Hidden Art Book Club: Gardens

Visiting and supporting public gardens both fall into the purview of tending our patch of ground, if we take seriously Edith Schaeffer's encouragements in The Hidden Art of Homemaking.

*Human beings were made to interact with growing things*

So, it is with great pleasure I draw your attention to Callaway Gardens where we will gather for an annual family reunion for the 22nd time in just a few weeks.

In my blog's sidebar there are links for CWAC (Cousins Week at Callaway) where you can read about our family tradition.

More links here, too.

But dont miss the opportunity to visit Callaway's website.

Originally conceived in 1930, after owner Cason Callaway wished to preserve the eco-system of the native plumleaf azalea, the family established the 6500-acre resort in stages.  There are more horticultural opportunities than I can take advantage of each year, so I never tire of returning.

Of course, visiting with our own adult children, my 25 nieces and nephews, various in-laws, plus some first and second cousins is the primary focus.  What a beautiful place for nourishing relationships.   I think the journalist who just published this op-ed about siblings in the NY Times might like to make a reservation.

Next, allow me to bring to your attention Gibbs Gardens located where I live in Cherokee County, GA.  

This landscape designer purchased over 300 acres about 35 years ago and has been developing them ever since.  Last year he opened the grounds to the public and wow!  What a refreshing place to visit.

In my first visit this year, I was taken with the red rhododendron, the fern dell, and this charming trillium (turned upside down for photo.)





Gibbs Gardens, like Callaway Gardens, sparks the dry wood of my lack luster talents and gives me just the right amount of inspiration to come home and try something myself.

What garden are you visiting?

This post is written and shared in conjunction with my participation in an online book club where we are reading Edith Schaeffer's Hidden Art.  Consider reading along.

Hidden Art Book Club: Chapter 6

 Gardens and Gardening

Spiller, filler and thriller is a mnemonic that fertilized my anemic horticultural skills recently.

See the faded pink bucket?

Formerly used as a toy bin and now gracing the view from my kitchen window,

this makeshift planter exemplifies the  aforementioned design.




Spiller = varigated ivy cascades down the side.  I probably need to add a few more sprigs around the perimeter so that they will eventually hide the bucket.

Filler = orange zinnias and white begonias occupy the center.  Additional pots on the left are ready to provide decoration indoor or out as circumstances arise.

Thriller = ornamental grass in the center leftover from a previous project.

Here's a link to one of the first times I tried SFT.   It started with the black metal chair that now holds a young hydrangea that is being nurtured for Fall planting.

I have so many thoughts about Edith Schaeffer's advice that I'm planning to break up my commentary over several days.

More in a day or two ~

Added later:
Where Garden Meets Wilderness by E Cal Beisner

Hidden Art Book Club: Chapter 5

Interior Decoration

Early Attic and Late Basement describe the mixture of furniture in our home.

 Over the course of 32+ years of marriage I have been fortunate to be the recipient of hand-me-downs.

Most, if not all, remain in their original state, since I do not paint.

Edith Schaeffer's ingenuity sure puts me to shame.

From candle-making to furniture-making, from dumpster-diving to toy-making, there really are so many opportunities to decorate that we have to admit to being creative.  If nothing else, I suggest that orderliness counts.  My children always played better when the toy room when it was picked up and organized.

Schaeffer's most significant and over-riding point continues to be *communication.*   This word keeps cropping up and I finally realized that she's talking about non-verbal communication.

Whether you admit it or not, what you buy or what you forgo, what you keep or what you toss, what you repurpose or what you overlook, all express your style, tastes, and interests.

In other words, we cannot ignore our talents.

My goal is to make sure mine are speaking accurately.



Photo of my living room taken March 2012 ~

Link to interior decorating post written in 2004

Hidden Art Book Club: Chapter 4

Painting, Sketching, Sculpturing

Commenting on this week's reading assignment for book club, I propose that illustrating falls into the category of hidden art that Edith Schaeffer is promoting.

While she includes some of her own sketches in this section, which are very good and helpful, especially for keeping youngsters attentive during church,  I found myself curious about the illustrator of Hidden Art.

So, who is Deidre Ducker?


Nee Haim, Deidre encountered the Schaeffers while enrolled at the English school in Champery (1948-52).  She attended Francis' little church and together with classmates would enjoy the Schaeffers hospitality.  She married Richard Ducker in 1960, and together they were some of the first official students at L'Abri.

As an artist, Deidre had the privilege to illustrate not just the Hidden Art of Homemaking, but also L'Abri.   Only one additional title shows up when searching for her work: The Reason Why You Need Christ.

But back to the topic at hand which is developing creativity, aka practicing undiscovered talents, I am encouraged that there could be something artistic buried deep in my bones.

For years I'd never seen my mother do anything other than doodle, generally while talking on the telephone.  After her children were grown/gone, she started taking art classes.  For 25 years she painted.  Here's a link to her website.  Now (almost 80 years old) she *paints* with Adobe's Photoshop program, creating greeting cards, scrapbooks, and photo albums.

She's definitely a spark lighting fire to dry wood.




Photo taken after this past Sunday's dinner when we enjoyed this menu ~


Baked Chicken Piquant
Brown Rice
Steamed Green Beans
Chutneyed Sweet Peppers
French Rolls

Strawberry-Rhubard Pie a la mode

Hidden Art Book Club: Chapter 3

Music is the first of a dozen disciplines addressed by Edith Schaeffer as she challenges Christians to honor God in every area of their lives.  She goes so far as to say that music should be a part of the life of any family.

No talent, you say...

No excuse, she says...

Learn to appreciate music. Collect music or musical things. Support musicians.  Mrs. Schaeffer's book provides a host of examples of how the talented and the untalented can develop this creative aspect of our nature.

In our family we like to sing.

Here's a photo of our daughters practicing the anthem they sang at church one Christmas.

John Rutter's Candlelight Carol

 Here (below) the girls gathered around the piano after Thanksgiving dinner when we enjoyed a mini hymn sing.

Join in the fun of learning how to tap into your God-given talents by following along with our online book club.

Cindy Rollins is the hostess/moderator.

She blogs at Ordo-Amoris where she advocates singing, even if  one cant carry a tune  ;-)

Sing to the LORD, all the earth!



Addendum:  Read John Wesley's instructions for singing.  I blogged about it here and here.





If you're interested in reading more about my family's singing, notice the *singing* categories/labels/tags in the sidebar of both blogs.

Or click here for a similar post.

Hidden Art Book Club: Chapter 2

Definitions are important.


That's the reason for focusing on the short title of our book club selection.  Hidden Art.

Author Edith Schaeffer knew what she was doing, when she chose those pregnant words.  Aside from the obvious stated at the beginning of chapter two and which declaration is my mantra (see masthead), I am challenged to look more closely.

Most words have more than one meaning.  Context governs both denotation and connotation.  So, further examination of Mrs. Schaeffer's choice should improve our ability to apply her message.

Straight from the dictionary ~

Art is the exercise of human skill (as distinguished from nature).  It was such a relief when I first finished reading Hidden Art years ago to see myself as an artist.

Hidden means concealed, but not in a secretive sense, or out of sight, but in a foundational sense.  Like the basement walls in my home:  hidden, yet crucial to the structure of my house.

Again, what encouragement I felt as I read example after example in each chapter of how to tap into what was already there.  The atmosphere (intangible) of a home jumped to the forefront.

Furthermore, when Mrs. Schaeffer referenced discipline - the time, energy, practice, and routine all required to produce art.  Those words defined my life, especially when our children were very young.  For a long time, knick-knacks were non-existent.

All this to say that I began to realize that the orderliness that was so important to me, that which made my day go more smoothly, is art.  The First Artist is orderly.  That is the art of pattern.  That must be His Image in me!

Now that the meanings of hidden and art are fully defined,

the real training can begin.

Let's shed the cast and exercise.

Hidden Art Book Club: Chapter 1

Art/Artist was a bad word for me for a long time, conjuring up unorthodox images and anxious feelings. Edith Schaeffer's The Hidden Art of Homemaking: Ideas for Creating Beauty in Everyday Life resolved my hang-ups.

As an elementary school student, I squandered much of my art class-time by wringing my hands over what to draw, paint or mold.  In middle school, I got kicked out of art class because I couldnt draw a picture of pollution.  I sensed manipulation and political-correctness in the assignment.  That was the last time I ever took *art.*

The first time I ever felt artistic was May 9, 2003 (age 45), even though I was creative before that.  I just didnt recognize it.  Here's a link to that story.  It's my very first blog entry, after coming up with the title for my site.

Before that, in the mid 1990s, I spearheaded an art appreciation program at the Christian school where our daughters were attending.    It was called Picture Parent and there was a 2-hour training program for volunteers.  I was called upon by the museum-trained docent to select a painting from a stash of prints on the table and explain why I liked it.  A mild panic attack set in.  I couldnt think of anything to say.  Thankfully, I spotted two prints, both head studies of young girls.  In front of the group, I held them up, stating that they reminded me of my own daughters and what type of artistic expression I wanted them to emulate.  That's why I wanted to be involved.

What did Edith write and I read years ago that cleared up my view of art and artists?

Chapter One, The First Artist.

Specifically, the Amos reference ~

For behold, He who forms mountains and creates the wind
And declares to man what are His thoughts,
He who makes dawn into darkness
And treads on the high places of the earth,
The Lord God of hosts is His name.

Therefore, because God (The Creator, The First Artist) knows me (called me), I must be artistic.  By definition, I can create and be creative.  Look for it.  It's there.  He tells me what to think.  That's how I know what to do.

Furthermore, the first chapter is an appropriately-placed apology, a defense of doctrine that is Truth, vital to daily living and worldview.  It lays the groundwork for implementing the practical aspects of the following 13 chapters.

Schaeffer's reference to Isaiah 61 is the call to action.

What would Edith have us do?

Let's get busy.


Artwork Credit:
"Bouquet"
Acrylic on Canvas
10" x 14"
signed *DJ*
Sunday, April 28, 1968

Link to related blog entry

Sue Lucey Cookies

Cream together:
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar

Add to creamed mixture:
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Sift together:
 1 3/4 cup flour
2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt

Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture, stirring to combine.

Then add:
1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Drop teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet and bake in preheated 350 oven for 12-15 minutes.

Cool  on racks or brown paper.

Makes 3 dozen

RIP Edith Schaeffer 
1914 - 2013

Middelmann tribute

Tim Challies' tribute

Son Frank's tribute

Christianity Today (article link)

Discretionary Time

Wondering what I've been up to, since blog posts are few and far between?

"Of all the healthy lifestyle habits one could adopt at midlife,
resistance training, or strength training,
is perhaps the most important."

Kathy Smith

Fitness Expert

Photo taken 22 March 2013

Anniversary Celebration Welcome 
by William Daniel Jordan, M.D.

Many of you know of my interest in reading alternative history, where the
author takes a pivotal point in history, and writes a story about what would
have happened if the historical events had gone the other way.  It makes me
stop and look for that event in my past that was indeed a pivotal event.

  I believe that event occured a little over fifty years ago when I was faced with a
decision about attending medical school.  In the first part of my senior year in
college, for some strange reason, I had three personal interviews for admission
to medical school in the same week, beginning at the University of Alabama in
Birmingham on a Monday.  Next here at Emory on Tuesday and at Duke in
Durham, NC, on Friday.




  During my interview in Birmingham, the UAB people asked me, "If you are
accepted at both UAB and Emory, which school will you attend?  I paused for a
moment, and said, "I will go to Emory, because Emory has a better clinical
exposure for medical education."  I don't recall any other portions of the
interview.  I finished there, drove over to Atlanta and had my interview with
Emory on Tuesday.  All of which seemed to go well.  The next day,
Wednesday, I received a letter of acceptance from UAB, with a provision that I
must reply within ten days, and requiring a deposit on my tuition.  I resolved
my dilemma by returning my plane ticket to Duke and using the refund for the
deposit to UAB.  Then, one week later, I was accepted to Emory and, of
courrse, began my studies there.

   I believe that the pivotal event in my life was my decision to attend Emory,
because this led me to my wife.  In the last months of college, God placed this
woman in my path.  Some days we argue about just who had designs on
whom, but a little reflection makes it obvious that our marriage was
predestined.  I used various excuses during my freshman year of medical
school, trying to forstall making such a radical move, but in the fall of 1955 (my
sophomore year) I concluded that the only alternative to failing medical school
was to get married.

   So -- fifty years ago, on Tuesday, the 27th of December, we began our true
lives.  The old southern adage of keeping your wife barefooted and pregnant
did not apply -- she wasn't barefooted all the time.  All of you know that getting
a bundle of children in a short time is a life changing experience.  Add to that a
five year residency program of internship and residency at Grady Hospital and it
becomes more like an odyssey.

   I don't believe I recognized the full impact of this odyssey until I watched my
children have their own children.  Then I could see the trials and tribulations of
rearing children, and understand the strength and dedication my wife exhibited
while I was off somewhere operating or trying to straighten out the medical
profession.

   Then, as if caring for seven children (six plus me) wasn't enough, she
decided to let the rest of her see the light of day.  First as a house designer and
contractor, then horticulturalist and landscape designer, then as a paralegal,
and finally as an artist.  Little did I know that the pivotal decision to attend
Emory Medical School would lead to all of this.

   But then I came to the full realization that the pivotal event was not my
choice, but was the Providence of God.  How else could two innocent,
immature young people begin with two cats and a bunch of guppies and have
such a life of happiness and fulfillment.

   I could probably ramble on for a while, but there are two points that I really
want to make:
           1) To acknowledge and praise God for His sovereignty and kindness,   
               and His direction over the years of our marriage.
            2) To offer toast to my wife, that incomparable woman who has     
                nurtured me, admonished me, accepted my faults and loved me
                in spite of them.

May our future years be as bright and beautiful as the past ones.

December 27, 2005 

#iheartfaces: day 25 - unwrapped

#iheartfaces: day 22 - distress

iheartfaces: day 21 - wrapped

#iheartfaces: day 20 - furry faces

#iheartfaces: day 18 - it's cold outside

#iheartfaces: day 17 - comforting

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Col 1:13-14

#iheartfaces: day 16 - hands at work

#iheartfaces: day 15 - yum!

#iheartfaces: day 14 - black & white

#iheartfaces: day 13 - 'tis the season

office christmas party

vintage jacket ~

#iheartfaces: day 12 - sweet

#iheartfaces: day 11 - on the shelf

#iheartfaces: day 10 - stripes

#iheartfaces: day 9 - decorated

#iheartfaces: day 7 - view from here

#iheartfaces: day 6 - burst of red 

#iheartfaces: day 5 - someone(s) I love

#iheartfaces: day 4 - shadows

I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,

And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.

He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;

And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.


Read the rest of Robert Louis Stevenson's poem at the Poetry Foundation.

#iheartfaces: day 3 - reading

Learning to use a Kindle has expanded my reading options.

I continue to prefer the real thing, but agree that while traveling e-books win.

#iheartfaces: day 2 - elf


Elves linked to Christmas were first introduced in the US by Louisa May Alcott circa 1856.

This one is sitting on my desk at work, making sure I stay on task.

Here's a link to The Wonders of Santa Claus, the poem published in Harper's magazine popularizing their activity.

Do you have a favorite elf story or movie?

#iheartfaces: me

I will give thanks to You, LORD,

for I am fearfully

and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139

December Photo Challenge

Taking a cue from blogging buddy, Miz Booshay, I'm joining the fun!

Thanksgiving Favorite!

Cranberry Sauce rates high on my list of essentials at this time of year.  I've already shared this easy recipe three or four times this week.

Not only do I slather lots on my sandwich, but also do I stir some into my yogurt.  I've been known to use it in a cheesecake recipe.

Here are the details ~

16 oz fresh cranberries
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 cup honey (clover)

Combine in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until all the berries have popped.  Stir occasionally, skim foam, if desired.  The whole process takes about 15 minutes.  Cool.  Refrigerate.  Freezes well.

Hearty Shrimp and Roasted Vegetables

20 oz baby potatoes, halved
16 oz green beans, snapped (2")
9 mini-sweet peppers (yellow, red, orange)
6 slices thin pre-cooked bacon, coarsely chopped
1 heaping tsp minced garlic in oil
2 Tbs herb-garlic butter
1/2 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes
1 Tbs zesty garlic/herb seasoning, divided
24 oz peeled/deveined shrimp, thawed
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preheat oven to 425.  Line large (12"x16") baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Halve potatoes and snap green beans.
Chop peppers and bacon.

Place potatoes in 3-qt oblong Pyrex dish and cover (seal) with saran.  Microwave on high for 5 mins.  Stir in green beans, bacon, and butter.  Cook 3 more mins or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Add peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasoning to potato mixture.  Stir until blended/coated.  Then spread on baking sheet (large roasting pan) in single layer.

Toss shrimp with remaining herb seasoning and spread on top of potato mixture.  Bake 6 more mins or until shrimp turn pink/opaque.

Serves 4 adults

PS  I used the skewered shrimp only because it was on sale at Publix the day I walked in at 5:30 with no idea what to serve for dinner.  The nice lady had everything stocked in one place.  I was out the door and had dinner ready to serve by 6:30 pm.   Definitely a hit.  May even fix again soon.

PPS  If you find the recipe card in your local Publix, you will realize that I increased the amount of veggies, as I had 2 skewers of shrimp leftover and no veggies. Also, I saw no need to toss the raw shrimp in olive oil before setting atop veggies, so I omitted that from the original recipe.

PPPS  Here's a link to another shrimp favorite.

Curves Circuit Training

Top 10 reasons I exercise at Curves ~

 Safety -
 The location is well-lit and close to home.  I feel comfortable driving home even after dark.

All Girls
 I just feel less self-conscious exercising around women.

Climate Control
Neither inclement winter weather nor scorching summer heat impedes my workout.
Plus the HVAC is pretty consistent indoors :-)

Camaraderie
I've made some friends who help make the task more enjoyable.

Weight Control
Losing pounds was never my first priority.  But after 2 1/2 years of consistent training, my shape is firmer. I've only lost 6 pounds, but that includes 2% body fat.  Update: 2017 - I lost 6 more pounds after writing this post and have been able to keep it off by continuing with the Curves Circuit.

Improved sleep
On the days that I exercise I am less likely to wake up in the middle of the night.

Improved metabolism
Lab results to prove my numbers.

Improved mood
If perhaps I arrive at the club a little out-of-sorts, I always leave feeling better... even accomplished

Improved digestion
Indigestion/gastritis symptoms are fewer and far between.

Low-pressure sales
The staff doesn't push products.  Even though there are clothes, vitamins, protein powder, etc displayed prominently, I appreciate that I don't feel compelled to buy.   2017 pdate:  I have enjoyed snacking on Curves bars and wearing a couple of pieces of their clothing.

Silver Comet Trail - Take #2

Silver Comet Trail

Random About Me

Reposting here from a 2009 Facebook note, I am including a summer photo. DD#4 and I were on a 12-mile hike around Callaway Gardens and she snapped this from behind. Yikes!

1. I have two blogs with the same title, HiddenArt, borrowed from Edith Schaeffer's book.
2. I am disciplined, realistic, predictable, and honest, according to a personality test. 
3. I am a pack rat, but feel better about it since I found out that Ruth Graham was too.
4. I like black coffee, diet Coke, and Beefeaters Gin - separately!
5. I am directionally-challenged, which means if a wrong turn can be taken, I'll choose it.
6. I finished high school in three years and college in three years.
7. I met Princess Grace and her family when I was fifteen.
8. I had a root canal when I was 10 yrs old. It forever changed my feelings about dentists.
9. I lived at 11A Elm Street, Mtn Home AFB, ID when I was five.
10.I am a morning person.
11.I try to use both sides of a piece of paper.
12.I prefer salty over sweet, crunchy over smooth.
13.I dont have much of a sense of humor.
14.I used to speak French fluently.
15.I like to cook and have taken lessons from Nathalie Dupree.
16.I am very near-sighted and have worn contacts since I was eleven.
17.I asked Stansfield Turner if he worked for the government.
18.I have 28 nieces and nephews.
19.I saw the movie Mary Poppins at a drive-in theater in 1967.
20.I cant draw and was kicked out of a 7th-grade art class.
21.I have lived at my current address since May 1988.
22.I prefer the color orange over red.
23.I used cloth diapers for all my children.
24.I can read while riding in the car without adverse effects.
25.I am related to two people who have Wikipedia pages.

Reinhardt/Waleska

Statistics below represent only half of this morning's ride, since I forgot to restart my iPhone after a short water break.  I figure I road at least another 30 minutes mainly in and around the college campus:  circling the Falany Performing Arts Center thrice, circum-navigating the new football field and baseball diamonds, and encountering the nursery/maintenance outbuildings.

Initially, I was expecting to ride Reinhardt University's Trail, but it was roped off.  Not wanting to abandon my efforts, I just took off riding around campus and the small town of Waleska (Fincher Rd).  I road on the street, some dirt and gravel paths, but mainly sidewalk, clocking close to ten miles.

Very.pleasant.ride.

Mosquito Flats

Not embarassed to post these meager stats, I am just pleased as punch to be *active*  This trail is always busy, so I purposefully road on a weekday before 5p.  I'll need more practice before I ride there on a Saturday.  Oh, and I saw a deer  :-)

Iron Hill Trail

Nice wide path, lots of gravel, beautiful scenery around Lake Allatoona.  Highly recommended!

Rusty Bucket Trail

Right vs Left-Brained

I am not surprised at my results.


Perhaps some of my readers will take the quiz and let me know which side of their brain *dominates*

Which Side of your Brain Do You Use? Your Result: Left Side   The left side of the brain processes information in a linear manner. It processes from part to whole. It takes pieces, lines them up, and arranges them in a logical order; then it draws conclusions. You look at the details not the big picture. You use logic not imagination. The left brained person is a list maker. You would enjoy making master schedules and and daily planning. Learning things in sequence is easy for you. You are probability a good speller. Left-brained people memorize vocabulary words or math formulas better. You also use logic. When you read and listen, you look for the pieces so that you can draw logical conclusions. The left side of the brain deals with things the way they are-with reality. When left brain students are affected by the environment, they usually adjust to it. Left brain people want to know the rules and follow them. So basically you are smart! Congratulations!
Right Side	 
Which Side of your Brain Do You Use? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Father's Day Menu

Freshly Caught Wild Georgia Shrimp
(purchased at Harry's - Whole Foods)
(boiled for 3 mins in seasoned water, drained then chilled)
Louis Sauce (homemade)
Pesto Pasta (fettucini)
Grilled Summer Squash
 'n Sweet Peppers
Rosemary French Baguette (Harry's)

Pinot Grigio (Italian everyday)
Sweet Tea for DH



Harry's Fresh Fruit Tart w/whipped cream 
(strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)

Pine Log Creek Trail

WHAT HIKERS HAVE TO LEARN

Take time to get the pebble out of your shoe.
Anywhere you stop you’ll get a new perspective.
It’s not a race.
You won’t flunk if you don’t reach the top.
Slow steps are more restful than sitting and starting.
You need fewer words on a mountain.
Never underestimate water.
The uses of the bandana have never been fully catalogued.
Bring light reading–you can get a lot of poems per ounce.
Most wild creatures aren’t after you.
Some are.
Urban is another language.
On a mountain gorp is better than gourmet
Stamina is a higher gift than speed
Obstacles are an occasion for creativity
You can take different journeys on the same path.

by Marilyn Chandler McEntyre

Despite the weatherman's predictions for oppressive heat (high 92) today, a good friend and I sent out EARLY for a morning hike.  We have actually tromped through these woods before.


But each time is new and interesting.


Three hours later, five and one half miles were behind us, and we're looking forward to the next jaunt.

The Roots of American Order Book Club
Chapter XI - Declaration and Constitution

Still reading along with Cindy's online book club and enjoying Kirk's perspective on American Order, I have today neither witty summary nor succinct acrostic for my friends.


However, I do have some links to share.


Here's the one for Hillsdale College's online course on the U.S. Constitution.  I think Brandy of Afterthoughts knows about it.  Every Hillsdale graduate must take a course similar to this one.  As of Saturday, May 12th, we (graduates ourselves) will have graduated four daughters from Hillsdale College.


Here's a review of Dr Larry Arnn's, Hillsdale College President, newest book, The Founders' Key.


Here's a You Tube version of a lecture by the same title.  DD#4 sang with the Chamber Choir for this event.


While we know that the chapter is an essay about two historical documents, I hear the double entendre in the title.  I'm referring to another meaning for *constitution* - that is, the physical character of the body, as to strength and health, etc.


And for *declaration* - something that is announced, avowed, or proclaimed.


What exactly constitutes Americans?


What are we declaring?


For some, it is a far cry from what was intended originally.


For others, we have a duty to uphold (rebuild) our foundations.


So, I *read* 


and thereby *lead*.




PS  One more link for those of you who may not have figured me out yet  ;-)
One of my previous employers wrote a book about the U.S. Constitution.  Here's a link to my most recent reference to it.


PPS  Something to think about ~ While Dr Kirk taught serminar-type classes on a regular basis at Hillsdale College (and other institutions), he never sought tenure at any institution, preferring to earn his living *independently* (no strings attached).