2013

Well, 2013 is almost upon us. How time flies!

Frankly, I’m looking forward to some of the changes that are coming my way. Unlike a lot of people, I LOVE change.  I’m known to change the furniture in the room just for “something different.” Change is fun…if embraced properly.

Let me share my “change” for 2013.

In 2013, we will introduce our new zebra (named Zebadiah in honor of my Anabaptist ancestors) to our herd of horses. That’s fun. I can’t wait.  How cool is having a zebra???  Next year, I’m thinking a camel. (ssssh! don’t tell my husband).

On a serious note, something magical is going to happen in my home. You see, we are expanding our family. Adopting, if you will. I told everyone that I just finished my new library but it’s really a new bedroom–to accommodate my new family member. YAY! It’s beautiful and I’m jealous because it’s all things Amish to say the least. Blue walls. Light green ceiling. Built in bookcases. Amish portraits by Sherri Genung on the wall.  Gorgeous.  Wish I had done it years ago (lol). Now someone else gets to enjoy it.

You see, here’s a little secret that I want to share with you: I love having people in my house. My family calls us a Kibbutz, laughing at the chaos in my home. And it’s a home. A home with a big heart.

There have been years where we had 16 people living in the house (not for very long but it was fun while it lasted).  Recently, I upgraded our kitchen table to something I always wanted: a handmade 7 .5 foot Amish farmer table for accommodating the people that drop by for dinner, visits, or coffee. My house is one of those homes that is open to good people (bad people can just stay away…thank you very much!). We always have activity here. There is so much love and life in this house that, sometimes, I am overwhelmed. The police are always stopping in on Friday nights for BBQ or to say hello, see what’s going on–usually just in time for dinner (wink wink). I’m personal friends with the Sheriff in town so you never know when he might stop by.  The FedEx man leaves cookies for the dogs (all six of them).  Even people from town will stop in if they see the lights on, just to sit by the fire in the backyard and enjoy S’mores!

There’s always a crowd of happy people in my life. And that sure helps keep my life happy.

Just this morning, I said to my husband, “My children are so blessed. How can anything top this?”

He laughed at me, knowing exactly what I meant. With six dogs, five cats, a pig, seven people living here, and other assorted visitors and animals that stop by (including horses, goats, and soon the zebra), we have the most magical house on the planet. It’s fun, lively, and the only place I’d like to live.  I wouldn’t change anything in the world.

So what is in store for 2013?

It’s my wish for more of the same. I wish that the goodness that I feel in my world will only be perpetuated this year. That the joy and happiness that I feel will be shared with other people that I love. And the writing…oh yes…there will be plenty of that.  I love writing…it’s what I wanted to do since I was eight years old. God has blessed me with so many kindhearted readers who motivate me to share more of my personal experiences with the Amish and with life. Thank you, all of you. You are wonderful.

For 2013, I wish that all of you find that something, that special thing that makes your year magical. And, if not, come north and let me know. Perhaps we can share a cup of coffee in the city…My treat…

Hugs,

S.P.