I had the pleasure of meeting you and your husband at the gallery today in Murphy NC. Upon seeing this print of the Mennonite women was admiration at first sight. Simply put Debra, it is now my pleasure to own this limited edition print. I'm currently reading the book, Amazing Grace, and while it is about the Amish, there is a connection between these people. I love the simplicity of life that they embrace. To Celebrate Life is something each of us should hold dear in our hearts, for it is given to us ten-fold. Your print will be displayed in a quiet manner reflecting the way they live their lives. I thank you for sharing your work.

Dear Debra,

I am the publisher of a UK based textile magazine selvedge. Do take a look at our website if you are not familiar with the publication. I am interested in reproducing your beautiful image to accompany an article on demure dressing. I wonder if your would grant permission for me to use your image and would you be able to supply me with a high resolution file.

Thank you in advance for your time
Polly Leonard

I stop back to look at my image here now and then and to see if there are any new comments. Thank you Chris for writing! This image has been very special also to my husband and I and we have only sold it as a Limited Edition at our art shows or by mailing it directly to anyone interested in owning a signed and numbered print of it. Each person that has purchased the signed print has had a personal connection in some way with the image, the subject, or the location in the Smoky Mountains. We are honored each time someone purchases this print for their own home. Thank you!
Always celebrating life, Debra Vanderlaan
www.CelebrateLifeGallery.com

Debra, I had the pleasure of meeting you this past weekend at the Apple Festival in Ellijay,Ga. When I saw this picture I was totally captivated! I attepted to go back over, serveral time, to your booth and purchase this from you. However, my attempts were blocked. I believe I was blocked from returning to make the purchase because Christmas is coming and they did not want me to own two of something so meaningful and beautiful. i just can't wait for Christmas to get here! New Found Gap has a profound meaning to me. Thanks for capitvating something so beautiful and sharing it with us!

This is a beautiful photo! I disagree with the opinions about Mennonites not wanting their photo taken. There are strict sects of Amish that disallow their photos taken. Mennonites are traditionally not as strict. A round of applause to the photographer!

Debra . . I am currently doing my Master's at the University of Guelph, and ironically my thesis deals with EIGHT Mennonite women. I was wondering if you would grant me permission to reproduce your photo within my Thesis Report? ( of course I would give you photo credit for it) . . . please reply to mmhjir@hotmail.com

Looking forward to hearing back from you, Marilyn

I hiked that same trail once, up the mountain for 8 miles, and down in 4 miles. My car was back at the Newfound Gap parking lot and I had to hitchhike back. I did the hike in 1 day, disappointing that when I reached the top of Mt. LeConte, it was socked in. That was a long hike for naught.

Anyway, gorgeous photo, hopefully you got to see the view too.

Beautifully done! I found the comments here very interesting too. Keep taking pictures!

I am so glad that the girls featured in this photo now know that they are in the finals of the Smithsonian contest. As for them turning away, they did not even know that I was back there snapping! And also, I did not see anyone but a friend of my own snapping at this moment. I was the only one standing in the parking lot directly behind them, so perhaps one of the girls was to the side (maybe the one to the left that appears to be readying something in her hand, a camera perhaps?). I only got 2 frames when they began to jump back down, so it was a 30 second chance at the most to get this capture. I would never try to violate anyone's creed and don't believe that anyone has been upset in any way by this photograph. I think it honors the wonderful Mennonite way of life. I am celebrating life, Debra Vanderlaan www.CelebrateLifeGallery.com

Some one commented that it is against their creed to take this picture. I know all these girls and they knew their picture was being taken and it is not against their creed. They take many photos themselves of each other. Actually one of the girls was taking this same photo at the same time Debra was taking it.

Beautiful picture! But I can't help but wonder if their backs are turned because Mennonites do not like their photo taken? They will always turn if they see a camera.

Erna T.

I wonder if they see the America that was, is, or will be?

Debra, this is a great picture! These women look amazing! My big congratulations!

Excellent and moving photo! I can feel it! A respectful photo of a group of heartfelt American people. Congratulations on capturing it.