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 old things. I bought an old chair that was half caned and decorated it. I think of it as being caned during the civil war and he was called to fight and never returned to finish it. TY for the chance.
Your chair sounds intriguing, Lucy! Great imagination; a good story there. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I would love to-add this Amish Doll to my doll collection. I like old fashion things. They have family memories in them.
You have an Amish doll collection, Kristina? Wonderful! Thanks for writing and entering the giveaway!
I would love to win Susie, I find the Amish so interesting. I love to read any or all the Amish books I can. The Amish books are AMAZING!!!!!!
I’m glad you enjoy Amish books and hope you’ve had a chance to read on a of mine, Sandra! Good luck in the giveaway!
I find I’m a bit of both in what I like. I love the old glass dishes and depression glass. I enjoy some of the new style in lights etc. I do find that my kids generation don’t have the attachment to things handed down from previous generations. I have heard the Amish dolls are faceless because of graven image issue?
I like depression glass too, Donita! (pink) I’ve also read that about graven images and originally it might have been true, but apparently not so these days according, to Amish women I’ve spoken too. Also, could vary depending on parts of the country. Still think the faceless are the cutest. Thanks for writing!
I have a doll like her..twins would be fun!
Twins would be fun, Mary Beth! Good luck in the giveaway!
I have wanted an Amish doll for a long time. I follow many authors of Amish books, and love reading them. I admire the work ethic of the Amish, their reliance on God, and their helpfulness to others. Several of my relatives in Ohio still drive taxi for the Amish.
How fun that several of your relatives in Ohio drive taxi for the Amish, Kaye! I think you should have an Amish doll, and I also hope you get a chance to read one of my Amish novels soon. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
i would love to have this little doll
I know I’m old -fashioned. I believe a lot has to do with my aunt that was Mennonite. I loved going to her house for summer picnics, and would laugh when she had my mother and aunts wash the paper plates to be used again. Aunt Lydia had a glass head doll that we were permitted to hold IF we sat down and stayed still. Looking back I think that was her way for us to behave. I have very simple things in my apartment and I don’t over do decorating. I would cherish this faceless doll and read and share your books. It would be an honor to win.
It is an honor that you have written me, Regina! I have never heard of washing paper plates and the image brought a smile to my face. I hope you get a chance to read one of my novels soon and wish you the best of luck in the giveaway!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Debbie!
Hi Kate, Would love this little Amish gal! She is sooo sweet. And I have the perfect brother for her! I hope to have a chance to win her and thanks for the chance!
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Sonja! Sounds as though your brother doll needs a sister. Good luck!
I love all of my Amish made things. All with tender loving care. I would love to have a faceless doll to help explain Plain life to my 3 granddaughters.
A lovely way to explain life to your granddaughters, you lucky grandma, Sherry! Thank you for entering the giveaway and good luck!
love you books would love to win one and the doll (for my great niece).
Thanks so much for entering the giveaway, Sandy! Good luck!
I would have to say a love a little of both modern and old fashioned. Would also love to win a copy of one of your books!
I hope you get a chance to read one of my books soon, Tiffany! Thanks for writing and good luck in the giveaway!
the reason I LOVE the Amish, is because I can relate to them. Growing up we didn’t have inside bathrooms (couldn’t imagine that now lol) we used a ringer washer, and hung our clothes on the clothes line. Harvest time, oh how I remember all the canning we did. If it was eatable we canned it! Since I became an adult I stumbled into the Apostolic faith. I say stumbled because I had not heard of it before. I love this life. Been living this way for 31 years! I know what it means to be separated people. I love Amish. I love reading about them. I love reading books written about them. So this little cheerleader says GO AMISH!
Sounds as though you’ve had a wealth of experiences growing up, Marlene! Thank you for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I am not one for the modern day trends. I would definitely keep the doll old fashioned Amish. I would be a crime to change it.
I agree with you, Cheryl! Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
would welcome this doll into my home she is perfect would love to win her.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Sherry! I’m wishing you good luck!
Would love to in her n welcome her to our family. I love to read about the Amish n handmade items. Love the soaps.
If you haven’t read one of my novels yet, I hope you get a chance soon, LeAnn! Thank you for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I love the Amish and visiting the Lancaster, PA and Sugarcreek, OH area. The Amish are fascinating people. Love the Lancaster books and the doll is precious, love to add her to my doll collection
I find the Amish to be fascinating people too, Carolyn! Thank you for leaving a comment and entering the giveaway!
I would love to win her and put her in my home plus I am really like to read amish books
You sound like a perfect person to win this giveaway, Cindy! Thanks for entering. Good luck!
I would love to win this doll and read one of the books.
I would love you to read one of my books, Vickie! I hope you get a chance soon. Thanks for entering the giveaway and good luck!
I’d love to win the doll for my 4 yr old granddaughter and the book for me!
Thanks for the giveaway!
That sounds like a great compromise, Gail! I bet your granddaughter is darling! Good luck in the giveaway!
LOVE old things/ antiques. Sometimes I fell like I should have been born in a different era ! Would live to win the doll & book.Have a blessed week
Rita
I can relate, Rita! I don’t even own an iPhone in spite of my husband’s urgings. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Wishing you the best of luck!
I love old fashion! I would rather shop at a thrift store or the Salvation Army store any day of the week. I absolutely love reading your books. I would cherish Susie, she can sit on my son’s rocker that he got when he was a baby (37yrs ago) . Thank you for the chance to win God Bless. Linda Faulkner
I grew up shopping at the Good Will. My whole family loved it and other thrift stores. Thanks so much for your kind words about my books! And thanks for entering the giveaway. God bless you with good luck!
I would love to have this Doll. I bought one in Shipshewanna a couple years back only to notice afterwards it was made in China! I was Bummed as I thought an Amish Lady made it. So having a Amish made Doll would make my day.
Oh, that would be disappointing. An Old Order Amish seamstress did make this doll, Tammy! And I purchased her from a lovely Amish woman named Susie. Thanks so much for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
I love everything old fashioned! And the Amish fascinate me!
You sound like the perfect person to win this giveaway, Becky! Thanks for entering and good luck!
I would love to win this beautiful doll. Especially would love to win one of your books.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Pat! This doll is really a cutie. Good luck!
Over the years, I’ve become a little bit more old-fashioned and traditional in my tastes. It took a while and has been a process. Simpler has become better. Lovely doll. Thank you for the giveaway.
That might be true for most of us, Deborah! Thanks for leaving a comment and good luck!
I love the doll and would give her a good home. 🙂
Thanks for entering the giveaway and offering the dollar good home, Marilyn!
Thank you Kate for the opportunity to adopt Susie & win one of your books!!
Thank you, Lorraine, for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway! I bet you’d be a wonderful adoptive mom and I’d love you to read one of my books!
I would love the chance to win the doll and book
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Vickie! Good luck!
I love the doll and love reading your books. I follow your post daily
Thank you very much, Amy! I appreciate your encouraging words. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love old things, I have picked some up from second stores and yard sales. To me means more then the new stuff of today which is mostly plastic. I love old doilies and really watch fro them. I would love to add Susie to my home.
Blessings
Diana
joeym11(at)frontier(dot)com
I totally agree, Diana! most new stuff today is plastic and not meant to last. Plus, I enjoy the history that comes with a secondhand item. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Susie is adorable. Hoping she comes home sweet home to ME! 🙂
I’m wishing you good luck in the giveaway, Barbara! Thanks for entering!
I’m as old-fashioned as can be. We even have a home that was built in the 1940’s and I love it!
I’m not into the newest anything!
Would love to welcome Susie to my old
home! I’d love to read the book.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Thanks for leaving a comment, Cathy, and entering the giveaway! Good luck! I hope you get a chance to read one of my books soon. Our home was built in 1941 and we love it too.
I love your books they are great! I love doll the colors are so pretty.
Thanks for your kind words of encouragement about my books, Tabitha! I’m delighted you enjoyed them. Thank you for entering the giveaway! I like the color of her dress too.
i, too, am fascinated by the Amish and don’t really know why. I’d love to win the doll to give to my granddaughter and the books to read and share.
I’d love you to read my books, Nancy! And to give the doll to your granddaughter. I bet she is a sweetheart. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I love this give away! Would love the doll and the book!
Thank you for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Theresa! Good luck!
Love all things old fashion!
My kind of gal, Sheila! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Oh, Kate, you know me, old fashioned is fine.
A lot of what I grew up with in these Ozark Mountains is not do different from the Amish way, gardens, canning, making your own clothes and quilts, cooking from scratch, farming to provide what was/is needed.
I still have a tub and washboard – just in case! 😉
Our second child was born the year we got electricity on Sunrise Ridge, and I will admit I am pretty spoiled to that!
Love your books!
Sounds like you’ve have an incredible history in many ways not so different from the Amish, Mary! Oh, my, no electricity with your first child? Now, that would be a challenge. Good luck in the giveaway!
I am old-fashioned too, love the simple life, don’t need fancy. I was told they make the dolls faceless because of the graven image commandment and their strict religious beliefs. God bless
Thanks for writing, Sherri! I’ve read the same thing, which makes sense, but was recently told younger Amish children play with dolls with faces. A change in the Ordnung? (rules they must obey) I need to dig further as I have several older Amish friends who might know. Good luck in the giveaway!
love your books and would love to have a doll like this for my granddaughter as she loves
things like that
The doll is beautiful.
Thank you, Alma! How sweet your granddaughter must be. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I don’t keep up with the latest trends. I love shopping a good will and thrift stores for clothing. If the ability to repair things is an option then it saves money.
Whenever I can save money I try, Dawn! Good for you for repairing instead of replacing. A dying art. Thanks for entering the giveaway!
Would love to add Suzie to my collection and I love to read Amish fiction. I think in most ways I am a little old fashioned. Thanks for a chance to win and may God bless you.
Thanks for entering the giveaway, Deborah! It’s great to hear how many consider themselves old fashioned. Good luck in the contest!
Hi Kate, Always enjoy your blog and your giveaways! I am a bit old-fashioned but love to shop for new clothes! If it’s animal print, I’m sold! I love to shop in antique shops and love the handmade stuff I inherited from my grandmother and old dishes, oh my, I am definitely in to old china…so I guess I am a combination of new/old. Thanks for the opportunity to win…Linda
Thanks for visiting my blog and entering the giveaway, Linda! I appreciate your encouraging words. Can a woman own too many dishes? I hope not. Good luck!
What a beautiful doll. Would love to win it and I always can read another book.!!
I love the Amish! Was born and raised in Holmes County Ohio. Moved to WVa in 1994. would love to have the doll on my mantel!
How wonderful to be born and raised in Holmes County, Melissa! Thanks so much for writing and entering the giveaway!
If you haven’t read one of my novels I hope you get a chance soon, Linda! Good luck in the giveaway!
Would love to win both!
I was definitely born old-fashioned and remain that way. Sure, as a teen/young adult, I tried some of the trends..but never really felt comfortable. And not just in my style or furnishings (which I keep simple), but also many of my thoughts and ideas are considered by many “old-fashioned”..but that is who God made me to be.
He who began a good work in you did a good job, Cynthia! Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I was raised ‘old fashioned’ 😀 and am drawn more to the Amish way of life than any other. Love reading Amish books, and would love to win! The doll is precious! Thanks for the opportunity of the giveaway!!
Thanks for writing, Karen! If you haven’t read any of my novels i hope you get a chance soon. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love old fashioned things. History was my favorite subject in school, and I still enjoy it!
I enjoyed history too, Donna, and still use my texts to look up facts! (Don’t always trust Wikipedia) Thanks for entering the giveaway!
I feel I too may have the old fashioned personality. All I read are Amish novels. I would love to read ur trilogy set. I am a single mom of special needs sons and it’s so easy to get lost in my books where all is good. When I finish a book I get sad bc I want it to continue… I lend my books to people that I know I will get them back. I have boxes and boxes of books. I lost my home to a divorce and live in a small apt. I miss my book shelves to put my books out and also to put my angels I collect out. I want to go to Amish country. My mother goes all the time but wont take me. We dont get along. Oh well, I have my boys and esp my books. Have a wonderful blessed day. I’d love to win your books and Amish doll but I have no luck…so good luck to all those entered.
I’d love to have you read one of my books, Bobbie! Winners are chosen at random, although I always pray first. Here’s a prayer: that you and your mother find a way to reconcile and that the burdens of single parenthood are eased. Good luck in the giveaway!
My mom loved the Amish dolls. My new gdaughter is named for her (middle name, Martha) so it would be really cool if I could win it for her. 🙂
A new granddaughter is a blessing, Ann! How exciting. Good luck in the giveaway!
I’m definitely old fashioned in how I think. I have a lot of respect for the Amish is so many ways. Their simple life, their values and their faith.
I respect them too, Myrtle! Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!