Hello everyone, Patricia Davids here again.
I’ve been on a brief hiatus from blogging. I was buried under a huge deadline, but I’m back!
Recently I traveled to Shipshewana, Indiana, for appearances with fellow Amish fiction authors Sarah Price, Jennifer Beckstrand, Jennifer Spredemann and Laura Bradford. Let me tell you that this trip was quite an eye opening and wonderful experience. I traveled with my assistant (my daughter) and my grandson. We drove from Central Kansas all the way to Niagara, Ny and back that week. We made some great memories along the way and I’ll share our exploits over the next few blogs.
Our first leg of the journey, after a day and a half of driving, was two days in Shipshewana, Indiana. Spending time in such a large Amish community was amazing. It was also a white knuckled driving experience for my daughter, due to weather and the sheer amount of horse and buggies sharing the road. A new experience for us, as the Amish from our home state drive tractors and are a little more reclusive.
The first day we spent in Shipshewana at Parkers Outlet Center, where J. Farvers Christian Book Store hosted a book signing for Sarah Price, Jennifer Beckstrand and myself, celebrating the release of The Amish Christmas Letters. Meeting these two ladies for the first time, outside of emails and such, was amazing. I admit, I fangirled a little. Sarah and Jennifer are great authors and beautiful women. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them in person and meeting their readers. We had a good turnout for the book signing, even met a couple from Lawrence, Kansas.
Later we met for dinner in Middlebury, at an Amish eatery, Das Dutchmann Essenhaus. The food was spectacular! We chatted away the evening with our family and friends, who traveled with us, like old friends. If you ever find yourself near Middlebury and Shipshewana Indiana, I suggest spending some time sightseeing in the area. You won’t be disappointed.
Have you visited an Amish community? What were your feeling about it?
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Hi Patricia! What a great trip! I think it's wonderful to connect with other authors and pursue adventures. I had no idea there was an Amish community in Indiana. Thanks for sharing your beautiful pics and words with us. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful trip, Pat!
ReplyDeleteI'm eager to visit Shipshewana and hope to get there next summer!!! I love the Amish communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania, near where I lived in my youth. I also enjoy spending time in Ethridge, TN, a small but delightful Amish community about four hours from where I live now.
Great photos. Thanks for sharing!
You'll love Shipshewana. The Amish farms are immaculate and the people are very friendly.
DeleteSounds like you had a great time, Pat. I've been to Shipshewana several years ago, now you make me want to go again. Thanks for sharing.
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