BOOK REVIEW: Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature

Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature by Linda Lear

This is an astounding and comprehensive biography of the talented Miss Potter. Lear uses Potter’s own writings, first her coded diary, then her copious correspondence, to give a glimpse into the life and times of this talented children’s author.

Potter was obviously smarter than her time was ready for, and a dutiful daughter to rather difficult parents. Her personality shines through the pages of this book (not as long as it appears, since there are copious notes at the end) and we really get a taste for what she was really like.

I am not usually a biography reader, because I have a dislike of the inevitable ending, but Lear gives a wonderful rendition of the life of Miss Potter, later Mrs. Heelis. She takes us from the adolescent writings, through the mature end of life correspondence. We learn of the likes of the irrepressible author; from her initial fascinating with mycology (the study of fungi) to the farm-life she adopted in later years, and her lifelong aim of preserving the natural beauty of England. This book is a great read, and well recommended.

* * * * * 5 Stars!

BOOK REVIEW: The Birth House

The Birth House: By Ami Mckay

The Birth House is a well written account of a country midwife at the beginning of the 20^th Century. The main protagonist, Dora Rare, is the narrator who takes us on a journey from her apprenticeship, through her early days as a midwife, and on to her latter years. The topic is quite interesting, although the description of life and events ‘back then’ lacks cohesiveness… the heroine, Dora Rare, is captured in a number of historical events (improbable) which serve to illustrate the time. Mckay has given Dora a definite modern feminist slant, which I cannot like, because of its unrealistic quality. Definitely a ‘feminist’ book. Points do have to be given for narrative quality though:

* * * 3 stars.

Spooky Stories...

Sometimes spring brings with it wonderful opportunities and experiences.
Take for instance, last week. It was garden week here in Virginia, so we took the opportunity to travel to some places and check out gardens. Actually, we didn’t do much of that at all… Jacobite just took some time off to relax with family.
But that was not all…
A beautiful, warm spring day, morphed into a nice, balmy evening. We ate on our newly relocated patio, and lit a citronella candle.
By candlelight, we told ‘spooky stories’… much to the delight of the children, who gasped and gaped in horror, awe… and then laughed at the ‘not so scary’ endings. The following days were often re-enactments of stories or re-telling of them in their own words. Sometimes they were awkward questions… but narration really came alive for them both.
Here are some story telling pictures!

HAPPY ST. GEORGE'S DAY!!

A Roman soldier who protected the Christians and was eventually martyred for his faith, St. George is also the Patron saint of England, who use his own cross emblem as their state flag!
We use the symbol of the dragon in the mythological story of St. George, as a representation of the "dragons" who attack our faith and cause us to stumble along the way. Boys are called to be like St. George, who makes a great heroic figure for them to emulate!
Wear a red rose today if you are English and enjoy your day!

You can also catch my Nature Study Fridays post over at the Garden Blog.

Catch You up...

I know, I promised some photos a while back.

Here are the Hot Cross Buns I made for Good Friday. They were delicious… I made a sticky caramel topping and a paste cross for them. Next time I plan to find another topping to mimic the sticky buns from home :)

And there is my Easter flower. OK so it was too cold for her to actually wear this on Easter Sunday. Instead, she wore her Christmas dress, but I had hoped she could wear this outfit her Nana (my Mum) sent her. By the way, she LOVES hats and is rarely outside without one. This has become quite a favourite with her!

Later, I will post about my Nature Study Friday!