The year-end recap
I always feel a little guilty being away for the blog for so long, but I have a combination of excuses this time–new home purchase and subsequent move, Christmas, of course, and a total lack of internet in the new abode, all coming at once.
I was just looking through the year’s posts and reminiscing a bit, as people are wont to do on this day…and I am realizing that as I sit here, writing this post, I have lots to be grateful for…
photo:Â Randall Persing
…the ability to see and move my hands and arms, for starters, plus the education that has allowed me to put full sentences together (though they may not always be the prettiest), the fact that I was born in a wealthy society and that I am even able to access the internet…the list could go on for miles. But good to remind oneself from time to time.
I’m also grateful for the time I was able to spend in Amish America this year–an intense four months.
photo:Â Bill Coleman
Highlights of my year among the Amish include attending church services in Ohio and PA, a great summer selling books in Pennsylvania, visiting the New Wilmington, PA settlement, revisiting a lot of old friends in Ohio, and the umpteen very friendly and welcoming families I met while in Lancaster County this year.
I’ll be back in Lancaster in February and am looking forward to it. Also, full speed ahead on the book. Looks like I have a publisher and if all goes well it should be out late next year.
I should also say that I am grateful to photographers-of-the-Amish Randall Persing and Bill Coleman for allowing me to use their photos on this site…they definitely add a lot of life to it.
And as a fan of ‘top’ lists I have included links to seven of my favorite posts from this year (recycling again, I know, but aren’t we supposed to be going green these days anyway):
3. No moustache, please
4. The California Amish Experiment
5. Aden’s wisdom
7. Wise guys
Happy New Year to all, and easy on the blackberry wine.
photo:Â Randall Persing
I am grateful for the Amish America blog. Congrats on the new house!
Happy new year to you and yours my friend! I am glad we met and enjoy your writings. Congrats on the book thing. Kewl beans for sure! LOL! God bless you and yours!
Dear Erik,
Best wishes for a very happy new year. Congratulations on the book – you’ll have at least one reader here :-).
I hope to be able to meet you during an upcoming trip of yours to the US.
Good luck and happiness in your new home and in the New Year!
Erik –
Happy New Year – been a pleasure reading your blog this year.
Look forward to reading your book!!
Thank you all, you guys are great. I’m grateful that you all take a couple minutes to check this thing out, it makes it a lot of fun (:
Matthew, I’ll be in Lancaster in February, looks like the second week, would be great if you’re around those parts.
Hope everyone had a happy new year and here’s to a great start to 2008!
Erik, I may be in Lancaster county in February visiting relatives. Perhaps you please send me an e-mail at the address I posted this with so we can stay in touch about this? I need to ask you a question about something else offline. Look forward to hearing from you!
Hey Matthew, sounds great. Sorry it took a little bit to respond. I did not find an email address attached to this comment, maybe you could try again?