Since I’m working on the final few chapters of another Amana book, I
decided it was a good time to go back and look at the pictures I took while in Europe. When I have a deadline, it seems that I can find lots of other things to occupy my time other than writing those final pages. In other words, I procrastinate.
decided it was a good time to go back and look at the pictures I took while in Europe. When I have a deadline, it seems that I can find lots of other things to occupy my time other than writing those final pages. In other words, I procrastinate. In my current book, I’m writing about East Amana, the smallest of the villages where the land was the least amenable to farming. However, East Amana was an excellent place to raise sheep that would help produce wool for the woolen mills. I didn’t see a lot of sheep in Germany, but while we were in the woodcarving shops in 
Seiffen, I did manage to find a wonderful little shepherd to bring home and give me inspiration. At least I’m calling him a shepherd, even if there isn’t a crook on the end of that stick he’s holding. I named him George as a tip of the hat to the older shepherd in my book and the bus driver on our tour. He’s called a “smoker” because you can burn incense inside and it puffs out his mouth. I won’t be doing that since I don’t like the smell of incense, but I couldn’t find a shepherd who was a non-smoker.
Seiffen, I did manage to find a wonderful little shepherd to bring home and give me inspiration. At least I’m calling him a shepherd, even if there isn’t a crook on the end of that stick he’s holding. I named him George as a tip of the hat to the older shepherd in my book and the bus driver on our tour. He’s called a “smoker” because you can burn incense inside and it puffs out his mouth. I won’t be doing that since I don’t like the smell of incense, but I couldn’t find a shepherd who was a non-smoker.
Watching the men and women who work in the shops carving nutcrackers, smokers, and
pyramids is truly fascinating. We enjoyed a tour at one of the shops where they carve and paint year round to keep up with the demand. The pyramids which are used at Christmastime in many German homes, and in the Amana Colonies, are absolutely beautiful. (That's some of them at the right.) I considered purchasing one until I saw the prices. I quickly changed my mind and decided my little shepherd was enough of a souvenir.
While in Seiffen, we stayed at the Hotel Wettiner Hohe, (below right) and had beautiful
views of the countryside. On one of our nights there, the tour guide arranged for demonstrations from a bobbin lace maker, a woodcarver, and zither players. After the demonstrations, we were given the opportunity to try our hand at the crafts. I was particularly interested in the bobbin lace since in the Bells of 
Lowell series, I had researched the process for one of the Irish characters. I soon discovered the process is every bit as difficult as I’d thought! A few folks, including the youngest member of our tour group, tried the woodcarving (below left). After dinner we were entertained with zither music and singing. 
The musicians were amazed when a member of our group was accomplished on the zither and he took a turn playing and serenading them (below right).
Now that I’ve enjoyed going through some of my pictures, I think it’s
time to get back to those final chapters. But first I need to do a little more reading about washing and shearing sheep employing the tools and methods used by the Amana shepherds back in 1892. One thing is certain—the variety of things we research while writing our stories make for interesting reading!
May you find joy and delight as you dig in and research God’s word. ~Judy
pyramids is truly fascinating. We enjoyed a tour at one of the shops where they carve and paint year round to keep up with the demand. The pyramids which are used at Christmastime in many German homes, and in the Amana Colonies, are absolutely beautiful. (That's some of them at the right.) I considered purchasing one until I saw the prices. I quickly changed my mind and decided my little shepherd was enough of a souvenir.
While in Seiffen, we stayed at the Hotel Wettiner Hohe, (below right) and had beautiful
views of the countryside. On one of our nights there, the tour guide arranged for demonstrations from a bobbin lace maker, a woodcarver, and zither players. After the demonstrations, we were given the opportunity to try our hand at the crafts. I was particularly interested in the bobbin lace since in the Bells of 
Lowell series, I had researched the process for one of the Irish characters. I soon discovered the process is every bit as difficult as I’d thought! A few folks, including the youngest member of our tour group, tried the woodcarving (below left). After dinner we were entertained with zither music and singing. 
The musicians were amazed when a member of our group was accomplished on the zither and he took a turn playing and serenading them (below right).
Now that I’ve enjoyed going through some of my pictures, I think it’s
time to get back to those final chapters. But first I need to do a little more reading about washing and shearing sheep employing the tools and methods used by the Amana shepherds back in 1892. One thing is certain—the variety of things we research while writing our stories make for interesting reading!
May you find joy and delight as you dig in and research God’s word. ~Judy
Thank you for this post, sweet Judy--and I must confess, I really ENJOY when you procrastinate, LOL! That sounds selfish, but I DO enjoy the wonderful photos and history tidbits you share with us. Since I've never traveled to Europe, anything I learn about those countries (either history or present-day) is fascinating to me.~ I hope your writing is going smoothly and look forward to reading more of your books! Have a wonderful Wednesday, Patti Jo :) p.s. My son gave me a Books-a-Million gift card for my b'day (we have one of those wonderful bookstores in our area) and I cannot wait to get there and use my card for your (and Tracie's) Bridal Veil book!! *smile*
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, Patti Jo. Always helps to hear from readers and know what they like to hear from us. I enjoy sharing some of the history I learn along the way. Makes the purchase of all those research books and visits to historic sites more finanacially acceptable. :)
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed reading your post very much Judy. I was only looking at some of our photos the other day and re living our trip.The first thing that caught my eye in your photos were the wooden soldiers and the pyramids and I too, did a double flip at the price and..came away without one. I'm glad you managed to buy "George." I did enjoy my visit to the Christmas Shop in Innsbruck and managed a few little purchases. I can't remember at some stage, whether you said you visited there or not.
ReplyDeleteIt seems as though you had a few talented participants in your group..that's great for bonding, especially for a group tour too! I know what some of them can be like.
Thanks for sharing a little more of your tour with us. :)
Rosie
I loved seeing some of your pictures, Judy! And hearing about the craft of making lace. I brought home a couple of bobbins when I was on a research trip to Belgium, to remind me of a scene from one of my books. I think you're so right about it being just as difficult as we imagine to actually create those lovely handmade pieces!
ReplyDelete