The Sound of Quiet
You've probably heard that song "The Sound of Silence." It occurred to me today I'm living in the quietest place ever for me.
I'm in a subdivision in a small town on the east coast of Florida and not only have quiet (and considerate) neighbors but also have two vacant lots across from my house.
Sometimes it's actually TOO quiet. When there IS noise, it can be pretty alarming. Like at night when the Italian greyhound goes looking for a snack and opens the bottom storage drawer of the stove. (He's never actually found anything in it but metal pie pans he likes to take out and drop on the tile floor but I guess he remains hopeful.)
The only place I've ever been that's this quiet was my uncle's farm in the midwest. I've been thinking about that farm a lot lately because whenever I write farm settings in my Amish books I "go there" for inspiration. I just figured out a way to visit again in person in the next couple of months and I couldn't be happier. This farm was where my Swedish grandparents raised their nine children and when it passed into the youngest son's hands, he and his wife made everyone feel welcome. I don't know how my aunt was able to be so gracious to the hordes of relatives who descended upon them each summer. There was a dormer bedroom where my mom and her twin had slept that I remember she put my sister and me in and there was always a special toy for us. In the mornings, we'd wake to a quiet we didn't know because we lived in a big city. In the mornings, we'd sit in the kitchen looking out on a vast lawn and I always believed that it was a real rabbit sitting out there by the fence. It was a pottery one but I made believe it was one looking back on us. That farm, that serenity, were things I needed growing up in a small apartment with siblings I shared a bedroom with -- siblings I only escaped by climbing up into the top bunk and reading book after book.
In the quiet this week, something sparked a memory, long buried. There was an Amish community not far from my uncle's farm and we visited it and it sparked an interest that wouldn't show itself for years. I know my aunt has heard from other relatives about my books but I haven't sent her one yet. I intend to do it this week and ask her if I can visit. It'll be nice to see if that dormer bedroom is the same as I remember it and if that white rabbit still sits on the front lawn of the farmhouse. And it'll be nice to tell her again what wonderful memories she helped give me there.
On another note: thank you to the many, many people who entered the contest for Linda Byler's book. I couldn't believe how many of you wrote in with such wonderful comments. Quite a number of you had already read the book and said you loved it. I called and let Linda know and she was thrilled. I hope you'll look out for Running Around ... and Such and her other books to follow (published by Goodbooks). The winner of the autographed copy is Lasha Vickers. I've sent you an e-mail asking for your mailing address.
'Til next time, read a good book!
Barbara
I'm in a subdivision in a small town on the east coast of Florida and not only have quiet (and considerate) neighbors but also have two vacant lots across from my house.
Sometimes it's actually TOO quiet. When there IS noise, it can be pretty alarming. Like at night when the Italian greyhound goes looking for a snack and opens the bottom storage drawer of the stove. (He's never actually found anything in it but metal pie pans he likes to take out and drop on the tile floor but I guess he remains hopeful.)
The only place I've ever been that's this quiet was my uncle's farm in the midwest. I've been thinking about that farm a lot lately because whenever I write farm settings in my Amish books I "go there" for inspiration. I just figured out a way to visit again in person in the next couple of months and I couldn't be happier. This farm was where my Swedish grandparents raised their nine children and when it passed into the youngest son's hands, he and his wife made everyone feel welcome. I don't know how my aunt was able to be so gracious to the hordes of relatives who descended upon them each summer. There was a dormer bedroom where my mom and her twin had slept that I remember she put my sister and me in and there was always a special toy for us. In the mornings, we'd wake to a quiet we didn't know because we lived in a big city. In the mornings, we'd sit in the kitchen looking out on a vast lawn and I always believed that it was a real rabbit sitting out there by the fence. It was a pottery one but I made believe it was one looking back on us. That farm, that serenity, were things I needed growing up in a small apartment with siblings I shared a bedroom with -- siblings I only escaped by climbing up into the top bunk and reading book after book.
In the quiet this week, something sparked a memory, long buried. There was an Amish community not far from my uncle's farm and we visited it and it sparked an interest that wouldn't show itself for years. I know my aunt has heard from other relatives about my books but I haven't sent her one yet. I intend to do it this week and ask her if I can visit. It'll be nice to see if that dormer bedroom is the same as I remember it and if that white rabbit still sits on the front lawn of the farmhouse. And it'll be nice to tell her again what wonderful memories she helped give me there.
On another note: thank you to the many, many people who entered the contest for Linda Byler's book. I couldn't believe how many of you wrote in with such wonderful comments. Quite a number of you had already read the book and said you loved it. I called and let Linda know and she was thrilled. I hope you'll look out for Running Around ... and Such and her other books to follow (published by Goodbooks). The winner of the autographed copy is Lasha Vickers. I've sent you an e-mail asking for your mailing address.
'Til next time, read a good book!
Barbara
Posted by Barbara Cameron at 6/17/2010 7:32 PM 
Categories: Quilts of Lancaster County series, Barbara Cameron, A Time to Love
Tags: Amish fiction
Categories: Quilts of Lancaster County series, Barbara Cameron, A Time to Love
Tags: Amish fiction
I just finished reading Linda Byler's book and loved it. I can't wait to see what happens to Lizzie. She is such a human character, full of flaws and uncertainties. I loved her.
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I lived on a farm when I was 8 years old. Most of my greatest memories are from living there. It is now a state park called Twin Falls in WV. Everyone needs to spend at least a year on a farm and realize all that God has created. There you appreciate God's creations and his art work of the world.
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When I think of time on the farm, I think of chickens and goats. Horses and hay. I've never thought of a farm as being peaceful. Maybe that's because everytime we go to the in-laws there is plenty of activity to break the silence.
You've given me something to ponder.
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Hello Barbara, I enjoyed your taking me down your memory lane of your aunts farm and all. Just this morning, I was reading a portion from my small Amish book published by Pathway Publishers titled "1001 Questions and Answers On The Christian Life". In the chapter entitled "Our Way Of Life", it explains advantages of farm and rural life over city life. Their insight is so right, it simply astonishes me. One important factor in farming is that the Amish father remains at home with his family where they believe is the very best for the family.
I purchased this hardback little book for only $1.00 at a Amish community-oriented shop in Washington, Indiana. I was a dollar very well spent
Your story was touching and so timely for me today!! Thanks for sharing it!
Have a great weekend!
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Barbara, We, your readers, are hopeful you will receive several inspirations for new books while you are visiting your "old home place." I purchased a copy of Linda Byler's book from Amazon and find, too, there are several other books available that she has authored. Thanks to you and your other three co-writers for letting us know of authors we may have never heard of that are also Amish book authors. I have enjoyed every one I have read. Millie W.
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I would love to have an autographed copy of this book in my library (Mt. Zion Public Library, Mt. Zion, GA). This book will be on my shelf. Thanks for sharing so much!
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I just finished Linda's book and can't wait to see what happens to Lizzie.
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I would love to have a autographed copy of Linda Byler new book. I went to the library tonight to check it out and found out that it was already checked out. I was so disappointed. I may just have to stop being so cheap and go back to walmart and buy the book. Best Wishes and Blessings from Baltimore.
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