Carl Larsson
I kindly ask you to join me musing about treasured Christmas memories. Adrienne Morris, an online kindred spirit, invited me to share on her blog today. Enjoy! ~
Category: Inspiration
November Reads
{This is a BEAUTIFUL winter read and a family favorite}
Happy December and St. Nicholas Day ~ How was your reading month in November? Mine was a bit quiet as the busyness of the holidays ramp up for our family. Here is what I finished!
Mountain Breezes by Amy Carmichael (*****) – This took me all year to read. It is a collection of all of Miss Carmichael’s poetry gathered from throughout her other writings. This is one of my favorite books of the year, as I found her simple, sweet poems of nature observations and the character of God to be so challenging and inspiring to my faith. Some of the poetry is very basic, but you hear her heart through it and some lines are just like arrows to your heart. I highly recommend this book.
Severed Veil: Tales of Death and Dreams by Bethany A. Jennings (*****) – I became aware of Jennings through a writing group on Facebook and I’m so glad I did. This collection of short stories and poems were haunting and unique. I found a few of the stories really made me think and the poetry was raw and honest. I can’t wait to read more from this author and hope to buy a physical copy (I purchased a Kindle version) for my oldest daughter soon.
Hood by Stephen Lawhead (***) – This was a twist on the classic Robin Hood tale set on the border of England and Wales. I really enjoyed this for the most part, but found it very internal and slow. It wasn’t what I expected in a Hood retelling. One would think action and adventure, but this focused on his internal progression and how he became who he was to become. Overall, I did really like this, I just think I was surprised. The writing is superb and the gorgeous setting, intriguing characters (I especially loved an old woman character who helps Robin), and Welsh vein throughout were lovely. There are two more in the series which I haven’t decided if I want to tackle yet.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (****) – We were REALLY sick earlier in November and this was perfect read while stuck in bed. I found this title very intriguing, especially how not all people are as they seem. I loved the idea that we need to look for good in others.
The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton (***) – The magic of this book is the ATMOSPHERE. Morton is a master of that! The gorgeous details that she packs into this book – clocks, maps, lost jewels, creepy mansions, nature, ancient journals, photographs, nature and so on to forever! I was enchanted by the inspiration I felt she perhaps took from a juxtaposition of Little Princess and The Secret Garden. The problem for me was that there were WAY TOO many characters spread out through time. I felt dissatisfied by the incompleteness of the many character’s stories. The main modern character of Elodie, the archivialist, was my favorite and in the middle of the book, we sort of lose her to many other characters. I was intrigued by the clockmaker’s daughter, but as the story progresses, I felt like her voice changed. She did go through horrible life circumstances, but it felt jarring to me. Overall, this was an interesting, twisty, mysterious read, but maybe a bit TOO jumbled for me to love.
The Holy Bible (*****) – Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon
~
Monday Ponderings {December 3rd}
“It is said that the door to the stable where the Christ-child has been born is very low – and only those who kneel find access.”
~Celtic Daily Prayer
p. 228
{Happy December, friends! Thinking on this quote as we start our week.}
~
“…for it was living itself that she enjoyed…” : Autumn and Elizabeth Goudge
I’ve been contemplating seasonal literature flavors once again. Autumn is like a delicious seven-layer salad. Or rather a hot, steaming, crusty potpie. A collage of flavors, colors, smokey smells, and damp bits, trees, the land returning to dirt. Just dig your spoon deep down into the squishy goodness, drawing up something tasty and different each time. As I think on this passing favored season, I can’t help but begin to think of another of my personal beloved authors, Elizabeth Goudge. The autumn richness flutters, floating its way down through Goudge’s words, her flawed, hurting characters, and her sense of place. Nothing like the autumn season reminds us so much of the necessity of home and hearth. A place to gather round and draw in, the place you can return to often and walk away filled afresh and anew. Miss Goudge often wrote deeply of a central place, or thing that permeates and influences, that almost-out-of-reach-intangible something throughout her narratives. These often become like a beloved character in and of themselves. Her stories stray a bit, at times, leading you down strange, yet lovely mystical paths, and you may find a neatly stitched up ending occasionally, however I guarantee you will always walk away with something. A little wisp of beauty, a puff of smokey delight, a thought to dream on. Just like anticipating the first leaf to burst forth into it’s glorious splendor, you have to snuggle down with patience, soaking in each word, each line, and chapter. It’s a coming harvest that will surprise and fill the deep hunger of soul. Your breath sucks in, a beautiful, colorful surprise around the corner, inky scribbles on the page, an autumn gift of jewels for the taking. And of course, one of the secrets of autumn, is the deep, internal things happening underneath the surface. The hint, the promise of something green, some growth, and most importantly, hope. Wouldn’t you like to lick that spoon, taste a bit of this loveliness?
…He (John Adair) liked a constant supply of hot water, a refrigerator, an elevator, an electric toaster, a telephone beside his bed, central heating and electric fires, and anything whatever that reduced the time spent upon the practical side of living to a minimum and left him free to paint.
But Sally [his daughter] did not want to be set free for anything, for it was living itself that she enjoyed. She liked lighting a real fire of logs and fir cones, and toasting bread on an old-fashioned toaster. And she liked the lovely curve of an old staircase and the fun of running up and down it. And she vastly preferred writing a letter and walking with it to the post to using the telephone and hearing with horror her voice committing itself to things she would never have dreamed of doing if she’d had the time to think. “It’s my stupid brain,” she said to herself. “I like the leisurely things, and taking my time about them. That’s partly why I like children so much, I think. They’re never in a hurry to get on to something else.”
― Pilgrim’s Inn
(emphasis mine)
P.S. – {I kindly suggest starting with The Dean’s Watch, A City of Bells, or Pilgrim’s Inn}
Monday Ponderings {November 26th}
“Nobody can know the full consequences of their actions and history is full of small acts that changed the world in surprising ways.” ~Rebecca Solnit
{Originally, I saw this on Myth & Moor blog and I’m thinking on it this week. It can be applied to so many areas of our lives. The antithesis of the whole idea of “go big, or go home.” I love the quiet, humility of this and how we all have an opportunity to love on others without having it to be something seen by the public eye. Yes, it’s harder and usually unappreciated, but that’s alright. It still matters. Remembering the beginning of the verse, Zechariah 4:10, not to despise the day of small things.}
~
A Blessed Thanksgiving to You and Yours {One Hundred Bits of Gratitude by Thanksgiving} #9-10
MY heart in chiming gladness o’er and o’er
Sings on “GOD’S everlasting love! What
would’st Thou more?”
Yes, one thing more! To know it ours indeed,
To add the conscious joy of full possession! –
O tender grace that stoops to every need!
This everlasting love hath found expression
In loving-kindness which hath gently drawn
The heart that else astray too willingly had gone…
We thirst for GOD, our treasure is above;
Earth has no gift our one desire to meet,
And that desire is pledge of His own love.
~F.R. Havergal
The Cloud of Witness, p. 109
81. children using leftover pie dough for little cinnamon sugar creations
82. my husband snuggled on couch, wrapped in sleeping bag, children all around him, and sitting on his lap
83. all of us talking to the turkey like he is part of our family. He was taking a cold water bath and we kept poking him and conversing with him! Ha.
84. Kitchen Aid mixture is such a good friend at holiday time
85. lovely brunch conversation and my little children licking their fingers from the cinnamon rolls
86. a child seeing that I was cooking bacon and hollering for joy, “BACON!”
87. temperamental can opener working
88. talking books with oldest and pursing Goodreads and the local library online site
89. bed sheets flapping in the cold, crisp wind – they are going to smell so fresh
90. one daughter helping me cook bacon and scrambled eggs, another mixing OJ, and my son placing the cinnamon rolls on pan – those moments when cooking together is so fun
91. my fluffy mauve sweater
92. new light bulbs put in, the kitchen is a brand new space! Ha.
93. fabric purchased and waiting to be washed for a Christmas project. Crossing my fingers that I can finish something
94. a new refined to-do list for the next few weeks – not too bad
95. a Christmas gift arrived for my 9 yo daughter that I know she is going to LOVE and I’m pleased with it.
96. new, fresh day after a few rough ones, Tylenol and hot, delicious coffee helping me to get going
97. my 4 yo laughing at a funny part in the book The Napping House, his giggle is so darling
98. the sizzle of the turkey and the juicy, slicing of apples
99. the Narnia movie soundtrack
100. the way the children’s art flutters on our art line in the house, heat blowing up and in, warming the heart of our home
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So many tangible and intangible blessings all year round! ❤ Thanks for joining me this month, noticing our blessings ~
On the Eve {One Hundred Bits of Gratitude by Thanksgiving} #7-8
{Gulf of St. Lawrence/Atlantic, summer 2017, from near the East Point Lighthouse, P.E.I, Canada. This photo has a special meaning to me and I love it so much.}
61. the joyfulness in my children, so refreshing
62. anticipation of my family’s happiness over the big dinner planned for tomorrow
63. overhearing the walkie talkie conversations between my children and husband as they hunt –
64. new Elsa Beskow calendar for the new year
65. good price on bulk red potatoes and onions
66. seeing my sister and BIL’s new apartment, the blessing of them cooking a great meal for me, and spending time just chatting
67. someone at church kindly filling in for me in Sunday School
68. an invitation to a lovely couple’s home after church last Sunday, delicious home-cooked meal, a cooking break for me. The gentleman was an accomplished carpenter and my little children were so delighted by the beautiful wooden toys and marble run he built.
69. a little copper tea kettle I found thrifting that has brought so much delight to us through it’s beautiful sparkle and hours of pretend play
70. my 11 yo’s languages and codes that he’s been creating. He is so inspired by Tolkien’s Elvish
71. new pen pals from Oregon for two of my children
72. our dependable vehicles. My trusty Dodge Caravan gets me where I need to go and my husband’s Prius is wonderful for long commutes.
73. the Amish old-fashioned corn-shocks dotting the landscape
74. new book of Christmas stories to enjoy in December with some hot apple cinnamon tea
75. a sale on some shoes that I love! They are like a burnt orange (not my usual color choice), but they came and they fit perfectly and I love them
76. Pioneer Woman’s Pie Crust recipe. It’s my favorite and gets well used doing holidays and birthday seasons.
77. My SIL’s cranberry sauce recipe. She just blends up cranberries, a little sugar or honey, and an orange. Seriously, addicting stuff
78. My littlest son, who plays with pieces of cardboard, the broom, and an old bouquet of artificial flowers for hours. This kid is so unique, funny, and amazing.
79. sharing Thanksgiving poetry from anthologies with the family
80. the fast and furious snowflake shower today. Just so beautiful. The most beautiful part was seeing my 9yo out in it, just enjoying it, walking through it, and bending to look. She told me she was having a hard time seeing the snowflake patterns. I’m so grateful she wants to see them. Sigh
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Monday Ponderings {November 19th}
{a statue and poem that my oldest and I really loved from our summer travels}
“…Trample not on any; there may be some work of grace there, that thou knowest not of. The name of God may be written upon that soul thou treadest on; it may be a soul that Christ thought so much of as to give His precious blood for it; therefore, despise it not.”
~Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Celtic Daily Prayer, p.545
{thinking on this excerpt this morning. I believe ALL people are souls that Christ thought so much of and shed His blood for! I’m a bit more confidant than Mr. Coleridge in that. This is a beautiful and heavy thought as we go about our days with family, friends, neighbors, and a world full of people that need our love. Trampling is the norm in our culture, I want to be revolutionary like Christ and LOVE.}
~
Snowy {One Hundred Bits of Gratitude by Thanksgiving} #6
{a gorgeous restored church on Prince Edward Island, Canada}
51. lamp-lit dinner of buttery pancakes shared with two children who were at home with me last night. We listened to soft music as the flame flickered. So peaceful!
52. the sound of potatoes being grated. Juicy and a pleasant scraping. Hash browns for my husband! Opening deer hunting and an empty fridge had me scrambling to find some things for hungry bellies. The hunters seem to appreciate the few eggs, random turkey sausage (found deep in freezer), and hastily-made hash browns.
53. the sizzle of oil and smell of crispy potato.
54. the soft, top outline of snow on some forgotten laundry on line.
55. slowly attempting to paint the constellation Orion in my nature journal. It looks primitive, but I’m glad to capture the moments I’ve spent gazing at this imposing fellow in the sky.
56. fascinating essay here and quotes here on Myth & Moor, probably one of my favorite blogs. I suspect that the author and I are kindred spirits, hopefully, we could be friends even though we may differ in many of our core beliefs.
57. reading The Little Engine That Could over and over to my littlest as he just discovered it on our library shelf. I never realized until now that it’s sort of a retelling of the Good Samaritan.
58. Black-Capped Chickadees and a Male Cardinal at my feeders! We don’t have a lot of trees and I’ve really missed the variety of birds that we had at our former home.
59. pretty Christmas wrapping paper that I ordered. I usually wrap all my gifts in one print, the monochromatic scheme looks so pretty under the tree and frankly, it’s just easier.
60. I got a few things scribbled last night in my journal. Some writing actually down in ink and not floating around in my stuffed, spilling-over brain! I’ve really struggled with making the time, because it feels like I need so much mental space, of which I have zero right now. I’m finding I’m going to have to fit it in the margins of life or it won’t happen at all. How wonderful it is to just get down one page of words captured for just a little while.
~
Sick Days {One Hundred Bits of Gratitude by Thanksgiving} #5
We’ve been under a cold and upper respiratory fog that just will not go away. Thankfully, we seem to be slowly coming out the other side of the tunnel and I know there are things I was grateful for even in the midst of hard daily life circumstances.
41. extra soft Kleenex, big three pack, that my husband picked up for us
42. daughter who served me hot tea on a tray with a card and light candle, so cheerful and an unexpected blessing
43. fluffy duvet covers to snuggle under
44. the brilliant star-filled sky out of our big window in the upstairs hall. I’ve been up a lot with children, my own coughing, and I kept noticing it as I passed by.
45. I made a simple meal of meatballs and mash potatoes and my family was in raptures. Hallelujah for happy stomachs!
46. thick, soft socks
47. children who helped out with cooking while I was really sick
48. glorious orange sunrise this morning, shining through a purple and pale blue haze, so beautiful
49. sunlight has been rare lately, so when it visits, the shafts throughout the house are lifegiving
50. sharing the reading of our books together, cuddling under quilts, listening to music and watching Victorian Farm episode on Youtube. Flexibility to keep going when sick at a comfortable speed.
~
First Snow {One Hundred Bits of Gratitude by Thanksgiving} #4
We awoke to a thick, delicious, white frosting spread across the land. We are delighted and are celebrating by baking something to go with our hot drinks and books today.
31. my daughter’s little whispy bits of hair blowing in the warm, wood-pellet stove air
32. banana and walnut go together so very well, do they not?
33. a lovely time with four mothers, a passel of children, books, beauty, and delightful conversations
34. impromptu date with my middle two, listening to their dreams, ideas, and having lots of laughs together
35. first holiday party of the season tomorrow, a chance to listen and encourage, and wash a few dishes 😉
36. little hands peeling mandarins, fresh, sweet citrus-y smell
37. wood smoke curling out of all the Amish schools, yards full of little carts, recesses of little, black-clad children running around. Crowds of them walking along the roadside, brightly colored lunch coolers banging against their legs
38. anticipating the 200 bulbs the little children and I planted last month. Spring will be glorious thanks to those little gems tucked away
39. tea with honey. I’m a coffee person, but in autumn and winter, “lashings of tea” is the way to go!
40. The only Christmas-y thing I’ve began early is Bing Crosby. Swoon, so cheerful and comforting
~
October Reads
I’m finally getting a chance to get this down, readers! I have almost all children’s and YA on my list! Ha! It was fun reading month. Anything good that you finished up in October?
The Way to Write for Children: An Introduction to the Craft of Writing Children’s Literature by Joan Aiken (****) – I found this short book very helpful and encouraging for writers. The title sort of says it all, I think! A big thing I walked away with is that with YA story telling you get more into the feelings and internal struggles of your characters were as with writing for children, it’s more at face value. Children are so open and don’t spend a ton of time musing over things they say and decisions they make. A lot of food for thought.
The Anatole Trilogy by Nancy Willard (*****) – These three short fantasy adventure stories follow a young boy and were just wonderful. I was looking for a middle grade read and happen to have book #2 of this series on my shelf. I quickly got the other two and thoroughly enjoyed them, the last being my favorite. I love Willard’s ability to keep things grounded in the reality of a young child’s mind, yet make completely absurd and fantastical things and happenings seem everyday and normal. I loved this little escape and the quests Anatole found himself on with the help of many magical creatures and new friends. You can tell Willard understands young children, which I love so much.
The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen (***) and The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë (*****) by Syrie James – I found these perfect light reads for bibliophiles and lovers of these two authors. I especially enjoyed the one surrounding Charlotte Brontë’s life. The author did extensive research, using as much historically accurate information, mixing it superbly with her imagination, to create a lovely story. I probably won’t read anything else from this author (mainstream romance!), but these two stories were fun, clean, and very interesting.
Black Hearts in Battersea by Joan Aiken (*****) – If you recall, last month I read the first in this series, The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, and if it all possible, I loved this one even more! Simon, a wonderful character we were introduced to in the first book, is in London, and is looking for his missing friend, when he stumbles upon a plot to overthrow James III! He meets a little firecracker of a girl, lonely daughter of his evil landlords, and the fun ensues. Filled with hot air balloons, tunnels, spies, intrigues, secrets hidden in old, dirty paintings,and wonderful characters, this was a lovely read.
Whispers of Mirrowen Trilogy by Jeff Wheeler (***) – My daughter recommended these books to me, so I took her advice. Definitely page turners, these follow an unique group of people (almost like a fellowship), as they help the enigmatic Tyrus attempt to battle the plagues that have ravished their kingdom and those around them. Unbeknownst to each of them, Tyrus picked them for their different abilities and powers as he alone knows the dangers that lurk in the Scourgelands. Filled with dryads, grand worlds/kingdoms/races, fireblood powers, rings & knives with sinister secrets. Overall, I like these, even if you did have to stretch your imagination a bit and they were a bit dark at times. My favorite was the last book, Poisonwell.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (***) – I enjoyed visiting again with Harry as he begins his second year at Hogwarts. Dobby is super irritating to me, for some reason. Ha! Is that bad that I don’t like him? Lockhart is a funny, pompous, wind-bag of a character, and I just love Mrs. Weasley and her howlers. I found the diary of Tom Riddle part very intriguing ,very creepy, and perfect bit to the story. Maybe because I love diaries/journals so much.
Dreamlander by K.M. Weiland (****) – This follows a young man whos dreams aren’t like everyone else. He wakes up in a new world while he’s asleep in modern USA. And when he sleeps in Lael, he back on Earth. He is one of the Gifted in the Kingdom of Lael and has a huge task on his shoulders as an invading army bears down on them. He also brought evil back with him and now has to correct his mistake. This was fast-paced, interesting, and unique. It has a great twist ending as well! I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
The Holy Bible (*****) – Romans, I & 2 Corinthians
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