I agree with you concerning The Mitford Sisters–little or no evidence of any knowing Christ. Very sad indeed. I found that to be true with the bio of Eleanor R. It hurts one’s heart.

Thanks again for sharing your wisdom.
Blessings,
Joanne

You have both inspired me, as well with your varied and interesting reading lists. I really enjoy von Arnim as well- she’s one of my “afternoon tea” authors (one I’d love to share a cup of tea with). The Sisters is one of the most fascinating biographies I’ve ever read, but I’ve always thought it so very sad that none of them seemed to know the Lord.

I enjoyed hearing about your sweet children, Joanne, and the gifts and talents they are sharing with others. It’s fun to have a daughter that takes an interest in helping with your outfits. I always thought it would be fun to have a daughter to shop with, and I’m thoroughly enjoying my daughter-in-law!

I’m back to The Pioneers by Cooper this evening. It got temporarily buried under a blitz of business books that weren’t even on the list;-).
These things happen when there are bookworms on the loose….

This summer I have read: Something of Myself, Rudyard Kipling; Facing Your Giants, Max Lucado; The Sisters, The Saga of the Mitford Family, Mary S. Lovell; Farewell Summer, Ray Bradbury; Phantom of the Opera, Gaston Leroux; The Seeking Heart, Fenelon; Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol.1, Blanche W. Cook; as well as a few re-reads: Christianity is Jewish, Edith Schaeffer; All the Dogs of My Life & The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim–probably one of my most favorite authors. Umm, think I’ll head out to the library. All this book talk has made me “hungry”!
Happy Reading
Joanne

You have encouraged me yet again with your reading list. It is something to strive for…I kept my goal small, and have yet to begin, “Don’t Waste Your Life”, by John Piper, and “Way of the Master” by Comfort and Cameron. This summer has been one of many transitions for us. We have graduated our 4th child, a daughter, and the first to be homeschooled through the entire process. [She has set herself some high goals, the biggest so far will be to attain a phD in Egyptology with the goal of taking Christ’s gospel to the Muslims in Egypt. She has begun the process of finding where to begin…] An older daughter and her 4 year old son have moved to CO after living with us for 2 years. We are shifting to only one child to homeschool…our last homeschooling ‘challenge’ for 2 more years.

The Charlotte Mason has been near and dear to my heart for many years, and we have followed it to the best of my limited capabilities, due to a great disparity in my children’s capabilities and emotional ages and differences. I, too, tend to ‘overplan’ and ‘overbook’ but I am refreshed by your candor, and recharged to try yet again to have an enjoyable and effective year. I must remember to always dwell on the positive side. We have raised these last 2 delightful girls who, though vastly different, love the Lord. One plays the piano, loves to read Shakespeare for fun, and is simply fabulous at choosing what goes well together for clothing both for herself and others…I receive many compliments on my outfits that she has selected for me. The other is a voracious reader, writer, singer, one of the leaders for the youth worship band at church and teaching herself guitar. God is so good, and faithful…Thanks for helping me keep the true goals in sight.

Blessings,
Sharon