Old Order Amish are no longer a small secular group, but a growing population that call 32 states and 6 Canadian provinces home. If you live near Ohio, then you certainly have seen a horse and buggy, as 62 percent of all Old Order Amish reside there. They are our neighbors, the shops we frequent, … Continue reading The Amish Beard
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How One Mountain Momma Changed the Lives of Many
In case no one has told you yet, Happy Mother's Day. Though tomorrow is the official holiday, this evening I'll be attending a yearly banquet with my mother at her local church. I'm always in awe by the way the men of the church go all out to make this such a special day. Now … Continue reading How One Mountain Momma Changed the Lives of Many
Holy Week in Amish Country
Good Friday, the day that Jesus was crucified, is a day of somber reflection for those of the Christian faith. The Amish too reserve the Holy Week, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter in all that it represents. Various Amish and Mennonite communities may consider these days differently, but Old Order Communities in which I … Continue reading Holy Week in Amish Country
Kentucky’s ‘Little Winters’
We've waited all winter for warmer temps and lots of sun, but hold on, as we have a few more cold snaps to go through. You’ll often hear of springtime cold snaps that last just a day or two being referred to as ‘Little Winters’. Here in Kentucky we have five, which occur about every … Continue reading Kentucky’s ‘Little Winters’
Lumberjacks and a Lady
I was recently asked to write a short suspense with author friends, but unfortunately that was put off to the side for now. However, for three years I have been scratching notes and pondering the idea of writing a historical series. Most readers know me by my sweet Amish Romances or quick moving suspense novels, … Continue reading Lumberjacks and a Lady
Leaplings and Ladies
Tomorrow is Leap Day!!! February always was the odd duck, being short a few days, but every four years we get to add a day and 2024 is that year! The short explanation for why we need leap years is that our calendar needs to stay aligned with the astronomical seasons. A typical year is just a little … Continue reading Leaplings and Ladies
Never too old to learn
I've been spending a lot of time with Amish friends recently. I'm always humbled to be welcomed into their homes and into their lives. Their hospitality encourages me to be a better version of myself. It's easy to forget I'm the outsider, or an Amish fiction author, until something funny happens and they tell me … Continue reading Never too old to learn
In Our Neck of the Woods
There is a winter weather advisory here in our neck of the woods, but even at a level 2, life goes on. I had no desire to leave the house today other than a long walk with Ellie and the dogs this morning that proved very entertaining. There's writing to do, coffee to drink, and … Continue reading In Our Neck of the Woods
Finding Simon Graber.
It's a beautiful start to another blessed week, and I'm so thankful the Lord seen fit to let me awake in it. I recently turned in my newest manuscript and I cannot tell you enough how wonderful that feels. There's still much that will need done before it reaches you, but this particular step, the … Continue reading Finding Simon Graber.
An Amish Christmas
Though it differs slightly in each community the Christmas season is celebrated by the Amish. This is a very special time, one to reflect on the true reason for the season and with large families large, can last until February. In anticipation of the holiday, many Amish families decorate with greens inside their homes. Christmas … Continue reading An Amish Christmas