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 12
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“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and all its fullness. Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.”
Psalm 96:11-13a
“First Leaves Near Nantes” by Camille Corot (c.1855)
Activities
Look: Study the picture. Place yourself in the picture like one of the people. What smells might you experience? What sounds? I wonder what the air feels like. Close your eyes. Can you still imagine the landscape? Tell all you can remember. Open your eyes. What time of day do you think it is? Close your eyes again. Tell everything you remember without looking. If you like, draw a rough sketch of the landscape.
Read: “What Was Heard Under the Ground One April Day” The Story of My Four Friends, the Seasons by Jane Andrews
Observe: Find a favorite spot outdoors with trees. Sit and take in the landscape around you noticing the hints of Spring. With your eye, observe color and light. What changes have occurred within your view the past 2-3 months? Close your eyes and picture the landscape in your mind’s eye. Describe the trees and or bushes. Describe what leaves are new around you. Open you eyes. Walk up and get a close look at a new leaf. How does it feel? How big will it become? If you like, draw a picture of the leaf.
Read: “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer
Listen: “The Loveliest of Trees” by A.E. Housman, music by John Duke. Read the poem here.
Share: Share what is your favorite tree or favorite type of tree or bush? Do you have a place that you love to visit where it grows? I wonder how old are the trees in your neighborhood. #choosing beauty
More to Read and Do:
“How to Begin Tree Study” Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
As An Oak Tree Grows by Karas
A Tree is Nice by Janice May Udry
“5-Minute Landscape: Watercolor Pencil” by John Muir Laws
Play hide-n-seek outdoors today. Bushes and trees can be great hiding places!
©Charlotte Mason Institute 2020
