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Home from Amish Dutch Country
Shame on me for not keeping up with this blog for the rest of my trip. But, I have a good excuse. While I was in Paradise, I was introduced to some new Amish friends. A wonderful Amish woman attended my book signing. We really hit it off and I liked her very much right away. She took Rene and I for a ride in her buggy after the book signing. I've been in a commercial buggy before, but this was my first time in the 'real thing'. We left at sunset, traveled the back roads through Ronks, and went under one of the covered bridges. Try to get a visual of that. It was fabulous. The entire time, we chatted as if we'd known each other for years. I knew that I had a new friend, and if my trip had ended with that special ride, I'd have been forever thankful to God for putting me in touch with this woman. But there was more.
I'm going to call my new friend Ruth, which is not her real name. These people are very private, and I'd like to be respectful of that. Ruth introduced us to her brother and sister-in-law who live in a big farmhouse on lots of acreage. We showed up rather late at night. I was concerned about that because the Amish usually go to bed around 8:30, and it was pushing 9 p.m. But Ruth assured us that her in laws stay up later than most. Our hosts positioned chairs in a circle in their kitchen, where they had a stand-up propane lamp. We chatted for over an hour. Ruth's in laws were lots of fun, had a great sense of humor, and ultimately invited me to come and stay with them in the fall...for as long as I would like.
I told this charming woman that I would like to 'shadow' her during my time there, to actually live the life -- get up at 4:00, milk the cows, bake, garden, sew, and whatever else her day entails. What a rare and wonderful opportunity that will be. "For as long as I would like" probably means for two to three days. Sadly, that's probably the longest I could be without my laptop.
Prior to our visit with Ruth's brother and sister-in-law, Ruth took us to another farm and showed us where worship service was going to be held the following morning. It was so cool to see the benches all set up for church service the next morning. My friend Barbie said it's very rare to be invited to an Old Order Amish worship service, so when Ruth invited us to attend, I was super honored. Unfortunately for us, we were leaving early the next morning and couldn't go to the service. I'll be looking forward to that on my next trip.
We talked a lot about the books, why I write them, and how important it is to me that I portray their lives and beliefs in an accurate way. It's also very important to them.
I'm getting ready to write Ruth a letter, to thank her for her hospitality, for introducing us to her family, and for the loaf of bread, cookbooks, and fiber balls she sent home with me. Rene didn't care for the fiber balls...which was fine with me, since I loved them. I'll be asking Ruth to send me that recipe, and I'll be sure to share it.
You've all heard me talk about my friend Barbie, who grew up Beachy Amish. She reads the books prior to publication to make sure I'm not 'off' on anything and keeping in line with the Amish ways. Her mother, Anna, also reads the books. Anna grew up Old Order Amish for part of her life, and she is currently Beachy Amish. While I was in Paradise, I met Anna for the first time. She has one of the kindest faces I've ever seen, and a heart to match. A true blessing to spend time with her.
I felt like crying when I left my friend, Barbie, knowing that I wouldn't see her again for a while (hopefully in the fall!). She's very special to me, and I'm sure God put us together for a reason.
Here are some more pictures of my trip. Again, sorry I got distracted and didn't keep up with this blog like I had intended.
Too many pictures to post!! As promised, I brought back lots of handmade Amish goodies to give away. I will be giving away the first item some time this week!
Many Blessings! Beth
I'm going to call my new friend Ruth, which is not her real name. These people are very private, and I'd like to be respectful of that. Ruth introduced us to her brother and sister-in-law who live in a big farmhouse on lots of acreage. We showed up rather late at night. I was concerned about that because the Amish usually go to bed around 8:30, and it was pushing 9 p.m. But Ruth assured us that her in laws stay up later than most. Our hosts positioned chairs in a circle in their kitchen, where they had a stand-up propane lamp. We chatted for over an hour. Ruth's in laws were lots of fun, had a great sense of humor, and ultimately invited me to come and stay with them in the fall...for as long as I would like.
I told this charming woman that I would like to 'shadow' her during my time there, to actually live the life -- get up at 4:00, milk the cows, bake, garden, sew, and whatever else her day entails. What a rare and wonderful opportunity that will be. "For as long as I would like" probably means for two to three days. Sadly, that's probably the longest I could be without my laptop.
Prior to our visit with Ruth's brother and sister-in-law, Ruth took us to another farm and showed us where worship service was going to be held the following morning. It was so cool to see the benches all set up for church service the next morning. My friend Barbie said it's very rare to be invited to an Old Order Amish worship service, so when Ruth invited us to attend, I was super honored. Unfortunately for us, we were leaving early the next morning and couldn't go to the service. I'll be looking forward to that on my next trip.
We talked a lot about the books, why I write them, and how important it is to me that I portray their lives and beliefs in an accurate way. It's also very important to them.
I'm getting ready to write Ruth a letter, to thank her for her hospitality, for introducing us to her family, and for the loaf of bread, cookbooks, and fiber balls she sent home with me. Rene didn't care for the fiber balls...which was fine with me, since I loved them. I'll be asking Ruth to send me that recipe, and I'll be sure to share it.
You've all heard me talk about my friend Barbie, who grew up Beachy Amish. She reads the books prior to publication to make sure I'm not 'off' on anything and keeping in line with the Amish ways. Her mother, Anna, also reads the books. Anna grew up Old Order Amish for part of her life, and she is currently Beachy Amish. While I was in Paradise, I met Anna for the first time. She has one of the kindest faces I've ever seen, and a heart to match. A true blessing to spend time with her.
I felt like crying when I left my friend, Barbie, knowing that I wouldn't see her again for a while (hopefully in the fall!). She's very special to me, and I'm sure God put us together for a reason.
Here are some more pictures of my trip. Again, sorry I got distracted and didn't keep up with this blog like I had intended.
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This picture was taken during our buggy ride. I loved being on the back roads, but I have to tell you... when we got out on the main highway with all the cars, my heart was beating out of my chest! |
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I mention this bookstore in my books. It is owned by an Amish man named David. We chatted, and he said that next time I go to Lancaster County, we will try to have a book signing there. Yay! |
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This is Ruth's wringer washing machine inside her home. |
Too many pictures to post!! As promised, I brought back lots of handmade Amish goodies to give away. I will be giving away the first item some time this week!
Many Blessings! Beth
Posted by Beth Wiseman at 5/27/2009 7:06 AM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: beth wiseman plain pursuit amish dutch country lancaster county
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: beth wiseman plain pursuit amish dutch country lancaster county
Beth, it is so good to know that you are home safely and had such a fantastic trip. When your blogs ended after that day of heavy eating, my first thought was that you and Rene had gotte sick! Then I remembered all you had coming up the next day, with the book signing, and several meals or visits with Amish friends, and I realized that you must have been just too busy "living it" to write about it! What a wonderful experience to get to know Ruth and her family and Barbie's mother, Anna, too! The pictures are great and gave us all a taste of the Amish world. Thanks for sharing!
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Beth,
I am so happy that I can get your personal blog. I receive your blog "Amish Hearts" but for some reason I cannot respond to it. Anyway, I have read Plain Perfect and Plain Pursuit and I LOVE them both. After reading each one I can hardly wait till the next book comes out. I write a synopsis of each book so I can read it before I start your next book. I WOULD LIKE TO BE ENTERED FOR YOUR FIRST GIVE AWAY! THANK YOU! I have been reading Amish books for approximately 3 years and was hoping more authors would start writing them. So I am very excited that you and the other gals on the Amish Hearts Blog are writing Amish stories. Since I have been to Holmes County in Ohio many times, I can relate to your books and see the countryside and the Amish people in my mind. I love to visit the Amish country because of the peacefulness, the shopping, driving on the back roads and of course the FOOD! I also love learning about the Amish and their peaceful ways. We have taken the Back Roads Tour 4 times and have been to places such as a buggy maker, basket maker, home bakery -- baking with kerosene -- yummy, quilt maker -- gorgeous quilts, furniture maker, broom maker, and an Amish farm. In fact, my husband and I will be going to Berlin, Mt. Hope, Kidron, Walnut Creek and Charm, Ohio on June 10 staying at The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast. Just keep those Amish books coming. They are so enjoyable. I feel like I know some of the characters in your books and when I come to the end of the book I really don't want it to end. I am so happy that your books have made it to the top!
~Joan~
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Wow, such an honor to meet Barbie's mother. When we stayed at Beiler's B&B, we watched the video she provided and to see her mother talk on there. Our stay with the Beiler's was short but sweet but I loved talking with Barbie. We discussed my children with medical handicaps and difficulties. Barbie and her family was wonderful to my husband and me.
I really appreciate your books and your blogs.
Thank you!
Blessings,
CarolG
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Beth,
What an honor to get to visit with all those folk, making new and special friends. That sounds like a trip I would truly enjoy. You write in a way that makes us feel as if we're there. I'm sure you can't wait until your next visit. Along your journey, God is putting some wonderful people in your path. Thank you for sharing! Barbara
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It looks sooo pretty. I always wanted to visit the Amish, seeing your pictures (and reading your bookd) help me pretend I was there.
Thanks for posting. Please add more if you have?
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OMG Beth I am so jealous, it sounds like you have some wonderful friends in Pennsylvania... and it sounded like you had so much fun there......they have such a wonderful out look on life that makes me wish I could be more like them.....Thanks a whole bunch for sharing the beautiful pictures.......can't wait for the next book I am so proud of you......keep up the good work......Love ya lots Sista
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Hi Beth, Glad to read that all went well. A new friend you really enjoy is always a wonderful gift. I am gald all went well. I can only imagine your etra luggage with all the goodies you brought back.
Thank you for starting with a cookbook that means more recipes!!!
I copied the title just in case I am not the winner. Then I can look it up online
Thank you for all you have done for US!
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I enjoyed reading about your recent trip to Lancaster. I love going there once a year. I have been to Bird in Hand. It's a lovely area. Enjoying your books and looking forward to the next one.
Sonya Gerhard
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Beth I followed your trip to Amish land and just enjoyed it with you. So glad you meet some women that you became friends with and that you might get to go and stay in one of their homes somtime. I liked the pictures also. Now you are giving away a copy of their cookbook and I sure would love to win it. Please enter me, may God bless
mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net
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Wow, what a lovely and wonderful insight into the Amish lifestyle! It is great to get an honest-to-goodness "sneak peek" into the every day lives of these wonderful Amish folks. It is truly fascinating just to hear a small part of what their daily life is like. They are remarkably kind, good-hearted people who are incredibly strong in their faith!! I continue to be intrigued to learn more about their lifestyle each and every day!
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Dear Mrs. Wiseman,
I just saw your little video on the CBD site on my computer. It was so compelling as I have a friend whom has MS and just recently had to enter a nursing home. She loves everything Amish, to the degree that her husband has decorated her room, in the home, in Amish pictures and figurines. She would just love to read your books but she is having a hard time reading. I would read them to her but I live in a very small mountain town and she is 50 miles away. I have promised that I will go down and visit her once a week, but it's hard to keep up with a good book that way. Anyway, to make a long story short, I am wondering if your books are being recorded on books on CD's.
At any rate, I am going to buy her the series in hopes that she'll be able to read them. She is getting real bored because her mind is fairly sharp but her legs are just not going their job.
Thank you for recording the very wonderful interview. It certainly lifted my day.
On further note, I need to tell you that my friend is not a believer (even though she calls herself a Quaker because she graduated from a Quaker college) and I have been praying for years for her to know the Lord. I am hoping that she might receive the message of salvation through your books.
Doris Price
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