From A to B - it's all I need

 Someday, hopefully soon, I'll have my small horse and cart in action.

I can't wait to feel the wind in my hair...

God willing.

Island Bound

There's only one thing better than being in my Wee House during a full moon.

And that is being on Mackinac Island.

Yes, it's that time again. 

Heading to the incredible women's retreat...Win-Some Women.

This marks my 13th year, with many years attending both Spring and Fall.

My last trip, which was last Fall,

was with friend and fellow homesteader, Homemaker Ang.

And a second blue-eyed beauty, my Mother-in-Love, Sue.

Both women are beautiful, inside and out.

This trip will be just Sue and myself, one we've taken many times together.

I'm looking forward to meeting Laura Story.

And all the other wonderful speakers, which includes Rev. Billy Graham's daughter, Ruth.

I was so pleased to hear Billy Graham rallied from pneumonia last week, at the age of 92. 

PTL! (Praise the Lord!)

I'm also looking forward to the familiar, which makes the Island so special. 

Horse travel.

There are no motorized vehicles allowed on the Island.

Exquisite food.

Female fellowship.

The name of Jesus on everyone's lips, hearts, and minds.

I rarely leave home, but to me, Mackinac Island feels like home.

And I hope that never changes.

Wish you could be here wish us.

Perhaps next time. 

Let's plan...

Until tomorrow, God willing.



Horses in Winter

When folks come for our dog sled tours, they have to drive right by our 3 horses.

Sometimes they will ask what the horses do all winter.

Well...it depends.

They eat...

And play...

And enjoy their snowy world.

But I'm sure, like us, their thoughts turns to spring.

Especially on warm winter days.

It's coming...soon.

And we've got a heck of a summer planned.

Stay tuned. 

Always, God willing.



Summer Sunday Visitors

Each spring, horse travel begins.

Friends visit, greeted by Zip.

Enjoying a welcomed rest before heading further down the road.

Thirst is quenched.

Idle moments.

A peaceful day with best friends.

Like-minded folks.

Who enjoy the simpler things in life.

And know how to take things slow and easy.

We love our Sunday summers.

As always, God willing...

Living in the Moment

Last Saturday, while visiting the Amish, I felt complete.

Complete in where I was heading...and where I came from.

And where I was...at that moment.

The Amish live in the moment.  Daily.

Whether they are on display.

Or stepping out of their buggy to grab a light snack along the roadside.

Taking only what is needed to refresh themself for the long trip home.

Living in the moment.

"To finish the moment, to find the journey's end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours, is wisdom"...

Ralph Waldo Emerson

See how we strive for this daily...follow us at Russ-Stick Acres.

The Plain People ~ In a not-so-plain World

Early this week, I received a phone call from an Amish man.

He was telling me his sweet corn was ready and available, if I were to head down his way,
which would be a two-hour trip. 

This is only the second phone call I have ever received that was initiated by an Amish person.

The first one was an invitation to a barn raising many years ago ~
an Amish family had their driver contact me.

The second was this week.  From Mr. Swartzentruber.  From a phone off of his property.

I had purchased this lovely bird house from him when I stopped by his farm earlier this summer. 

I was no stranger to his farm, as I had bought a rat terrier pup,

born to their family "house puppy", 

back in '97 when different relatives farmed there.

Young Mr. S, along with his growing family, now carry on the Amish ways ~

with furniture making and the sale of goods.

Good folks.  Nice folks.

Truth is, I've been traveling these Michigan blue highways for 20+ years,

getting to know Amish families in their communities.

I've also traveled to Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.

Not only have I enjoyed meeting them, I have done business with them.
I've marketed Amish rockers and other goods over the years.

I've bought livestock.
I have eaten at their table.
Held their little ones.
Played tag with the older ones.
Milked cows in their barn.
Ridden in their buggies.

 And of course enjoyed the culinary delights that come from the Amish kitchens.

However, lately, I've been puzzled.

Puzzled as to why folks would be quick to question or even condemn the Amish community,

based on media, or a small percentage of negative encounters or perceptions.

I've seen the Amish try to live separate.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,

and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

2 Corinthians 6:17

To be left alone, within their communities, to live a Godly life.

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you,

so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders

and so that you will not be dependent on anybody."

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

It was this desire that brought them to Pennsylvania in the first place, back in 1730 - to escape persecution.

At times, they must coexist and fit into "our" world.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.

If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:15

And try to stay safe while sharing the land.

As for me...if I had to choose between "English" or "Amish", it would be Amish.

We already live "plain".

We raise our own beef, pork, chevon and lamb for consumption.

We have chickens and rabbits that provide by-products.

We are in the process of training horses for travel and work.

Someday, hoping to rid ourselves of all other modes of "mechanical" travel.

In the winter we use dog power for chores and even necessity.

We use an outhouse year 'round.

We make our own ice for storage.  No fridge.  No microwave.  No dishwasher. 

No TV.  No airconditioning.  No stove.

We process Maple syrup in the spring.

We know how to cook on a wood cook stove and rely on firewood for heat.

We love God and Country.

And we treasure our land beyond measure.

And the fruit it bears.

We focus on the simple pleasures and blessing they provide us each day.

It is because of these things we share in common, I admire the Amish.

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,

especially to those who belong to the family of believers.  

Galatians 6:10

NOTE:  This was re-posted from my "Amish" Blog.  Thank you for stopping by...