A long time ago when I was a child seeing a field like this was normal. Now when I see one it is special.
Everyone rests on Sunday, except of course the horse. You have to stop and think that perhaps this mode of transportation has it’s merits..no gasoline is involved. The only emissions are of the solid or liquid variety of fertilizer quality. Nothing is imported or refined. No wars are fought over hay or oats. There are no middle men or CEO’s that are going to profit and retire with millions here.
Sometimes a simpler life is appealing to me, I like horses and would love to go to town in a carriage..of course it would take all day..so I wouldn’t have time to cook, clean, bake bread or hand wash my laundry. Once I got to town I would just guard the carriage since I don’t like to shop.
Have you ever seen any Amish in the nursing home? Do their people work so hard that they escape the “home”..or do they surround their elderly with love and care everyday until their last day on earth arrives?
I would like to take bits and pieces of this lifestyle..the horses and carriages..the feeling of family that surrounds you unconditionally with love and support even when you get old. Do I want to hand wash clothing and wear dresses everyday..and a hat..and look down a lot..and never have an opinion of my own..probably not:)
Yes give me the simple life, it means so much to our peace of mind, hugs and blessings, Barbara
ReplyDeleteAh, the simple life is very appealing at times!
ReplyDeleteThat way of life has it's appealing qualities,I just don't know if my personality would fit in with it. Maybe Amish people are not born with head strong independent personalities !!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed Monday.
Interesting. I subscribe to your conclusions as well. We have a lot of Amish in our county as well. Generally they are even more conservative than the Amish further east. I spent a day as an invited guest in a Mennonite colony a few years back. The used modern equipment combined with a communal lifestyle. Very unusual I thought.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have the patience for not using a car. I also couldn't keep my opinions to myself, especially about women's roles. I'd be a very bad Amish woman. I do admire their farming methods which are much better for the environment than typical farming practices.
ReplyDeleteWe also have alot of Amish in our area. I do enjoy seeing them in their horse and buggy and when they plow their fields with their work horses. I am however glad to see that the modern age hasn't changed them and their ways of life. Nice pics by the way and post !
ReplyDeleteTimes past, we all use to take care of our own families. Three generations lived together and worked together.
ReplyDeleteWe are the last ones and we may have to teach the young how to do it simple.
I sure enjoy these pictures --- their way of living is very intriguing to me...
ReplyDeleteI know so little about the Amish, I just wonder. I think it's wonderful that they use so little fossil fuels. Good post, Connie.
ReplyDeleteI could do it.Gw
ReplyDeleteA simpler life would be preferred at least a few days a week. Have you ever read any of Beverly Lewis' books? She is a great Christian author. We got to hear her speak last year. She lived in their communities a couple of summers and her experiences reflect in her stories. Their sense of family is great but there are many things that could use improvement - - - and modern conveniences aren't what I am thinking about.
ReplyDeleteOh, Connie, now you have ME dreaming of a simpler life. I get glimpses of this kind of life from time to time, and I knew it as a child. Ahhh....a place for one to breathe. But you always bring it back into perspective. We do have some things better. The best of a both worlds, now I'd take that. Maybe in heaven it will come to pass. :)
ReplyDeleteIt does appear to be a pleasing way of life but I'll bet it's pretty hard and times too.
ReplyDeleteThe photos are so nice. In traveling when I was younger, I was so intrigued my the Amish. I guess we all hope that when we grow old and suffer bad health, that we will be surrounded by loved ones.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't live that way. Need to have my running water. Microwave oven, o my yes my internet.AZ
ReplyDeleteI know people will say that you can't cherry-pick bits and pieces of a lifestyle that appeal to you, but I agree with you, it is what life is really all about. And I agree with you about the horses as well.
ReplyDeleteI hope it doesn't rain. You can;t trust the weather man here in New Zealand. We had so much rain this winter.
ReplyDeleteI too wish for the simple life. I am so tired of the "rat race" of life. I also know that in many ways I would not like the Amish life. I enjoy my modern conveniences way too much. But their way of taking care of their elder families members I like as well as their sense of community. they have good points and bad points. Wish it were that simple that we could have the best of both worlds.
ReplyDeleteI use a team and still do things with a tractor and a pickup. I just pick and choose and cherry pick the good parts. I'd hate to give up indoor plumbing! Especially in the winter!
ReplyDeleteYes it was all good until we missed the flush toilets wasn't it?
ReplyDeleteJen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
I agree with you - aspects of that life do have some appeal. I think sometimes we've overcomplicated our lives. But hitching up a horse and wagon in 3 feet of snow is not something I would want to do.
ReplyDeleteI really like the photo of the buggy with the barn in the background. I saw a lot of different groups of people who have evolved their beliefs to driving cars and wearing solid tennis shoes for comfort. I admire people who can live what the believe as long and the belief doesn't require them to kill the nonbelievers.
ReplyDeleteSo true--pros and cons. Simplify--I've been trying to do that. The carriage would be nice--but awful cold in the winter and hot in the summer, too. Pros and cons. Simple doesn't mean easy, that's for sure. I think they will survive quite nicely without all the things we would fall apart without--gas, electricity, store-bought food....
ReplyDeleteAh very interesting and some interesting comments as well (I actually read some this time). The Amish certainly are iconic in the simple life world. And quite frankly simple, easy and hard are relative for sure. Folks may look at Dirt's and my life and think it has been hard at times. I look at their modern and convenient life and shake my head at the tragedies and hardships they endure and are nearly unaware of it because their culture tells them it is the way things have to be. But yes, I am glad that our clan has found our brand of simple and honest living without censoring anyone.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this 'visit' I love coming here and learning about your land and your life. You share so much it is a delight!
ReplyDeleteLinda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com