The CMP Review — Week of March 6
March 6, 2023
“And what a delight and privilege it is to have your child sharing your work and interests through all the seasons, in the garden, and watch his life, physical, moral, mental, spiritual, develop and blossom like the flowers.” (E. A. Pyper, “The Child in the Garden,” PR28 pp. 536–537)
@tessakeath
March 7, 2023
“Habit rules in practically all one’s thoughts and actions,” wrote Marjorie Peace.
With this statement, Miss Peace was drawing attention to the fact that habit formation is not an optional thing. All human beings form and follow habits. The only question is whether these habits will be a help or a hindrance to a meaningful and productive life.
In light of this fact, Miss Peace draws a logical conclusion: “it is our duty to help children to form good habits which they can make use of all through their lives.”
Marjorie Peace wrote her essay on habit in 1919. Charlotte Mason was 77 years old at the time and chose Peace’s essay to be included in a special symposium of articles by students at the House of Education. Mason began contemplating habit in the 1880s. Now in the twilight years of her life, she was providing a forum for this duty of parents to be highlighted once again.
Read or listen to Peace’s concise essay on habit, which points out truths that were relevant in 1875, in 1919, and in 2023. Find it here.
@artmiddlekauff
March 8, 2023
If you’d like an introduction to basic watercolor brush drawing, join me for some free Facebook Live classes beginning this Thursday, March 9th at 3pm EST, hosted by @simplycharlottemason at the Simply Charlotte Mason Homeschooling group!
Request membership (if you’re not already a member) here. Then, find all the details in the Events section. Let me know if I’ll see you there!
@rbaburina
March 9, 2023
If you watch this space, you know that every single day the members of the Charlotte Mason Poetry team share personal anecdotes, inspiring quotes, tips & tutorials, and beautiful images. Up until now, these posts have only been available on social media.
We’ve heard rumors that some of you may be trimming your social media use just a bit. (Well maybe just for lent 😉.) But that no longer means you have to miss out on all the the inspiration and information our team has to share.
Introducing “The CMP Review.” Every week it’s updated on our website with the latest round-up of our posts. Remember that lent is not just about giving up habits. It’s also about forming new ones. Resolve to get your full dose of Charlotte Mason Poetry inspiration direct from the source. Start here.
— The Charlotte Mason Poetry Team
March 10, 2023
The elusive cardinal!
I’ve lived in Manitoba for 14.5 years and this month was the first time I’ve seen a cardinal here. (I’m from southern Ontario where they are plentiful).
For a few days, I kept spotting him on my deck, under my bird feeder, but as soon as he’d see my movement, he’d fly off. I tried sitting still with my phone in hand, but he is too smart for that.
Finally, after seeing him a few times that morning, I rigged up a hideout with a dining room chair, sat down behind it for about half an hour, and received my reward. (The third picture shows my setup.)
Such beautiful colouring, such a funny face. I love this bird.
Now, what are the chances his mate is around? She’s so much harder to spot, with her pale brown colouring.
My chances are slim, I know. But I’m going to keep trying!
@antonella.f.greco
March 11, 2023
With all the window bird feeder activity, it is great fun to observe the bird tracks and wing prints in the fresh snow right on our deck!
We like trying to guess who stopped by while we weren’t watching. 😀
@antonella.f.greco
March 12, 2023
C. S. Lewis writes, “The Christian says, ‘Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water.’”
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy,” he continues, “the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
To be human is to thirst. And there is One who quenches. The scandal, the miracle, is that He thirsted first. Read or listen to Charlotte Mason’s moving poem here.
@artmiddlekauff