The weekly “little of this, little of that” feature from Like Mother, Like Daughter!
{We have an awesome giveaway today for anyone who is interested in learning more about beauty, at the end of this post!}
I'm trying out a fortnightly schedule for {b&p}. I was considering bi-weekly, but my dad (the Chief) recommended that I should really go with fortnightly, as it's so much more elegant. I couldn't agree more.
The other day, I revisited my childhood New England roots by doing a little leaf-pressing. Finnabee and I had taken Roxie out for a walk in the orchard and enjoyed some gorgeous foliage (despite the dreary drizzle that has characterized this past week here).
I brought these back, dried them off, and ironed them with a low-temp iron. Then I just ironed waxed paper directly on to them (again, at a low heat) to transfer some wax to the flattened leaves. (Auntie Leila assured me this is what we used to do; I hadn't been able to remember for years, but I knew that we never left the leaves between two sheets of waxed paper, the way most instructions have you do it.)
Now they'll hang on to their color for a while, along with a subtle waxy sheen, and we can continue to enjoy them!
This week's links!
From the category of very encouraging:
- A dear former resident of mine (from my RA days) and blog reader sent me this fascinating article about restoration going on in churches that suffered the iconoclasm of the 60s-80s. My favorite part is where the author shares how, in at least one of the churches, the parish is literally booming with new activity since the interior was restored to fitting beauty! Lovely Thy Dwelling Place from Crisis Magazine. (Thanks, Amanda!)
- Do you know any folks who are over-stressing decisions regarding family size? Send them this fun and lighthearted reminder about family is about: It's a Child not a Toaster from The Federalist.
- Ginny at Small Things shares a review (including a giveaway of the book! go check it out!) of The Little Oratory as well as pictures of her family's own prayer space. Her little oratory is very simple yet elegant and, I think, definitely inviting for prayer. Our Little Oratory — Thanks for the review!
From the category of downright inspirational:
- Rosie sent this along and big part of me just wanted to burst into tears when I finished it. An amazing adoption story: when a single mom finds herself dying, she asks her attending nurse to agree to adopt her son — but the nurse goes above and beyond. The power of a loving family! Hospital Nurse Answers Mom's Prayers.
- It's so easy to feel sorry for oneself… (did I mention that it was a dreary, drizzly week?) Nothing like a good old dose of oh my goodness this mother doesn't even have arms! No, but really, this Kenyan woman takes care of her baby using her feet. She is simply amazing. (video)
- Sometimes people take matters in their own hands. They do what they have to do! I was totally inspired by this nursing student who saved most of her family from Ebola, with her own will and some trash bags.
Other, pretty things:
- The Artist and I literally ooohed and aahed over every single one of these photos (check them out on the biggest screen you have; they're worth much more than a cursory smartphone flip-through!): the work of the Finalists from the Wildlife Photography Photos of the Year Awards.
- A fun makeover of a summer home. Auntie Leila says “the ‘before' is just a mishmash; the ‘after' is cozy and looks like real people live there.” Before and After: Jersey Ice Cream Co Vacation Home Transformation from Design Sponge.
On more serious matters:
- This blogger compares a middle school reading list from 100 years ago vs. a reading list from one of today's most highly qualified public schools… and the results are lackluster for the present day. In our opinion, the author is very kind and lenient – moreso than we would be if we were writing this!
- A group of lay leaders have written an open letter to the Bishops in anticipation of the upcoming Synod on the family. Commitment to Marriage.
- Tony Esolen, in true poetic form, draws our attention to how the Enemy is very clever at diverting our attention from the real battle. Strategy from the Abyss from The Catholic Thing.
And in the category of I laughed until I had trouble breathing:
- From Bad Catholic, the Derpy, Clearly-not-Lions of St. Jerome.
From the archives: Will's favorite cookies, very autumnal; Getting used to being thrifty; Affirmation in the thick of things.
And now for the giveaway!
Win one online course of The Way of Beauty by David Clayton (co-author with Auntie Leila of The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home).
This course includes 13 videos and an e-book on the vast subject of beauty. David leads you step by step to a thorough formation in beauty.
Read all about it here on his site, and then come back here to leave a comment to be entered for a FREE online course.
We will choose a winner next week randomly from the comments.
The course can be done by anyone — couples, adults, mature high school students — who is interested in a college-level instruction on The Way of Beauty. You can take whatever time you need to complete it.
It's also highly recommended for a St. Gregory's Pocket discussion, since culture — healthy communities, families, and society — depends on beauty!
Also — if you do not win, David has generously offered a 15% discount for all LMLD readers for the week up to and following the giveaway. Thus, instead of $99 for this online course (that includes continuing education credit), you will pay $85! That offer will last until October 16.
Just enter the code LMLDFIFTEEN when you purchase the course.
Also — if you take David's icon class in Columbus, Ohio, you get the course for 50% off even if you don't win it here! The information about the icon class (which includes instruction on chant and the Divine Office) is in this post, along with the code for the discounted online course.
{Loyal reader Bethanne's teenage son Simon attended David's icon-painting class. David says, “He was a very talented artist who understood everything I said instantly and then put it into practice. This was the first icon class he had ever attended.” Bethanne says, “My son took the icon painting class with David Clayton here in Kansas. I would highly recommend this for a mature young person. My son, who is introverted, came back with more confidence about being around adults. Those in the class were supportive and encouraging. It was perfect for him as he explored his artistic talents and learned more about beauty and how it nourishes us.”}
Good luck and thanks for reading LMLD!
~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).~
Marlene says
Given the often banal and functionalist nature of our culture, I think that teaching my children to love beauty is one of the most important things that I do. I think it will bring them to God and keep them close to Him!
Donna says
Thank you for offering the chance to win the course on Beauty!
Mrs. B. says
I don’t need to be entered for the giveaway (I’m still at the stick-people stage, so I’ll leave David Clayton to those who can truly benefit!), but I just wanted to thank you for all these beautiful links – lots of good readings for the next few days!
But my biggest thank you is for the wax paper tip with foliage!! My kids love preserving fallen leaves, but so far we’ve used melted beeswax – it can get messy and it’s time consuming! But ironing wax paper? Bring the leaves in, kiddos!!
Mrs. B. says
ps – I thought: “Fortnightly… has a Jane Austen ring to it, right?… Ah, yes, Mr. Knightley, of course!”
Doubly elegant!
Susan says
Great links! I’d love a chance to take the course.
My oldest is (I think) a pretty talented artist. He’s only 10 so not ready for the icon class yet but I think he would really enjoy that later.
Nancy Starkey says
So glad you decided to stay weekly with your “bits and pieces”. I enjoy reading it every Saturday morning!
Emily says
Wow! That ebola story is amazing!
And the Way of Beauty course looks wonderful – consider me entered for the drawing 🙂
EM says
I’d like to be entered in the giveaway for David’s course! Thank you.
Amada Beatriz says
Please enter me for the drawing! 🙂
A.R. Danziger says
Thanks, the clearly-not-lions were hilarious 🙂 Also, I would love to take the Way of Beauty course!
Cara says
Please enter me in your drawing! Would love to take this class! Thank you!
E.R. says
I would love to win the course on beauty! And, by any chance, would David Clayton ever come to Southern California to each icon painting? I have been longing to learn this art form, but the cost for flights to the east and everything else is beyond my budget. Thanks so much!
Betty says
I would love a chance to take the course on beauty!
Amanda L. says
I would love to win the course on beauty!
Kate says
I read Mr. Clayton’s blog regularly and would love to take this course.
Diane Walsh says
Please enter me in the drawing!
Donna Marie says
I would love a chance to win, thank you!
Cassandra Brungardt says
What a fantastic giveaway! I would love to win!
Mary Keane says
I’m thinking about doing the real live course as an extravagant birthday gift/pre-baby getaway, but whether I can go or not the online course would be an education for sure. I’ve never thought before recently that Beauty was really anything other than what each individual believes it is, but if Truth and Good can be known, then why not Beauty?
Cara Stuchlik says
I’m a DRE always on the look out for good teaching sources. This would be a great course to offer parish families–thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Karen in SC says
I always enjoy Bits and Pieces. Would you ever think about continuing these once a week, with only half the links? Might be more manageable for you and for us!
Kristi says
I would absolutely LOVE to win the online course! Sounds amazing. I’m not in the particular season of life to be able to do the in-person icon painting course, but a girl can dream … 😉 Thanks for holding this giveaway!
cmerie says
I would love to win this!
Joy in Alabama says
Please enter me in the drawing. I think my very artistic daughters would enjoy it.
I know you’re terribly pressured to do this blog post every week, and I’m not upset with you for going fortnightly, but I want you to know how much I enjoy it when you put it together. My 15yo son and I particularly enjoyed the St. Jerome article. We laughed and laughed!!
Julie says
Oh, Would I ever love, love, love to win this! Of course I would rather take the course in person, but I don’t think nursing in the middle of a lecture would be conducive to focus in class. Thank you all for all you do! Sincerely grateful.
Margaret says
Love this blog & would over to win the online course!
Thanks.
Kathy says
I would love to win! 🙂
Mary A. says
I would love to win the course! Also, thanks for sharing the leaf trick. I never knew-we always do the 2 pieces of wax paper thing. This is much more beautiful.
Stephanie Griffith says
I would love to win the class! Its my birthday this week, maybe I will be lucky!
Lynelle says
Love that you’re talking more about beauty! I would be so excited to take David Clayton’s course, I’ve been reading some of his blog and have enjoyed what he has on there. I’m sure his classes are even more in depth and informative. Thanks!
Melissa C says
Oh, I have just begun studying icons in earnest and would love to take this course. LMLD, thank you all for feeling like internet family and mentors. I always learn and grow after reading your posts.
Laurel says
Would love to take this course! The link you shared about the renovations of the churches makes me very happy. It is a great desire of mine that this will continue to take place. I truly believe a lack of aesthetic in our churches today is in part the cause of what keeps many away.
ann says
Please enter me for David’s course. It sounds wonderful. And Deirdre thanks so much for your links, I read and enjoy so many of them!
Kathy@9peas says
What a gift! The winner will not only be blessed, but those they teach etc.. The Way of Beauty will be passed on and on, so lovely!
LIZ says
What a wonderful resource! It would be perfect for a homeschooling mom like me! Thank you for showing us this and for the giveaway.
Jennifer says
After reading David’s discussion of trying to find a Catholic art class and later having the chance to develop his own resonated with me. I would love for my daughter to be able to take this as her love of art is growing. Thank you for the opportunity.
Theresa says
Thank you for this offer. I would love to win!
Theresa Anne says
Such beautiful leaves and a reminder to collect a few and do the same as we are just entering the season here in our neck of the woods.
We are about an hour from Columbus and I have been praying for wisdom/financial resources on the class for my 15year old son. He is very interested in art and has been asking for instruction and I desire that to be from someone who values truth and beauty. God’s will be done.
Please throw my name in the hat for a chance at the online course.
Thanks and God bless!
Teresa says
What a fantastic giveaway – Mr. Clayton’s course looks like an absolutely wonderful experience.
Thank you for this weeks’ links and the very pretty fall leaves.
Happy autumn!!
Katie says
I would love to win!
vaughn says
Thanks for the opportunity–
Caitlin says
I would love to win the online course! Although I would love to attend the course in Columbus, distance prevents me from doing so (as does my skill at drawing. Unfortunately I inherited my father’s stick figure drawing skills and little else, but I enjoy it so!)
Annemarie says
I would love to take a course on beauty! The world could certainly use more beauty right now!
Christi says
I would love to win this course for my daughter! She just graduated our homeschool and has been praying to discern God’s will as to where and how she should pursue using her artistic talents for Him. This would be a perfect starting place. Thank you for offering this giveaway.
Caitlin says
Thanks for the course opportunity! It looks incredible. And I really teared up over the adoption story as well…. so beautiful
Melissa says
I’d love to be considered to win this giveaway!
Rain says
Oh yes please! I would love to have a chance at winning this course.
Blessings.
Julie says
im so excited to be entered to win. thank you!
Ashley says
This sounds wonderful! Thank you for the giveaway!
Emma says
The Way of Beauty sounds like a wonderful course. I’d love to win.
Dawn says
Thanks for hosting this lovely giveaway!
Angela says
Oh yes, I’d love to win the course. Could use some time to think about beauty:)
KA says
My husband and I often talk about how beauty will save the world. I’m super interested in this course!
Nicole Alvarez says
i could use some beauty in my life. And I would love to be able to show my children beauty and make sure they recognize the beautiful.
Melissa says
I would love to be entered into the drawing.
frannie says
wow – I would love to win this – thank you!
Colette says
Would love to win the course. Thanks for hosting!
Kim says
The stack of books yet to be read is very high at my house. But this course would certainly be placed at the top of that stack. I would very much love to delve into its richness and see how it could help me both with homeschooling and evangelization. Please enter my name! 🙂