People have often asked me why millions are intrigued with the Amish. Is it their slow pace of life? Their commitment to God and community? The fact they cling to their traditions and rarely change?
Are some people born old fashioned? I grew up in a home where items with a history were admired. My father was a Classics professor (Latin & Ancient Greek) and my mother was a portrait sculptress. Our house was awash with worn oriental carpets, copies of medieval art, and statuary.
I still use the hook rug my grandma made.
Is it any wonder that when I was in the third grade I spotted a tapestry in a second-hand store on the way home from school and purchased it? I don’t recall the cost, except that it was under $5. I’ve hung it ever since.
Tapestry I bought in grade-school.
Fashion catalogues fill our mailbox daily. I skim through them and often think: So this is the newest trend? Should I update my wardrobe? Nah. I recall years ago I wore shoulder pads, but now they’d look silly on me. Or maybe they always did and I just didn’t know any better.
Some years, orange or lime green are the rage. They look terrific on several friends, but they’ve never suited me. I’m glad I hung on to my tried and true favorite colors. Keeping things until they become problematic seems to be my motto. For example, I haven’t changed my hairstyle in many a year because I haven’t felt the need to. I also haven’t updated my car in a long time, despite many of my friends telling me to look on websites like Autozin to try and find a second-hand car that will be better than the one I have now. Perhaps looking for a new car might be a good idea though, my car might be getting a bit too old to be driving around now.
My sister loves modern architecture and I like traditional. I actually think the fact we don’t covet the same styles helps our relationship. When our parents died, she and I never competed to inherit the same items.
A few of my mother-in-law’s Scrapbooks
How about you? Do you enjoy keeping up with the latest trends? If so, good for you. Or are you content using your “old” things? Or buying second hand treasure?
Would this adorable Amish-made doll look better in modern-day English street clothes? There are many opinions on why they are faceless. A young Amish woman told me they belong to her grandmother’s generation. Which is fine by me as I was born old-fashioned.
Amish-made doll from Lancaster County, PA.
Please leave a comment and enter to win Susie, this Amish-made doll, and a signed copy of one book from the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy! US and Canada. Winner has three days to respond. Good luck to everyone who enters!
I love the old-fashioned too! I am definitely my grandmother’s heritage!
We share that trait, Jerrilyn! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Would love to win this amish doll, my little amish boy doll has been lonely sitting on the shelf. And i am so hooked on your books
Oh, no, not a little Amish boy doll all by himself, Marylar! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I love using some of my mother’s things and I am always on the hunt for antiques.
I know what you mean when you say you’re on the hunt for antiques, Rachel! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
I love everything old fashion! I wish things today were a little more old fashion because I think the world would be better for it.
I agree with you, Hannah! The world would be better for it. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Would love to win the doll. Thank you for the opportunity.
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Sharrie! Good luck!
I think old fashioned is the way to go in this world. I love having some of my greatgrandmothers things, I love having some of my grandmothers things.
How wonderful to have things from your great-grandmother and grandmother, Angie! Treasures! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I would love to win doll and book. I loved the old fashioned ways and I am always intrigued with the amish. I like their simple way of life and how they care for their family.
Thanks for writing, LuAnn! The Amish are intriguing. I also appreciate their simplicity and dedication to family. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love old fashoned! Love your book’s too!!
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Mona! Good luck!
Love being old fashion and live to win your book and faceless doll
I’d love to have you win my book and faceless doll too, Julia! I wish I had enough to give away to each person! You are all making me feel so much better about being old-fashioned! Thanks for writing and good luck!
I would have to give this to my 4 year old grand daughter, she loves visiting Amish Country in Berlin, Ohio.
I bet your 4-year-old granddaughter is a sweetheart, Lela! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I love old fashion, modern can be complicated, & doesn’t hold the beauty of old. I have some old articles but my favorite is a set of Wedding rings that belonged to my Great Aunt & Uncle & I love the the one ring old fashion setting. This Uncle came over as a young boy with my Grandmother to Ellis Island I have some of the paperwork too.This is why I like the Amish not so complicated. I really enjoy reading your books. I always look forward to a new one. I would love to be entered in this contest. Thanks for offering it!
The set of wedding rings sounds lovely, Kathleen! Someone asked me last year when I was going to replace our bedroom’s old oriental carpet, once in my parents dining room. I told her Never. But of course sometimes items need to be replaced … as a last resort. thanks so much for writing and for your encouraging words. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love reading about your old fashioned things! Those items pictured are beautiful. I love old things. I have several items from my husbands family and mine. These things are precious!
My granddaughter, who is 22, loves the old things too. She has learned to crochet and learning to quilt. She also loves the Amish items.
Would love to win the doll. Thanks for your contest.
Your granddaughter sounds delightful and talented, Donna! I’d love to have a granddaughter who liked Amish items. Thank you for entering the giveaway and I wish you good luck!
For as long as I can remember, I have always been called “an old-fashioned young person.” Even through my 25 year marriage to my ‘late’ husband, we were always called this. My value system has always been “old fashioned” and i am proud of it! I really like the “Susie” doll. I was named after my grandmother Susie. (I’m Susan.) What a good, old fashioned name!
Susan in NC
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Love it. Need more books to read on my snow day
A girl can never have too many books to read on a snow day, Pam! Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
I don’t remember seeing an Amish doll before viewing the picture. My soon to be born granddaughter would probably love this.
Congratulations on your soon-to-be born granddaughter, Claudia! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Thank you for the opportunity to win these awesome prizes. I am way up north in Canada and because we have no Amish around where I live, it’s hard to get Amish items. I love your books also. They are so wholesome and lovely. God bless!!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Alyson! God bless you and good luck!.
Our house is full of family heirlooms and antiques. I also make the rugs like the one your grandmother hooked. Hers is called fine primitive wool rug hooking. In this days they used old shirts, dresses, coats, blankets etc. To make the rugs.
Oh, your house sounds fun and you know your rugs, Monique! Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
Since my daughter name is Susan–I call her Susie–I had to enter this contest. I love second hand things and go to yard sales and other sales to see how many I can find. Old fashioned is FIRST for me Thank you for the contest
I’m glad you entered, Betty! I purchased this little doll from a lovely Old Order Amish woman named Susie. Thanks for writing and good luck!
Would love to add to my Amish collection
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Fern!
Would love to add to my collection
I love Amish books, I find everything about them fascinating! I would love to win this book and doll! Thank you for sharing your stories!
Thank you, Gerri, for writing and entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I’m definitely born old-fashioned, Kate! I love Amish everything for their culture & traditions, and I love anything antique! Really hope I can win, and shared on Facebook! God bless!
You too, Mallory? God bless you. Thanks for entering the giveaway. I’m wishing you good luck!
Love that color blue dress on the doll. The books sound great too!
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, Martha! Good luck!
Really like your pictures and the color of blue on the dress. I have nothing “modern” in my home, love old things from a generation back, my favorite things came from my mom.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Loretta! I like that color blue too. Good luck!
Would love to win this…..Love going to Ohio….Charm/Millersburg/Berlin……Love reading all the Amish books……thanks for sharing.
Tressie
Thanks so much for writing, Tressie! Good luck in the giveaway!
I would love to win any or all of the items !! I am obsessed with AMISH anything !! I love their way of thinking, God first, Family then Friends. Helping each other at all times in all situations !!
They do have their priorities in order, Evelyn! I admire the Amish too. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
very nice
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Christina!
I love finding my treasures from thrift stores and antique store.
Love reading your books.
Sounds like you and I have quite a bit in common, Marie! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
Wonderful article – wonderful giveaway. Would be thrilled to win. Thank you.
You are too kind, Mary, and I thank you for your generosity. I’d be thrilled if you won, too. Good luck!
I grew up hearing my dad use some Amish words , mostly I think Amish slang . My Troyer/Miller grand parents grew up Amish but left the Amish when they got married . Grandma passed away when dad was 15 & grandpa never spoke much German that I heard . I always wondered about the Amish & wondered what it was like for Grandma & Grandpa as they grew up Amish .
I’m more old fastened , love mom & dad’s old things that I’ve kept . Dishes , China Closet & many other old things .
I’d love to have a look at your parents’ treasures, Mary! I rarely allow myself to go shopping anymore as our house is full. Well, every now and then … Good luck in the giveaway!
You come from a very rich heritage, Mary!
I love the amish dolls and I love to read, especially this winter. Seem to be stuck in the house a lot.
I’m sorry you’re stuck in the house so much this winter, Pauline! I’d love you to read one of my books. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love old fashion. I thinkie Susie looks pretty just the way she is. She would look great sitting in my husbands baby rocker.
How sweet that you have your husband’s baby rocker, Joannah! Good luck in the giveaway!
So enjoy living the Amish life through all of the Amish Novels written by you wonderful authors! Often wonder, could I live this kind of life?….probably not! But there is a lot of old-fashion in me! Always wanted a second kitchen with old fashion wood stove, etc! Note: I did say “second” kitchen! LOL
Thank you so much, Judy! I’m delighted to hear you enjoy reading Amish novels. Yes, we all need second kitchens. Good luck in the giveaway!
Oh! She is wonderful! I absolutely love the Amish people. My son had the good fortune of visiting with them in Lancaster with a group from his high school. He had the most amazing time. I was suppose to travel there back in the 90’s when our son graduated from Syracuse, but due to my father’s (Roberta’s cousin) illness, had to fly home quickly. The same people who did the kid’s trip still do adult trips and am hoping I will be able to join one. I’ve ready many different authors on Amish and believe I would have fit right in to their way of life. Thanks! Hope I’m lucky!
What fun for your son, Susie! I hope you can take that trip. And I hope you’re lucky too. I’d love you to read one of my Amish novels and own an Amish doll!
I am old fashioned! I am very sentimental when it comes to things that was my Grandma’s. I love older things! Thanks for the chance to win one of your books and the beautiful doll!
How lovely that you’re sentimental about your grandma’s things, Tammy! A wonderful quality that not enough people have. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I would love to win Susie.
Thanks so much for entering, Angela! Good luck in winning Susie!
I have always loved reading books about the Amish people and the way they live.
How wonderful that you love reading about the Amish and their fascinating lives, Betty! Thank you for entering the giveaway and good luck!
She’s beautiful. I grew up a lot like the Amish. We had no electricity or indoor plumbing until I got married. I loved the old ways of doing things. Our washing machine had a gasoline lawn mower motor on it. Laundry was done much faster with wringer washer and dryers of today. Loved the smells of growing up with clothes hung outside on the lines and canning.
I love that line-dried smell too, Kay! Nothing like it. You’ve had many unique experiences. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway!
I grew up spending time with my grandparents and their old-fashioned ways. I appreciate their work ethic!
How wonderful that you spent time with your grandparents while growing up, Kathy! It does seem their generation’s work ethic outshines ours. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
The doll is so cute! I would love to win!
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Kathryn! Good luck!
I have heard that the Amish make their dolls faceless for the same reason that they would rather not have their faces photographed. So if those dolls are from their grandmother’s generation, are the Amish now allowing dolls with faces, but still in Amish garb? I still like the faceless, handmade Amish garbled dolls, they are made with love and a child can use their imaginations for the faces.
Good question, Karen! I’ve been told by young Old Order Amish women that their dolls did have faces and were dressed in Amish attire. But not their grandparents’ dolls. (I didn’t ask how old their grandmothers were.) I like the faceless dolls too. Thanks for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
I JUST LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT LANCASTER, THE BOOKS THAT TELL THEIR WAYS AND CUSTOMS IF MORE PEOPLE WOULD LIVE THEIR WAYS OUR WORLD WOULD BE IN A BETTER PLACE AND PEACE..
Writing about Lancaster County and its marvelous people is a joy, Veronica! Yes, the world would be a better place. Thanks for leaving a comment and good luck in the giveaway!
Would love to have Susie to sit on my bed.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Lisa! I bet Susie would love sitting on your bed.
Thanks for all the postings, I love reading what you write. I have always had a love for family genealogy and history, which was shared by my father and grandmother. I laugh at the people who feel that they need “NEW” when all I can think about is family or historical jewels that cover my walls and and floor of my log home. I would not want my lifestyle any other way.
How wonderful that your father and grandmother shared your love for family genealogy and history, Debbie! You have a log home? Fabulous that you live the exact lifestyle you want. Good luck in the giveaway!
I don’t have anything old fashioned or any family heirlooms. I don’t believe that my parents have any heirlooms. I grew up in a German speaking house, since Germany is where my parents were born and raised. I don’t buy the latest trends either.
I love the Amish doll and would love to win her.
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving your comment, Tina! Good luck in the giveaway!
Just call me old fashioned. ..simple is best. I’m ok with it.
Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway, old-fashioned Mary! Good luck!
I love readying this type of book.. and would love to win the items you offered. Thank you so much! 🙂
I hope you get a chance to read one of my books soon, Annette! Good luck in the giveaway!
i love everything Amish so I must be a little old-fashioned. Thanks, Kate!
If you love everything Amish, I agree, you must be a little old-fashioned, Debbie! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
i was most definitely born old-fashioned! As a child I loved the old homes in the historic district of my hometown, and gladly inherited my grandmother’s China and cameo jewelry. I love things that have a history, things that were made by hand with intent, not machines. My dream is to buy an old farmhouse and have a garden and raise chickens and goats.
I hope your dream comes true, Kristin! How wonderful that you inherited your grandmother’s China and jewelry. Good luck in the giveaway!
I treasure old treasures and ponder on the events where they were used, possibly the joy of getting the item or making it for a loved one!
You might make a good fiction writer, Virginia! Thanks for leaving your comment and entering the giveaway!