One Child Policy Homeschool - Blogging as Mother Culture

February 18, 2008 - Blogging as Mother Culture

Mother culture is used in Charlotte Mason circles to describe what mothers do to refresh and recharge, basically “me” time. How do I treat myself to a little recharging?

Getting a facial or a massage is one of my favorite ways to feel totally spoiled. The rates are inexpensive enough here in China that I can indulge without any guilt. (I want to blog this, but it kind of ruins the mood to ask the ladies to take a photo of you during the process. And man, do I look scary with that moisturizing mask on!)

Of course, the ultimate recharger is reading the Word and spending time in prayer. There is absolutely no substitute for that. And along those lines, I like to read classic Christian literature and listen to MP3 sermons.

I also enjoy going out by myself with my camera and taking pictures of the interesting things I see around my city. If you’ve visited my blog at all, you already know that.

Amazingly, some of my hobbies actually give back. They are not all about me, but instead offer blessings to others. Cooking is a great example. When I find a great new chicken recipe or learn how to make bagels, the whole family benefits. Another hobby of mine is researching homeschool related topics. The webpages I've created out of a result of that research have helped many moms. Occasionally I get a comment or an email from someone who has been helped by something I’ve written or organized. Wow! I enjoyed the research and benefited from new knowledge or expertise. And others were blessed too! That’s mother culture that gives back.

In that same way, blogging is mother culture. In the past few years, I ‘ve realized that I have an inner urge to create. I can’t explain it, but I have to be planning and designing something all the time. If I’m not creating, I feel a lack in my life. It may be as simple as a new menu for dinner, but there is something in me that wants to create.

I used to be active on the Sonlight forums, and when they started making that a for-cost feature, I was (accidentally) booted off. That was when I discovered blogging at Homeschool Blogger. As soon as I started, I discovered that it suit me to a tee! I’m in control! I can create what I want to express myself! I am not limited to the discussion threads. No more posting in a thread where I’m ignored. With blogging, all the comments are related to what I post. I can be creative, artsy, silly, or serious. And the truly amazing thing is that people are somehow enriched or entertained by what I post here. So this blog is giving back. I’m blessed and so are you. And isn’t that the best kind of mother culture?

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Comments

February 18, 2008 - Yes...

Posted by bitsandpieces

I loved this post! I know what you mean, that your blog and webpages are actually a hobby and something that allows you to unwind...that's what they are to me too! It is icing on the cake that others can use them too!

Thanks for sharing!
Carisa