The weekly “little of this, little of that” feature here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
If you ever wondered how I became a Christian, I will be on The Journey Home, Monday evening, Oct. 2, at 8pm. Marcus Grodi and I discuss my conversion story, and I reveal that I can't subtract very well — I say that I was baptized on October 23, 1977, thirty years ago, sigh… You are so right to get your homeschooling advice from me! I hope you enjoy the program — let me know what you think! You can watch on the Coming Home Network website where the show will be archived, or on EWTN.
We are enjoying a little visit with Bridget, home for the weekend!
And the garden just keeps going, with a few beans, a cucumber or two, oodles of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, and just enough ground cherries to make me resolve to find them their own spot next year where they can really flourish! What is wrong with me! The usual… always trying to cram more plants into a small space. Also, not pictured, raspberries just all over the place.
On to our links!
- Bridget introduced me to Richard Wilbur's Love Calls Us to the Things of This World. This is a stunning poem that you have to read a couple of times (well, I did) to perceive its depth. In this video below (if you don't see it, you're probably in your email or feed reader — come to our actual page online or go here), brought to my attention by a fellow Wilbur admirer, the author reads his own poem in his deep, thoughtful voice.
It's under four minutes and include's the poet's commentary — and it will be well worth watching after you have read, enjoyed, and absorbed the poem, maybe discussing it with your high schooler. What I want you to be sure to get said high schooler to see is that perhaps — just perhaps — Wilbur himself doesn't quite get his own poem! This can happen and actually does happen with a true work of art; the art takes on a life of its own that the artist isn't completely in control of. Anyway, I find it interesting that he points out (very charmingly) that it doesn't seem to detract from the poem that it starts rather abruptly. I should say not! Isn't the very abruptness a way that the disorientation of the waking person is conveyed? It's so true and exactly how it is when we awaken to life that doesn't quite focus from its various levels; and in this case, the reality of the poem is the further disorientation of witnessing the two realms, earthly and heavenly, colliding, and trying to wake up while reconciling them.
- Is Roald Dahl worth reading? Educator Sean Fitzpatrick examines the question. “His vile villains, his suspenseful plots, and his superhuman children can desensitize sensitive minds, but it is that danger which makes the young engage eagerly to face the thrill and challenge of a fun and funny world that is far from antiseptic. The question remains, is Dahl worth the risk?” (Auntie Leila says read some of his popular books yourself, if you didn't as a child… and know your own children. Not everyone has to read everything.)
- Fun — a terrarium, a sealed, enclosed ecosystem, that has been going for 80 years with virtually no interference.
- A long political theory read: Since I did post a piece a while back, Adrian Vermeule's Liturgy of Liberalism, I thought I would post this essay from Sohrab Ahmari warning against abandoning that school of politics, written in response to Vermeule's critique: The Terrible American Turn Toward Illiberalism.
From the archives:
- I spoke in Cambridge Massachusetts last week about praying in the home and the importance of moral development for children (which necessarily entails commitment from parents! Everyone pursues virtue!) . I have a series on that — and a few years ago, I wrote this post: Men without chests, or, what C. S. Lewis made me think about.
By the way, the quote comes from The Abolition of Man (which I wrote about here). C. S. Lewis' essay is a densely packed tour de force of philosophical explication, ultimately a prophetic warning against adopting Kantian values. The fabulous C. S. Lewis Doodle artist has illustrated the first chapter here (and provided a list of the literary and other allusions here — scroll down).
Today is the feast of St. Jerome — a consolation to all the irascible Christians out there! There is hope even if you're not super nice! And tomorrow, superseded by the Sunday — St. Thérèse, whom we can certainly remember in our private devotions!
~~~~~~
While you're sharing our links with your friends, why not tell them about Like Mother, Like Daughter too!
We’d like to be clear that, when we direct you to a site via one of our links, we’re not necessarily endorsing the whole site, but rather just referring you to the individual post in question (unless we state otherwise).
Paula says
So cool you will be interviewed by Marcus Grodi! We listen to that sometimes – will have to try to listen! Although they do replay things! Again-quite cool!
Lisa G. says
I *so* look forward to that interview!!
Thrift at Home says
My son loves Roald Dahl! Reads him over and over. I was always tepid on Dahl’s novels, but when I found his autobiographies, I was sold. “Boy” and “Going Solo.” Highly recommend.
claire says
This post is full of wonderful food for thought. Thank you!
Terri says
I so enjoyed hearing your conversion story. Thank you so much for sharing!
Lisa G. says
I, too. Hopefully some confused young people will also hear it and be helped by your struggles.
Betty Wittman says
I listened to your interview via podcast and really enjoyed it!
Molly R says
Did you see the photos of children in London in 1954 (on the site with the Victorian photos)? So funny, and amazing to peep into a time when children weren’t an anomaly, but universally a part of life (note the sign for “play streets”). Also, for your library project, though maybe you already have her slated: Virginia Lee Burton (picture book category). Thanks for the links this week! I’ve been enjoying them slowly over the past couple of days!
Danielle Lajoie says
Dear Leila, I watched The Journey Home, which I haven’t in ages. Thank you for sharing with us. Lovely story. Sincerely, Danielle, Putnam, CT
Donna L. says
Hello, Auntie Leila~
I love the picture of your tomatoes! Are they an heirloom variety? I am just now reading these thought-provoking articles. Thank you for sharing them~
Tiffany B says
I saw the Journey Home episode this week and immediately searched for your blog. I too went to Swarthmore and was confirmed at Princeton. 🙂
Susan (DE) says
Hi Tiffany! I also went to Swarthmore (though I wasn’t confirmed at Princeton :-)) — what year were you? I was 1980. (I met Leila there my junior year, when she was a freshman.)
Gemma says
I really enjoyed listening to your conversion story.
Paula says
so, i heard an interview with Marcus Grodi on our local station here and he said every interview is on his website. Don’t remember the name but I’m sure you could google it!
Lisa G. says
Actually, the interview is also on youtube.
Regina says
I loved the interview-you sounded completely different than the tone in my head when I read your posts😊My Mom watched too and said “so this is the Leila you’re always talking about!”
Candice says
Finally got to watch your episode this morning. Your conversion story is an important one! So many of us can relate to the chaos and schizophrenia you describe. Thank you for sharing!
Jennifer says
Wow! What a lovely, thoughtful interview you gave! You looked beautiful, and you sounded so RIGHT. I pray many people find that interview, especially ones who continue to think that people who follow Jesus are somehow weak or feeble-minded, as you once thought! Utterly delightful!!!
And I second Regina’s comment about how different you sound than the voice in my head!!!! 🙂
Jamie Gottlieb says
How have I never heard of ground cherries? They sound like a winner! Do you eat them plain? Put them in crisps?
Mommy says
I first found your site looking for an article on sewing and it amazed me how talented and diversed your skills are. Btw, loved the video <3