It is a ritual I don't really plan but it is something that I do recognise as a tradition, having happened each year, over some years now. A tradition is usually an activity that takes place twice in our home :)
The first is the annual learning preparation for the coming year.
This can be quite an involved and ongoing process and one which I had hoped to have really super organised with print outs for all our feast days and activities prepared and ready in a folder just ready to grab.
I am still working on this and hope to have it all finalised before the end of this week, our second week of starting back at formal lessons.
The second part of this item and really is a part that I believe is a recharging of my batteries and inspiration for this lifestyle I lead is reading a few of my 'mothering books' or 'home is where the heart is' style books.
I am always drawn to these type of books and nearly always three of the books I read 'religiously' are these three:
Wren Bay which is written by a lovely friend and I am anxiously waiting for the second book she has promised soon.
You can see how much I love this book by the fact I wrote a review for it back in 2011 and that I am still reading it again and again :)
The other two books are Pockets Full of Pinecones and the sequel Lessons at Blackberry Inn by Karen Andreola.
These books are full of a Charlotte Mason lifestyle of learning that is followed in the home.
This is a lifestyle of encouraging learning in the everyday and not as a separate activity that has no real connection with the rest of your life.
These books are nourishing to my soul and thus help me to be a better wife, mother and homemaker.
When I feel nourished and fed it helps me to cherish and nurture those I love which is actually my phrase for 2015.
Naturally I will re-read some of my other favourite nurturing books throughout the year but these are my traditional, ritual books that I read in the Summer break.
Do you have any favourites you would like to share?
Blessings to you and your homes,
Dear Clarice,
ReplyDeleteWren is a remarkable story and it is on my list for my girls to read as part of their 'home making' skills and learning.
It is truly inspiring and I do love it.
Blessings
Gae
I almost always re-read "Charlotte Mason Companion" by Karen Andreola, I find it offers me great encouragement whether or not I implement the teachings - some I do and some don't suit us.
ReplyDelete"Wren Bay" looks gorgeous, I'll try to make that a future purpose as it looks like my kind of book :)
Dear Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will love this book it is full of creativity and love of home
Blessings
Gae