Cottage Blessings

Perhaps the most romantic scene in all literature

My older girls and I are rereading Jane Austen's Persuasion, and I am once again struck to the core by its crowning moment. If you have not read the book yet, please do not read further or play the clip, but be sure to pick it up this weekend—you are in for a treat!

Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth have been separated for eight years after an ill-fated attachment formed in youth. Young Miss Elliot broke Wentworth's heart after her friend, Lady Russell, persuaded her the match would not be a good one. Her love for him never waned, but he seemed to move on, gaining fame and fortune in the British navy. All hope seems lost . . . .

If the video is cut off on the sides, please use this link.

Why is this the most romantic scene in all literature?

The subtlety, the civility, the restraint; the manliness of Captain Wentworth and the modest grace of Anne Elliot; the incomparable and unforgettable letter; the wordless glance and the moment they clasp hands. It shows the perfection of faithfulness, constancy, love, loyalty, and respect. How I wish all young people would read this great work of literature and discover what true romance is all about. It may well be the antidote to all those Abercrombie & Fitch ads!

[BTW, this clip is dedicated to the finest gentleman I know! :)]

Sunshine and ladders

[To save you the trouble of clicking through to Cottage Garden, I am double posting today's installment!]

I find this picture so amusing—the whole place is one giant haystack (reed-stack):

It looks quite pretty when the sun hits it:

This detail was a nice surprise—a cross hatch pattern in the thatch above the entryway:

Ladders, ladders, everywhere!

A patch of thatch

The transformation of the cottage is well underway. Much more of the roof has been completed, and there is golden reed everywhere. It's all around the front and sides and all over the driveway. And there is an honest-to-goodness haystack—truly a rarity in suburban Long Island! [Updated photos in The Cottage Garden.]

I had to laugh when I realized that (quite by accident) the place is a temporary reflection of that Haystack Full of Needles book cover painting, though quite a bit messier!

Those golden wheels explained

in The Cottage Garden!

Haystack Full of Gunthers

Anyone care to venture a guess as to why these large golden bales are in our driveway?

And no, it is not a publicity stunt in advance of the book! Though the timing is perfect!

Succinct

We were finishing dinner last night when a quick summer thunderstorm began. Two-year-old Eileen stood on her chair with an expression of horror. "I'm scared," she repeated between bites of macaroni. "I'm scared!"

Four-year-old sage Maureen offered a bit of comfort, "You don't need to be scared. We all love you and take care of you and kiss you."

The perfect summary of family life!

What people are saying!

When you have a moment, please click on the icon above to see what people are saying about the book so far. I am thrilled to say that there are some beautiful reviews by Karen Edmisten, Leticia Velasquez, and Lissa, along with wonderful blurbs from Laura Berquist (from the foreword) and Danielle Bean! And another from Mary Ellen Barrett, not to mention my friend Mary Alice!

Updated to add: According to Hillside's website, the pre-order sale (20% off retail) will end July 11th at midnight. Orders will be shipped July 18th in the order received.

Prayers and Memories

Last Fourth of July, I began a list of the names of our soldiers overseas and at home for daily prayers. If you would like to add loved ones, friends or neighbors, please let me know.

Can you believe it has been a year since that memorable ride on a cablecar?

A local friend in The National Catholic Register

Most of you already know my friend Leticia, author of the popular blogs Cause of Our Joy and Causa Nostrae Laetitiae. Here is a marvelous article she wrote for this week's edition of The National Catholic Register: Down, Not Out: The Legacy of Jerome Lejeune and the Resurgence of Down Syndrome Research.

A Homeschooling Thespian

One of my dearest local friends has a new blog, and it is such a valuable resource, I can't resist passing along the link. Be sure to visit A Homeschooling Thespian for arts education plans and suggestions by a musician, drama teacher, and homeschooler extraordinaire—not to mention the loveliest person you could ever meet!

Here is a sample of her simple and do-able plans for studying Vivaldi. I can't wait to call my children to breakfast tomorrow to the strains of The Four Seasons!