Meandering Melodies will take you back to the 60's, 70's, and 80's and share what it was like to be a part of a neighborhood in Carroll County located in Delphi, Indiana, that had lots of children, a simple way of life, what we did for fun and what it was like to be part of a "Plain People" growing up among other "Plain People." Meandering Melodies will also share what life is like among the "Plain People" today in 2013 in Carroll County. Expect to be delighted, thrilled, and encouraged as we not only take a walk down memory lane together but also explore living life "out of the fast lane" in today's world. Experiences that will at times make you laugh and cry as we learn together how simple joys of yesterday and simple joys of today can create a symphony that lasts a lifetime! Most of us can remember a time when life was not so busy. A simpler time when we enjoyed a visit with a neighbor or a walk in the park. . . A time when we had no concern about being a certain place at a certain time doing certain things... A time when fast food was not really all that fast and the computer age had barely begun. . . A time when life was busy but did not seem hectic or fast-paced. . . Sometimes we even look back with nostalgic longing and wish to return to times like this. Times when we'd like to get "out of the fast lane.." Today finds many people living life in the fast lane where life is in constant motion and meticulous plans are made to ensure their success in the modern world. There is always some place to go and people to meet. Yet they are intrigued by certain lifestyles and fascinated by those who seem to manage living a simple life "out of the fast lane." In the past few years many books have been written and movies made showcasing the Amish, Mennonites, and other Plain People and their simple lifestyles. People wonder about the differences. People wonder what their lifestyle is really like. People wonder what it is like to be a part of a plain church and plain people. They have all sorts of questions about what it is like not to have cars, or telephones, or electricity. They wonder why they dress the way they do and do the things they do. They wonder how people can live like this?!! It seems to them that life is lived "out of the fast lane" among Plain People. Or is this only an illusion? I grew up among Plain People on a farm in Carroll County nestled between two hills. Bachelor Run flowed merrily through our farm forming the southern boundary of our property. Folks called the road at the top of the south hill the Crooked Road. It went straight for several miles out of Delphi, then made a sharp curve, and after several more curves, you ended up in Flora. Our house was in the valley below this first curve. This first curve was a notorious place for wrecks; which I shall write more about later! My Dad built our house against the bank of the north hill. At the very top of the north hill was a very old cemetery called the Nettle Cemetery. I don't recall anyone ever being buried there. I also don't recall ever playing there. I do remember mowing the grass along the fence that separated our property. One of my favorite spots, my very own idyllic hide-a-way, was close to this fence. I went there often to think and write and lay in the grass on beautiful summer days. Most of our neighbors were members of what we called the Horse-and-Buggy Church. Their official name was Old Brethren German Baptist. They used to be a part of our fellowship before they split off from the Old German Baptist Brethren in 1921 as a result of differences about cars, electricity, and telephones. When was the last time you experienced life "out of the fast lane?"
About the Author: Susan I. Holsinger grew up on a farm located in the heart of Carroll County in central Indiana near Delphi among "Plain People" whom they called horse and buggies. Raised in the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, Susan cherishes the memories she has growing up in a neighborhood with lots of children and a simple way of life. Her love of writing in her journal and writing poems led in later years to creating songs, books, and many Facebook posts. In 2013 the Carroll County Comet asked her to write a new column for their weekly newspaper. Susan chose the name of the column. It is called "Meandering Melodies." The first years articles are available in a book that also includes several other things written by Susan such as poems and inspirational writings. Susan is married to Philip Holsinger and lives in Rossville, Indiana. They have 6 children and 3 grandchildren. She is a member of the Old German Baptist Brethren New Conference fellowship. The Lord has sent Susan many wonderful songs that has produced a book "Holsingers Heartfelt Harmonies Book 1" and a CD "O' Magnify The Lord With Me." Others books and CD's are planned in the future. You can find more information about this at: www.HolsingersHeartfeltHarmonies.com The compassion and love Susan has for those who experience the loss of someone they love became a grief ministry in 2008. She wrote two books "In Memory of My Little Angel" and "The Good Grief Journal" to support those she worked with. She became a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist in 2011 to better serve those who need an understanding heart and a listening ear. For more information about recovering from loss: www.GoodGriefandYou.com