Nov. 11, 2009 - Carnival of Homeschooling- NaNoWriMo Edition- Posted!
Everything from growing cowboys, to creative teaching ideas, to dealing with swine flu, and more is addressed in this latest edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling. In honor of National Novel Writing Month (nanowrimo), it's laid out in book parts, from preface to epilogue.
There's a lot of good reading here from homeschooling parents (and even a grandparent), so you won't want to miss it;-).
Enjoy! |
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May. 7, 2009 - Convention Coupons, Excellence in Literature, & Far Above Rubies Benefit Sale
I'm going to miss all the fun, but this is an exciting weekend for bargains, anyway! I finally finished my 2009 newsletter handout and the new cover for Introduction to Literature (see it below). I wanted to coordinate it wth the covers that IEW designed for American and British Literature. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. The image is from an illuminated manuscript of the 1400s, and it's a reference to one of the books we read in this level, Mark Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. That's such a funny but thought-provoking book-- even the non-readers enjoy it!
I wanted to be at the CHAP convention and got a booth (#1006), but due to very unfortunate circumstances cannot make it. My very able assistant, homeschooler Matt Wade, will be there with his father Bill to manage the booth. Please stop by to say "hi" and to redeem the Convention Coupons I have for you (you can use them online between Friday and Sunday too, not just at convention).
 Be sure to look at the fresh-off-the-press copies of Introduction to Literature-- the first volume of the Excellence in Literature series. It's designed for self-directed learning, but works well in co-ops and classrooms as well. If you want your students to learn writing as they study full-length classic literature, you'll love Excellence in Literature!
The only place you can get Introduction to Literature right now is from my booth at the convention, or from the www.ExcellenceInLiterature.com website. Eventually, I'll get them distributed more broadly, but I'm still finishing up with the second and fifth books in the series-- Level 2 is Literature and Composition, and Level 5 is World Literature. They should be available by the end of summer.
 Lynda Coats, the author of Far Above Rubies and Blessed is the Man unit studies, is working to raise money to return in the fall as a missionary teacher to Native American children. She's offering 13 valuable bonuses with the purchase of the long-awaited FAR or BITM unit studies. These curricula have been very hard to find recently, so this is a wonderful opportunity! If you love unit studies and are looking for one for high school, be sure to check out this sale. It will run until May 15 only.
http://www.lyndacoats.com/?p=57
http://www.everyday-education.com/catalog/convention-coupons.shtml
www.ExcellenceInLiterature.com |
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Feb. 19, 2009 - When Mom Loses Her Voice- Tips for the Unnaturally Silent
I lost my voice last weekend. Sometime between Sunday and Monday it packed up and disappeared, leaving me with only a whisper. I'm not much of a talker under normal circumstances, so this wasn't a problem Monday through Wednesday.
Of course, normal circumstances don't apply to this week. I was scheduled to do two Beat-the-Clock Essay Workshops this week-- today and tomorrow. Tonight, we were going to have dinner with Andrew Pudewa while he was in town (he published my recent American and British Literature books in the Excellence in Literature series), and it looks as if we'll have to miss that as well. It's not much fun to dine with someone who can't speak above a whisper!
I've learned a few things this week that may be useful if you ever lose your voice due to a sinus or ear infection, or simple overuse. If you feel lousy, the tips below are for you. If you lose your voice but feel fine, just pick and choose the tips you need.
- If you need to summon someone, a loud "Psssst!" works very well.
- If #1 doesn't work, try stomping on the floor.
- If #1 and #2 doen't work, try whistling. Very loudly.
- If you have cordless phones with an intercom feature, this is the time to use it.
- Keep a legal pad and Sharpie marker handy for quick notes. Save notes such as "ANSWER THE PHONE" for repeated re-use (no one in our household likes to answer the phone).
- Drink lemon juice and honey in hot water about every two hours.
- If you tend to be absent minded, make a note every time you take your antibiotics and decongestants, or you'll spend ridiculous amounts of time counting pills or trying to remember if you've taken them (don't ask me how I know this).
Things to do while you can't talk:
- Take the opportunity to rest and read good books.
- Write a few notes to people who need encouragement.
- Do hands-on activities with your children. Make sure to choose things that don't require instruction such as coloring, scrapbooking, clay modeling, or other handwork. Just plan to have fun.
- Plan your spring garden.
- Clean out a closet.
- Enjoy the silence!
And finally, here's the challenge: After you've been voiceless for a couple of days, think about the difference it's made in your home atmosphere. Do your children and your husband miss your voice, or are they relieved to have it quieted for a few days? My goal is to be the kind of communicator my husband and children enjoy, and this time of unnatural silence reveals that they do miss my voice. As you regain your voice, remember to "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt...." so that your voice is a blessing to your family and to others. If it isn't, then it's better to be silent forever. |
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Jan. 6, 2009 - Don't miss the 3rd Anniversary Edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling!
I just stopped at "Why Homeschool" to take a peek at the latest edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling, and I think this is the biggest and best one ever! Henry Cate has put together an amazing celebration of the third anniversary of the homeschool carnival. All the posts are nicely categorized, so whether you need encouragement, tips, or just interesting information, it's all there.
Enjoy!
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Jan. 2, 2009 - Here's an enjoyable White House mini-tour
Dec. 29, 2008 - Planning for 2009 & A Chance to Win
One of my favorite things to do during the last week of the year is to fill in the calendars for next year, and plan for all the things we'd like to include. It always seems like just a few things, but by the time I get it all filled in, I realize that we're going to have to be organized in order for everything to happen "decently and in order."
There are a few things that are helpful when planning ahead, and one of them is looking back. I like to look back at my datebook for the current year, and ask myself:
- What went well?
- What didn't?
- Are there any areas that got neglected?
- Are there any people I need or want to spend more time with in the coming year?
- What can I do differently that could make next year even better?
These questions help me remember details about the year just past, and I always hope they'll help to keep me from repeating mistakes;-). One thing that didn't go well this year was my overall fitness level. My neck and shoulder went out twice-- once in July (returned to full functioning in late September), and once in November (still not back to normal).
After the first episode, I had planned to keep doing the exercises the chiropractor prescribed, but because I was busy finishing the American and British Literature books, I let them slide, so it happened again. This time, when I get to feeling decent again, I'm definitely going to keep doing the exercises and add in yoga and whatever else is recommended. I don't particularly enjoy exercise, except walking, but if I have to do it in order to stay healthy, I'm going to do it. Ugh.
Beyond little insights like these, looking back helps me see if I've spent one-on-one time with each of my family, and how often we've all had time together. Just as we sometimes need to rebalance a financial portfolio, we sometimes need to rebalance our lives and priorities. Now is the perfect time!
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Be sure to stop by Miss Jocelyn's blog, A Pondering Heart, for a chance to win something from her amazing Winter Bundle. She has gathered some wonderful gifts, and all you need to do to enter is to leave a comment on her blog. Enjoy!
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Dec. 23, 2008 - Visit the Carnival of Homeschooling (and Paris, too)!
I just posted a new Carnival of Homeschooling with a "Winter in Paris" theme. There are some great posts, and even a couple of recipes you'll enjoy, both involving chocolate, of course!
Really, it wasn't just an excuse to browse through my Paris pictures again, but I have to admit, that is a fun thing to do. Paris was a revelation to us when we visited. It's beautiful architecturally, but it's accessible and friendly, too. I'd love to go back every year!
Contrary to all the rumors you hear about Parisians, we found everyone we encountered to be cordial and courteous. This reinforces my belief that almost anyone anywhere will respond nicely to a pleasant, courteous approach. When visiting a foreign country, it's important to learn what is considered courteous, and what is not, so that you don't bumble around being unintentionally rude. It's surprising how many people behave rudely in a foreign country, and are then offended when the natives are less than friendly!
For example, the French are generally more formal than Americans. When you enter a shop, it's considered courteous to greet the proprietor with a 'bon jour." As you shop for food, you don't touch the beautiful displays. Instead, you tell the shopkeeper what you want (it helps to practice the language before you go), and in the case of fruit, when you will eat it, so they can select the best item for you, much as our general stores did in the olden days.
When we were there, I enjoyed shopping at the little food shops. It's very acceptable to take a picnic lunch on the train, so before we left for Italy, I visited the bakery, the fruit stand, and the cheese shop to create a lovely picnic. At each place, I explained that I wanted [bread, fruit, or a cheese] that would be suitable for a picnic on the train with children.
Each shopkeeper offered suggestions and selected goodies of perfect ripeness. The cheese merchant said, "ah.... a small smell, eh?" and provided a selection of delicious cheeses that didn't advertise their presence to the entire train. The fruit vendor pointed out some particularly lucious grapes, and indicated that they wouldn't be messy for children, which was an excellent idea. All the packages were beautifully wrapped in gift paper with a bit of string or ribbon holding them on. It was a lot more interesting than fast food!
The only problem was that after collecting our lovely picnic, we headed for the train station, where we discovered that we were to leave from a small auxiliary station a couple of metro stops down. We got directions, hopped on the ever-efficient metro with a couple of minutes to spare. When we got off, there was no sign of anything resembling a train station. Yikes. The clock was ticking, and it was almost time for the train to leave!
I handed my suitcase to Donald, and ran into the first little cafe I saw. It was crammed with working men, enjoying lunch. I summoned my rudimentary French to ask the room at large where the train station was hiding. A small man near the door looked at my ticket with it's fast approaching departure time, and dropped his fork, and said "Come!"
He ran out the door and down the street, with all of us running after, dragging suitcases. We were huffing and puffing when he arrived at a steep flight of steps and leapt up them, running to a train that was going through it's final departure process. He reached the last open door, stuck one arm in so that they couldn't close it, and waved us in. We thanked him profusely as we staggered in, and he smiled and waved as the door slammed and the train pulled out. That was only one of the many kindnesses we experienced there, and I will always remember that very nice Frenchman with gratitude.
Anyway, I digress. Visit the Carnival for some enjoyable reading, and visit Paris for beautiful sights and scrumptious food. Enjoy! |
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Dec. 22, 2008 - Blogging Poll- It's revelation time!
In her excellent "Blogging Basics" newsletter this morning, editor Tia Linshied wrote about the benefits of offering polls for blog readers (with a prize, of course!), then presented us with a poll. Here are my answers.
1. Why did you start a blog?
Two reasons: 1- Because I'm a writer, and couldn't resist another place to write; and 2- because I'm reaching the "older woman" stage of life, and wanted to share some of the things I've learned with younger women. Blogging is a good way to share with others in a non-intrusive way.
2. What did/do you hope to accomplish with your blogging?
My goal is to encourage, inspire, and/or inform my readers.
3. Have you found that you don't post as much as you did when you started?
I post weekly on my primary blog (Taking Time for Things That Matter), and try to post weekly on this, my more personal blog, and close to weekly on my reading/writing blog. For the most part, this has been my schedule since the beginning.
4. If yes, why not?
N/A
5. How important are comments to you?
I highly value comments, as they help me learn more about my readers and what they like to read about.
6. Do you ever find yourself wishing people would not always leave comments that agree with you?
Most of the comments I get are very thoughtful, and add to the topic, so this has not been an issue.
7. Do you comment on other people's blogs a lot, sometimes, or very little?
Fairly often.
8. What determines why you don't post a comment on someone else's blog?
Sometimes, I just don't have time, or something about the post doesn't seem to invite comment.
9. What determines why you do post a comment on someone else's blog?
If I feel I have something useful to add to the discussion, or if I can offer information or encouragement, I'll post.
10. Do you have more than one blog? Where?
Four, actually:
This blog for more personal observations and posts.
"Taking Time for Things that Matter" for homeschooling through high school and teaching literature and writing.
"Take books, for example...", my reading/writing blog.
And the NAIWE NewsWire, my business blog for the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (the name is in the process of changing, so if you visit, you may see the old name until January 1, 2009).
11. Do you read random blogs either off of random blogger or friends lists?
Yes-- I've found some of my favorite blogs in this way. |
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Dec. 17, 2008 - Caring for Our Elders
Do you take care of an elderly family member? I've cared for my grandmother since 1993, and she's almost 96 now. LIfe is getting harder for her, but she tries to keep up with what she can.
 There are a couple of things learned about caregiving, and I thought I'd share them with you. If you have other thoughts, I'd like to hear them. Please feel free to leave a comment!
- Older people often value a visit far more than a token gift.
- Caregivers last longer if they share the load. Make caregiving a family affair, and let your husband and children help you as much as possible.
- Elders can be crochety at times, often due to frustration at their own loss of independence. Help children treat them with love and understanding at all times.
- If you lose patience or are unkind, don't assume the elder forgets. Their feelings can be hurt, and an apology helps to heal the breach. At the same time, don't be too hard on yourself when these times occur. Do your best to stay rested and focused so that these occasions will be few and far between.
- As memories fade, plan to enjoy the same stories over and over. It's not kind to remind the elder that he or she is getting forgetful-- they do the best they can, and you can afford to be gracious and patient.
- Most older people have plenty of "stuff," and prefer a homebaked treat, as long as their diet permits it.
- Remember that old people are just regular people in an old, worn-out body. They have feelings, and they don't enjoy being ignored, put down, or reminded that they are getting old. They already know that their life is almost over and most of their friends are gone. Please do what you can to make your elder feel loved during this difficult time.
- Kindness and patience create the best memories-- always.
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If you have a home or family business, it's important to keep good records. I've added some articles by CPA Carol Topp, to the home business pages of my website. I hope you find them helpful!
- Get Ready For Tax Time
- Keeping Business Records Organized
- Simple Bookkeeping System
- Using Software
- Working with an Accountant
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Nov. 27, 2008 - Happy Thanksgiving & a Black Friday Sale!
There's so much to be thankful for (I may have mentioned that before!). Family, friends, home, creation, good books, a warm cat on my lap.... So much. One of my e-zine readers mentioned "thanksliving," and that's what I'd like to do.
I've just posted a "Black Friday Clearance Sale" at my site-- come by and take a look! Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and all the leftovers;-). I hope that you are all having a wonderful day.
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Nov. 22, 2008 - C.S. Lewis- 35 years ago today
Just 35 years ago, Clive Staples Lewis left this life. He is one of my favorite writers and thinkers, and his works continue to inspire Christians everywhere.
There are many excellent websites where you can learn about C.S. Lewis and his life and works. He didn't write "twinkie" books-- things to skim through without thought. They are meaty and thought-provoking, and will provide long-term mental and spiritual nourishment.
Here are some links:
Into the Wardrobe is a nicely organized, well-designed site that offers a great deal of information about Lewis, along with many links and other resources.
The C.S. Lewis Institute ""endeavors to develop disciples who can articulate, defend, and live faith in Christ through personal and public living."
C.S. Lewis Foundation in an organization whose "mission is to advance the renewal of Christian thought and creative expression in the university world and the culture at large. |
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Nov. 20, 2008 - So many things to be thankful for!
I know that Thanksgiving isn't officially until next week, but a thankful heart happens anytime, doesn't it? I'm so grateful this week that I was able to finish off both the American Literature and British Literature books in my Excellence in Literature series, and get them sent off for final proofreading and production.
Getting these books reformatted and ready for publication has been a long process, because I've had a pinched nerve in my shoulder that has flared up twice--l the first time this summer for almost three months, and again just a couple of weeks ago. It's extremely painful to be upright, but the Lord has provided helpers, a way to work from a recliner, and much grace for this trial. I'm so thankful!
One of my favorite poems is "Gratefulnesse" by George Herbert. If you haven't read it, here's a link. It's worth reading and re-reading every year.
Tip: If you use Charlotte Mason's method of teaching language arts, "Gratefulness" is wonderful for copywork! I hope you are blessed by it.
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