Smicksburg Tales 1,2 & 3 (Amish Knitting Circle, Amish Friends Knitting Circle & Amish Knit Lit Cirlce ~ Complete Series: 888 pages for Granny Weaver Lovers and 30+ Amish Recipes

by Karen Anna Vogel

  Lizzie took Fannie by the shoulders. “Now take a deep breath. Enjoy this day and we’ll all talk in a few hours.” She crossed her arms and looked down at the ground. “I’m anxious too, not knowing when my wedding will be. I’ve really thought about what Marge and Suzy said. Sometimes we get goot ideas from the English.”

  “Jah, who would have thought of such a thing,” Fannie grinned.

  “Thought of what?” Granny asked, exiting the outhouse.

  “Just a silly idea from an Englisher.” Fannie said. “They have strange notions.” She winked at Lizzie. “But sometimes goot ones, too.”

  Granny eyed Fannie. “You’re supposed to be preparing your heart for communion, remember?”

  “Just have a lot on my mind about the store and having to move to New York-“

  “Cast it off, Fannie. Cast your cares on God. Who knows? Maybe New York will be goot for you and the Lord knows it.”

  Fannie gasped. “Why are you saying that? You know something, don’t you? I saw Jeb talking to Jonas before the meeting.”

  “The men always talk before they enter the service.” Granny said. “They’re all waiting outside to file in.”

  “But they looked real serious-like.”

  “It’s a serious decision,” Granny said. “I’m praying mighty hard.”

  ~*~

  The bishop lifted up the loaf of bread, reminding the congregation that bread is made up of grains of wheat. Every grain had to be crushed to make the loaf. If one grain is not crushed it can not only be a part of the bread, but also brings attention to itself. This would not be submission but pride. Then he talked about grapes and how they all needed to be crushed to be a part of the wine. In like manner, all those present had come to a place of unity, though some had felt they were being crushed. But he gave a strong reminder that Christ’s body was broken and His blood spilt because of love. Are we to do less?

  Then everyone filed to the front to take a piece of the bread and drink wine from the same cup, all a sign of unity. Then people paired up, women with women, and men with men, and they took basins to wash each other’s feet. Granny went over to Lavina and asked if she could wash hers, and she quickly nodded in agreement. Zach went over to his brother, Luke, to ask if he could wash his feet. Luke beamed and hugged his brother.

  After the foot washing, the bishop thanked everyone for not only their desire for unity, but hard work to maintain it. He said it was a day to celebrate, but also a warning that unity was something to yearn for daily. This took a lot of patience, but encouraged everyone that this was a fruit of the Holy Spirit, who was ever present to help; He would maintain unity if leaned upon.

  Three weeks later.

  Loud pounding work Granny up. What on earth? She turned to Jeb, but he wasn’t in bed. The racket was coming from the back of her house so she made her way to the back window to look out. Lizzie and Roman were talking to Suzy. But that didn’t startle her. It was the sight of Suzy’s big white tent she used at craft shows, going up in her yard! And the church bench wagon pulled in, and Melvin was driving it.

  Granny ran to get her robe and knit slippers, since the first day of May was still chilly. She walked out to see Roman, who was now helping erect the tent. “What’s going on?”

  “Go ask John and Harry.”

  Granny frowned. “Why should I pay goot money and walk to the phone shanty if you know the answer.”

  Roman turned to her, eyes beaming. “They came in last night. Real late. John’s staying with me and Harry with Jonas.”

  Granny felt like she needed to wake up. Her sons from Ohio were home? She looked down at the green grass, trying to make sense of what Roman said. Then it dawned on her. “Ach, they came home for Fannie’s wedding?”

  Roman grinned at her. “Jah.”

  “That’s real nice. Well, I need coffee. Heading back in.” She turned to go into the house, puzzled. Neither Fannie or Melvin were kin. She never sensed a special bond between them, either. So why would they come to their wedding? She shook her head, still trying to wake up and make sense of it all. A big white tent was in her backyard and her sons from Ohio were home. What did it mean? Was Roman planning a gathering while they were home?

  When she got to her kitchen she heard the pendulum clock strike seven. She needed to get over to Fannie’s in a few short hours to help her on her wedding day. She got the coffee out of its container, putting extra grounds into her blue speckled ware coffeepot. Granny needed it to be strong this morning. A long day ahead.

  “So, are you surprised?” Jeb asked her as he came in the side door.

  “About what?”

  “The huge tent going up in your backyard.” Jeb’s one cheek slid up to form a crooked grin.

  “I’ve seen tents before. So you’re planning a gathering?”

  “Jah, I am, along with Roman and Melvin…”

  “That’s the part I don’t understand. Melvin’s getting married today and he’s here helping with a tent? And drove the bench wagon here, instead of over to Fannie’s.” Granny moaned. “Don’t tell me Fannie’s renting pretty chairs with covers, like the English. She’s been talking quite a bit to Suzy about English weddings.”

  “Jah, she has, and Suzy has wunderbar goot ideas.”

  Granny’s head shot up. “Old man, we are Amish and have our own ways. It’s the traditions that bind us from one generation to the next. Humph! Fancy chairs. What could Fannie be thinking?”

  Jeb sighed. “Just sit there, old girl. I’ll get your coffee. I don’t think you’re awake, because you’re not putting one and one together.”

  Granny squinted. “What are you talking about?”

  ~*~

  At two o’clock, Granny sat wide-eyed at the front bench looking up at the top of the tent. It was prettier than the inside of a barn. The sun shone through better, and with open sides, it was much brighter. She thanked God for this day. She’d read Pride and Prejudice twice this past year and always sighed at the end. She’d always ended by placing the book to her heart and inwardly groan. How she longed to have what they had: a double wedding.

  She watched as the two brides and their attendants, Ella and Ruth, sat across from the men; the groom and their attendants Zach and Luke. The love in Ruth’s eyes was similar to the brides’. How she’d fretted about all her little women and how faithful God was, though He worked in such mysterious ways.

  With the three hour church service almost complete, the bishop asked the couples to be married to come and stand by him. He then asked the men:

  “Do you promise that if she should be afflicted with bodily weakness, sickness, or some other circumstance, that you will care for her as is fitting for a Christian husband?”

  Both Roman and Melvin nodded in agreement, and said yes. He then asked Lizzie and Fannie if they could make the same vow, and they also nodded and said yes. Then the bishop asked:

  “Do you solemnly promise with one another that you will love and bear and be patient with one another, and not separate from each other until the dear God shall part you from each other through death?”

  Both couples looked at each other fondly and said they promised, sealing this sacred covenant. Then they returned to their benches. Granny felt like pinching herself, this being too wunderbar goot. It was better seeing a double wedding that just reading about one, although she had to admit, in Jane Austen’s time, being able to carry flowers and wearing a fancy dress would have been nice, but she quickly dismissed the notion. Nee, she loved her Amish life. An English wedding looked pretty, but if it took a year to prepare, and the couples were so busy they had little time to think about their vows, then the centerpiece of the wedding was not in place. Though they had no flowers, they sure had their centerpiece, Christ, the head of the married couple, as the focal point.

  ~*~

  The singing got louder and louder as faster praise songs were sung. Granny took Jeb’s hand and looked over the sea of people that filled their back field, barn and Roman’s hou
se. Such merriment all around her only heightened her own and she wondered if a person could burst from happiness. She woke up this morning, thinking she was helping Fannie at her place. Granny bit her lower lip and chuckled. Fannie feared she’d be overwhelmed and so everyone kept the secret from her.

  She looked over at Jonas as he talked to Melvin and Fannie. They would make a goot team to run the dry goods store. Jeb had always been so fond of Fannie, and seeing her move to New York was simply too much.

  Granny heard Millie and Tillie laughing, and turned to see them jumping up and down, all vying for their new mamm’s attention. Lizzie glowed like a full moon, as she patiently answered their questions. She was a born mamm, just like Ella.

  She felt Jeb’s hand do a nervous twitch. “What’s wrong, love?”

  Jeb leaned down and whispered. “The fish are calling to me. When are they all leaving?”

  Granny gasped. “Jebediah Weaver, of all things to say on your son’s wedding day.”

  Jeb chuckled. “Don’t get your dander up, Deborah. Only joking…kind of.”

  ~*~

  Granny was exhausted, but too happy to sleep. Since the time she’d opened her eyes this blessed day, she marveled at all God had done. She was blessed. Her little women were blessed. Seeing all the new lambs birthed over the past week made her wonder if there were new girls that needed to come to the knitting circle. Maybe not Amish, but English. She thought of Suzy’s idea to have a knitting circle at her house. But was she over doing it, as Jeb feared? Did she need to slow down? She didn’t know, but learned to bow her head and cast it all on God, for He cared for her.

  Dear Lord,

  I can’t believe Lizzie is living right next door. Be with Jonas as he makes the necessary transitions. If he’s to live with Fannie and Melvin permanently, show him, but give him peace. And Lord, thank you for not taking Fannie from me and providing a way for her to stay in Smicksburg. I’m ever so fond of her. I thank you I felt so carefree today, not fretting over any of my girls. They’ve all become so strong, being knit together in your love and in each other’s company. Show us if we need to reach out to Englishers, if we’re supposed to. Help Jeb not worry about me. Help him learn to cast his cares on you, too, for you truly do care for us all.

  In Jesus’ name,

  Amen

  ~*~

  Well, dear friends, we’re at the end of the Amish Knitting Circle. It’s been fun writing this with so much input from readers. Fannie stayed in Smicksburg, by popular demand, as did the book end in a double wedding.

  I need to reiterate that this is a work of fiction. Concerning Luke and Ruth getting back together, it’s a dream for anyone in an abusive marriage. If you feel unsafe or threatened in your marriage, please seek help from a pastor or a social agency.

  I’m leaving you with a recipe but also a challenge. Are there women on your hearts who you feel would be stronger if spun together, like Granny did? Why not start a knitting circle or other group activity? Maybe a scrapbook club? How about a reading circle where you can read Amish fiction? You don’t need six women, maybe only two or three. God bless your efforts to reach out to each other and be spun together, becoming stronger. And why not start by asking some friends over for shoo-fly pie, to discuss your plans. God bless you all!

  ~*~

  Shoo-fly Pie

  Syrup:

  1 c. molasses

  1 c. hot water

  ½ c. light brown sugar

  ½ tsp. baking soda

  Crumbs:

  2 ½ c. flour

  1 c. light brown sugar

  ½ c. shortening

  ¼ tsp. soda

  ¼ tsp. cream of tartar

  1 tsp. nutmeg (optional)

  1 tsp. cinnamon (optional)

  Mix all syrup and crumb ingredients separately in different bowls. Syrup should be dissolved completely. Divide syrup evenly into two unbaked 9 inch pie crusts. Divide the crumbs on top of each pie. Bake for 10 minutes at 450 degrees, then 30 minutes at 375 degrees, and finally 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Let cool and enjoy

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Karen Anna Vogel is an author on a mission to use stories to entertain and encourage, but most of all to help heal the hurting...and she does it masterfully! Kathi Macias author of over forty novels, including Unexpected Christmas Hero

  A trusted English friend among many Amish in rural Western Pennsylvania, Karen wants to share about these wonderful people she admires. Karen writes full-length novels and short story serials and hopes readers will learn more about Amish culture and traditions, and realize you don't have to be Amish to live a simple life.

  She's a graduate from Seton Hill University with a B.A. in psychology and elementary education, and a Masters from Andersonville Theological Seminary in Pastoral Counseling.

  In my spare time she enjoys knitting, birding, and photograph. Karen also loves old houses, and has helped her husband of thirty-three years restore a century old farmhouse (with the help of Amish workers). They have four married adult children, and one granddaughter they’ve nicknamed Precious.

  Karen is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary Agency.

  Clickable Recipe Index

  Cinnamon Flop

  Raisin Crumb Pie

  Lazy Wife Pie Crust

  Pumpkin Cheese Pie

  Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

  Lydia’s Sugar Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting

  Ginger Cookie

  Oatmeal Whoopie Pies

  Whoopie Pie Filling

  Chocolate Whoopie Pies

  Christmas Butter Cookies

  Basic Cookie Frosting

  Butterscotch Cookies

  Meadow Tea

  Blueberry Muffins

  Oatmeal Muffins

  Apple Butter Muffins

  Amish Birthday Cake

  Amish Cream Cheese Icing

  Everything but The Kitchen Sink Granola

  Shoo-fly Pie

  Amish Friends

  Knitting Circle:

  Smicksburg Tales Two

  Karen Anna Vogel

  He restores my soul

  Amish Friends Knitting Circle: Smicksburg Tales Two

  © 2012 by Karen Anna Vogel

  Second Edition 2013 by Lamb Books

  INTRODUCTION

  Pickwick Papers (Charles Dickens), Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (Conan Coyle),and Anne of Green Gables (Lucy Maud Montgomery), have two things in common; they started as continuing short stories and became classics. I’ve always felt we should learn from the best, and to me, a continuing short story invited readers to participate in the storyline, helping the author see their blind sides.

  Amish Knitting Circle, Granny Weaver’s first circle, hit a nerve with women. Women who felt like she was their very own grandma. So, Amish Friends Knitting Circle was fueled by readers enthusiasm, taking readers into an Amish summer and autumn, filled with barn raisings, plowing, planting putting up preserves and more.

  Granny also taught us all how to pray. Her “casting off prayers” became popular as each episode ended with Granny Weaver casting her cares on the Lord. This became a mainstay, since so many told me they learned to pray; Granny is frank and talks to God like she would a friend.

  I’m so encouraged because other readers are reaching out to women they see hurting, like Granny Weaver, also, believing women are stronger spun together.

  AMISH-ENGLISH DICTIONARY

  Ach – oh

  Boppli – baby

  Brieder - brothers

  Daed - dad

  Danki – thank you

  Dawdyhaus – grandparent’s house

  Dochder – daughter

  Gmay - community

  Goot – good

  Guder mariyer – Good morning

  Jah - yes

  Kapp- cap; Amish women’s head covering

  Kinner – children

  Loblied - The second song sung in a church service, sometimes twenty-five minutes long.

  Nee-
no

  Mamm – mom

  Oma – grandma

  Opa –grandfather

  Ordnung – order; set of unwritten rules

  Rumspringa – running around years, starting at sixteen, when Amish youth experience the outsiders' way of life before joining the church.

  Wunderbar – wonderful

  Yinz – plural for you, common among Western Pennsylvania Amish and English. A Pittsburghese word, meaning ‘you ones’ or ‘you two’

  Dedication

  To faithful readers worldwide who feel that the fictitious Granny Weaver in my Amish Knitting Circle: Smicksburg Tales One was their very own grandmother, giving them sage advice. Your encouragement fueled me to continue writing about her, keeping Granny alive. A special thank you to Helen Hevener and Sue Laitinan for helping me see how interesting an Amish summer and autumn could be..

  To Tim, my husband of thirty-three years. You’re the best!

  To Jesus Christ, who keeps me spun together in His love.

  Psalm 139:13

  Episode 1

  Planting Time

  Granny loosened a rock with her hand spade to make a deeper hole. Memories of planting sweet peas with her mamm flooded her heart and made it warm as the spring day. She brushed dirt from her black apron and stood up, shielding her eyes from the sun, and looked back toward the fishing hole. Jeb had fallen asleep again, fishing pole in hand. She sighed. We’re both getting as old as dirt. She rubbed her left knee, sore from kneeling down planting since twilight.

  A door slammed and she turned to look over at her son’s house. Soon Jenny was walking as fast as her seven year old feet could take her. When she got to Granny, she stomped one foot. “Oma, I just don’t like it.”

  Granny opened her arms and Jenny hugged her middle. She patted her blond hair, parted neatly down the middle to form two braids. “Give it some time, Jenny. Every day will be easier.”