Feb
Be My (Kinda) Guinea Pigs?
I’m in the heart of Amish Country today, touring farms, exploring the countryside, and taking notes every step of the way. Some of what I learn will make its way into my next book–adding flavor and texture.
So while I research, I figured I’d ask you a few questions (some of your answers may actually assist in my research)…
1) When you think “Amish” what immediately pops in your mind? I’m looking for basic thoughts/observations from the general population because those thoughts/observations are things my non-Amish characters may have/notice.
2) What’s your thoughts on living a life that’s essentially cut off from the main world in terms of telephones, electricity, etc?
Remember, I’m not looking for you to be experts. In fact, it’s better if you’re not.
~Elizabeth
February 7th, 2012 at 8:04 am
1) Men and women in plain black clothes with hats and bonnets, horses and buggies, horses, dogs, farms, quilts, baskets … acceptance. I have read that Amish families who have a disabled child believe that those children a blessing from God just like any other child and that they were chosen, as a part of God’s plan to have that specific child. No ‘why me, why us, why him’ just it’s all part of the plan.
I know many people think the Amish are just a sweet group of people trapped in the past, kind of like Little House on the Prairie acted out on a daily basis. They may have more immediate connection to their religion but they are like any other people with societal issues, personal/marital problems, and criminal behavior.
2) I think it would be the greatest blessing to be able to disconnect from all of the trappings of the modern world for a time being. But I know that it would be easier said than done. Growing up without it would certainly make it easier too. I think I would be very lost and very bored if I suddenly has to live my life the way an Amish woman. I know those women have enough to do to keep them busy most of the time but I imagine it gets lonely for them at times too.
February 7th, 2012 at 8:57 am
1. buggies. Having driven through the Penn. communities a few times that is what stood out for me.
2. many times being able to disconnect is nice, but I don’t think I’d like a community where the thirst for knowledge is restricted by only using the tools from 200 years ago. There is so much to learn, things made available and accessible by electricity (and not just the internet) that I’d find it hard to no be able to look up and learn.
There are dozens of ‘hands on’ things I’d like to learn, but so many more where you need electricity to see and experience.
February 7th, 2012 at 10:30 pm
Thank you, Aimee and Chris. Both of these answers really helped a lot. Thank you!!!
February 8th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
I think of plain clothing, long beard, the black hat and long coat, the suspenders, making their own clothes, the one room school house
2) I couldn’t do it for longer than a day or two. We are spoiled by technology and innovation.