Aug. 15, 2009
~The Invincible Louisa~

I've been sick all this week & have done a lot of resting and reading.  I read a biography about Louisa May Alcott that was really inspiring.  She's one of my many favorite authors and I so enjoyed reading about her childhood & her family.  Did you know her family were very closer personal friends w/ Emerson & Thoreau ??  Her father apparently did a lot of research on educational philosophies & gave lectures.  They were pretty poor, however.  Anyway, a fact about her father is that at one point he was a peddler before he married & would often stay at people's homes on his journeys, sometimes for several days.  He'd read books in their libraries & then think about what he read as he walked from farm to farm, town to town.  Here's what it says...

     "...After this feast of learning, he had what is another priceless necessity--long quiet hours in which to think over and appraise what he had read. He tramped the woods alone, sat under the hedgerows and ate his solitary lunch, exchanged brief greetings with the travelers he passed, but always went on thinking, thinking. Very few are the courses in education which allow time to think; but this education in Bronson's was complete, even to that final need..."

Isn't that profound??  I've been thinking about it all week & realizing that I don't give the kids enough time to think on what they've learned-mostly due to outside pressures. I don't give myself enough to think either-mostly from outside pressures & distractions.  But, I purpose to improve on this complete & final need to our education!

If you're wondering what the book is, it's called Invincible Louisa by Cornelia Meigs.  This author has also written another wonderful book that I'm going to use as a family read-aloud called The Covered Bridge.

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Aug. 15, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by short

Hi Holly

Very interesting information about Louisa May Alcott and her father!

Sorry to hear you have been sick. Get better soon!
I have not been sick but my computer has been. I am also struggling with blogging here on HSB, downloading photos has been problematic.

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Aug. 16, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by lahbluebonnet

Quiet time is sooooo good for many reasons, isn't it? I did know they were friends. I would love to visit their homes in Mass. I've seen tours on tv which has wet my appetite. The book sounds interesting!
Blessings,
Laurie

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Aug. 16, 2009 - RICH!!!

Posted by IllinoisLoriH

Hello, I'm Lori...we've never "met" before, but I linked over here from Carol's place (basketflat), and I just wanted to say, "Oh, was that RICH!!!" I must get that book and read it, too! How true, that we do not allow ourselves that precious time to chew, mull over, and focus on the things we read, nor do we allow our children that blessing. THAT was powerful...now I'm going to be thinking about it instead of sleeping, for sure! Thank you for sharing it with us!
God Bless,
Lori a.k.a. Plans4You

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Aug. 21, 2009 - Cool

Posted by basketflat

Cool. That is a real struggle with me too - having quiet time to ponder or giving that to my kids.

Cathy

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Aug. 23, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Canadagirl

I am going to have to look these books up ! Thank you for sharing. Yes, I have done okay in leaving time for us all to think but I think I need to guard that time and make sure it is not skipped or invadded.

Blessings and ((HUGS))

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Aug. 24, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by OldSchoolMarm

Holly, what a delightful post! I so understand tromping in the woods for long periods of time by myself. Enjoying the solitude and serenity of being able to be at my thoughts by myself and without interuption. But how do we teach our children to value time to themselves? I know that sounds somewhat ridiculous but in all seriousness that is one of the reasons I teach so much nature study. It helps when children know that they must be quiet in order to observe a squirrel or a bird for long periods of time. To be able to study a plant or insect in it's own habitat and meditate on the reasons it's colored as it is or how it moves. I don't know that it comes natural anymore for a child to be able to be still and alone and remain content in a society that throws so much stimuli at them through the media, sporting events, or even the entertainment oriented churches. Your post made me think a little more deeply about something that is important to me, but again, I want my children to experience that peace of being alone with their thoughts and surrounded by God's beauty. Personally, it is at time like these that I hear my Lord the loudest and most clear and even feel His presence :-).
Blessings, Julie

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"Keep my commandments and live!
Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye."
Proverbs 7:2