Plain and Simple

[rms10]

I've always been intrigued by secluded religious groups, so I understood why Sue Bender felt driven to live with an Amish family for several weeks. Her interest was sparked by Amish quilts, which combine simple patterns and bright colors to make what many of us call art. In all the time she spent with the Amish, I think her biggest shock was discovering that the Amish don't consider the quilts art -- they're just another part of everyday life. Making a quilt is no different than making dinner.

Plain and Simple is more about Bender's reaction to the Amish than a day-by-day account of life with them. This is not what I expected, but as it turns out I enjoyed it very much. And while I could never be Amish (I like technology, and dislike strict gender roles, as I'm sure is a giant shock to all of you), I think I understand how calming it is to focus on one task, do it well, and then move onto the next one -- even for mundane things like washing dishes and cooking dinner.

I've often thought that I could use more calming influences in my life. As I type this, the eeee! is making tortillas from scratch, for the tostadas we're having tonight. The meals we make entirely from scratch -- we had a huge triumph with risotto last week -- are always the tastiest, and those evenings are always the most delightful. Is enjoying the fruits of our labors a better way to relax than watching TV is? Is that why reading is so satisfying, because it's simultaneously work and entertainment?

I would still like to find a book that's more about Amish life, but I'm glad I started with this one.

Comments

[rubygloomrox.livejournal.com]

I would love an opportunity to go stay with the Amish. I just want to learn to sew, etc. But somehow I don't think I'd get it all down in a week.
There is something very cathartic for me in diy projects of any sort. Whether it's cooking or painting or refinishing my deck.