In a time when it is easy to be overcome by fear or worry, we want this series of blog posts to give you simple, gentle, and dynamic ways to reclaim an atmosphere of peace, joy, and wonder in your home. We can all then help shine light to the world by sharing how we are choosing beauty daily. Please join us by using the hashtag #choosingbeauty on social media.
#ChoosingBeauty – Day 2
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“It was very early in the morning and still dark. Jesus got up and left the house. He went to a place where he could be alone. There, he prayed.”
-Mark 1:35
“Woods in the Snow” by Gustave Courbet (1875)
Activities
Look: Study the picture. Notice everything you can and try to remember it. Can you tell in which direction the sun is shining? What time of day does it look like? How long do you think the snow has been on the ground? Close your eyes. Can you still imagine the picture? Look again. Now look away. Tell everything you remember without looking. Draw a simple sketch that shows the trees and their shadows.
Read: Outdoor Visits p. 80-90
Observe: Go outside and look for trees with cones. Can you find some old cones and some new cones? How can you tell the difference? Does the tree have leaves (needles) that grow in clusters? How many leaves grow in a cluster? See if you can find out what kind of tree it is by looking in a local field guide. Make notes about when and where you saw it. Draw or paint a picture of it if you like.
Read: “Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost
Listen: “Frostiana: Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost (lyrics) and Randall Thompson (music), performed by the Turtle Creek Chorale
Share: What cones did you find today? What did you think about? #choosingbeauty
Further Reading:
“Trees With Cones” First Lessons in Nature Study, p.258-261
“The Pine” Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock, p.670-675
“Velvet Shoes” by Elinor Wylie
©Charlotte Mason Institute 2020
