That reading is in decline is indisputable. Despite the popularity of audio books, e-readers, and the superabundance of published printed books continuing to stream our way, the real reading of books is not considered a necessity, let alone pleasure or privilege, for most people. If you are reading this, you are probably not one of the “most people,” or, possibly,… Read More Are You Afraid to Read?
Before Christmas, I left off this saga with the library moved, but not unpacked. The challenge of operating this library has always been balancing its demands with family life, so obviously, the celebration of our Lord’s birth with all its accompanying preparations took precedent for our time and attention next. Unfortunately, when Emily came to begin the long and… Read More Moving a Library, Part 4
Last January, just 4 weeks before Jonah made his arrival, mom and I had the privilege of being interviewed by Carroll and Andy Smith of the Charlotte Mason Institute. CMI will be publishing this video interview in several installments over the coming months, and here is a link to view the first portion. The interview… Read More CMI Interview with Liz and Emily
After our move and completing the monumental task of processing the remaining unprocessed books (which have been stored in the old library’s attic for 3+ years), we’ve uncovered duplicates, inadvertently purchased, to pass along to you for sale, hoping they find a good home! Check back on Monday at 10am EST and visit the sale… Read More Book Sale
For several years now, Emily and I have been part of a Charlotte Mason book discussion group. Mothers come to a local restaurant once every six weeks and share a meal, followed by what usually proves to be a lively discussion of Mason’s ideas. Six weeks seems to be a manageable commitment for us, meaning eight meetings per year,… Read More Learning Charlotte Mason Together
Why is it that I often bemoan not having enough time to read? At the end of the year, the list usually surprises me because I read more than I thought. This must simply continue to prove my theory that, here a little, there a little, every day a little, gets you through a lot of books in… Read More What I was Reading Last Year
A brand new year is such a gift, a 365 day long new beginning in which to cast aside all the weariness and woes of the previous year and start afresh. This, in theory, should have rejuvenated and infused me with new energies, but the old year had spun out in a breathtaking round of activities culminating in an… Read More Living Up to the Call
I guess the trials of life bring common phrases to mind. I began the last update with “the devil is in the details,” and another common saying rolling around my head in this next phase of moving is, “the best laid plans,” the origin of which is a poem by Robert Burns, as well as a remark of Ma… Read More Moving a Library, Stage 3
I have written before about the atmosphere of reading, how the presence of books in the home, parents who read, and reading aloud to children influence our children’s embracing of reading as a way of life, so I don’t know why I am chagrined when my grown children, when some offhand remark about audio books occurs, comment, “The sound… Read More Reading with the Ear
The devil is in the details, it is said, I suppose because details can be overwhelming and confusing. For some, however, details are the bearings which make life roll along smoothly, and by taking care of the little things, find the big things fall into place. This is perhaps our perspective in managing to haul 17 thousand books from… Read More Moving a Library, Stage Two