A Simpler Life
Tina Wheeler
A colt frolics next to his mother in an Amish barnyard just outside Windsor, Missouri.
Because I spent many of my younger years in Windsor, Missouri, to see a horse-drawn buggy just seems to be a normal part of every day life. Corn and tomatoes were purchased from the back of little black buggies quietly sitting along the roadside. Patiently waiting in the heat of the summer, these savvy business folk were dedicated to their profession offering only the finest homegrown produce and goods.
There was something fascinating to me about these humble people—maybe because they seemed a bit mysterious but peaceful, maybe it was the spiritual connection I felt, or maybe it was simply that they seemed to do just fine without all the bells and whistles of life. It wasn’t until I grew up and moved away that I realized what a treasure I had experienced.
No matter what the reason, the Amish bring back memories of my childhood, a simpler time when life wasn’t so demanding. Today, their lifestyle remains the same even through the progression of this hectic world.
When an opportunity arose here at Missouri Life, I jumped at the chance to photograph the Amish community around Windsor. Knowing they are very sensitive to being photographed, it was important to accomplish this assignment with the utmost respect. Although a bit challenging, I was passionate in my attempt to share the Amish experience with our readers.
The Four County Produce Auction yielded many photographic moments with wagons full of vibrant flowers and customers delighted by the bargains of blooms they carried home.
The journey to Kountry Bulk Market was equally as enticing with a wonderful moment spent watching a colt frolic in a field painted with the yellow flowers of spring. Just down the road was the destination for which I searched. The market was filled with goods of all kinds. I was welcomed by a friendly young Amish man who was happy to accommodate my request to photograph the many items for sale.
The August/September issue of Missouri Life will showcase the Amish community at Jamesport and five other Amish communities around the state. If you are as fascinated with the Amish way of life as I am, be sure to pick up your copy, on the newsstands soon. Better yet, if you haven’t subscribed, this is the perfect time to do so.
Thanks to the Amish community in Windsor for graciously allowing me a sneak peek into your everyday lives.
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