I’m afraid this will have to be one of those rambling, non-cohesive posts, mainly a recap of the recent happenings in our family and the books I’ve read. Oh, and also some knitting. So basically, nothing out of the ordinary!
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I surprised Beatrix by knitting her a new Hillier Hearts cap. I was lucky to find the same colorways of yarn that I knit her first one in. I also got around to reading the book that Jonny gave me for Valentine’s Day this year, The Lure of the Falcon. It’s an amazing story of a young naturalist who fights in WW2 and along the way rescues a kestrel that becomes his companion and even accompanies him onto the battlefield and into a prisoner of war camp. I loved this book so much!
This is the Nature Anatomy puzzle. We really enjoy this series.
My sister sent me some sweet potato slips this spring (which I planted) and we now have several boxes of sweet potatoes in our basement! I wasn’t sure about my curing methods (we placed them on my greenhouse shelves and ran the heater and filled lots of buckets, trays, and pots with water) but I guess it worked because they are the best sweet potatoes I’ve ever had!
Jonny and I are still making pottery. These are some things we made maybe back in September? There’s been a lot since, but I haven’t been taking photos.
My granddaughter, Elsie, turned 2 last month and we celebrated at her very own new house. It was a strangely bittersweet evening for me, owing partly to the fact that Jonny and Larkspur got stuck in Pennsylvania buying a used car (a long story I’ll spare you) and didn’t make it to the party. I felt both happiness and sadness over Seth, Phoebe, and Elsie having made the leap from our home to their own. It’s so wonderful, but even happy things make me cry.
A sweater from Nonna!
And, a favorite book.
I planted this okra late, not sure we would have any to harvest, and then was so caught up in other things happening, that I never cut any of it at all. But at least I took a photo, right?
Keats played in (and won!) a concerto competition in October. The first thing he said to me after his performance was, “Next time, I’ll play something pretty.” This time he played Bartok’s Viola Concerto. During his performance, Mabel whispered, “This music makes it feel like something bad is going to happen…”
Oh! I have taken a few other photos of our pottery. I’ve made lots of cat dishes. Jonny makes pretty little vases.
I especially loved the combination of this vase with these deep pink yarrow flowers.
Job turned 12! We were lacking in candles so we did a combination of 4 times 3 candles. His gifts centered around building things and also some new fish and plants for his fish tank.
I have dyed around twenty-five scarves to list in my shop and hope to do so this weekend. Beatrix volunteered to model them for me! I’ll post a preview here of all the colors as soon as I get the listings made. I’m trying to come up with names for each color, but it’s not really my strong suit. I bought this beautiful book thinking I would use the names from it, but I am not finding all of my colors represented in it, so I may be forced to get creative. The book, called Nature’s Palette would make a great gift!
I still have calendula blooming from the batch I started from seed in late summer. I am hoping to keep my calendula salve in stock until next summer’s crop.
Beatrix turned 17 earlier this month, and her requested birthday theme was “whimsy.” I bought her books about flowers and their meanings, books about painting with watercolors along with painting supplies, and a set of miniature fairy books to assemble. Ambrose was very dismayed by this gift because it wasn’t for him. I have an entire collection of hilarious photos of him looking upset, though there was no way he even understood what the gift was.
I have had both Cry, the Beloved Country, and The Chosen sitting next to my bed for months with the intention of reading them but kept pushing them aside for various reasons. After reading, and thoroughly disliking The Picture of Dorian Gray, (it’s so dark and there is no virtue that I could find to balance all the darkness) I decided to forgo my book club’s next choice, and read Cry, the Beloved Country instead. I absolutely loved it and immediately instructed the reading members of my family to read it too. I am in the parenting adult children phase of life (while still parenting young ones, and I won’t say it’s easy) so I am relating to stories of older parents and their older children, though thankfully I haven’t faced anything close to what the father in this story does. Here’s a quote that I marked: ” …do not pray to understand the ways of God. For they are secret.” There is a theme throughout this story of Hope and of deep suffering alongside belief in the Gospel, and the mystery of it all.
The Chosen is probably the most popular of Chaim Potok’s books, though until now I had only read a few of his that are less well known. This is considered a “coming of age” story about two young men, but it’s also a story about relationships: the choices we make as parents and our hopes, expectations, and inevitable mistakes. It is told through the lens of a faith tradition that I know very little of, so it’s probable that I made personal connections that the author didn’t intend to inspire. The father of one of the main characters is a Hasidic rebbe, and great spiritual leader. He speaks of the way he was raised by his father and the reasons he has raised his own son in the same, controversial manner: in silence. This upbringing causes a deep internal suffering, motivated by the belief that a rebbe must carry the pain and suffering of his people on his own shoulders. I connected this to the way that mothers carry the suffering of their children, and that our hearts are broken again and again by that suffering. The father in this story is described more than once as having eyes welling with silent tears. I found that entirely relatable, it being a sometimes daily condition for me. We can’t collapse under the weight of our crosses, but must carry them while persevering in Hope, but I find it harder when my cross is connected to that of one of my children’s. I’m having a difficult time articulating this, but I think that many of you will understand what I’m trying to say.
I feel like I’ve been carrying both of these books around in my heart in recent weeks.
On a lighter note, I’m currently reading My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. I bought this book ten years ago, started it, but put it down almost immediately for some reason. That’s how it is sometimes with books. I’m glad I saved it because right now, it’s just perfect. It’s funny and lighthearted, weaving family life and nature together in the best ways.
If all goes as planned (though does it ever?) I’ll be back in a few days with scarves!
I totally get it. <3
Our Mater Dolorosa helps me a lot. (Good thing we're Catholic. 😉 )
Sending love.
What a lovely post! Thank you for always sharing so generously! A special congratulations to Keats for winning the concerto competition with the Bartok Concerto! As a violist myself, it is gratifying to see someone throw themselves wholeheartedly into performing a piece that is so difficult both technically and to listen to, AND have the jury able to see past the dissonant harmonies to recognize great artistry. I wish I could have heard the performance! Bravo!
Dear Ginny,
I started reading your blog so long ago, when Beatrix was just a baby….my daughter was also just a baby – she just turned 18. It totally made tears well up in my eyes to see the pictures here of Beatrix! Somehow it’s been a long time since I’ve read your posts. She has grown up to be such a lovely young woman, and now you have the most beautiful granddaughter. It’s so true about mothers carrying so much for our children, no matter how old they get. I have loved all these years of reading about you and your family and all the fun and wonderful things you are doing together! Wishing you many holiday blessings!
Hi Ginny,
Thanks for sharing your book recommendations! I read The Chosen years ago and really enjoyed it (although that may not be the right word). It left an impression on me, let’s put it that way.
I love birds, so I’ll have to check out that kestrel one :).
I can’t believe Job is 12 – I started reading your blog when he was just born. And Beatrix was a kindergartner then! I love that her birthday theme was “whimsy.” I may need to steal that theme for my next birthday ;).
I say this a lot, but…even though we lead such different lives, I relate to much of what you are saying. I appreciate you and this space of yours, which you continue to share so graciously. Always makes me happy.
Hope you had a good Thanksgiving, and love from The Netherlands!
Bee, that is how I would describe my feelings about The Chosen too! I may read the sequel….
I love your pottery! it’s so beautiful!
Always a joy to read your posts Ginny….yes Motherhood is hard…I know those silent tears. While my children are all grown and now I am a grandmother to 11, I still remember those suffering silently years very well. Blessings to you ~ Linda (where would we be without our faith !!)
Seeing a post from you in my Inbox is always exciting. I save it until I’ve dealt with and/or discarded the rest of my emails, yours is my treat for dealing with the rest! Thank you for sharing your beautiful family, your love of them and nature shines through in every post.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as we all count our many blessings during this season.
I always come away from your posts with renewed and refreshed heart. Thank you for sharing your journey. I think it’s because you are so “real” and authentic and that is so inspiring for me. It’s also so needed today. I can relate to your crying even with happy moments and your suffering when your children are involved in a painful season. I’m in that place now with my granddaughter. I can’t “fix” things for her but I know the One who can do all things and asks us the question “is anything too difficult for the Lord?”
I love your photos and your pottery. You are making great progress. Keep up the good work.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Blessings, Barbara
Just to heap on to these messages and relay how your writing restores one’s faith in the goodness and beauty of natural things. You don’t paint an unrealistic picture of a busy family life that can undergo some upheavals – – any other picture would be inauthentic. You do have so many gifts and we, your audience lucky recipients. 🙏 .. it’s that time of year to acknowledge gratitude and you have ours.
Ginny, I so love and appreciate your blog posts. I can feel my breathing slow and my heart calm as I read your words. Thank you for bringing me peace. On a completely different note, is that Gabe I see on the couch? You have such a lovely family!
So lovely to see your post, Ginny. I have followed along for many many years and am so happy that you are still writing. Can’t believe little Elsie is already two! Gosh. Cry, The Beloved Country is a book that has been on my general t-read list for a really long time. Perhaps this winter! … I understand completely what you mean about suffering as our children move through their own lives and challenges. It is a lot to carry, at times, but I wouldn’t have missed this (mothering) for all the world … Hope and Love! They walk hand in hand. 💞
Thank you Ginny. I do relate to a mother who suffers her children’s pain, no matter how old they become.
But you leave them at the alter of God and must believe that God loves them more than we do. And He is our hope! So enjoy your posts, your knitting (love the hat) your nature, your flowers, books and art!
Wishing you A Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. Beatrix is a beauty.
Marilyn and Marion
I love the scarf colors! Deepwoods and crackled ice, just perfect for the seasons!
See if you can find The Darrell’s, a UK to series on the channel ITV. It and the music were just lovely. 2016 x 2019.
A favourite quote of mine: “Think not of the books you’ve bought as a “to be read” pile. Instead, think of your bookcase as a wine cellar. You collect books to be read at the right time, the right place, and the right mood.”
Since we finished homeschooling I’ve missed your blog, I’m so happy I found you again!
Ginny I love your little glimpses into your life!
Love the scarves.
I’m in Canada
Ontario
What would be the cost to buy and ship one?
I love reading your blogs! They are always filled with beautiful photography and inspiring and loving stories. In reading of Beatrix’s wish for a ‘whimsical’ birthday, I had to share this wonderful hobby of mine with you.. Zentangle! It’s a very meditative, calming art form that begins and ends with gratitude. It’s a drawing method that breaks patterns down into easy, doable steps. I have used this art form for over 10 years and it is life changing! Given Beatrix’s penchant for arty things, I think she (and your entire family) would love this. This is the main site zentangle.com. Here is wonderful site that contains many, many patterns (or as we refer to them as Step Outs). I also want to point out that while using the official supplies are heavenly, you can do this art form with simple paper and pen.
A Mom here with adult children, grandchildren and two younger ones.
I totally get all the feels in this post.This year has especially been a transitional year for me.
Some blogs I have left behind, or they have left blogging, but I still return to yours. Thank you for posting. Happy Thanksgiving
Good to hear from you. The days are so busy and quick. I loved _My Family and Other Animals_, and could read it over and over. Have a happy holiday xoxo
Your writing, sharing of life’s happenings and your lovely photography all soothe my heart. I am always so delighted when a new post from you pops up in my emails.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
I just have to say how much I enjoy your blogs. I have been reading them for years and always have the sense that if we lived close by we would be friends. Kindred spirits. Family, gardening, crafts, animals……
I hope this doesn’t sound too weird and creepy. All the best for your Thanksgiving.
I think I understand exactly what you are saying about suffering with your children. I find great solace in the fact that Mary walked alongside her son during his passion. She gives me strength to know that their suffering will also draw them closer to Christ, as has mine. (Doesn’t make it easy…which is why it’s called suffering….I guess…lol)
Thanks for what’s a helpful and inspiring post! I love some of those books but had forgotten them and now know what I’ll be ordering for my oldest son this Christmas! And a new one to me that will be for the youngest son.
Your pottery is beautiful. I’d buy it, if you sold it, and if I lived in the States (assuming sending it to France would be too expensive).
As always, I love your photos. So beautiful.