http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/103/31.0.html

seems that the Amish don't have as strong a lobbying group as do we Appalachians. Does anyone else think this is really inappropriate and rude?

if the Amish had a larger voice, it would be politically incorrect.

Getting away is awsome. I'm thrilled for you. Hope you're enjoying the city life!

It's a break for you and I think the person watching your MIL and animals is probably having a little break form their routine too. So everyone's happy!

Hey I am going away too! This weekend me and another girlfriend from 30 years ago are traveling to Birmingham (60+ miles) to have an extended luncheon with the other member of our trio from grammar school. We three got together right before the holidays after not seeing each other for 30+ years. It was great and we promised each other we would continue with this new tradition...once a month, or two, we would get together for lunch. This is our second one and I am excited!

Then...the next weekend, yet another friend I haven't been able to connect with in about 20+ years has asked me to go with her antiquing in a town called Monteagle Assembly in the Cumberland Plateau area in Tenn. It is my favorite place to go, but she didn't know that. So we have rented a cabin with a fireplace, are taking three days, and loading ourselves down with books, Atkins-friendly snacks, and a little cash to do some "junkin." I can't wait...life is good!

I'm so envious of your on-going relationships with your girlfriends.

I grew up in a very small rural community and was surrounded by relatives, all of whom are stuck with me, but because none of my childhood girlfriends ever left the area and we've lost track of each other. I found friends everywhere I moved, and we're still friends, though geographically dispersed. I have friends where I live now, but none with whom I share a whole life time of memories.

What a blessing for you.

smile

Oh smiles I don't think it has or needs to be someone you have a history with...not at all. I have girlfriends that I get together with occassionally who are new friends and we don't have a "past" actually...but we are making the memories now! It's nice to develop new ones, especially at this age because most of us are more settled, less demanding of friendships, and can say "gee, I'm sorry but I can't this weekend" and nobody gets paranoid....

I guess there's a place in our hearts for all kinds of friends, new and old and all in between. And it's great to celebrate old memories while also making new ones.

smile

thistle, skimmed the article and I do find it insluting. It the same with any of those shows that point out a particular group. I don't think we realize how insensitive some of this stuff is. A friend of mine whose gay says he hates the queer eye for the straight guy show. He says it makes it seem like if your gay eveything is right with the world. He said that if being gay was so great, he would have come out of the closet a lot sooner.

TV is a doubled edge sword. It can open people up to another's experiences and help them understand another race/culture/religion etc. better, but it can also play into and reinforce the stereotypes we already have. Unfortunetly, commercialism has us leaning to the negative side. TV sticks with what we are comfortable with.

Thistle, read the article too. I find it ridiculous. What Amish parents would let their kids be on the show. That tells us a little about the ones who are chosen. I doubt it will be a good protrayal of their culture.

This reminds me...I need to start a reality tv post!

Don't get me started on reality TV. Makes me nuts. That stuff started a couple of years ago in expectation of the Hollywood writer's strike.

Just think how many writers those shows do NOT employ.

Of course, I had to watch Trista's wedding. Go figure...

smile

I'm with you Smiles....I know I want my son to marry a total stanger in front of America and lie to her about his worth BEFORE they even get to know one another...oh yeah,...this is what marriage is made of, eh?

I hate those shows and refuse to watch them...and if you ask me, every single show is boiled down to one thing, MONEY. There is NO accounting for the holiness of marriage, or even relationships, friendships, etc...