A Christmas Rose

A Christmas Rose
"Not for years had she sat like this with another girl in the firelight and talked over the dear trivialities that make up the warmth of life." Chap. 18 Pilgrim Inn Elizabeth Goudge
 

We were surprised to see a little flock of bluebirds through the kitchen window. What a rare treat. They alighted on the sumac seeds. They must have been very hungry as I think they greatly prefer creepy crawly things.

By a sudden quirk of holiday humor I decided to place blue Christmas tree bulbs in a bowl on the cupboard. I believe our visiting bluebirds are to blame for this impulse. 

A thrift store find also made its way into my decorating. Standing in the shop, the first reaction I had upon seeing it, was to identify with the hours that had gone into stitching it. I paid the embarrassing low price and took it home. Later, as I was falling asleep, pleasant thoughts of what to do with this pillow cover were like visions of sugar-plums dancing in my head.

Hmm, it has plenty of red and green for the Christmas season, I thought. But something bothered me about it. It was the border. I didn't care for it, I realized. The blue squares seemed to be a design flaw. I can cut it away, was my conclusion. I'll make it round and add red pipping. It was quite some time before I got around to washing the dust of years out of it, cutting it up and sewing it up.

Just as I put my hand to my anticipated task, tracing a circle onto it, I got a telephone call. It made me tremble. My 3 year-old grandson fell. He crushed a finger. His mother drove him to the hospital emergency. "Please pray that he won't lose the tip of his finger," I was asked, "The doctor warned of the possibility."

"Yes," I said shakily. I sewed and prayed. After surgery and nine hours later, he was home with a brightly colored bandage around his saved finger. "He's doing fine," was the call I had hoped for. Mom and Dad were exhausted. His aunt (my other daughter) took over by reading him bedtime stories. The Christmas rose pillow will probably always bring to my mind our answered prayer.

A Story at Christmastime

Early in December I ordered a short story from Amazon, I Saw Three Ships by Elizabeth Goudge. My name was put on a waiting list. It took a week for the book to come. When it did I read all 60 pages in one evening. Although most of the days this month have been heavily clouded and gray, the story brightened my soul. Now I'm reading it aloud to someone I love.

The black and white illustrations by Margot Tomes are a style that fit the time period with precision. It's the late 18th century. Young Polly lives in England in a seacoast town with her two maiden aunts. Both Polly's parents die before the story starts but Polly seems to be adjusting fine in her new and different surroundings. She is more used to the country, however. And she longs for certain Christmas tradition that was followed as she remembers it - in the country. That is - keeping the doors of the house unlocked so that the Three Wise Men can visit. These were the years before the popularity of Father Christmas.

Polly stirs up hope and anticipation in her aunts who are rather set in their ways. And a bit anxious about their safety since their brother went away and their father died. They will not keep the doors unlocked on Christmas Eve. Absolutely not. They wouldn't want to tempt the undesirables from breaking-and-entering. Adamant, they tell Polly, "The only masculine protection in this house is your poor dear grandfather's Hat in the hall."  The story made me smile. With its humor, yes, but also its demonstration of kindheartedness. The open window and the desire for unlocked doors in the story probably represent the characters' open minds and open hearts. And these are what permeate prayer, aren't they? Christmas is about miracles and long awaited answered prayer.

I've always been fond of the English carol and legend, I Saw Three Ships. The verses are cleverly woven into the plot of Elizabeth Goudge's touching story. My menfolk have been hearing this song around the house nearly every day, with this joyful jig recorded with flute, fiddle and piano. It is a song of rejoicing just as this story is one of rejoicing. Oh, I like happy endings, don't you? (For 4th grade to adult.)

Post Script of Dear Trivialities

There is a drummer boy, grown up and grown anciently old, in I Saw Three Ships. During my early years of married life I stitched a drummer boy ornament in crewel-wool from a kit. I got home from work before Dean did and remember clearly, sitting in a dark room, lit by one lamp and a single string of Christmas lights, head bent over my stitching while listening for his car in the drive.

The the table mat under I Saw Three Ships is a crocheted gift from a caring blog reader. It happens to fit my tea table perfectly. Thank you.

I knit the mini-mitten in sock yarn on size one needles. It hangs on the feather tree.

You've probably already spotted on this blog, the child's well-worn antique shoes. I leave them out all year but somehow I like seeing them best among the Christmas greenery. 

Blog friend, Lynne in Idaho, sent a photograph of her finished Lavender Strawberry Sachets. They turned out beautifully. I had forgotten the variety of fabric I had tucked in the kits in June. She would like to make Strawberry Sachets for gifts adding tiny glass beads. Thank you, Lynne, for sharing your photo. My readers are invited to share theirs.

Help Wanted

My daughter, Sophia, is in desperate need of a part time nanny. She is pregnant and struggling with back pain (an old car accident). She is grateful for the help of family and the small church she attends. But not wishing to impose, she is seeking help by way of a paying position. She homeschools her energetic boys age 3 and 7. If you know of anyone who lives in the Frederick-Mt.Airy area of Maryland, that can assist her around the house, please telephone me between 9am & 8pm. (If we don't pick up, please leave a voice mail with your name & phone number.)
Our home business number is 717-786-6954.
Or email: karenjandreola@gmail.com. Thank you dearly.

Every Christmas Blessing be Yours,

Karen Andreola 
 

Home For Christmas by Karen Andreola

Home For Christmas

 "I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams."

This old black and white photograph shows where my husband, Dean, started his life. The house is an iconic picture of an American home. It sits on West 7th Street in Plainfield, New Jersey on two-and-a-half acres, among streets of architecturally interesting Victorian houses both small and roomy - mostly roomy, built for the large Victorian families that once lived there. Plainfield was, in those days, a safe and beautiful place to live. And convenient. The train took its residence into New York City. The Gilbreths of Cheaper by the Dozen had lived in Plainfield, I believe.

The house was Grandpa and Grandma's triumph. They worked and saved for years and years until they could afford to move out of the apartment above their hair-dresser's shop on Main Street. A large garden of vegetables, flowers and apple trees (in the photograph) beyond the archway, was tended with enthusiasm. Grandma and Grandpa lived on the first floor. Dean lived on the second floor, that was made into an apartment for his parents.

Another old photograph is of Dean on Christmas Day happily sitting astride a new tricycle. He has fond memories of wheeling round and round the paved circle driveway at the back this house.

Dean Andreola

The ideal picture of a warm, secure, loving home seems never more in the forefront of our minds than at Christmastime. Moms and dads who experienced homes without secure relationships, warm togetherness and a strong faith in God, have had to start from scratch with their own families. Some of these people are my friends. I have had the privilege of meeting them in the various places where I've lived. They hold my esteem. I sympathize with their endeavors to create the kind of loving home that they wished they had had when young.

Call it parental neglect, preoccupation, laziness, ignorance, or what you will. It can be a depressing thought - a lonely thought - perhaps even a loneliness akin to the childhood of Ebenezer Scrooge. Yet it is past. And carrying a grudge is the heaviest burden to carry. Looking to God, rather, who authors and finishes our faith, moms and dads set their sites to creating the kind of home that fills their dreams and follows their convictions. I've seen such a home sought after and elaborately described in the life of homeschooling families. I've seen it laid out detail by detail. It is worked out day by day, hour by hour.

The result is a new creation, an honest-to-goodness happy home where family members work together, learn together, play together and worship together. Yes, there is need for the unpleasant correction of immature, or selfish, thoughtless acts among the children. This a necessary part of a labor of love. And sometimes we moms and dads need to say we're sorry, too. Overall, such families are a light to an ailing society (and the extended family). Oh, if society would only care to take a good look.

At the heart of a person is the longing for home. This is especially felt at Christmastime. Such yearnings for love are really a yearning for God and heaven. A warm and secure earthly home is the next best thing. It points to God and heaven. He is not far away but is near to anyone who seeks Him.

Home For Christmas - Two Films
I unpacked some DVDs from my Christmas closet. With hours of extra holiday cooking, decorating, gift wrapping, etc., it is nice to relax with a Christmas film. In the next paragraphs I talk about two stories that reveal a deep longing for home, love, and family togetherness. The scripts are a mix of humor and pathos. Therefore, I recommend keeping the tissue box nearby.

Prancer 
"Prancer" is a family film that has plenty of crunchy mid-western snow. It is a beautiful story. Dean photographed my DVD on a snowy bush out our back door. Cute-as-pie and something of a Pollyanna, eight-year-old Jessica Riggs loves Christmas. Her mother loved Christmas, too. But Jessica's mother dies during the year (before the opening of the film) and the family is left to cope without her. Dad has difficulty managing the homestead without his lovely wife (the homemaker). He is sullen in his grieving, understandably. But his dark-cloud-of-an-outlook makes him gruff and impatient. Jessica soothes herself with Christmas hopes and joys. She clings (for dear life) to her faith in the unseen world. There has to be a Santa (who is unseen). There has to be a God (who is unseen) and a heaven (that is unseen). Otherwise, in Jessica's words to her doubting friend, "Where's my mother, then?"

We click with the Christian overtones in this film, the church service of sorts, and a Christmas hymns sung reverently by its characters. The story, although placed in a realistic setting, has a conflict resolution that incorporates fantasy. Its theme also speaks of holding onto - or reviving - one's faith, hope, and love.

On a snowy night Jessica discovers an injured reindeer who wanders through the woods onto the farm. She coaxes the hungry, hurt animal into a shed with Christmas cookies and in the morning skips school to search for the vet. She begs him to help her and also keep the reindeer, she believes to be Santa's Prancer, a secret, at least for a few days. The vet removes a bullet from the reindeer's leg and Jessica tries to nurse the deer back to health. She doesn't want anyone to discover Prancer, especially her father who she thinks would probably shoot it. She must think of a way to get Prancer back to Santa in time for Christmas Eve. Meanwhile she overhears her father talking about her. He thinks his daughter might be better raised by an aunt. The idea of being sent away from home and separated from her father is distressing.

The acting is excellent and played by some well-knowns. Faith, hope and love make things happen in this film. I think this is one reason you will enjoy it. I love the ending.

Remember the Night
The film "Remember the Night" is for grown ups. My DVD was a Christmas present to me last year. I must have let slip out how I liked this unusual love story. Released in 1940 in black and white, the (too skinny) Barbara Stanwyck and gentlemanly Fred MacMurray give a convincing performance. But I can't figure out why it is titled "Remember the Night." Never mind.

Miss Leander is a fashionable shoplifter. It is how she survives living alone "respectfully" in New York City. Caught stealing a jeweled bracelet she is arrested. Her court trial is to be continued and held over Christmas. The handsome attorney Mr. Sargent, is to blame for the postponement. He wants to head out of town straightaway to spend the holiday week with his mother in Indiana. But when confronted by his guilty conscience he bails Miss Leander out of jail, admitting to himself that his clever move in court would result in the young lady spending Christmas behind bars. An unforeseen circumstance throws them together. And when Mr. Sargent discovers that they are both from Indiana the idea crosses his mind to invite Miss Leander to join him in going west. This way, she may go home for Christmas and see her mother on the way to Mr. Sargent going home for Christmas to see his.

"Home" is the thing to notice. The main characters were brought up in strikingly different homes. Both families were poor (probably having their beginnings in the Great Depression). But only Mr. Sargent had loving discipline, patient understanding, and forgiveness. It is the kind of home that Miss Leander always wanted.


  

There is nothing overtly Christian about this Christmas classic. The characters may just as well be agnostics. The songs sung around the piano are of the blessings of home, and are sweet but strangely do not celebrate Christmas. Nevertheless, these friendly characters have a moral conscience that is uncommon today. Standards of "right and wrong" are even important to the plot. Where these standards originate is a mystery. Christian viewers, however, can appreciate the film because we are apt to fill in the blanks nicely to our own bias satisfaction. We can do what we want with the background of a story, can't we? Perhaps the couple do not exemplify tip-top form (the very fact that they travel alone together). Yet, there is no hanky-panky, just tears and kisses, nothing more. It is the far-sighted and far-reaching value of home, with its honest and unselfish characters, that go into making this a touching film.

Have you seen either of these?

Lately
Decorating is behind schedule in our house. I'm taking my time and telling myself that this is okay. But it is a good feeling knowing my homemade gifts got their finishing touches with my needle on the first of the month, were wrapped and mailed. And the Christmas cards are sent. It is joy to be hearing and singing Christmas carols again.

My blog friend Martina, who lives in Germany, sent me a photograph of her Lavender Strawberry Sachets. Aren't they cute? She told me that she opened her kit to sew them on a day that was "enveloped in fog and Mendelssohn." Thank you, Martina.

I know my blog friends and I would like to see your finished Lavender Strawberries. I invite you to send a photograph to my email, karenjandreola@gmail.com.

Paintings are by Courier and Ives.


Joy, 
Karen Andreola

A Screen-free Quiet Time

A Screen-free Quiet Time

 I’ve come to the end of my Sunday school series: “There’s No Place Like Home”. I enjoyed teaching it and would like to continue come spring. I especially appreciated how the older moms in the class shared hints and experiences with the younger moms. 

 

In the last class I talked about the importance of fitting into the rhythm of the day, a screen-free quiet time. One mother in the class is a home educator. Another mom plans to home educate. Therefore, I kept my topics general to be edifying to all. But you must know. I can’t help my bias. My secret opinion (which is no secret now) is that it is the home teacher - who works diligently with her children all day – and who by no surprise runs out of steam - who could glean most gratifyingly from my recommendation.

To the home teacher solitude is golden.

Part of home teaching is learning and living abundantly and joyously alongside our children. A mother can do many things with her children about her. But there is also a private aspect to the religious and creative life that thrives in moments of solitude.  

This November I’ve had a quantity of quiet time. I’ve stayed close to home. Puttering about the house I’ve been patiently trying to wean off a medicine I started for chronic pain. Anyway, by contrast, how vividly I remember those early days of motherhood.  By an orderly arrangement of hours I squeezed in a little quiet time - for myself and my children. It was good for all of us. A break is good for body and soul. Being alone gives refreshment to togetherness. It seems to be something necessary for creativity and reflection.  

"Shakespeare, Leonardo Da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln never saw a movie, heard a radio or looked at television. They had loneliness and knew what to do with it. They were not afraid of being lonely because they knew that was when the creative mood in them would work.”  Carl Sandburg (poet)

What is my recommendation? Pick a time in the day that works for you. Be faithful to it. After some weeks it will feel quite normal.

I remember following a string of morning of lessons with a late lunch, chores, and a picture book read aloud to settle the youngest child (above the age of napping). Then, with every child in his or her quiet time spot - set up with a screen-free occupation of their choosing - I’d turn the dial on the portable kitchen timer to set it to ten minutes (graduating to 20 minutes thereabouts). I’d place the timer in the upstairs landing outside the bedrooms. And I’d retreat. 

Leaving the timer to its ticking I would sit in a sunny window overlooking the back garden. I’d bow my head to read, pray, journal, write a paper letter, or just lay flat on the bed for a stretch and watch the dust in a sunray float in the air and settle on the nightstand. If I could forget about dusting for the time being, I’d feel my shoulders relax, my forehead soften, and my eyes want to close. 

When the timer reached the rickety ringing of its real bell, the children knew quiet time was over. We would return to the active parts of our day with renewed vigor – and perhaps even a renewed attitude.   

Later in the afternoon, padded by thick sweaters we would file out the back door. We needed the fresh air and the removal of four walls. The children would head for rope swing, bicycle, or wagon. Or, we would take an autumn nature walk together shuffling through the fallen leaves. 

A wise mother will, if possible, proved opportunities for her children to be alone so that each one will learn how to fall back upon himself for counsel and entertainment. Beautiful Girlhood, chapter 23 “The Quiet Hour” 

Explanation of Photographs

 

This month, on a yellow-leaf day, I assembled the pattern pieces I cut out for an apron for myself. I will continue its progress when my Christmas presents are completed. I decided to lengthen the hem and omit the ruffle. I will cut out a plain square pocket to applique the pineapple I cross-stitched. A pineapple can usually be found somewhere in the kitchen.

Second-guessing the green paint color I chose for the parlor I took some decorating books off the bookshelf. I guess you could say that I am “in between” computers since my old computer no longer supports Pinterest. Therefore, I am glad I kept several decorating books on hand for these bouts of indecision.

Several years ago I stitched this strutting roaster (or is it a turkey?). Anyway, I liked its message and am passing it on to one of my married daughters. It could be displayed for a variety of holidays. 

The nesting dolls are waiting for my grandchildren on Thanksgiving Day.  

In a quiet time I opened Drawn From New England – a biography of the children’s book illustrator, Tasha Tudor, written by her daughter Bethany in 1979. Lost for some years my copy was recently found in my daughter’s house. I was glad to see it again. Today I do not have the same startling enchantment I once had of it. In the mid-nineties I was still in the throes of nest-building and wrote a review of it for an issue of Parents’ Review. Oh, my. That was nearly 20 years ago. And yet, although my interest is subdued I can still appreciate Bethany Tudor’s affectionate writing. 

She marveled at how her mother turned every household chore into a domestic 19^th century art. This must have been quite a feat in the years just after WW II when the young family moved into a 17-room ancient New Hampshire farmhouse without electricity, modern appliances, indoor plumbing and central heating. The hours of Tasha Tudor’s day were spent waking up early to milk a cow, attending to her garden, baking bread in a black-bellied wood stove, washing buckets of clothes by hand and sewing much of their own clothing. 

For her four children and herself she balanced manual labor with make-believe. And Tasha Tudor made much of birthdays and holidays with creative homemade efforts. The family’s lifestyle and fanciful seasonal celebrations became a model for the water-color illustrations in the children’s books for which she is best known. Some of the most vivid memories Bethany Tudor has of her mother are related to her art. Practically speaking, book royalties paid the bills. 

Tasha Tudor created a beautiful old-fashioned life for herself and her family. The Christian mother will create her own culture of family traditions while remembering to live in the reality of the Kingdom of God.  

Is a quiet time retreat in your schedule?

Comments are welcome,

Karen Andreola
  

Charlotte Mason's Method of Narration

Charlotte Mason’s Method of Narration

Home teachers looking over the ideas of Charlotte Mason ask, “What's narration?”

I answer, “It is creating the opportunity for a child to put the reading (experience or observation) in his own words.” It’s that simple. Sometimes it’s the simplest things in life that get overlooked.

Narration is generic. There is nothing strange or special about it, really. The ability to deliver ideas through spoken language has been fundamental to civilizations around the world for centuries. Yet, when I first read about how Miss Mason relied upon the method of narration in a child’s lessons I thought it very strange. As a young mother I had no familiarity with narration. How odd, and what a novelty I found Miss Mason’s 100-year-old method to be!

Narrating Crafts an Understanding

Narration was generally absent in my childhood. My education was incomplete of putting anything audibly in my own words. A docile and quiet child, I never raised my hand in class. And I was never called upon to speak. Except for the odd composition or project, the assignments that required me to follow a train of thought and craft an understanding in my own words, were few-and-far-between. 

Paperwork was the time-saving, big-classroom kind: boxes checked, letters circled, lines drawn from column A to column B. Homework was a questionnaire or lists of facts to cram for tests. Suffice to say, I found Miss Mason’s method of narration to be refreshingly appealing.

Immediately, upon reading about narration, I wanted my children to have the advantage of this basic power of expression. Although in the 1980s I hadn’t yet met a teacher primarily using narration for schoolwork I sought to make narration intrinsic to our home learning experience. I had an awkward time of it at first. Apprehension hung over my head. But after some trial and error we got into the groove. 

I consider the timing of this narration-enlightenment to be one of God’s blessings in our family. As a result of years of practice the Andreolas now rarely stop narrating – hopefully without recklessness – and hopefully with a listening ear or two. It spontaneously occurs around the breakfast and supper table, and in the car. Narration is personable.

Karen talking with the baker at Lands Valley

Oral Tradition

Down through history, how did cultures convey something they wanted the next generation to remember? Children grew up with oral tradition - usually in the form of stories. The ancient Greeks had their mythology. We still refer to the constellations they named with their characters. 

The Greek teacher Aesop, taught morals by way of fables. Notice my book (pictured) is titled The Aesop for Children. Aesop originally wrote these short stories for adults. His animals act out the idiosyncrasies of people - people like us – with their failings or good sense.

Narration is an exercise in “the art of knowing.” With narration a child learns by doing. Having to work at putting something in his own words, a child gains comprehension - and proves it. Narration is a wonderful way of passing on knowledge that is both meaningful and memorable to children. It gets to the heart of the matter. And impression with expression has staying power.

Narration is low-cost (except in economy of time.) And yet it is so effective as a learning tool, it is a valuable use of time. It takes time for a child to “tell” and for you to listen. It takes time for a child to write a narration and to illustrate it for his notebook. And time for a child to, perhaps, once-in-a-while, read his narration to Dad after supper. 

Begin Anytime

If you’ve missed opportunities for narrating, fear not. You can begin right where you are. Since an Aesop fable is short but meaningful - it makes a good source for a new narrator – of whatever age. Read aloud the fable to your student (but not its moral at the end.) Then, ask the student to tell it back in his own words (and guess the moral).

An older student might be more comfortable reading the fable silently and then penning his spin on it. After several he might find it “cool” to come up with his own fables – and morals – like Arnold Lobel did. I remember my son narrating from the humorous, but sensible, pages of Arnold Lobel’s Fables. 

Our Dearest Narrator

What is one of the teaching methods of Jesus? Through parables His hearers gained insight to what the kingdom of heaven is like. The parables of our Lord are short and meaningful, easy to remember, easy to be passed on - to be narrated person to person.

The Road to Emmaus by Robert Zund

I wonder what Jesus spoke – shortly after his resurrection - when he walked incognito with two men on the road to Emmaus. It was a seven-mile walk. He must have talked a long time. Luke says that “Beginning with Moses and all the prophets he expounded to them in all the Scriptures, the things concerning Himself.”

Later at supper, when Jesus took bread, blessed it and broke it, their eyes where opened. The moment they recognized him, Jesus vanished from sight. They said to one another, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road?” They were so excited that they got up from the table to walk the seven miles back to Jerusalem, to tell the other followers. I imagine that these especially privileged (yet un-named) men treasured Jesus’ personal narration for years to come. They probably shared it over and over again, in their own words, for the rest of their lives.

The Vikings told stories around a blazing fire. The American Indians passed on their knowledge to their children with practical hands-on training and with stories. Who are we letting tell the stories to our children? Those who tell the stories are the ones guiding the next generation. 

A sweet hymn came to mind while I was writing this post. You might know it. The first verse is:

I love to tell the story of unseen things above.

Of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story because I know ‘tis true;

It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

Has a form of narration found its way into your life?

Post Script

Most of the photographs on this post were taken at Landis Valley Museum.

My daughter, Yolanda, while in Maine, took the water themed photographs. I think they’re beautifully peaceful.

A Charlotte Mason Companion has chapters that explain the philosophy of narration and its benefits. I also give examples of its use. Narration is applicable to a range of literary subjects. It is flexible enough to be made suitable for a range of ages. My book, Story Starters gives students opportunities to narrate creatively.

On her Charlotte Mason blog, Sonja Shafer has generously answered questions that commonly arise on the how-to of narration.

It’s nice to have you stopping by my place in the blog neighborhood. May it support your way of life - in some way - in bearing fruitfulness.

Karen Andreola

Aiding A Boy's Life by Karen Andreola

Aiding A Boy's Life

This is a girly blog. (Do you like how my son upgraded the design for me?) Girly, yes, but daily I am reminded that there is a male side of life. You see, I am the only female in the house at present. My married daughters are also the only females in their households.

Sophia and her boys

When we get together we talk freely about trivialities – the same trivialities that we stop short of waxing elegantly about in the presence of our husbands. The menfolk are good listeners – but we’ve taken on new house manners. We’ve learned that it is impolite and unprofitable to chatter about more trivial details than our patient husbands can comfortably endure.

Sometimes, however, the Lady-of-the-House forgets her manners.

“Green is fine. If you like it,” the Man-of-the-House replies cheerfully when his opinion is solicited.  

“I don’t mean that green,” the Lady-of-House says, snatching away the color chart he holds in his hand, replacing it with another. She chatters on, “More of a soft celery, I think. Like this one. On this paint chart. It isn’t so muddy that it looks army green. And it isn’t mixed with blue that it hints of robin’s egg. It’s only a teeny-tiny bit yellow-er, I suppose, than crayon-green. And much, much paler. D’you see?” The Lady-of-the-House points to the paint chart with a satisfying decisiveness that finally puts an end to her soliloquy on which green should be painted on the window trim of the parlor.  

“Yeah, green. Looks good,” the Man-of-the-House confirms, suppressing a sigh. He nods (bows out, really) and passes her back the paint chart until he is needed further.

Dean & Nigel and the Memphis Belle!

When important matters arise, my daughters and I, in voices lowered to a hush, talk over the telephone. Since we live apart it is rare that all three of us are together in a room. But when this occurs we are instantly verbose about trivialities. Like a cackle of geese we go on and on. The topic might be curtains – ruffles or no ruffles or maybe bobbles, paint colors – on trim or accent wall, flowers in the garden, something we are hand-stitching for Christmas, a new recipe that was eagerly consumed the week prior by our menfolk, or who had a baby and what color hair it has and how round its cheeks are already, etc.

My son, now a young man, still prefers the topic of  science. I remember washing dishes with a listening ear to the things that he was inclined to talk about - by spontaneous outburst – when he was a growing boy - even if I only responded with, “How interesting.” The topic might be sharks, dinosaurs, dirt biking, the tallest building in the world, the fastest car, the most poisonous octopus, or the useful properties of an element from the periodic table. He brings up similar topics today - add computer lingo. 

Nigel in Maine

Then, there are the important topics - the golden nuggets necessary for good living. These seldom pop up in everyday conversation (unless you have the perfect timing of Andy from Mayberry). And yet, wisdom rooted in the Word and the character it inspires make valuable conversation in a boy’s life. In his books, author Bob Schultz talks about topics from a male point of view. He sets before a boy’s mind and heart, the abstract truths of becoming other-oriented, strong-in-spirit, active, observant, appreciative, faithful, just, industrious - and as I see it from my female point-of-view - gentlemanly.

My husband Dean Andreola highly recommends Bob Schultz’s three books. He reviews two here.

Dean Writes:

Boyhood and Beyond helps build “manly backbone” into growing boys. I searched for years for a book that would be as helpful for boys as Karen’s special edition of Beautiful Girlhood has been for girls.

The late Bob Schultz was a home school dad, loving husband and a carpenter by trade.  He has a friendly writing style and the heart of a mentor. His story illustrations will help your boys glean wisdom and common sense from each of the short chapters. Topics such as: authority, inventiveness, and honesty are covered along with meaty issues such as overcoming fear, laziness, and temptation. He even teaches boys how to love and protect their sisters!

Boys will benefit from this fatherly advice that encourages them to become the men God wants them to be: men of honor, courage and faith. I read this book to my son, Nigel, in his boyhood, and used the questions at the end of each chapter for discussion. Consider it a faithful companion for boys on the road to true manhood.  (For ages 10 -17, illustrated.) 

How fast are you growing? - grandsons.

Dean also Writes:

The late Bob Schultz hit another home run with his “Wisdom from the Woodshop” in Practical Happiness. This book is for teens to young adults. I was sent the manuscript prior to publication and was asked to share some thoughts for the back cover. Here are some of those thoughts:

Modern media teaches young men to think they will obtain happiness when they find the ever-fleeting pot of gold. What they often find instead is a life of filled with disappointment. Rare indeed is the young man who learns early in life how to mine the heart of God for true happiness.

In Practical Happiness Bob once again employs short captivating stories crafted to guide young men toward a life of contentment, even in our pressure cooker world. Your sons will learn that happiness is not found merely in what they have, where they go, or what exciting thing they can afford to do next, but rather in their attitude and response to life especially when “things aren't going their way”.

Behind their brave independent exteriors young men are searching for answers. Without a guide how will they find the path that leads to inner joy and lasting contentment?

Bob Schultz addresses:

What is success?

Will I be able to provide for myself (and my own family) when I leave the protection of my parents and strike out on my own? 

How do I handle personal failure?

How should I respond when others let me down?

Can I find happiness in a world full of sorrow and uncertainty?

True happiness is a precious gift from God available to all who learn to hear His voice and obey His calling. Practical Happiness will light a fire in the hearts of young men drawing them closer to a life of personal fulfillment as they draw closer to God.

Are you interested in Boyhood and Beyond or Practical Happiness?

A click on a book title will take you to Amazon.

Created for Work is another highly recommended title by Bob Schultz

The Lavender Strawberry Kit &

The Parents' Review are now available via PayPal shopping cart.

See my products page.

Thank you for visiting,

Karen Andreola