For some reason, the Amish have always held my interest. Maybe it’s because they make amazing quilts, like my mom. Or because many birth stories that I’ve read by midwives speak of the natural labor and deliveries that happen in Amish communities. Maybe it’s because they’ve found a way to resist technology and the advancements of man and machine. Then there’s the part about their unyielding faith and ability to forgive. I’m sure that of all the Christian religious groups that are still in existence, Jesus would approve of their ability to love, forgive, accept others and hold fast to their convictions (although I don’t know how he’d feel about the whole giving up of free will to the elders bit). Their church services are open to the public, and while it may seem weird, I think it would be interesting to attend one.

Mostly, though, they are a people known for hard work that sustains their communities, and a lifestyle that lives in communion with the natural rhythms of the earth. Plus, I hear they make awesome ice cream. As an American, I can’t deny their appeal as a people. I feel similarly about the Pioneers that moved west and helped expand our country centuries ago. Luckily, I can meet the Amish and still learn from them in the first person. That’s my #26.

1. Travel to 6 of the 7 continents. Let’s be honest, Antarctica is a long shot. So far I’ve been to North America (Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica) and Europe (France).
2. Spend time practicing yoga at an ashram in India, with my brother.
3. Join a choral group and sing with them regularly.
4. Tour all 50 states in an RV.
5. Visit Monet’s Gardens at Giverny.
6. Take ballroom dancing classes so I can ballroom dance for fun.
7. Travel to a far away destination by boat.
8. To be exceedingly generous to my family and friends.
9. Write a book.
10. Complete all three courses designed by BKS Iyengar in his book Light On Yoga, over the prescribed 300 weeks (5.7 years). 
11. Go hang gliding.
12. Catch a baby being born.
13. Champion a cause – out of hospital midwife assisted birth.
14. Have a garden worthy of a Sunset Magazine photo shoot.
15. Fit comfortably into a coach class airplane seat.
16. Throw a huge party and invite all of our friends and family. Dancing included.
17. Go on an epic solo adventure. 
18. See Alaska by train.
19. Blow glass.
20. Visit Lapland, Finland to celebrate the Solstice with the Midnight Sun.
21. See the Aurora Borealis.
22. Be debt free. With the exception of a house mortgage.
23. Visit The Farm and hear Ina May Gaskin speak. Better yet, meet her in person.
24. Treat common colds/illnesses/ailments holistically, before resorting to pharmaceutical drugs.
25. Live next to a body of water (ocean, lake, pond, river, whatever).
26. Visit, meet and learn from the Amish.