You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.
~C.S. Lewis
Category Archives: The Prairie Home
Saturday Snapshots
White Roses on the Table
Floral arrangements have never come easily to me. I am trying to get over my hesitation to cut stems down considerably because it makes the bouquets much fuller and in better proportion.
Simple Woman’s Daybook
FOR TODAY February 28, 2011
Outside my window…
The day started with heavy fog but the sun won out and is shining overhead now leaving patches of mist in the valleys.
I am thinking…
About time passing and children who are no longer children. And that makes me so very happy, and of course also so sad. This fills our late night whisperings.
I am thankful for…
every breath I take. Seriously.
For challenges met.
Smiling faces.
Fresh flowers.
From the kitchen…
Apfelschorle and lots of it. It is essentially carbonated apple juice and was pricey in the States. Here it can be had for pennies per liter.
I am wearing…
Clogs – daily. My feet are getting ever more demanding and few other shoes make the grade these days. Getting a little concerned. Can you get along indefinitely in clogs, boots, and sandals depending upon the season? I am testing the hypothesis.
I am creating…
Portraits. I just can't get enough of my children's faces right now, especially as they change with each passing day. Portraiture is a celebration of this moment for me.
There is also a tiny brown corduroy skirt awaiting it's hem.
From the learning rooms…
Leading by example. Dh and I are both taking classes and our evenings are filled with study side by side in the dining room, he with his leadership course and I with piles of photography texts, both with our German books.
Abbie Rose has learned to count to ten and entertains us by naming the color of everything she sees. Apparently she has absorbed an enormous amount of the kinder-cd material while sitting behind her sister. Amazing.
I am going…
Back and forth : ) To Asher's job and back. To dance studio and back. To the library and back. To the market and back (these daily shoppers truly do not 'get' multiple carts full in their lines) To the gym and back. To the education center and back….
well, you get the idea ; D
I am reading…
Chapter upon chapter of Laura Ingalls Wilder. And loving. every. minute. This is how we end our days around here. Oodles of read alouds while piled on the boys' beds.
Tell you what, I am musing greatly over Charles and Caroline this time through.
"For seldom is heard….a discouraging word…"
I have decided that a careful read through of this series would equip most young couples for marriage should they truly endeavor to embody the teamwork, respect, self control, and cheerful optimism in face of great trials that are modeled here. Prudence, discretion, responsibility, faith. These speak to me so loudly and clearly in their example. A perfect example of 'simple, not easy.'
Pondering these words…
"Everyone argues in favor of the virtue he practices easily, and exaggerates the difficulties of the virtues which are contrary to it."
-St Francis de Sales
I am listening to….
The Swell Season, again. This was one of Asher's favorite duos and he got me hooked. A few years later I am still drawn to the haunting harmonies.
This is coupled with the sound of our own piano ringing out once more. We have secured a new piano instructor and couldn't be more pleased. She is a concert pianist from Albania, if I heard that right, and the girls are astounded at her expertise and effortless playing. Inspiring!
Around the house…
Tucking in new (old) pieces from recent thrifting excursions. I have resolved that if it is at all possible to serve the same purpose with a vintage item that I will find that versus buying retail. Just lends so much more character and warmth to our surroundings.
One of my favorite things…
Delft
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Single parenting (read: driving!) while dh is gone. Taking notes for him in class. Lots of long distance calls. Feis this weekend for the dancers.
Here is picture thought I am sharing…
more Daybooks at Peggy's
Market Tulips on the Table
Our local market has had a bucket of tulips available lately. It is such a treat to have spring blooms on the table while outside it is still harsh and cold. Makes me think we should all be more like them, rather than wait on ideal circumstances to blossom and grow.
Thrift Thursday
Found this cobalt water jug not long ago. Not vintage per se but it does fit in well.
On Blogging
I keep almost posting lately. Then don't. Or get some pics loaded and then have to run again. And keep telling myself I am falling behind on blogging. But then, can one actually fall behind on one's own blog? Will the blog police scold my truancy?
The lack of chatter here of late is partly in proportion to the volume of private email happening. Since there are only so many hours in the day, when they are gone they are gone. I can sum up by saying many of those letters involve discussion about how to do it all, more specifically how do *I* do it all. Short answer? You can't. *I* can't. So first priority goes to home and family.
It is very hard to LIVE this life well and simultaneously live a full online life. I would argue that it is nigh on impossible. At least for me. So it's often either/or. My miscellaneous responses to email lately:
To have a clean house you don't need a new cleaning system. You need a broom and a washcloth. You need to clean as you go – fill your sink before you cook, wipe the fixtures while the littles are in the tub, make a sweep of the car before you get out.
To have well educated children you don't need more plans, more creative methods, or learning styles evaluations. You need some books, pencils, and a smile of encouragment. (and yes, we do use traditional materials and yes, I will review the Maxwell bk. Someday lol)
To have order in your days you don't need little boxes and ical. You need to wake up (before the children) in the morning, stay more off the computer than on, and always have an eye ahead to the next few things on deck. ie – are clothes laid out for morning? Are dinner ingredients defrosted? Are backpacks ready for school/sports etc?
It really is that simple. Simple, not easy. It is much easier to surf for ideas than to put them to work. It is much easier to discuss edu-methods than to help work out long division for the umpteenth time. Yet the latter leads to great long term success and easier school days.
It seems so delightfully refreshing to thumb through crafts books or blogs, but how often do we pick up the needles/machine/paint ourselves? (after our home and school were in order)
It is inspiring to look at images of tidy pantries but so much more satisfying to spend an hour clearing a shelf or two in our own.
You can have those things that feed your soul and your family, but not by discussing them here. Linger a bit to glean if you must, then scoot and DO. Don't be content to sit and watch others. Your own blessing sifts through your fingers as they fly across the keyboard.
and that, my friends, is what keeps readership and discussion nice and low around these parts lol. And on that note I need to go and git. God bless!
PS will try to shoot a few more pics up here. Bavaria or Bust this week!
Winter Table
Conveying Affection
The attractive way you set the table set the tone for a meal and can convey affection, warmth, and caring. The simple way the napkin is fluffed up in the glass, folded to make a flower, or creatively arranged in a napkin ring can speak of your love and concern. A garnish of parsley on a platter of roast chicken or a wedge of lemon in a glass of water say, "I care enough to do the little bit it takes to be above average."
– Simple Secrets to a Beautiful Home, Emilie Barnes
Thinking of Emilie's words as I make preparations today. Dinner guests expected at six tonight. Roast chicken, rice pilaf, whole green beans, salad, and apple crisp ala mode is on the menu. Simple dishes are what we do best. I think the table will be set in blue and white.
Thrift Thursday
Oh. my. word.
This may be one of the very best thrift shop finds I have ever had. Ranks right up there with the typewriter. We wandered into the junk shop during dance class, turned a corner, and literally stumbled into this authentic Victorian doll pram. It has porcelain handles and a wicker body with metal rimmed wheels. She threw in the lace coverlet because I may possibly be their best customer of all time lol. Oh my oh my. I do love it. Expect to see more of this carriage in the future.
Starry Sky Journal 