Winter Writing by the Fireside

Evening view of a rose plant on our table. 

I have been diligently working on two little writing projects. I am often in the guest room with a tv table to hold my computer. Then I plug it into an old printer so I can see how the work looks on the pages.  (I hope to announce the projects soon, over the next week or two.)  

When I need a change of scenery, I sit in a rocking chair by the fire. The humming of our wood-pellet stove is comforting. I am thankful for the warmth of home. 

 Whenever I am doing a project, I set up the card table near the chair, so I have a temporary place to put everything I need.  As I work, some in the family come in to visit. I take many breaks to do my chores and to rest. Everything is put aside and forgotten whenever company arrives.

To keep busy during this winter season, I have been taking care of a rose plant. This was given to me a few months ago. Each morning, after I open the curtains in the parlour, I place the potted plant on a windowsill.  This provides plenty of sunshine. I check to see if it needs to be watered, then I leave it alone until nightfall. It is then taken out of the window and placed on a table until the next day.  I have been doing this, as a daily chore, for months.  I have been amazed to see a great deal of new growth, many new leaves, and now two new roses have appeared. It is my hope that the plant will make it through until early May. This is when our last frost is expected. Then we can plant it out on the front grounds of our humble estate.

There have been many stressful days so far this year. There are always worries and concerns to be dealt with. It has been a great occupation (and a distraction) for me to sit and write and plan out little projects I want to work on this coming year.  I am grateful to have a quiet home in a rural village. It is an idyllic place as long as we keep calm and rested. Our faith in the Lord and our daily religious duties of Bible reading, prayer, and the singing of hymns are the greatest comfort of all.  

I have been baking bread, cookies, and brownies. I have been doing my daily and weekly chores. These domestic arts bring cheer and happiness to the home.  I hope to get out my sewing box and do some hand-sewing as soon as I finish my writing projects. It is lovely to have beautiful things to do at home. 

I have not been online very much these last few weeks. I have been a little overwhelmed and weary.  I just wanted to write a little note to say, "All is well."

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Careful thrift - Reducing Expenses.

What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

A Simple Life - Days without Spending Money. 

Help For Homeschooling:

Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life: Encouragement for Christian Homeschooling by Mrs. White

Paperback, 112 pages

As you read this book, I hope you get a sense that, no matter what is going on in the world, every home can be a homeschool.