Book Recommendations from Literature & Larder

Books are one of the great subjects of my Literature & Larder class, but they are also where I go digging for the information I share with my students, and the way I keep myself inspired to teach. I thought you might enjoy some of these as well!

Queen Victoria's Highland Journals, Edited by David Duff

This is the record of Queen Victoria's travels in Scotland in her very own words. She and Albert loved to escape to the beautiful, wild countryside of Scotland. Together they bought and rebuilt Balmoral Castle which became the Scottish home of the Royal Family.

Jane Austen's Country Life by Deirdre LeFaye

The by-line of this book sums it up quite well: "uncovering the rural backdrop to her life, her letters and her novels." This book gives insight into daily life at the rectory where the Austen's lived, including the farm their family ran to supplement their income. The book also talks about the county of Hampshire they resided in, what a rural, farming year looks like, and some of the unique joys and trials of living in the country. The book includes period drawings, paintings, and sketches.

Take Courage: Anne Bronte and the Art of Life by Samantha Ellis

This was a fun, biography-like book which explored the lives of all the Brontes, but particularly focused on Anne, author of "Agnes Grey" and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall." Ellis' premise is that Anne may be the most talented of the Bronte sisters, even though the others tend to get the most attention. The book explores the family dynamics and relationships that cause us to see the Brontes the way we do now. (Ellis turns the book almost into a memoir by adding some of her own life story as she explores Anne's life, which is not my favorite part. Otherwise the book is enjoyable and very helpful.)

Charles Dickens: A Life, by Claire Tomalin

This is a full-length biography, and a well-written one for those interested in exploring at length the life of Charles Dickens. Close examination of a person's life usually reveals things that bother us, and this will be the case with Dickens. Understanding where a man or woman comes from is of great help in understanding their works, and Dickens' life, especially his childhood, informs his writing in every way.

Hospital Sketches by Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott served as a nurse for six weeks in a Washington, D.C. hospital during the Civil War. These "Sketches" chronicle her time there in the hospital and the things she experienced. Those six weeks would have a life-long impact, emotionally and psychologically, but also physically.

A Passion for the Impossible by Lillias Trotter

This book tells the story of Lillias Trotter, a talented Victorian artist who decided to take her paint box and move to Algeria to become a missionary rather than pursue becoming England's "greatest living artist." The story of Lillias is one of tender yet steel-strong faith in God and how that faith was worked out in years of ministry in a foreign land.

A Blossom in the Desert by Lillias Trotter

This book contains quotes and artwork from Lillias Trotter. Lillias used watercolor and gouache to capture the beauty of the Algerian landscape and her paintings are breathtaking. The excerpts from her diary give a glimpse into the faith God built into her heart over the years.

House of Dreams: the Life of L. M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg

This recently published biography of L. M. Montgomery is aimed at young adults and thus is a very readable telling of Montgomery's life story. It's fascinating to see how so much of Montgomery's own life ended up in the characters she created such as Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon.

The Landscapes of Anne of Green Gables by Catherine Reid

The next best thing to traveling to Prince Edward Island is opening this book and jumping into the natural world of Anne of Green Gables. Filled with picture after picture of the lush beauty of PEI, this book also gives glimpses into L. M. Montgomery's life and extended family. If you love Anne, you'll love perusing this book!

Over the Hills and Far Away: The Life of Beatrix Potter by Matthew Dennison

Dennison's biography is recently written and kept to a length that is easily manageable. Beatrix Potter's life is always fascinating and I particularly enjoyed reading about the literary influences in her younger years that formed her imagination and fueled her own writing.

Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life, by C. S. Lewis

This is an easy-to-read autiobiography in which C. S. Lewis tells about his childhood and the people and ideas that influenced him. If you enjoy the Narnia books, you will enjoy seeing how specific events, interesting people, and good books, gave Lewis the inspiration for what he created.

Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan

This work of historical fiction tells the story of Joy Gresham, the woman who eventually married C. S. Lewis. The book is fascinating and well-written, and even praised by Joy Gresham's son, Douglas. It is a delightful way to learn more about C. S. Lewis and the intriguing relationship that formed between him and Joy. It was one of my favorite reads in 2018.

J. R. R. Tolkien Artist & Illustrator by Hammond & Scull

Few people realize that Tolkien was an artist as well as a writer. In fact, he illustrated the first printing of the Hobbit! And, he wrote Christmas letters to his children each year complete with painted stamps on the envelopes and drawings in the letters! This book will introduce you to Tolkien the artist!

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Literature & Larder

This year got off to a fun start with two weeks of teaching at my kids' high school. Their spring semester begins with a January-term: a two-week session in which students take a three-hour morning class and a three-hour afternoon class each day. My class, "Literature & Larder," offered a chance for students to immerse themselves in the lives, natural surroundings, literary works of, and period tea-times of ten different authors or artists roughly in the Victorian Era.

During our three hours together we spent approximately 35-40 minutes talking about the life history of the day's author and the natural surroundings that impacted them. After that we pulled out our paints to record in our sketchbooks those natural elements talked about. To keep everyone focused on painting, we popped in a movie based on one of the author of the day's works. For instance, the day we studied Queen Victoria we talked about her love of Scotland, looked at some of her own artwork from her travels there, and then watched an episode of the recent "Victoria" series which was set at Blair Castle in Scotland.

The last hour of our class we partake in a period tea-time, complete with real china, real candles, real tea, and real food: all designed around the time period and even foods mentioned by the author in journals or in their literary works. This is also my way of promoting the taking of afternoon tea, showing the current generation how truly cool this can be.



I love the discussions that take place, the discoveries, the connections that students make in their minds as we talk. I want the students to see how the real life events that took place in the life of the author ended up in their books of fiction or artwork.

This year I added Charles Dickens to the author round-up. Oh what fun! I introduced the students to Christmas crackers, Christmas pudding, mince pies, and corny cracker jokes. We discussed what a Victorian Christmas looked like and watched "The Man Who Invented Christmas." 

Everyday I think "today is my favorite day."

Most of the students who opt to take my class are serious art students who already enjoy spending hours a day drawing or painting. But there are usually a few students who are new to art and it is a challenge for them to pick up a paintbrush and attempt to capture something on paper. I am always especially pleased to see these students take the challenge and surprise us with their hidden abilities.  

I love researching historic recipes and trying new things. This year I discovered a chocolate cake from the 19th century -- quite different from the chocolate cake we are used to. It seemed the perfect thing to make for Louisa May Alcott's tea. The taste reminded me of the spiced hot chocolate served at Williamsburg.

Lillias Trotter was also a new addition this year. It was so special to introduce the class to this talented artist, mentored by the famous Victorian art critic, John Ruskin. Lillias decided to move to Algiers to be a missionary rather than become "England's greatest living painter." She took her art with her and used it to bring joy and beauty to thousands as well as to privately celebrate her daily life through her journals. The students truly loved experimenting with gouache and learning about this inspiring woman.

What is not to love about Beatrix Potter! Surely this is the best day? I love passing out the little story books so each student can have one to draw from. I love watching "Miss Potter" with the class. I love introducing students to Beatrix' life! This year we invited 14 teachers to join us for tea and a sketchbook viewing on Beatrix Potter day. The students were so excited to have "their" teacher come and see the beautiful artwork they had been creating.

Then there was L. M. Montgomery and "Anne of Green Gables." Another favorite day, complete with home-made raspberry cordial. Many students have never seen the movie, or read any of the "Anne" books. I particularly enjoyed studying the British literary influences on Montgomery and the fact that she spent her honeymoon traveling in Great Britain to visit the homes of her literary heroes!

Each day we spend time talking about the literary connections each author has. Who were they influenced by? Who did they influence? There is quite a bit of overlap and I wish there was a way to create a huge chart with everyone's information crowded together. For many of these authors I have found quotes telling us directly what their thoughts were about the various literary influences on them. It's so fascinating!

Of course we had to end with a Feast! That's why I save Tolkien for last. And I conned my boys into finding and moving chairs for me so we could all sit around the table. There is so much symbolism in sitting together around a table and it brings me so much joy. Each student had to answer a question such as, "Which author would you like to be?", "Which author had the hardest childhood?", or "Which food did you least like?". 

 And now the class is over and most of the china is packed away. I thought the cooking and baking were over for awhile too, but then I opened my to-do list for this week and realized my next project involves a lot of cooking and baking. Of course it does! Groceries have been obtained and the baking will commence, maybe tomorrow.

I'm eager to share a few of the books I've read in recent months in preparation for this class. I'll be back shortly to do so!

October 2018

October, one of the most beautiful months of the year! The beauty panned out a little differently this year since we held on to our mid-80's temperatures for half the month! What a strange thing to go from mid-80's one day to mid-50's two days later. 

October means two weeks of fall break for our family! And a break from homeschooling means lots of housework and desk work to catch up on!

Here's a glimpse of how our October began with the flowers in full bloom:

The butterflies and hummingbirds were still very active as the month opened:

Michael made three major road trips in October. The most festive trip was to Cleveland for the wedding of his youngest brother, Micah.

I loved seeing all the pictures and hearing about it. We wished we all could have been there! Such a beautiful day and beautiful surroundings!

Every little detail spelled out thought and creativity.

Mondays continue to bring joy as I work with flowers, making bouquets.

The color combinations are just amazing!

I do love the color that October brings to inside the house as well.

Over fall break we enjoyed a visit to the Lego Exhibit at the State Museum. It was fun to see famous paintings recreated with Lego bricks!

Or sculptures made of Lego!

We had our first hard frost so I picked all the remaining flowers. What joy they have brought this year!

And the fall/winter sunsets have begun! I can't get enough of them.

We also had the joy of taking the children to see a play over fall break. After getting over the shock of having to dress up (a bit) everyone had a delightful evening.

James and I attended life drawing together.

We took a one-day trip to McCormick's Creek State Park with some friends. We had hoped to camp but temps in the 30's scared us away from that venture!

Hiking was just as fun, although we missed the color on the trees since they were still green.

Beautiful scenery!

We did borrow a campsite from friends to cook our dinner and make some campfire pies.

And a few s'mores too!

I also taught my first fall workshop over break. It was a great time and I am looking forward to the next one this weekend!

This was one of my favorite creations this month:

Andrew spent much of fall break playing soccer and his high school team made it to the State Championship! The game was on a rainy, cold night downtown. We dressed appropriately and held plastic tablecloths over our heads.

The game was a tie, with no one scoring, even into two overtimes. Covenant finally lost on the sixth penalty kick. The game was well-played, and Covenant dominated despite the loss. Congrats to the team on a great season.

My mom's fourth book had its debut at the end of fall break. She is particularly excited that the proceeds from this book go to Wheeler Mission! (For those interested, this book can be purchased here.) I Know Who Loves Me takes the words from Psalm 23 and adds mom's beautiful illustrations.

We had fun at the book launch party which had a live sheep, balloon artists, face-painting, amazing flowers, and plenty of food!

Finally the colors began to appear and we have been reveling in them for the past two weeks.

David, Laura, and I attempted a paddle one day, not realizing how windy it really was.

We found some peace and beauty in a little inlet.

Oh the beauty! It's just glorious!

And now November has arrived and the colors are still here for a little while longer.

Happy month of thanksgiving! May we daily count our blessings.

Bits and Pieces

Here in Indiana we are drinking up all the fall beauty that finally appeared! Here are a few things I wanted to mention:

I now have a regular newsletter I am sending out! If you are interested in receiving this somewhat-monthly publication, please sign up here.

My next workshop is coming up next Friday, November 9, at 7 p.m. at Blooms Floral Studio in Fountain Square. More information can be found here.

Do you enjoy daily readings for Advent? Then you might be interested in the multimedia Advent emails my friend, Charity Singleton Craig, has created for Advent this year. Charity has combined her own writing with work from several artists (including me!) to help you focus on Christ as Christmas approaches. You can find out more here.

I'm starting to put my products up for sale on my website. You can find my greetings cards here.


That's all for now! I'll be back with a re-cap of the month of October in just a few days!