A Covered Bridge and Graceful Living in Rural Vermont

A Covered Bridge on a Back Road in Rural Vermont - Photograph taken by Mrs. White's Daughter

For the past few weeks, I have been going on little journeys with my oldest daughter and her two small children. These are for necessary appointments and errands.  We have been driving through the beautiful rural countryside.  The scenery is so peaceful and pretty.

On a recent drive, in a spot where there was virtually no traffic, I asked if she would stop and take a picture of a covered bridge before we drove through. (She has a better quality camera than I do. - gentle smiles.)

I have been focusing on the beauty of our surroundings, rather than worrying about the housekeeping I need to do back at home.  Sometimes I will return home and get right to work on sweeping, laundry, and making things look inviting and comfortable.  Since I have been going out so often lately it is extra tiring.  I have to keep reminding myself it is okay to take a nap when I need to, even in the passenger seat of the car on our little drives.

Over the years I have learned to find a way to keep our home neat no matter how busy we are.  This does not mean things are always spotless.  Everyone makes messes every single day.  The neatness has something to do with being graceful and in being a lady.  We work hard to keep our dignity and manners.  Our homes need similar attention.

Good manners and gracefulness means that we take time throughout the day to tidy up, to cheerfully smile as we make a pretty home out of routine messes. We sweep the kitchen floor a few times a day.  We wipe down the kitchen table and counters after each snack or meal.  We do the dishes and make the bed before accepting an invitation to go out.  We do this because it is good manners and because it what a gracious lady would do.

But this all can get very tiring if Mother does not know how to work in a slow and steady way.  She will get stressed and wear out if she does not remember to take precious little breaks.  These can be rides in the countryside with the family, or they can be an afternoon rest on the front porch.  A little walk in the garden after morning tea is a lovely way to take a break.

A routine of resting after creating beauty in one's home will bring peace and contentment.  This is like a bit of culture and quiet to nourish our daily lives.

Blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives -

A Lesson in Home Economics - Feeding the Family.

A Restful Retreat - The Privacy of Home Life.

Thrift - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs.White's book -Mother's Book of Home Economics .  Paperback, 312 pages.










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