.
Here in this pretty world Gallantry took its last bow… Here was the
last ever to be seen of Knights and their Ladies Fair… Look for it only in books, for it is no more than a dream
remembered. A Civilization gone with the wind…

Was it only a dream or did we watch dozens and dozens of hoop skirts twirl around the dance floor for hours yesterday?  Knights and their Ladies fair.  It was the annual Civil War Ball and oh, was it a sight to behold.Asher and Alannah and their friends donned period costumes and learned the Virginia Reel, the waltz, the Military Two Step and more. They promenaded around that hall for hours and were happy as clams.

We have lost a lot by way of gallantry. These teens were instructed in etiquette such as being introduced, dance cards, the need for gloves and never touching your dance partner with nor on bare skin even if that should be an elbow. The nature of these old folk dances meant that everyone circulated all evening.  Most involved a series of steps and then rotation of partners. They danced to excellent live music from a reenactment band. What an unforgettable glimpse into our past. You can read about elections, leaders, and war.  Nothing can compare to setting images into your mind with  music and movement. They will remember researching period appropriate hair styles and manners. They will remember the two young officers arm wresting for the honor of a dance.

We are going to explore the reenactment group as a family and will keep you posted. Meantime, here is a peek at the evening:

The Little Flowers of St Francis is one of those books that takes a short time to read through and a lifetime to really understand.  Found it online here complete with my favorite essay – Perfect Joy.

…. you hear…….this   

How funny!  Though yes, we are Catholic : ) 

Jill Novak sent a link to this young woman who would appear to have a promising illustration career ahead of her. The paintings are incredible.  As Jill says, very like Tasha Tudor.

Their site has been updated with gorgeous pictures of that awesome house.  I wanna move in.   : )

We are grounded today. On a Divine Time-Out.  The children have taken turns erupting since Saturday. In a weird way it’s ok though. It forces us to be here and be settled which is my goal anyway. Seems God has a way of pulling us back to our center when we start to scurry. He ‘makes us lie down’.

While on our imposed quiet time I have been devouring the Down to Earth Blog. I have been chewing over Rhonda Jean’s description of the steady pace of her days. She knows what to expect when she begins her days and ends them with hearty satisfaction, looking forward the challenges of a new day to come. About home she says:
"…my home is like my work of art. I hope it will become my masterpiece. I
believe that I have done the best work of my life at home. I might not
have been paid for it, but it paid off in many ways money never could
have."

Indeed it does. How often we look for fulfillment and purpose elsewhere.  How rarely it is to found anyplace else. We have been given such a gift. It is my goal to keep that gratitude foremost in my mind and make the most of it.

Elements of Time explains the steps they have taken to reduce their consumption by 90%.  90%   That’s a whoooooole lot.  I am fascinated by the prospect however since that would free up a bunch of resources to tackle debt. Check it out.

Lion Brand yarn has some podcasts available here. The new catalog came by mail this week.  Oooooooh Aaaaaah!  Absolutely gorgeous colors and the backdrops were incredible too for that matter. The most impressive to me was the Tree of Life afghan.  A work of art. Nothing I could swing.  Maybe Rebecca! : ) I love the tone on tone pattern.

I swear when I read the books I picture this:

My 50s nostalgia rolls over into lit in a big way.  I got a wild hair and found The Timber Trail Riders on amazon.  I can’t wait to share them with my daughters. : )  I spent all my holidays and summers and many weekends at my grandparents’ stable. We didn’t have a vast library but being a bookworm I think I memorized most of the books on the shelves. 

Did any of you have these? The Golden Book Encyclopedia set kept me occupied for a lot of hours.  I picked up a set of my own when the boys were little.

I love old books.Sigh.

Speaking of which – its time to pull out An Austin Family Christmas.