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| A most lovely map from Beatrix Potter – at home in the Lake District |
When I was quite young, my parents gave me a copy of The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle for Christmas. I remember distinctly being puzzled about that stile that Lucy climbed over. What was a stile? What an odd word that no one from my hometown of Mentor, Ohio ever used. Well, now I will soon find out! I will definitely post a few pictures of some stiles. This trip is a dream-come-true for me. I’ve really wanted to go for the past 20 years, ever since I’ve studied all things Charlotte Mason. And do tell me, if you were to go to the gorgeous Lake District where Charlotte established her college, what would you look for? What would be a must-see for you?
Paraclete Press (they publish At The Still Point, a favorite devotional) sent me a complimentary copy of Hildegard’s Gift by Megan Hoyt. It is delightful! I knew virtually nothing about Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179), aside from the fact that Ambleside Online recommends her for composer study. Megan’s book is a wonderful introduction to this twelfth-century mystic. The whole image of being “a feather on the breath of God” really touched my 10 year old dd. The illustrations by David Hill give this biography a bit of whimsy that help keep her emotional life accessible to children. Megan, I hope you keep utilizing your gift. Now, enjoy a sneak peek with Megan herself reading her book.
This next book I read aloud during our Family Gathering time at the beginning of the school year. Little Leap Forward – A Boy of Beijing by Yue and Farrow takes place during the Cultural Revolution – an important time and place for all students to know. But this little book, published by Barefoot Books and now only $4.25, is rather quiet and thought-provoking. Richele Baburina recommended it to me and told me it captured her son’s imagination. I can see why. To order, please go to Richele’s blog, Barefoot Voyage, and click on the Barefoot Books link in the sidebar. Barefoot Books publishes unique titles – another favorite of ours is Shakespeare’s Storybook with CD.
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| “Lucie climbed upon the stile and looked up at the hill behind Little-town—a hill that goes up—up—into the clouds as though it had no top!” – From the Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle by Beatrix Potter |
It might be a while before I can post again, but when I do, I will be sure to share details about my trip.
Truly,
Nancy
Wow, what an amazing opportunity! I think I would just sit in the lush nature of the Lake District and not want to leave! Do come back though. I am excited for you. Have an amazing time. I can't wait to hear all about it and view the pics you post.
Blessings and Safety
Dena
I just ordered Hildegard's Gift! It gives me joy to see that it's almost out of stock and Amazon needs to reorder. 🙂
This is so exciting Nancy! May you have safe travels…
Is that the same Lake District set in Swallows and Amazons? If so, I would camp out on the island with the Swallows :))
I look forward to seeing your "stile" photos.
Blessings,
Melissa
http://reflectionsfromdrywoodcreek.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Melissa! Yes, we hope to see some Arthur Ransome spots while we are there. I may just have one blog post of stile shots!
Oh, you know I am so happy for you and your family! If I had the pleasure of going to the Lake District, I would definitely visit Hadrian's Wall, that is if I ever got up from just rolling around in the grass with a silly smile on my face.
Thank you so much for the shout out for the titles "Little Leap Forward" and "Shakespeare's Storybook," as well as for my site and for one of my favorite publishers. I've put a 20% off code on the sidebar of my blog for your readers. They can also go straight to http://www.BarefootVoyage.com and enter SPRING2014 at checkout for a 20% discount.
Happy reading and happy traveling. Pictures, yes!!
xo -Richele
Wow, Richele! I hope everyone reads these comments and sees this discount. Thank you, friend! Miss you, too!
I deleted that comment to add more! Enjoy. I am very sure you will see all you are going to see but there will be not enough time to see everything in England and the surrounding countries that you want to see. Plan on going back! This trip right after your trip to Arizona!
Blessings upon you and your fellow travellers.
Thank you, Bonnie! Yes, just this past week we started saying, "But when we go next time…" !!
Nancy, how exciting and wonderful! Can't wait to hear all about it. I would love to roam around with my nature journal and camera 😉 Safe travels and blessings to you!
-Jenny
I do hope to enter bluebells in my nature journal and many other good things!
Oh Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How exciting!!! 😀 I just read about a stile in A Fine Romance…I've read about them before, but it didn't click until now what it was…I'll have to look into these books. Thank you! 🙂 Have a lovely, smashing ;), brilliant time on your adventures! 😀
Amy
I thought you might be excited for me, what with all your reading lately! Thank you!
Be sure to try Cumberland Sausage and Grasmere Gingerbread during your stay. Both are fantastic. Enjoy, my friend. xxx
I'm on it, Jeanne! Thanks!
What an exciting trip to be making! I would love to visit England some day. I think I would most like to visit some of the old castles.
I grew up knowing what a stile was in NZ. Usually here it was a wooden step or two to get over a wire farm fence. I see in the picture it is a stone step to get over the stone wall.
Have a wonderful trip, Nancy!
Thank you, Rachael!
And yes, I hope to get to a castle or two!