Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Book Review: The Little Way of Ruthie Leming by Rod Dreher
The Little Way of Ruthie Leming: A Southern Girl, a Small Town, and the Secret of a Good Life by Rod DreherMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Library.
Rod Dreher has long been one of my favorite bloggers - I've followed him off and on since his days at National Review. I read his earlier book, Crunchy Cons, several years ago. I've followed his blog through the process of writing this book and wanted to read it.
I'm glad I did.
Oh, I could write about all sorts of themes and ideas from cancer to wanderings to suffering to place to people to politics to churches. I could talk about elitism, "flyover country," and reality.
But, it all comes down to love. Love of family. Love of community. Love by acting, loving through action. Ruthie loved, accepted love, served, accepted service and showed Christ in an excellent way. Imperfectly, yes, but her community, her family, Dreher himself was changed by love she showed. This book is about love.
You should read the book, too. It will make you want to love others better.
View all my reviews
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Book Club: The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 4
Cindy is hosting a Book Club discussing The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer. Please join us!
I've never considered myself artistic. The college prep track I took in school left no room for art class. College really, either excepting the Art History class I was required to take. I enjoy some art, but don't understand it.
I've also been a little intimidated by the sermon drawing in this chapter. Partially because I'm concerned about using the visual in worship, partially because I'm simply unable to think on the fly how to draw my pastor's sermons. I do take notes, and the older children have been learning to do so as well. They have drawn some little pictures before they could really write. I should have R-girl working on that now.
In some ways, I think art for the homemaker has changed in the Computer Age from when Mrs. Schaeffer wrote Hidden Art. I've been trying to transition to doing my lists digitally after reading Mystie's Paperless Home Organization. It's a big transition, but has been worthwhile so far. What that means, though is that I don't have papers that I'm doodling on. But, if you look around Pinterest for home organization printables and layouts, there are beautiful, colorful pages aplenty. If you look at Brandy's Circle Time plans, the layout and details from fonts to clip art are pleasing to the eye.
We do love art in our homeschool. We do an art lesson every other week with friends, we use Artistic Pursuits and we have learned so much. We look at art every day by means of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Page A Day calendar (this is our 3rd year and we love it). We're going to start alternating our Opal Wheeler books with the Simply Charlotte Mason Art Study packets during Circle Time. We've enjoyed trips to museums, Art Cards, and creating Nature Journals.
I was surprised in this chapter, by her very brief inclusion of cake decorating as one of these artistic endeavors. I can do this a bit. I can't say I have enough talent or patience to work at it diligently and often. Plus, I hate the cleanup. Each Christmas my mother and I decorate dozens of cookies. I make cakes for my kids' birthdays ... one of the most searched-for posts here is my Jack and the Beanstalk cake (which fell).
My real claim to fame with cakes is that many years ago my friend and I were asked to teach cake decorating at a Keepers at Home meeting at our church. We did so - just piped some stars on cupcakes - and one of the young ladies (who is now in high school) took it and ran with it. She is talented, patient, and willing to work. And, my, how amazing her cakes are. She did the cakes for the most recent weddings at church and regularly brings cakes for potlucks. She has been accepted into a local vocational culinary program for her Junior and Senior years. This is the beauty of introducing art to younger people, when their efforts vastly outpace your own.
Maybe I should make some cutouts for my own children sometime soon ...
I've never considered myself artistic. The college prep track I took in school left no room for art class. College really, either excepting the Art History class I was required to take. I enjoy some art, but don't understand it.
I've also been a little intimidated by the sermon drawing in this chapter. Partially because I'm concerned about using the visual in worship, partially because I'm simply unable to think on the fly how to draw my pastor's sermons. I do take notes, and the older children have been learning to do so as well. They have drawn some little pictures before they could really write. I should have R-girl working on that now.
In some ways, I think art for the homemaker has changed in the Computer Age from when Mrs. Schaeffer wrote Hidden Art. I've been trying to transition to doing my lists digitally after reading Mystie's Paperless Home Organization. It's a big transition, but has been worthwhile so far. What that means, though is that I don't have papers that I'm doodling on. But, if you look around Pinterest for home organization printables and layouts, there are beautiful, colorful pages aplenty. If you look at Brandy's Circle Time plans, the layout and details from fonts to clip art are pleasing to the eye.
We do love art in our homeschool. We do an art lesson every other week with friends, we use Artistic Pursuits and we have learned so much. We look at art every day by means of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Page A Day calendar (this is our 3rd year and we love it). We're going to start alternating our Opal Wheeler books with the Simply Charlotte Mason Art Study packets during Circle Time. We've enjoyed trips to museums, Art Cards, and creating Nature Journals.
I was surprised in this chapter, by her very brief inclusion of cake decorating as one of these artistic endeavors. I can do this a bit. I can't say I have enough talent or patience to work at it diligently and often. Plus, I hate the cleanup. Each Christmas my mother and I decorate dozens of cookies. I make cakes for my kids' birthdays ... one of the most searched-for posts here is my Jack and the Beanstalk cake (which fell).
My real claim to fame with cakes is that many years ago my friend and I were asked to teach cake decorating at a Keepers at Home meeting at our church. We did so - just piped some stars on cupcakes - and one of the young ladies (who is now in high school) took it and ran with it. She is talented, patient, and willing to work. And, my, how amazing her cakes are. She did the cakes for the most recent weddings at church and regularly brings cakes for potlucks. She has been accepted into a local vocational culinary program for her Junior and Senior years. This is the beauty of introducing art to younger people, when their efforts vastly outpace your own.
Maybe I should make some cutouts for my own children sometime soon ...
The Simple Woman's Daybook for May 14, 2013
FOR TODAY
Outside my window... is grey with a luminescence from the sun behind the trees and houses. Striking.
I am thinking... about starting lessons for the day.
I am thankful... for antibiotics and tetanus shots after R-girl stepped on something and got an infection.
In the kitchen... I'm supposed to be making Sandwich for a Crowd for dinner ...
I am wearing... jeans, red tshirt, blue hoodie sweater. It's going to warm up, but is chilly this morning.
I am creating... lalalalalalala
I am going... to soccer or baseball practice tonight.
I am wondering... how much we'll get done today.
I am reading... The Little Way of Ruthie Leming by Rod Dreher (one of my favorite bloggers). Trying to keep my emotions detached, it is very good. I'm about half-way through, not letting myself rip through the story, trying to catch the ideas.
I am hoping... to finish it and review it soon.
I am looking forward to... vacation soon!
I am learning... to take it easy during soccer season. Everyone's worn out. We're enjoying later starts.
Around the house...
I am pondering... artistry in life.
A favorite quote for today...
One of my favorite things... listening to my kiddos "play" guitar and harmonica. They're having a grand time even if it sounds crazy.
A few plans for the rest of the week... soccer, baseball, piano, soccer, wedding shower, soccer ... school!
A peek into my day... wearing Aunt Janie's dress. My MIL tells me she wore it for her K graduation. It fits R-girl perfectly and is so cute and perfect for a little girl!
Hosted by The Simple Woman's Daybook
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Book Club: The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 3
Cindy is hosting a Book Club discussing The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer. Please join us!
Chapter 3 starts with a push. Music. The 3 months of piano lessons I took ... my parents made me quit when I wouldn't practice. Years of church and school choir ... I still can't carry a tune in a bucket with a lid nailed onto it.
Yeah.
I mentioned the other day that we went to a funeral for a friend's father. That is a musical family, multiple instruments, great singers, making music together and in performance. At one of the girls' weddings, they all went forward and performed a piece one of them had composed. I sit on the outside in awe.
Top 40 music is the music of my childhood. I still can sing along with most pop songs from the 80s (but I don't know who sang any of them!). I hope to fill my children with something better than that. So, we do what we can to incorporate music. It's kind of forced and it takes an effort on my part to accomplish it because it isn't part of my cultural experience. If family music seems extra to me, maybe it will be more natural to them.
So we use CDs as accompaniment to sing hymns. We still listen to Wee Sing America and other folk music. It is not unusual for me to have the Classical Masterpieces channel playing from the cable network (they show me the names of the piece and composer ... I don't have to pay attention to the radio announcer that way). I make my kids practice their piano and they're doing great. They're friends with the organist at church.
Opal Wheeler's books (published by Zeezok Press) on Composers have been a great resource for us this year, as have Classical Kids CDs. They are more interested in the music if we've read about Handel and I say, "This is a piece by Handel."
I'm thinking, again, about Pride and Prejudice, this time how music and those who are musical are portrayed. Lady Catherine is not musical, did not learn, but must have her say. Mary's piano playing can be compared with that of Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst compared with that of Georgiana Darcy compared with that of Elizabeth. Mary's accomplishment was somewhat selfish: formal music, for her own glory - her only glory. Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst played to catch a husband; to be seen as accomplished in society. The music of these three ladies was not really for the enjoyment of others or even themselves. Georgiana played for the love of it, "she sings and plays all the day long" and had great talent. Lizzie's playing may have been "very ill" through lack of practice, but her taste and performance were pleasing to those who heard it. Neither performed for others, yet would play when pressed. Music was, in general, for their own pleasure and that of the family circle. I think Austen shows us the use of music in family culture as Schaeffer is teaching.
Chapter 3 starts with a push. Music. The 3 months of piano lessons I took ... my parents made me quit when I wouldn't practice. Years of church and school choir ... I still can't carry a tune in a bucket with a lid nailed onto it.
Yeah.
I mentioned the other day that we went to a funeral for a friend's father. That is a musical family, multiple instruments, great singers, making music together and in performance. At one of the girls' weddings, they all went forward and performed a piece one of them had composed. I sit on the outside in awe.
Top 40 music is the music of my childhood. I still can sing along with most pop songs from the 80s (but I don't know who sang any of them!). I hope to fill my children with something better than that. So, we do what we can to incorporate music. It's kind of forced and it takes an effort on my part to accomplish it because it isn't part of my cultural experience. If family music seems extra to me, maybe it will be more natural to them.
So we use CDs as accompaniment to sing hymns. We still listen to Wee Sing America and other folk music. It is not unusual for me to have the Classical Masterpieces channel playing from the cable network (they show me the names of the piece and composer ... I don't have to pay attention to the radio announcer that way). I make my kids practice their piano and they're doing great. They're friends with the organist at church.
Opal Wheeler's books (published by Zeezok Press) on Composers have been a great resource for us this year, as have Classical Kids CDs. They are more interested in the music if we've read about Handel and I say, "This is a piece by Handel."
I'm thinking, again, about Pride and Prejudice, this time how music and those who are musical are portrayed. Lady Catherine is not musical, did not learn, but must have her say. Mary's piano playing can be compared with that of Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst compared with that of Georgiana Darcy compared with that of Elizabeth. Mary's accomplishment was somewhat selfish: formal music, for her own glory - her only glory. Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst played to catch a husband; to be seen as accomplished in society. The music of these three ladies was not really for the enjoyment of others or even themselves. Georgiana played for the love of it, "she sings and plays all the day long" and had great talent. Lizzie's playing may have been "very ill" through lack of practice, but her taste and performance were pleasing to those who heard it. Neither performed for others, yet would play when pressed. Music was, in general, for their own pleasure and that of the family circle. I think Austen shows us the use of music in family culture as Schaeffer is teaching.
Book Review: The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann Collins
The Pemberley Chronicles by Rebecca Ann CollinsMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Own on Kindle.
A long time ago, maybe even before I owned a Kindle, Amazon was "selling for $0.00" Jane Austen books and some of the modern fan written sequels. I looked carefully at the reviews and chose a few including this book, The Pemberley Chronicles.
It has sat for a long time. I wasn't sure I'd actually read such a thing, but better to purchase for free rather than pay $9.99 (for a book I don't own!)
Recently, I noticed I was in my "not finishing anything" mode. Sometimes all I need is to finish *something* so I went looking for a novel, and this one seemed a good candidate. Soccer season is not good for my reading, I don't know how Cindy reads at baseball games. I didn't realize how long it was (I'm certain it's longer than Pride & Prejudice by a lot ... and there are 6 more!? Who knew?!?) or I might not have chosen it.
Anyway, I gave it 3 stars, I could have easily given it 2. It was fine, it seemed less cohesive story than I had expected. The first 25% seemed very self-congratulatory in that newlywed sense. They are so glad to be married and constantly reassuring themselves. At the 25% through something finally happened. But some statements were made about the politics of the time, the certainty of the Darcys being "right" and others "wrong" with only one side represented. And then that topic went away for the rest of the book. And that cycle was repeated with coal mining in Wales. And education. And the hospital. Once it was established that such and so ought to be done in such and such a manner, the whole line of story is dropped.
I also did not like the way the author dealt with Mrs. Bennett. Yes, she's annoying. Yes, she has no filter. But, yes, Elizabeth and Jane treated her with kindness and respect in Pride and Prejudice, but in this book she was treated disdainfully. Mr. Bennett comes out looking much better.
So, all that annoyed me. What did I like? I thought Collins did a good job of keeping the voices of the characters true to Pride & Prejudice. Sometimes, her reminders about Jane's goodness were heavy handed, but generally, the characters were the ones I met before. The Gardiners get a larger role in this book, which I enjoyed. I liked thinking about "what might have been" and, despite annoyances, kept picking it back up to read, so that's why I gave it 3 stars. I didn't have any sense of having to finish this (like several of the other books I'm reading) but I read it because I wanted to know what happened. Collins is clearly not Austen, but the writing was good enough.
View all my reviews
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
The Simple Woman's Daybook for May 6, 2013 a day late
FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it's sunshiny but rain is expected.
I am thinking... about staring school in about 10 minutes.
I am thankful... that Jason and I were able to attend the funeral of my friend's (and his cousin's) father.
In the kitchen... spaghetti and meatballs in the crock pot! I'll make it just before we leave for practices and set it on "warm".
I am wearing... sweats and Buckeye shirt. Never out of season, here :)
I am creating... a book review in my head. I hope to publish it soon.
I am going... to order a swimsuit for R-girl. Soon.
I am wondering... why my dogs are going crazy this morning.
I am reading... The Hidden Art of Homemaking ... need to finish Chapter 2!
I am hoping... and clinging to the cross.
I am looking forward to... a day "off" tomorrow. Of course, we'll probably go grocery shopping ...
I am learning... that I can empty the dishwasher in less time than it takes the coffee pot to brew.
Around the house... let's just move right along ...
I am pondering... Sunday evening's sermon. Christians, God is not a good luck charm for the United States even as he was not for Israel against the Philistines in 1 Sam 4. Powerful sermon. Trust the Lord himself for himself.
A favorite quote for today... my friend brought this to Bible Study one day and I loved it:
[May we]…see [Jesus] at every step as our mighty Substitute, our Representative, our Head, our Surety, our Proxy,--the Divine Friend who undertook to stand in our stead, and by the priceless merit of His sufferings, to purchase our redemption.—Was He scourged? It was that “through His stripes we might be healed.”—Was He condemned, though innocent? It was that we might be acquitted though guilty.—Did He wear a crown of thorns? It was that we might wear the crown of glory.—Was He stripped of His raiment? It was that we might be clothed in everlasting righteousness.—Was He mocked and reviled? It was that we might be honored and blessed.—Was He reckoned a malefactor, and numbered among transgressors? It was that we might be reckoned innocent, and justified from all sin.
J.C. Ryle (taken from Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Matthew 27. p. 392)
A few plans for the rest of the week... um, soccer, baseball, piano, art with friends, soccer, soccer, soccer, soccer, soccer.
A peek into my day... no pics today.
Hosted by The Simple Woman's Daybook
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Circle Time Monday for April 29, 2013
Memory Work for the week of ... : April 29, 2013
Bible: We began Colossians 3:12-17 last week and are continuing it for a while. It's easier than the Philippians 2 verses we just finished.
Catechism/Creed: M-girl continues to review. N-boy is on the last page! He's close to being done, huzzah! R-girl is working on the 7th and 8th Commandment questions.
Hymn: We're working on the third verse of The Church's One Foundation.
Covenantal Catechism: Finishing up Chapter 10 on Abraham.
Poetry: The Height of the Ridiculous by Oliver Wendell Holmes. I suspect this will be the last week we work on it, then a long one!
Counting: We continue to work on 8s and 9s and review 4s, 6s, 7s, and 8s.
History: We read the card on Persian Wars today. We'll add more cards the next few days.
Science: We added the card on volcanoes.
Geography: We've been doing The British Isles song for a while. Maybe another week.
Latin: We're working on Hortus Song right now.
Reading: Continuing with Opal Wheeler's Handel and Tina Packer's version of Twelfth Night.
Bible: We began Colossians 3:12-17 last week and are continuing it for a while. It's easier than the Philippians 2 verses we just finished.
Catechism/Creed: M-girl continues to review. N-boy is on the last page! He's close to being done, huzzah! R-girl is working on the 7th and 8th Commandment questions.
Hymn: We're working on the third verse of The Church's One Foundation.
Covenantal Catechism: Finishing up Chapter 10 on Abraham.
Poetry: The Height of the Ridiculous by Oliver Wendell Holmes. I suspect this will be the last week we work on it, then a long one!
Counting: We continue to work on 8s and 9s and review 4s, 6s, 7s, and 8s.
History: We read the card on Persian Wars today. We'll add more cards the next few days.
Science: We added the card on volcanoes.
Geography: We've been doing The British Isles song for a while. Maybe another week.
Latin: We're working on Hortus Song right now.
Reading: Continuing with Opal Wheeler's Handel and Tina Packer's version of Twelfth Night.
The Simple Woman's Daybook for April 29, 2013
FOR TODAY
Outside my window... it's dark. The sun has set.
I am thinking... about the Reds game that's on. Hope they beat the Cards tonight.
I am thankful... for my niece who turned 5 yesterday.
In the kitchen... breakfast for dinner: ricotta pancakes and bacon. Yum.
I am wearing... jeans and short sleeved shirt. It's finally getting warm.
I am creating... nothing to see here ... move along.
I am going... to go to bed soon. After I write this post and iron a shirt.
I am wondering... how the Lord used even his burial to teach us about himself, his character, and his kingdom.
I am reading... Hidden Art with Cindy. Join us?
I am hoping... tomorrow goes better than today.
I am looking forward to... reading the book club posts tomorrow.
I am learning... dum de dum de dum ...
Around the house... I really need to do some ironing.
I am pondering... that Mary thought Jesus was a gardener. In the garden. Huh.
A favorite quote for today... see my Hidden Art Chapter 2 post.
One of my favorite things... the CDs in the aformentioned post.
A few plans for the rest of the week... soccer, soccer, baseball, soccer, soccer, soccer. Need to see about switching tball teams for R-girl as all practices are on Sundays. Argh.
A peek into my day...
Hosted by The Simple Woman's Daybook
Book Club: The Hidden Art of Homemaking Chapter 2
Cindy is hosting a Book Club discussing The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer. Please join us!
Chapter 2 is an extension of Chapter 1, and a bit of a rebuke: do something!
We've been reading The Christian Almanac at the table in the evenings. This chapter reminds me of a recent quote from Chesterton in that book, "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly." As I looked up the quote to add it here, I found this lovely exposition of what Chesterton meant and think it ties in beautifully. It is for the amateur, generalist, and hobbiest.
Back to Schaeffer's gentle reminder. We should do something. See that which is not lovely and make it lovely. Her encouragement to start small and gently is good. Don't expect perfection or to be able to do everything ('cause you can't!), but stop turning a blind eye to the shelf of crafty stuff that's a disaster or the empty wall that needs a painting or the shelf of unopened cookbooks.
So, looking for beauty. We read about William Billings in the aforementioned Christian Almanac. When he mentioned Billings wrote the song that begins "Let tyrants shake their iron rods ..." it reminded me that I have a CD with that piece. Early American Choral Music vol 1 and vol 2 (it's on vol 2).
And they're beautiful. I sought the CDs out and played the song for my family. I've been listening to the CD since. I love the hymns we sing in worship, but must admit that excellent (male!) a capella singing of lyrically strong and God honoring music is a joy to hear. It was a chance to add beauty to our day.
I need to do more of that.
Chapter 2 is an extension of Chapter 1, and a bit of a rebuke: do something!
We've been reading The Christian Almanac at the table in the evenings. This chapter reminds me of a recent quote from Chesterton in that book, "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly." As I looked up the quote to add it here, I found this lovely exposition of what Chesterton meant and think it ties in beautifully. It is for the amateur, generalist, and hobbiest.
Back to Schaeffer's gentle reminder. We should do something. See that which is not lovely and make it lovely. Her encouragement to start small and gently is good. Don't expect perfection or to be able to do everything ('cause you can't!), but stop turning a blind eye to the shelf of crafty stuff that's a disaster or the empty wall that needs a painting or the shelf of unopened cookbooks.
So, looking for beauty. We read about William Billings in the aforementioned Christian Almanac. When he mentioned Billings wrote the song that begins "Let tyrants shake their iron rods ..." it reminded me that I have a CD with that piece. Early American Choral Music vol 1 and vol 2 (it's on vol 2).
And they're beautiful. I sought the CDs out and played the song for my family. I've been listening to the CD since. I love the hymns we sing in worship, but must admit that excellent (male!) a capella singing of lyrically strong and God honoring music is a joy to hear. It was a chance to add beauty to our day.
I need to do more of that.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Hidden Art in Pride & Prejudice
Working within the variety and limits of a place reminded me of the following passage from Book 3 of Pride and Prejudice:
"Elizabeth, as they drove along, watched for the first appearance of Pemberly Woods with some perturbation; and when at length they turned in at the lodge, her spirits were in high flutter.
The park was very large, and contained a great variety of ground. They entered it in one of the lowest points, and drove for some time through a beautiful wood, stretching over a wide extent.
Elizabeth's mind was too full for conversation, but she saw and admired every remarkable spot and point of view. They gradually ascended for half a mile, and then found themselves at the top of a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite side of a valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound. It was a large, handsome, stone building, standing well on rising ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; --and in front, a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal, nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt, that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something!"
You know the estate and wood were maintained and worked, yet it is described in such a way that nature was worked with rather than against. Being mistress of such a place would mean to continue in that pattern and tradition.
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