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 15
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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
-2 Corinthians 5:17
“Metamorphosis insectiorm Surinamensium Plate XX (Thysania agrippina)” by Maria Sibylla Merian (1705)
Activities
Look: This picture is by Maria Merian. When she was a little girl, she collected insects. When she grew up, she studied and painted them. Study the picture. Notice everything you can and try to remember it. Tell everything you notice. Close your eyes. Can you still imagine the picture? Look again. Now look away. Tell everything you remember without looking. If you like, draw a quick sketch.
Read: “Eggs On a Branch” and “A Winter Butterfly” Outdoor Visits by Edith Patch
Observe: Go outside and look very closely at the trees. See if you can find evidence of butterflies or moths. Look for eggs on the undersides of leaves, egg sacs attached to branches and twigs, and holes in the leaves that suggest that the caterpillars may have already hatched. Can you see any caterpillars or butterflies yet? If you like, paint a picture of what you find and write down when and where you found it.
Read: “Caterpillar” by Christina Rossetti
Listen: “Sept Papillons (Seven Butterflies)” by Kaija Saariaho, performed by Rebecca Wenham. This piece demonstrates very well that music can represent things and ideas. There are seven short movements, each of which tells about one butterfly. Kaija Saariaho was born in Finland and now lives in Paris.
Share: What exciting discoveries did you make today? #choosing beauty
More to Read and Do:
“Insects” Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock p.294-298
“Caterpillars” First Lessons in Nature Study by Edith Patch p.142-147
Read more about Maria Merian and view more of her naturalist works.
©Charlotte Mason Institute 2020
