Hello!
I have a couple of book updates and not a lot of time so this is going to be a sprint - grab a coffee (or beverage of choice if you're bafflingly not 'into' coffee) and try to keep up!
So, I'm sat at my computer, fresh coffee and Russian cheesecake scroll at my side (yes, you read that correctly. Yes, you should be jealous!), ready to try and remember all the wonderful things I wanted to tell you!
I love to begin - and middle and end - with books.
I read a homeschooling book that I picked up second hand as an afterthought. It was cheap and easy to combine with other items I was buying, and the shiny title caught my attention. 'Beyond Survival' - by Diana Waring.
Intriguing! Considering that sometimes the notion of homeschooling 4 children seems... overambitious. Considering that more than sometimes it feels as though we are barely keeping our heads above water... Wow, to not only survive but go beyond! To thrive! Yes please!
God knew I needed this book now.
Have you ever had the experience of a book piercing like an arrow shot through to exactly your weak spot? Yeah, well, it happened THREE times in this book. It hit on my 3 biggest weaknesses as a homeschooler, a parent, as a Christian.
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| hehe, I was just going to do a standard 'mind = blown' meme, but this was way too cool for this homeschool mum to bypass! |
I knew of Mrs Waring as a writer of History curriculum, and that she had been a key speaker at a homeschooling conference in Brisbane in '09. I was very new to the homeschooling world then but I remember a lot of buzz and positive reviews from her visit. After reading this book, I understand why. Mrs Waring is very personable. I felt drawn to her, like a kindred spirit, and saw reflections of myself in her. As a result I am seriously contemplating using her history resources next year.
Arrow #1 - "To be a Christian homeschool, it is not enough to use Christian textbooks and add a course in the Bible. We must take time to nurture our relationship with God himself"
In my head, I knew this of course. But Mrs Waring goes on to talk about how Praise, Bible Study and Prayer breathe life into all aspects of our life - including our homeschool life. I found it to be encouraging, convicting and uplifting.
Confession. Prayer is something that as a Christian I have always struggled with.
Arrow #2 - TV is a time waster. It sucks you into just passively being, instead of actively doing.
In my head, I knew this of course (yes, there's a theme. I'm a s l o w learner), and I'm not convinced to give away our screens just yet, but I did require a jolt on this one.
Arrow #3 - We spend our days at home, we have such an opportunity to decide and create the atmosphere we want our children to grow up in. Why not make it beautiful? This isn't about spotlessly cleaning a house - and if you know me and have visited my house then you know that couldn't be what this is about! Truth is beautiful. Love and care are beautiful. Filling a home with music is beautiful. Maths is beautiful! Don't believe me?
Look at this:
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| check out the numberphile youtube video that explains this! |
Opening the curtains in the morning to let the light stream in, is beautiful. Placing a clean, white tablecloth on the table is beautiful (and covers a multitude of breakfast sins!) You get the idea! Being intentional by taking the lead and acting on the vision for our home atmosphere - physically, spiritually, intellectually and emotionally. I'm far too reactive. Time to grow up, lead and set the tone in this house!
Well, that was longer than I anticipated! No time to stop and savour... onwards!
I also read a for fun book. I bought myself a book for my birthday. You may remember an old post where I reviewed Deathless by Catherynne Valente. That book really stuck me, haunted me, it was so beautiful. So I chose another Valente book - The Orphan's Tales - in the night garden.
This is another beautiful, strange and mesmerizing book from Valente. I love that she employs such interesting writing technique - in both books. In this one, it is like Ezekiel's wheel within a wheel, stories within stories. An outcast orphan child, with a gift/curse, lives in the palace garden and is warily avoided by the inhabitants. Until one young, curious prince crosses her path, and is enchanted by the story she weaves. We are enchanted right along with him.
It is difficult to describe the stories, they are so out of this world, filled with magic, myth, strength, evil, emotion, awe. Amazing creatures, characters and story lines (many within the stories) that draw you in, interlace and surprise and fit together expertly. Another fairy tale for grown ups from Valente, and I loved it. I'm definitely a fan, and look forward to my next adventure with her!
| cover art from The Orphan's Tales - in the night garden. |
“You know how we can be about things which sparkle and shine. We imagine they will put back something of what has been lost.”
― Catherynne M. Valente, In the Night Garden
“At the snowy summit of all these things, however, is the fact that you simply cannot go about locking your siblings in towers when they misbehave. It is unseemly and betrays a sad lack of creativity.”
― Catherynne M. Valente, In the Night Garden
“Children make prayers so thoughtlessly, building them up like sand castles—and they are always surprised when suddenly the castle becomes real, and the iron gate grinds shut.”
― Catherynne M. Valente, In the Night Garden
Sigh, so beautiful! That'll do for books, for now.
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