LIFE AS IT IS

I first came across the word, Amish, in one of the volumes of Nancy Drew mystery stories series some 20-25 years ago. At that time, I knew nothing about the Amish and who they are. As I became older I read about them on the Internet at various times; I even watched several episodes of a reality TV show called “Breaking Amish” a couple of years ago. In short, the Amish and their lifestyle had intrigued me and I always wanted to see first-hand what the life of these simple people is like. I finally made it last Saturday - we visited The Amish Village in Lancaster county of Pennsylvania. In the Amish Village, one gets to see an authentic Amish farmhouse, a barn with animals, an Amish schoolhouse, Amish buggy, plow, etc. Pennsylvania is the first and oldest Amish settlement in the U.S. It was a fun+educational trip.   Mr. Ed, the horse, in The Amish Village barn. He was so friendly!  The Amish Village.  Buggies and automobiles share narrow country roads. ...

Yesterday, I was at the Pawpaw Folk Festival held in Wilmington, Delaware. There were many folk artists showcasing and selling their handicrafts, which ranged from woodworking, painting, pottery to jewelry and knit & yarn products. The elderly Amish woman in the pictures below was working at her loom - she was looming 100% woolen scarves and towels, which looked and felt so good. She appeared at least 80 years old but she seemed so active and full of life. I talked with her and asked if I could take some photos of hers - she agreed. I dedicate this blog post to all those men and women, who believe that age is just a number. My daughter and I had fun at the festival. I bought a blue stoneware soap dish from a woman named Nettie Green. Her pottery ranged from pots and dishes to kettles, milk pots, mugs, etc. Each item was unique, hand-crafted and painted beautifully in shades like orange, blue, brown, yellow, golden, etc.