After leaving the post office, I turned west on the first gravel crossroad and I found myself in another world.Pristine farms, long gravel drives lined with grazing Percheron Horses and cattle. A world without the trappings of the the 21st century...even of the 20th century. No electric lines, telephone poles or billboards. Only manicured vegetable gardens, newly broken ground and everywhere I looked a sense of satisfaction of what the land and Lord has given back.
I also sensed a strong connection to community where everyone still looked out for each other. Neighbors helping neighbors and visiting each other by horse and buggy. The area where I live is farmland as well but here the goal is 100% subsistence from the land. I would say a Utopia but I know the Amish see their lives not as a Utopia but as a community that works hard to bring forth the bounties of the land to glorify the Lord.
These are landscapes from which novels germinate...poems are inspired.
Tomorrow, we will look to the Amish themselves. However to honor their privacy and the belief that a photograph can steal the soul...I will blur their faces.
Dan
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14 comments:
I kept going back to look at the photo of the house and the vegetables. Something very inner satisfying.
These are glorious photographs dear Dan, a lovely glimpse into the farming practices of the Amish ... They may not have all of the modern conveniences that we have but they certainly do a great job with what they have.
I have watched a few documentaries on their lifestyle and some members who have left the community, I don't agree with so many of their beliefs but there is something very simple and down to earth about how they live, I admire that simplicity and maybe we could all adopt some of their ways especially when it comes to helping each other, family and community spirit. xoxox ♡
All these pics are beyond words! They are so good..that I really dunno where to begin describing these...
My favorite, is the last one....something strikes an inner cord with me, in the pic!
Amazing...I am thinking...how satisfying ur work truly is..
A gift..!and thanks for sharing..
What is it that creates a yearning in the soul from these photos? A simpler time? The goodness of people? The desire to do the right thing? I don't know, but it's tough to see these days...
Oh these are all wonderful, but my favourite is that third sepia-toned one where you caught them just turning off the main road.
J...here in the US right now...it is unheard of to have a garden this far along so early in the Spring. They obviously know what they are doing!
Dan
Dianne...I agree. Their sense of community is something to aspire to. However, they hold to some religious beliefs that I don't completely accept. But I love their lifestyle.
Dan
Indrayani...I am glad you like the pictures. My favorite is the last one as well. I am entering it in an exhibit in June. To me the pastoral scene sums up my day with the Amish and it reflects the feelings I had while taking the picture.
Dan
Shabbygirl...I know what you mean. There is a yearning for the lifestyle when you are in the midst of the Amish...at least for me there is. We can all learn from their attitude towards family and friends.
Dan
Thanks Dawn Treader...I have just posted a picture of that buggy as it passed by me. It was a scene right from a movie...at least that is how I felt as I watched these folks in their element.
Dan
These pictures are comfort food for the eyes.
Thank you for sharing.
☼ Sunny
Thanks Sunny...I enjoyed the day taking them!
Dan
Words are hard to find...(You know that's odd for me!) ;^)
But there is a yearning...a tugging at the heart-strings for the simpler (albeit very very very full of hard-work) life!
I think that the sense of accomplishment produces a profound serenity that we sometimes miss with our "instant" culture. (There! I found words, after all.) ;^) ;^-
Cynthia..hard words indeed but you summed it up well! That is why you are a "world renowned writer"!!
Thanks for taking the time to put it into words.
Dan
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