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Random Thoughts

I have just finished reading two books, "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" and "Hitched," which is written by a local couple, Carol Duerksen and Maynard Knepp, who live on a farm between Hillsboro and Goessel.

One books is about a Chinese lady and her family and the other about an Amish family.

So different, yet a lot alike. Both stories are about the way people lived under strict rules. The different cultures, foods, religion, and marriage. The Chinese story is placed in the 19th century and the Amish one in the present. Pretty interesting comparing the two cultures. Both have strong beliefs and rituals. The woman who wrote the Chinese story writes so beautifully, using picturesque language and intimate descriptions. Women are not allowed much freedom. Men are in charge. However, the women sometimes found a way to use their power.

I understand the high school is putting on a play. They usually do so well. This is a detective, mystery story where you are kept wondering who did it. The butler. I remember these were very popular years ago. I once saw such a play in the Kennedy Theater in Washington, D.C. The audience voted on the ending.

Years ago, there were theater groups who traveled from town to town, called tent shows. We loved them and usually fell in love with the hero. They would put on a different show every night. Fun!

— NORMA HANNAFORD

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