
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The Amish
do get their children vaccinated. The study done concerning vaccinations
causing autism was blown away because there isn’t a case of autism among the
Amish (as of this date). When it was discovered that the Amish do get childhood
vaccinations, the fear of vaccinations seemed to decrease. But how could a
study be done on an assumption? Why didn’t scientist just ask Amish settlements
if their children were vaccinated? Again, that invisible wall people erect that
the Amish don’t speak to Outsiders hinders us from getting to know them. Seriously,
many love to chat with people not of their faith. </div>
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Herbal
medicine seems to be something they do try first though. I believe they can
teach us a lot. Amish herbalists are always reading, going to seminars if they
can, and like everything back to nature. Jethro Kloss’ book written in the late
1800’s, <i>Back to Eden</i>, is found in
many Amish homes. A People who are tied to the earth seem to go their first for
medicine. Information is handed down from generation to generations. If some
tincture or supplement doesn’t work, they don’t run to the doctor. Most likely
it’s something simple like…chicken soup and staying in bed. </div>
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I have a
friend, Mike Yee, who I call Mike Lee in my books. He’s a real EMT who flies
out in a helicopter to Amish in Western Pennsylvania. They do call for an
emergency ride to Pittsburgh…in cash. I couldn’t believe it. It’s 2K for a
flight. The community pays for it, not individual families. This impressed me. </div>
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Most
Amish ask an English (non-Amish) driver to take them to the doctors. They
accept any medical treatments, including blood transfusions and organ
transplants. I remember when an Amish crew was working on our house and a call
came in for Mose. (Not Moses, just Mose). His father had a stroke and was
called into the Indiana Memorial Hospital. I drove him out and family was there
to meet him. They had decisions to make, papers to sign, etc. just like any
other patient. </div>
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I have to
say that I’m an avid believer in herbal medicine. It saved my life when I had
Lyme Disease. There’s a doctor in Smicksburg, PA who was so knowledgeable on
herbs and minerals, it was fun just to watch him. I took many up to ask “Dr.
Dan” for help after modern medicine gave them no cure. I went up one time, my
wrist and arms in pain. With a skip in his step and a grin, he ran from around
the counter, grabbed a bottle and handed it to me. “You’ll be pain free in a
few days,” Dan said. And I was. </div>
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Herbal
doctors can be male or female. A female herbalist gave me a recipe for “brain
food.” It’s for teenagers to “feed their brains.” I’m laughing as I write this
because how many teens do you know that need something to stabilize hormones or
whatnot. ;) </div>
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I’m
writing a series showing herbal medicine among the Amish to educate and to shed
light on misconceptions concerning herbalists. They are not pow-wow doctors.
Actually, this insults them. They don’t use voodoo or any such nonsense. They
go purely by medicine, are self educated but many do attend medical seminars,
and when someone puts their lives in their hands, confident. A woman went to
Dr. Dan with incurable cancer and through his many cleanses and regiment of
herbs, minerals and vitamins, she was cured. </div>
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If you’d
like to “see” the inside of an Amish herb shop and how they interact with
medical doctors and naturopaths, grab a copy of my new Amish Herb Shop Series.
Each 120 some pages book will inform you greatly. I don’t push my writing on
people, but I do want to educate people about how intelligent and open to
change the Amish really are. </div>
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Blessings
;) </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="page-break-before: auto; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Herbalists-Daughter-Amish-Herb-Romance-ebook/dp/B00KN4SVZ4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401462450&sr=1-1&keywords=herbalist+daughter" target="_blank">Herbalist Daughter can be bought by clicking here</a></div>
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Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-54862160875002574262014-04-15T10:58:00.000-07:002014-04-15T10:58:46.852-07:00Do the Amish go on strike? Walk off the job? <div class="MsoNormal">
Today I saw Amish friends who are construction workers. They’re
excited about their new business making tiny houses. The Tiny House Movement is
sweeping the USA as a sort of protest against McMansions; it’s a counter-cultural
shift. The 1980’s was the decade of “BIGness” and now the paradigm shift is
</div>
towards “smallness.” <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My daughter and I told the Amish how much a typical tiny
house completely finished would cost: $40,000.00. They felt that they could
beat the cost by using their own sawmills and wood. We ordered them a book on
tiny house construction and floor plans, which includes sources to buy all
necessary appliances. My daughter joked with them that they should get old-fashioned
Ben Franklin pot belly stoves and make the interior look like an Amish house.
At first we all laughed and then…light bulb. What a great idea. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But this business is being started due to Amish crews
walking off their construction jobs since they were being paid substantially
lower than non-Amish, what they call “the English” or “Yankees.” The Amish turn
the other cheek, but they’re not pushovers. They believe in justice, fair pay
for their hard work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In starting their own business building tiny houses, Joe
quit his job that took him away from his home and he started a sawmill on his
land. Along with his dad and a brother-in-law they’ll make tiny houses. When
they found out that their competition was selling these little 300 square feet
houses for 40K they gawked. I thought they were mentally counting money, but
they weren’t. They simply said, “We’ll sell them at a fair price, not that
high.” </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, <i>fair</i> pay and <i>fair</i> prices are at the core of an Amish
word ethic. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdslMGCEDk5i9NQCwFI9B3xthU9T7q6sn39oZW5Hxyem8lK1ilEABFits8xzLufpZZz7tFjlOXvZBRRZN5Oj0La57W8CjqQPboiDQBwjJ7sDvN-89rxsYkqgcWdAOVHiCO94ls1xCGIw/s1600/tinyhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdslMGCEDk5i9NQCwFI9B3xthU9T7q6sn39oZW5Hxyem8lK1ilEABFits8xzLufpZZz7tFjlOXvZBRRZN5Oj0La57W8CjqQPboiDQBwjJ7sDvN-89rxsYkqgcWdAOVHiCO94ls1xCGIw/s1600/tinyhouse.jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look for Amish built tiny houses at a fair price soon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m thrilled that they walked off their jobs because fair
pay wasn't given. It turned out for the best. They have a skip in their steps
about being able to stay home and start this fascinating new business. And our
family owns Thrifty Christian Shopper, an online store, and we’ll be able to
use the internet to take orders. Our payment? A tiny house! I want one so
badly. But I don’t want an Amish style one, but Victorian with gingerbread trim
;) </div>
Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-28831091092211744002014-04-10T09:16:00.000-07:002014-04-10T09:16:23.280-07:00Franklin Regional strong in community; a school that brings hope<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This blog is about Amish life, but it also underscores the
fact that you don’t have to be Amish to have community and hope. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
My fifteen year old nephew was absent from high school the
day of the stabbing assault at Franklin Regional. He said he’s angry that his
school will be viewed in a negative light. On the contrary; reports coming in
have shown students who care, laying down their lives if necessary, and there
is no grater love or sacrifice. Students shielded friends, or stayed in the
path of danger to apply pressure to stop bleeding goes against the grain to “RUN!”
But these students, when in danger, did what they’d be taught by parents and
teachers, lessons not learned overnight. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Another compassionate response was from the father of the assailant.
Stopped by reporters in front yard, you could see the man was distraught, but
he turned and said how sorry he was and that his prayers are with the victims. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Stories coming out of Franklin Regional are more like Nickel
Mines Amish school shootings. An Amish reaction is to pause and then act. Some call it
the “Amish pause.” Think before you act. But it’s a Biblical response: </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Understand this, my
dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and
slow to get angry.</i> (James 1:19 NLT) </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Churches in Murrysville responded, ministers
there to provide pastoral counseling, candlelight services, prayers…yes, these
students had the spiritual help that made them strong before the day of tragedy
and now support to recover.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
My nephew was in a Franklin play recently: Guys and Dolls. The
students were so polite, the acting, dancing, singing so incredible, community
involvement unmatched, my husband said afterwards: “Franklin students give me
hope for the future of this country.” I agreed. Hard workings, team players are
what I saw at the play. Caring teachers, parent involvement from selling Candy
Grams to helping with props. It all shouted out COMMUNITY! </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
A tragedy like this can happen in any community. We can
learn a lot from the students, teachers, parents, and local churches at Franklin
Regional. </div>
<br />
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I sang this song proudly in high school in the 70’s.
Franklin Regional’s Alma Mater is being sung now with greater pride in their community.
</div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Alma Mater, true and
glorious, let thy flag of wisdom fly.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Billow forth thy pride
victorious, dear old Franklin High.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We will vow our
service to thee, and the strength to reach our goals.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We will honor and
defend thee Franklin High School Blue and Gold. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6PGTDex-iNZMfdrRslWXcJ4mxMwCkOMhx9-wCrTwpEOQM0wWbhTqQ4Q-6VQ9kCPAqNZ_LSUJUK5BC2_fTWRg3MsX70MevjfZ86pIAjUMDKjSi8kTxNJUJm5GbcQ6oC5e7378MHf2t1s/s1600/Franklin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6PGTDex-iNZMfdrRslWXcJ4mxMwCkOMhx9-wCrTwpEOQM0wWbhTqQ4Q-6VQ9kCPAqNZ_LSUJUK5BC2_fTWRg3MsX70MevjfZ86pIAjUMDKjSi8kTxNJUJm5GbcQ6oC5e7378MHf2t1s/s1600/Franklin.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-16382057173867341002014-01-25T12:16:00.000-08:002014-01-25T12:16:36.903-08:00Do the Amish use cell phones?<div class="MsoNormal">
“Text you? Are you serious?” I asked an Amish woman in Ohio.
I want to interview her since she’s an Amish convert, an interesting read for
this blog. But, she hit a nerve. Why? Because the whole issue of using cell
phones is dividing, literally, the Amish in Smicksburg and Amish I know in New
York. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, technology seems to have no boundaries; even toy
cell phones for babies are sold. So I suppose from birth, we’re to know about
cell phones. <i>Gag!</i> I went up to
Smicksburg this past week and somehow I feel cleansed inside, a baptism into a
simpler time, my child-like faith and wonder renewed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What’s happening in this precious small town in Western Pennsylvania,
sixty miles NE of Pittsburgh, is the need to have jobs run by<i> Englishers</i>,
non-Amish. They have to carry a cell phone as a job requirement. Well, many are
moving up to Punxsutawney, some fifteen miles north, where a more liberal
stance is being held on cell phone use. They can use their cell phones on
business hours, but have to turn them off afterwards. Right…I know through the
grapevine some are reading my eBooks on Smartphones. Although I’m honored,
somehow I wish they’d just buy a paperback and be…old-fashioned? I can’t even
describe what I’m trying to say, but cell phones have invaded the Amish in a
way that shocks me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Noah, Joe and Melvin practically lived at our house
while putting on the addition five years ago, they wouldn't use a phone unless it
was attached to a wall. Not even my cordless. So I asked why? (Inside I’m
thinking…”What’s the difference?”) Well, Noah told me privately, due to its
sensitive nature that some Amish were using phones with pictures and looking at
“girly pics” passed around by co-workers on construction jobs. (I wrote about
this issue in my book, <i>Amish Knitting
Circle</i>) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, the Amish are watching those totally fake shows about
them and are very hurt. Some say they have a hard time holding their heads up
in public due to things said on those shows. But their minds wouldn't even be
filled with such pollution if it weren't for cell phones. Their long held view
of persecution, that it’s part of being a “peculiar people” is now being
replaced with shame? How sad. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Amish had many decisions to make around the 1920’s
concerning the automobile. They’re at a similar crossroads now with all the new
technology. I hope they take a stand and keep the outside world at bay, like
they did with television. When I go to Smicksburg, I don’t want conversations interrupted by a text message. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0UH48Jx2EFV-RHM2moUoPpGNGzDqGLqnRuna-1U8XX-JqnoCNYg0Qq9moh3Rq7qwjWiy15_AlFmNVcha_LszZQkEJjHAjQNZCok8Kq9fNZEYCs5_gRn2VOuAA6EIqhrTfp0VdY0JBfg/s1600/Lydias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU0UH48Jx2EFV-RHM2moUoPpGNGzDqGLqnRuna-1U8XX-JqnoCNYg0Qq9moh3Rq7qwjWiy15_AlFmNVcha_LszZQkEJjHAjQNZCok8Kq9fNZEYCs5_gRn2VOuAA6EIqhrTfp0VdY0JBfg/s1600/Lydias.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most viewed picture on Amish Crossings blog. Readers say they love the simplicity and peace in my Amish friend's home. Lydia's place will never be disturbed by a cell phone, a constant in life I value. </td></tr>
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Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-8524649879329967682013-12-13T11:10:00.000-08:002013-12-13T11:10:21.753-08:00Journey towards a peace-filled Christmas 2013
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I woke up this morning, my mind bombarded in rapid
succession by my “to do” list. You know, that list of things that just have to
be done before Christmas Day. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Today, December 13<sup>th</sup>,
my list is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Take down Thanksgiving decorations! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Go to Kmart, 30 miles away, to get that Black
Friday online sale….only 2 left in W. PA and no shipping…have to pick it up <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">today.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Write 2,000 words. Need to finish that novel! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Package gifts for readers like I said I’d do a
few days ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Call _______, __________, & ___________ to
see how they’re doing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">BLOG! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When my mind races like this, usually
going into overdrive around Mid-December, I remember being in the hospital with
pneumonia two years ago…right smack dab in the middle of December. My doctor
chided me that I was too run-down. Moi, yours truly, who preaches in her books
about Amish simplicity? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jah</i>, me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I also remember what I did two
years ago…I slowed down and had a more Amish-like Christmas. I remember Lydia,
my Amish friend, telling me the reason for the season is “just getting together
and having fun”. I didn’t get it at first, but then I did. You can read about it <a href="http://karenannavogel.blogspot.com/2011/12/do-amish-celebrate-christmas.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Amish don’t try to fit in
everything in one day, too, having December 26<sup>th</sup> as Second
Christmas. Then, January 6<sup>th</sup>, Old Christmas, is a fasting day for
reflection. Sometimes they celebrate Christmas in February. Lydia and her
husband couldn’t celebrate Christmas until February because they can’t go to
Montana on the Big Day, December 25<sup>th</sup>. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I think I need more reflection
today, look back at former blog posts when I took having a peace-filled
Christmas to heart. It’s in my head at present, but getting it 18 inches lower
is hard.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_UuahqRKvap28Mw0KICFFsF6hTyfm4Eb2Xoc7OtdTeua2lSPK3vDVtI7oD35y9CMcJaFQK0gvPJDqtobHY4vIBH8xLBFOWHuSlCTdT7ognNzfpG5MgbatfuIwKjlxC73tJ1I68oAA_c/s1600/Fagans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_UuahqRKvap28Mw0KICFFsF6hTyfm4Eb2Xoc7OtdTeua2lSPK3vDVtI7oD35y9CMcJaFQK0gvPJDqtobHY4vIBH8xLBFOWHuSlCTdT7ognNzfpG5MgbatfuIwKjlxC73tJ1I68oAA_c/s1600/Fagans.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister, Maria, and her family in a live nativity. A busy woman who owns a business having 35 employees, but knows what's important around the Christmas season. faith, family...getting together and having fun. <br />
</td></tr>
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Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-81224343684400298602013-12-02T12:29:00.000-08:002013-12-02T12:29:08.841-08:00Do Amish children make good workers? A heartwarming story by Adair, a woman who has Amish neighbors.Here's another post by Adair Magee, a woman from Western Pennsylvania who has Amish next-door neighbors. I find her stories very heartwarming. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~*~</div>
<br />
"<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Brad, my son, was coming to visit. He had been
working in New York and was taking a short vacation. I knew he would help me
with my spring yard work, which was a big chore. I hated to have him spend his
whole week off working in my yard. If we had help, it wouldn’t take more than a
day and Brad could have time to relax and visit instead of working the whole
week. I asked my Amish neighbor if her children could come and help. I enjoyed
their company and felt Brad would too.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Monday
morning the Miller children arrived early and were ready to work. I introduced
the workers to Brad. I sensed a bit of skepticism in Brad’s raised eyebrows as
I introduced Susan, 14, Jonas 12, and Jeremiah 10, as his work crew for the
day. Each one stepped forward and shook Brad’s hand as I said their name. Brad
took it in stride and handed Susan a shovel and began giving her instructions
on how to dig a post hole. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Seriously Brad, it is not as though I’ve not dug a
hole before,” Susan remarked with a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ten minute later, as it often happens when you use
old tools, two of the shovel handles broke. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Not to worry,” Susan said. “We have lots of shovels
at the farm. If you drive us there we can get them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The boys and Susan got in the car and we drove to
the Miller’s farm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As we pulled into the driveway, Jonas began speaking
frantically in Dutch. Both boys leaned forwarded and were frantically pointing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Chief is loose,” Susan said so I could understand
why the boys were so excited. Then she ordered, “Adair, drive us to the back of
the barn NOW!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I stepped on the accelerator and pulled through the
field to the back side of the barn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Chief is outside the fence. We need to shoo him
back through the gate. I need to give you directions.” Susan continued in a
rapid commanding tone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped and
the boys jumped out of the car and ran to open a gate to the fenced in area.
Susan led me over to the fence and told me to stand perpendicular to the
opening with my arms outstretched as far as I could. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Just stay right here and trust me, Adair,” she said
as she and the boys took off running to the field beyond where Chief was
contentedly grazing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stood where
she told me with my arms outstretched and watched as Chief, a huge paint
stallion with a black mane and tail, became aware of the children heading
toward him. He lifted up his head, snorted and began running full speed in my
direction. The boys were prompting the horse with commands in Dutch and
Elizabeth was shouting to me, encouraging me to stand firm, stand still.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My heart was beating fast and my mind was racing as
Chief came barreling toward me. I wondered if they really knew what they were
doing. I heard the sound of Chief’s heavy breathing and his hoofs rapidly
hitting the ground as he was getting closer and closer to me. When he was just
a few yards from me he turned and went in through the opening in the fence. I
swear I felt the tips of his mane and tail brush my face as he passed by me. I
was impressed by the way the children had handled getting Chief back into his
pasture. They did it with movement and encouraging words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The children cheered as they pushed the huge gate
shut and secured it. Chief pranced back and forth shaking his head, and I think
he was even smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We got the shovels and when we were back in the car
I ask Susan, “Have you read the book by Monty Robert’s that all the Amish men
are talking about?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Not yet,”
she answered. “My dad has worked with Amish and English horse people. He
believes in positive training and that is what he has taught us. He says it
also works on us,” she said as she turned to look at me and smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When we arrived back at my place, Brad had the yard
tractor out and had several holes started. The three children each grabbed a
shovel and started to work. As we worked, we told Brad of our herding Chief
adventure. I could see that he was impressed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He was also impressed by the way the children worked
diligently all day, each assisting and being assisted, as a team. All in all,
we had a fun work day. Brad met my Amish friend’s children, we finished the
yard work, and Chief was safely returned to his pasture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO9nYqvuSEKMvydxOoYJHNHGLSQllQVDmu5wpbrm4F0asQ5lvkrFj6FJFEj4WwfKi4dYW2ukUJJppFenL1el6a5HsOOrCV7wuctrWcXEbCCKd2PudeYMIG799lsiUidSnZ77m2w7O74o/s1600/Amish+buggy+in+town.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO9nYqvuSEKMvydxOoYJHNHGLSQllQVDmu5wpbrm4F0asQ5lvkrFj6FJFEj4WwfKi4dYW2ukUJJppFenL1el6a5HsOOrCV7wuctrWcXEbCCKd2PudeYMIG799lsiUidSnZ77m2w7O74o/s320/Amish+buggy+in+town.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Amish buggy in downtown Smicksburg, PA </div>
Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-11619391529983080122013-11-26T08:56:00.001-08:002013-11-26T08:56:31.693-08:00Do the Amish treat their horses like family? Breaking the myth that the Amish are backwards...
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">It appears that many didn't believe <a href="http://karenannavogel.blogspot.com/2013/11/what-happens-when-amish-horses-are.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Adair's story</span></a> about how the Amish united to help a family
treat their horse better. Well, it's not surprising, as our culture has little
community. That's what the post really portrayed, the Amish community coming
together to help out a member financially and to correct/educate their views on
animal care. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">One person said that Mary Miller was the only
Amish woman who cared for horses? Really? This stereotyping of the Amish really
isn't fair. Let me tell you about Joe and his horse.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">My daughter, Karamarie, and I visited quite a
few Amish in Smicksburg a month back. We stopped in to see Joe, a young man of
25 who has a three <em>kinner </em>(kids). He's just a gentle soul, plain and
simple. We've been doing business with Joe (construction) and we had a business
idea for him. It would allow him to work from home. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">"I'd really feel better being
home," he said. "I don't like leaving my wife and kids...and horses
alone all day...." <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Horses? In the same sentence as wife and children? Really? I probed, as usual. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">He went on to say that his favorite horse got
loose when he was at work miles away. His Amish neighbors tried to lasso the
horse, but it stepped into a rut somehow, breaking its leg. "I've never
had a horse like that one, and if I was home, it wouldn't have happened,"
Joe said.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I was going to ask him things how would have been
different if he was home, and then thought of when he and Noah (who I call my
Amish son) lassoed my neighbor's horse when it got loose. Noah got a rope,
swung it in a circle which then gracefully fell over the horses' neck. He was like Michael Landon on Ponderosa, and my
daughter, a teen at the time, blurted out, "Amish men are <em>real</em> men!" (I used her crush on Noah in my book, <em>Knit Together</em>) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">So, if Joe has a home business, he would have lassoed his horse, keeping
it from harm. In Western Pennsylvania, we have many of ruts in the ground, due
to a long freezing and thawing season, expanding the ground. So a horse let
out on uncharted territory can be dangerous. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">But Joe's love for horses probably started as
a little child. The Amish I know breed miniature horses, and they ride them in
pony carts. (I want one for my granddaughter) All the talk about how backwards
the Amish are, fueled by some new “reality” shows about them, really makes me
sad. I can’t say it any plainer. I also hear it locally, too. People who know I
write about the Amish just have to tell me a story…one that bashes them. “Do
you know how deprived ONE Amish teen feels?” Well, that’s one person, and one
person doesn’t represent a complete culture, because I know many Amish teens who thank the dear Lord above they're Amish. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">(I will now get off my soapbox) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKIcWTz21ycp6NxCRgWggnjB9PRhHl8h3VIYMTuMk-vkESSrHZWbwyALJY9Ick98LsKow65yR4vCGYmKwgGZw8I7R5I0G7pYtWF2owT1GIMBmzH36LDclK9mtCC1rwnLNM6uGp1gttrM/s1600/pony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKIcWTz21ycp6NxCRgWggnjB9PRhHl8h3VIYMTuMk-vkESSrHZWbwyALJY9Ick98LsKow65yR4vCGYmKwgGZw8I7R5I0G7pYtWF2owT1GIMBmzH36LDclK9mtCC1rwnLNM6uGp1gttrM/s320/pony.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A little Amish boy in Smicksburg riding his pony cart. </div>
Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-45322707783841281622013-11-21T09:56:00.000-08:002013-11-21T09:56:37.026-08:00What happens when Amish horses are abused?
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<o:p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am thrilled to introduce you to someone who has a unique view into Amish life, since she has Amish neighbors in Western Pennsylvania. <span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;">Adair McGee is a self-employed artist and animal rights activist will be giving us a bird-eye view into Amish homes and lives by sharing heartwarming stories. She's a complete God-send and a real asset to this blog.</span> </span></span></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p><span style="color: black;">Being an animal lover, she chose to write about horses in her first post. She's seen the good and ugly concerning horse care among the Amish. But you'll be surprised by her story how it's dealt with. Enjoy. </span></o:p></span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> ~*~</span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Courier New"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: blue;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mary Miller, my Amish neighbor and I had
been talking about Christmas. It was a tough year for her. She and her family
had not been having a good year. Medical bills were eating up any spare
dollar they had. Mary, in her </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">best planning mode was making lists of items she would like to
give her children and husband for Christmas. Knowing that she would need to pay
a driver to take her to the local shopping mall, I invited her to come with my friend Shelly and me to shop at a larger discount mall in the city. I was sure
she could find her items at better prices.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shelly, an herbalist,
grooming teacher and pet trainer, was home visiting from Florida and I was sure
she would enjoy finally meeting Mary. Mary was interested in the use of herbs
and welcomed the opportunity to meet Shelly. Each of the women had heard my
stories about the other for years.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We had a surprise snow storm overnight but
decided to head out anyway. We arrive at the mall to sunshine and melting snow.
At the mall we decided to each go our own way and to meet back at the entrance
at 3:00 p.m.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mary enjoyed the freedom of browsing from,
store-to-store and really price shopping. I gave her spare key to the car so
she could unload if she had to. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we entered the mall, Mary asked,
"Where are the rest rooms?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> S<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">helly and I replied in
unison, "Right beside the fitting rooms". <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Please point ladies,” Mary responded,
“I've not tried on anything lately."<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the way home Mary said there was only one
thing on her list that she could not afford. It was a book by Monty Roberts.
All the Amish were talking about this man and how he trained his horses. I told
her I could look for it on Amazon, the internet distributor of new and used
books at reduced prices. Mary gave me the title. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The author was an easy find however the title
was his latest release and was still listed at full price. I noticed the next
book selection by the same author entitled “Horse Sense for People,” was only
five dollars. I called Mary and told her what I had found. She could not afford
the newest release. She chose to buy the five dollar book knowing her husband
Joe would enjoy any horse book, and considered it a lucky find.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I took the book to Mary as soon as
it arrived. I knew she was a fast reader. I felt she would have it read before
it was wrapped. And I was right. <br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Several days later Mary called and asked me to come over so she could tell me
about Monty Roberts. She and I talked about books all the time but I never
heard such excitement in her voice. <br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I went right over.<br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> When I walked in the sliding door, she motioned for me to come into the dining
room. She picked up the book with both hands and held it up for me to see
saying, "Adair, this is one of the best book's I have ever read. This book
teaches us that animals are God’s gift to man. They have feelings and will
respond to love much quicker than a whip. This book is the best five dollars I
ever spent." <br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I was surprised and suddenly aware of the profound effect words could have and
how the words of Monty Roberts were already influencing Mary.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As an animal activist I
saw in action what I had known, awareness is the key to improving conditions
for animals. If this book so strongly affected Mary, I knew it would be a great
Christmas gift for Joe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not only was the book appreciated by the
Millers but the principles it espoused were put to a test a few weeks after
Christmas when Mary and Joe hosted church for the community. In the midst of a
blizzard, when most of the community events were closed or postponed, I heard
the rattle of carts passing my home. The clap, clap sound of horses hooves on
the pavement were muffled by the snow. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On Monday I was even more surprised when I saw
a "new" horse at Mary's. I was on my way home from town and had to back up to
make sure I was seeing correctly. I wondered why the Miller's would buy a
sickly horse. Their horses were always well kept an</span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDz3eiI9nvI43uOPda61_mbCGhe6PHRHqLUCyIij9hmPYeMJim__xi7hMhpvyqKt09C2emkYBCujwGX1jF02PQoWbBydgxQbz5mX3ZN0ZKOcox2oO4nGbQapibjjPV2igDefM90_WsKoY/s1600/Amish+buggy+isolated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">d healthy. I stopped and
went to the house and ask Mary about the new horse.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, it was the horse
of one of the families who came to church. When I saw him I knew he was not
being fed well. I was shocked that they had a horse in such a condition and
that they brought it out in the storm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But I knew one thing, Adair," Mary
continued. "That horse was not leaving this property until it was healthy.
We loaned them one of our horses to get home. <em>And, now we are aware the family
may need help."<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I knew Mary’s family would care for the horse
and when it was healthy return it to the owner. <em>And, I knew their community
would pull together to support the family that was in need.</em> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Helping a friend lead to one bargain priced
book, given as a Christmas present, that was already making a difference in
Mary’s community.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhvJH0AyHPKhmhOFD1LApjBN6yb1eFO2Oy2tvYEoHdxhJTmcjIbk-T0LIaHmTSPGxlJ4Qhr38KWbWHps23Zihs7RJUVTI-7gBKRzaScnr8NgMahwxsl7NCM4GER4I2B1_TA0FcNd550U/s1600/Monty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhvJH0AyHPKhmhOFD1LApjBN6yb1eFO2Oy2tvYEoHdxhJTmcjIbk-T0LIaHmTSPGxlJ4Qhr38KWbWHps23Zihs7RJUVTI-7gBKRzaScnr8NgMahwxsl7NCM4GER4I2B1_TA0FcNd550U/s1600/Monty.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Monty Roberts, a favorite author among the Amish </span></span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="color: black;"> Adair's story shows us the Amish have their problems just like anyone else, but they pull together as a community to lift each other up, helping in practical ways. They also are accountable to each other to change behavior. </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5024717531907322725.post-51542537588074466072013-10-08T10:19:00.000-07:002013-10-08T10:19:06.143-07:00Do the Amish churn their own butter?
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My husband
almost ran off the road, our car swaying, as he belted forth laughter. When
something makes Tim laugh, it’s loud and uncontrollable. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why was Tim
laughing? I told him that someone wrote an Amish romance novel about…sigh….the Amish churning
their own butter. Yes, a man falls for a woman because she tenderly teaches her
siblings how to churn butter, hence, he sees the true woman deep inside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ach, vell</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, what can we do when folks want to
believe the Amish are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little House on the
Prairie</i>? But wait! I think even Ma Ingalls didn’t churn butter, did she? She bought if from Mrs. Olson, right? In exchange for eggs? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bonnet
Books, books with a lady in an Amish bonnet (prayer kapp) situated in a pastoral
setting are selling in record numbers. That leaves lots of room for writers,
pressed by publishing houses to write about the Amish, even if they’ve never
met a single Amish soul. And writers who are called by really Amish sounding
names…pen names….to make the reader think they’re Amish. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, I found
the book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thrill-Anabaptist-Pietist-Studies-ebook/dp/B00BPSHP8G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381249183&sr=8-1&keywords=thrill+of+the+chaste+the+allure+of+amish+romance+novels" target="_blank">Thrill of the Chaste: The Allure of Amish Romance Novels</a></i> more than educational and fair. I highly
recommend it to those who want to read realistic Amish novels. Valerie </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Weaver-Zercher sheds light on
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">goot</i> and not so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">goot</i> bonnet books, calling out authors
by name. This book just had to happen. It’s a tool to help readers decipher if the book is true to Amish life. And to my delight, the book redeems Amish fiction that I contribute to and love, and tells why. But novels need to be based on a factual framework.... and </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">the Amish buy their butter at Wal-Mart,
most likely. ;) </span></div>
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Emma Yoder teaching young Samuel how to churn butter </div>
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on their Amish farm in Lancaster, PA. ...LOL.</div>
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Karen Anna Vogelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14556185760781288692noreply@blogger.com3