This is our weekly exploration of the blogosphere for all things Amish or Plain, and here is what I came up with. Enjoy!
UNFINISHED PAINTING: I wish I could paint, but I don't have the patience or the skill. So I'm relegated to enjoying the works of others. This artist started a painting of an angel but decided mid-way to change it to that of an Amish girl. It's a beautiful portrait so far. The artist isn't done with it yet, she'll post a picture when she is and I'll share that also. This does, by the way, raise the question as to where an Amish person who doesn't want to be photographed would consent to being painted? My guess is - if the rare opportunity presented itself - yes. Unless it was the most conservative of the Amish, I doubt most Amish would cast a theological objection to being the subject of a portrait. But that is just my take on it. Click here to see the painting.
FUNERAL PIE: I've written about this dish before and certainly "funeral pie" isn't something found in all Amish settlements, but it does seem to enjoy a following among the Pennsylvania Amish. Click here to read more and get a recipe.
AMISH BAKED OATMEAL WITH SLOW COOKER APPLESAUCE: Mmmm, mmmm, what more can I add? Nothing, sounds delicious! Click here for the recipe!
FREEZE-DRIED LAUNDRY: This is a photo posted on a blog of laundry drying on the line on snowy day in Amish country. Based just on the colors of the clothing and a little on the house style I'd guess Old Order Mennonite (there are buggies in the driveway). Click here to see the photo and click the photo to enlarge!
PRODUCE AUCTIONS (with an Amish angle): Read how produce auctions in rural Ohio are transforming the state's Appalachian region.
Cheryl McNulty
Hello, I just wanted to reply. I thank you so much for your comments on my painting. I just wanted to let it be known here though, that I am not really painting a portrait of any person in particular. I have many magazines and pictures of children’s faces with serene smiles and beautiful eyes that I use and manipulate to paint my pictures. This is not a portrait of anyone.
I have visited Lancaster,Pa almost every year for about 25 years now and have even become very friendly with an amish family there where we have had supper in their home, visited their schools, and my children have shared fun times with their daughter when we visit. They don’t seem to be as strict with the children being photographed, as I asked if I could take one of her daughter with my children one time and she said she ha no problem with that.
We just love everything about Lancaster…the beautiful countryside, the food, the people and the feeling I have in my heart when I go there. I wish it could linger forever…and that’s why when I paint something like this. I am trying to relate the feeling on paper and keep it there…if this makes sense.
I just wanted to let you know where I am coming from and that I am not trying to go against anyone’s beliefs. I just wanted to relate my side and I hope you like the picture when I am finished. Thank you so much.
Kevin
Cheryl - Good point about children's images. Since Amish kids aren't generally baptized into the church until adults, then the painting would almost definitely not present a problem except maybe in the most conservative of churches. Can't wait to see how the painting turns out! - Kevin
Cheryl McNulty
Thank you so much! 🙂
Pam
Beautiful portrait