The regular “little of this, little of that” feature here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
I have one million things to tell you and share with you! Links galore — and a giveaway!
Real quick — I will be in Houston tomorrow at Our Lady of Walsingham (also next week) and at Prince of Peace on Wednesday evening. All the info is on the speaking page. Please come and say hi! I can sign your book if you like!
At last I am getting around to offering this marvelous book to you as a giveaway!
My bad for not doing it sooner.
You know how I'm always telling you to read read read about education? Well, this is one of the books you should read, right up there with John Senior, John Taylor Gatto, Charlotte Mason, and all those other ones that make your mind explode with that wonderful “aha!” feeling that you finally get it, that you're getting somewhere and not just blinding buying curriculum.
As you may or may not know, David Clayton is my co-author for The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home. Our primary focus there was living the faith in the home, but you got little hints of his thesis for this book, didn't you?
The Way of Beauty: Liturgy, Education, and Inspiration for Family, School, and College is the fruit of David's contemplation of beauty and how to inspire its pursuit in the educational setting. If you visit Thomas More College, you will encounter his inspiration in action there. It's a tiny place where great books are studied and lived, thanks to David's vision.
A book like this is pure gold, because here you receive the principles you need to make good choices. Just as we try to do here on the blog, David isn't so much providing you with a laundry list of a curriculum — it's that elusive overarching framework that we're always searching for that he helps us with.
Above all, he gives us objective criteria for beauty; this is huge, because without that we are always floundering around, trying to make cultural headway by preference alone.
David practically and concisely renders very heady philosophical ideas about beauty and its objectivity into understandable prose, making it possible for the family and anyone involved in building an educational institution to know how to go about applying them.
These days, with so many homeschoolers starting co-ops and homeschool-support programs, it's vital to have good solid principles to build on. This book gives you just what you need.
Worth the price of the book: David's recounting of his Oxford days and what characteristics made his time there, ultimately, amount to a real education, even thought he wasn't (by his own account) a greatly motivated student. You will be consoled if you happen to know anyone who meets that description, ahem. David explains that more depends on the culture of a community than on any one particular thing that's done there (outside of worship).
After the links, I'll give you the info for entering this giveaway! Don't miss it!
This week's links:
- Auntie Leila is as pro-fresh air as the next auntie, and show me a child and I'll tell you to put that child outside. But these window cages for babies — just, no.
- If you like words, any words, you'll like this post. It might help with all the reading from the early part of the 20th century that we're always recommending around here!
- This report on the Danish word and idea of hygge captures the imagination as we head into winter!
- We need the example of others when it comes to making difficult decisions — life or death ones. All too often, medical professionals will not help us to do what is right. This lovely essay shows how to go against the advice of your doctor: Why we let our baby's death come naturally. If someone talked you or someone you know into doing the wrong thing, there's hope: Project Rachel.
- By the way, Kelly Mantoan over at This Ain't the Lyceum has some great giveaways for October's Seven Quick Takes link-up — including The Little Oratory! Do check it all out.
As fall gets up a full head of steam, I'm encouraging you to start or revive or continue your St. Greg's Pocket. Be bold! It's more than a discussion group, more than socializing, even more than sharing your faith: It's building a real community.
Here are two readings that would be perfect to read and discuss if you are so minded:
- Stella Morabito wrote a five-piece series to encourage the traditional woman not to be bullied into silence about things that matter. I highly recommend everything she writes. What we do here at Like Mother, Like Daughter is precisely what she calls for in these short essays. It's strong stuff. I think we need to hear it. A lot depends on us. Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5.
Here's a taste:
“You have far more power than you realise. It’s no secret that the family has always been in the crosshairs of die-hard Marxists. Familial bonding, and maternal bonding in particular, gets in the way of re-making the human mind in the Marxist image. We nurture the development of unique and free personalities. This gets in the way of collectivising society to produce a mass mind in a state of mass conformity obedient to the mass State.”
- Bishop Olmstead has written a fantastic call to men: Into the breach! Just what we needed — encouragement for the battle! The St. Greg's Pocket men could not do better than to get together over some beers and hash this one out.
It's all very simple. Like I said, bold friendship. You don't need money, much organization other than inviting people (invite anyone friendly you meet, but also — the Facebook pages are all set up — check out your area! If you don't see one, start one!), any kind of dues or oaths — you just need to get together in real life with like-minded people!
And don't forget to send us a picture!
As Stella Morabito says,
The human mind processes what is real, what is true, and what is beauty – or what is not real, true, or beautiful – primarily through its interactions with other human minds. This interaction happens more often today through digital media. And, of course we need to engage on social media. But at the same time, let’s remember that what people crave most is one-on-one connection.
That's what the St. Gregory Pockets are all about. Just building the community, one friend at a time. When you have five other families, you will see. Things will be transformed all around you.
From the archives:
This post has the links to the books I recommend for foundational reading in education. I'd add David's book to the list!
And now for the giveaway:
Please just leave a comment! The giveaway closes on Wednesday night. Giveway closed — congratulations Donna Marie! Thank you to everyone for your lovely comments!
Lyne says
Oh my goodness regarding the baby cages. just oh my!
Mary says
Would love to win! Thank you!
Donna says
Beautiful giveaway! Thank you!
Danielle G says
Sounds like a lovely and inspiring book!!
Kiera says
What a wonderful opportunity. Thank you!
Lisa G. says
I think maybe you have to be a member of the Tribune to be able to read the baby article?
Leila says
Lisa, I just clicked past it.
Lisa G. says
Totally weird, because I just tried again on a different computer, and when I click past it, the article isn’t there. Other articles appear.
jennybrown says
I can not wait to read this! Thank you!
Rebekah says
Bring on the beauty!
Mrs. B. says
I will enjoy Stella Morabito’s series. There is a beautiful image in Senior’s first chapter of Death of Christian Culture: “To beget children and to love her lord in marriage – a woman’s work is propelled by joys unsurpassed on earth. They are a figure of the love of the soul for Christ, by which we not only grow, but increase and multiply.” You mean, it’s not drudgery after all????
Principles are important; it makes all the difference to learn and internalize the meaning behind what we do: we finally get the “why” and the goal of it all, and then we can find peace and confidence, and the strength to bear the difficult days.
We just got two more big bookshelves – would love to add one more beautiful book 🙂 Thanks for the chance!
Cassandra Brungardt says
I would love to win this! I am always reading about education. Thank you!
Sharon P says
This book looks fantastic! I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for your excellent review.
Laura Jeanne says
I would love to read Mr. Clayton’s book. Enter me, please and thank you!
Kara says
Thank you for all you do and write and share! Your offerings have changed my mind and my home in beautiful ways.
Lynelle says
Oh, I hope I win! Some great links this week, I’m forwarding the article for Catholic men onto my husband so he can use it in his men’s group. Thanks!
Axon says
Goodness yes. I would love to read and have this book! I am homeschooling young ones now, and hope to participate in starting a co-op/school when my kids reach middle school. I am reading all I can now to think it through! Thanks for your wisdom and generosity!
Catherine says
I would love to win. I’m in my fifth year of homeschooling and still have days where I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing. I read education books galore, but had not heard of this.
Kathy says
Would love to win this book! I am homeschooling 4, one in the first year of high school. I’m finding this transition period a bit difficult and would love to read this book!
Also, it doesn’t seem that you can read the article from the Chicago Tribune without being a member. Sadness!
Thank you!
Courtney Paige says
Would love to win!
Joy says
Wonderful articles. I always look forward to Bits and Pieces. The Way of Beauty sounds great.
Morgan says
I would love to win! Somehow I missed the release of this new book! It would be a great book for my Catholic Mom’s Book Group to read together, I think! Thanks for the giveaway and such a great blog!
Sarah says
This looks like an amazing book. We are having our first St. Greg’s get together in two weeks and this book would be a great read to start with.
Jen says
I’ve had this in my amazon cart for weeks now. I’d love to win it.
Michelle Kolozsvary says
I’d love to read this.
Theresa says
I would be grateful if I won!
Jocelyn says
I have followed your blog for years & appreciate your words . Would love a chance to win this book 🙂
This past summer my daughter and I went on a pilgrimage to our lady of Walsingham in England 💞
Anne Marie says
Very interested in this book.
Chloe says
I would love to win what sounds like a wonderful resource! Thank you for this giveaway.
Emily says
Wow! This books looks really great. I’ll definitely be buying it if I don’t win! Also, I’m not sure that your link at the end of this post in which you say, “This post has the links to the books I recommend for foundational reading in education” is correct. It leads to a different website, and not a post from your archives. . . 🙂
Leila says
Thank you, Emily — so many links, I got messed up 🙂
Fixed now!
Monica k says
Your bits and pieces posts are some of my favorites! I love to see your internet wanderings and musings😊
I went to a Great Books college as well and would be just tickled to win the giveaway. If not, to the Christmas list!
sibyl says
Ooo, random winner generator, pick me! Pick me! I’m drooling over this book.
eclare says
Oh boy, I cannot wait to get my hands on that book! Thanks for featuring it– I hadn’t heard of its release. And the baby cages!!!!!!
Amy k says
The beautiful cover alone makes me want to read it!
Claudia says
If only you knew how badly I want to win this book! I’m trying hard to return to my vocation as an artist who once painted icons. I want to be reins paired in faith filled art!
Claudia says
That should have read: re-inspired! Not liking the auto correct, ‘specially just after my cataract surgery!
Lindsey G says
Wow on those window cages!!
The books looks like such a great read, thanks for the giveaway!
Miranda says
Wonderful information here! Thanks for sharing!
Kristi says
Baby cages . . . seemed like a great idea at the time, I’m sure! At least that’s one mistake I haven’t made!
Love your giveaways, too.
Rachel says
Can’t get enough reading on education for me!! Thanks for everything!!
Kate says
I would love not to have to purchase that book. 😉
Denise says
Wonderful!
Claire Rebecca says
The book (and Thomas More College) looks awesome!
BridgetAnn says
I know the slang from the ’20s article is fun but this opening is sad: “The twenties were the first decade to emphasize youth culture over the older generations, and the flapper sub-culture had a tremendous influence on main stream America.”
It reminds me of a distinction I heard several years ago on the difference between a classical mentality- looking to the past (with a discerning eye) as something to be emulated- and a modern mentality- dismissing the past simply b/c it is old and always emulating the new.
I love you all at LMLD for your classical mentality! And thus, please count me in for the giveaway 🙂
Maureen says
Looks like a great book! I’d love to win!
Jordan says
I would love to win this. Excellent timing as our oldest child is just getting to school age next year.
Melissa says
Not too long ago I finished reading “Catholic Church Architecture and the Spirit of the Liturgy” by Denis McNamara. It was insightful with lots of beautiful pictures, but no practical applications for the housewife. This book would be a great follow up for my family. Thank you.
Alya says
Thanks for the chance to win this book! I will have to look for it even if I don’t win.
Jody says
I would love to read this book. I just ordered My Family and Other Animals to start reading aloud tonight. Your blog is a blessing.
Heather says
Oh I’d love to win!
Cara says
Would love to win this wonderful book!
Ashley says
Would love to read that book! Thanks for the chance to win.
Taryn B says
Sounds excellent!
Melissa AtLee says
I adore this blog and Bits and Pieces is the highlight of my week. I would love to win the book. Thank you!
Lisa says
awesome giveaway
Lindsay says
I’d love to read the book!
Amada Beatriz says
I would love to read this book! 🙂
Jennifer T says
What a wonderful giveaway!
Julie@martajuliemaria.blogspot.com says
I am very interested on the topic of education and also friendship and connections, like the conservative woman article talks about. Thank you for these great links and I so hope to win this book!
Kris S says
Would love to win! Thanks!
Laurel says
I’ve been eyeing this book for a while now. Would love to win a copy!
Jacki Weishaar says
I’m so excited for this book! Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Meredith says
This book sounds wonderful! We enjoyed The Little Oratory.
Caitlin says
Oh, this looks like a must-read. Thanks for the recommendation!
Mary says
This book looks amazing! Everything bundled up that I need to learn more about. Would love to win a copy!
Valerie says
I love the article on Hygge. In the rainy PNW our winters may not be very cold, but they can be very wet and dreary. We could use some more hygge in our lives here.
I’ve been eyeing David Clayton’s new book for some time. I’ve just starting teaching part-time at a Catholic school and will be beginning homeschooling in the future as my oldest only just turned three. Fr. Robert Barron had a great video talking about how important authentic beauty is to the new evangelization, and as I consider Catholic education’s primary mission to be evangelization (the Church does too, I think!), this is so important.
Kelsey says
Hygge!
Ivy says
I love your book recommendations for keeping the mind alive! Thanks!
Ann says
Would love to read the book!
Mary K. says
Would love to read the book!
Will Bloomfield says
I’m a fan of David Clayton’s and look forward to reading his book.
BK says
My family was of Nordic descent – although no one never spoke of “hygge”, we lived it. Warm drinks, blankets and afghans, lots of pillows, real wood fires, candles, dim lights. Granted, we lived at a northern latitude which called for all of this, but even in summer, we tried to make things as breezy, cozy, and comfortable as possible. And there were always candles. Just reading the article you linked to made me feel relaxed. 🙂
Thanks for hosting the giveaway – sounds like a fascinating book!
Shannon says
Sounds like a lovely book!
Loretta S. says
Well if I win – I promise to share my copy with all by Beachtime girls!!
Susan says
Looks like a beautiful book — and one that I am eager to read… God bless you for offering a copy to one fortunate winner!
Elizabeth says
I always enjoy your various recommended readings so much. Thanks for offering the giveaway, too. With my oldest heading into middle school, this is more and more on my mind.
Erica Saint says
It looks like a great book! Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
Tina says
Thank you for sharing the book, I’d love a chance to win it!!
Jen says
What a beautiful looking book! I love seeing all your book recommendations & would love a change to win this one!
Heather E says
Thanks for offering this book! It looks great. My oldest is five and I’m taking your advice to read all I can while my children are still young.
Cristina says
I would love to win this book too! And those baby cages! I’m happy to say dangling my baby from a window cage several stories up is one parenting mistake I’ve never made….although I’m not sure I would say no to a’ second grader who refuses to do his lessons’ cage some mornings 🙂
Caitlyn says
Hi Leila! We enjoyed having David Clayton come out here to Cleveland to speak and present on iconography a few years ago! I am enjoying your blog especially as I prepare to homeschool. It’s also a little taste of home in New England.
Kansas Mom says
I’d love to win the book!
CMerie says
Great links this week. I am so proud of the bishop of our diocese, Bishop Olmsted. What a wonderful exhortation to men! I’ve passed it on to my own husband, and while it is lengthy it is so timely!
I would love to win!
Aimée says
This looks like a wonderful book! Great giveaway. Thank you 🙂
CLJ says
I laughed and laughed about the “show me a child and I’ll tell you to put that child outside.” I feel exactly the same way, but as the mama of a six-month old, the thought of putting a babe to nap in one of those window cages (in a high rise apartment building, no less!) is horrifying!
Maria says
Yippee… for some reason I couldn’t find a way to comment before.
JC-DeoGratias says
I could hardly decide whether to read all the linked articles first, or enter the giveaway. One look at the Stella Morabito posts told me I’d best enter the giveaway now, because it’s going to take me awhile to ruminate over these. Thank you for the lovely links, and for the giveaway, too. I had the opportunity to take David’s painting class last year, and loved the focus on beauty with truth and goodness, which of course is as it should be. I can’t wait to read his book!
Sue says
I would love to win this book!
Margaret says
Ohh would love to win!!
Theresa Anne says
This sounds like a gem. Please throw my name in the hat. Thanks and God bless!
Nancy says
Thank you for the links. Please put my name in for THE WAY OF BEAUTY give away!
Betsy M says
I would love to win!! Thanks for the links – I always enjoy them.
Amy Z says
I would love to learn more about this topic. Thanks for doing the giveaway. And the baby cages, oh my.
Jeanie says
Those baby cages – there’s a reason some ideas die out!
Thanks for the chance to win David Clayton’s book.
Kristina B says
I’d love to win that book! It looks great (and my kids are approaching the age of formal education with a terrifying swiftness so I could use the guidance…)
Shannon says
Looks like a fantastic book!! 🙂
Mary says
Looks like a great book!
Melissa says
I would love to win this book. I homeschool and am always interested in good philosophy of education type reading.
Karen8 says
Hi, Auntie, I’d love to win this book! Thank you for the recommendation! Blessings,
Karen
Melanie says
I would love a copy of this book!
Katy says
I have been inspired by your posts. This book would be a great start for teaching my children. The picture of the baby cage outside of the window was alarming. It is interesting to see what parenting was like in yesteryear.
Kira Heflin says
Thank you so much for continuing to encourage everyone to the pursuit of a real education that builds the whole person. On the days when the kids are whining about doing work and trying to convince me that ice cream would make a good lunch, the hurrah of the battle cry from others is what I need to spur me on!
Robin says
I’d love a copy of that book! Think I will have to buy it anyway if I don’t win. 🙂
Mary says
This sounds like a wonderful companion to your book. Thanks for hosting a giveaway.
Sharon says
Thank you for your good advice delivered with a dash of humor.
I’d love to win the book, but if I don’t, it’s already on my Amazon wish list.
Jen says
Thank you for all you do, the book looks wonderful!
Donna L. says
What a lovely book–thank you for the opportunity to win!
Erica says
I am reading The Lost Art of Dress currently and just finished the chapter titled “Art: Principles of Beauty. I enjoyed it and look forward to David’s book.
Erin says
I would love to read David’s book and add it to my collection!
Erica says
What a lovely looking book!
Wendy says
Thanks for all your encouragement. I loved the articles on speaking out, with kindness. I am one of those that probably needs more lessons in holding my tongue than in speaking up, but it was good food for thought on what that can do. I am always encouraged here. Thanks for the chance at the book too.
Shanelle Murray says
I would love to win this book!
Eva says
Thank you. The book looks wonderful.
Melanie says
I really enjoyed the articles on speaking up. I do indeed worry that I will be ostracized or what not if I say something ‘wrong’. And yet I desperately crave real connection with people and want to be able to talk freely about things that actually matter. I guess I just need to go for it. I won’t make a million friends, but at least the friends I make will be authentic.
And the book looks wonderful. My oldest is in public school but I really enjoy reading about education. I feel like I still have a huge responsibility to educate my children – to inspire them and teach them virtue. Who knows, maybe one day I will end up homeschooling. =)
Woman of the House says
Count me in for the giveaway. Great links! Thanks!
Christy Campbell says
Thank you so much for your blog! I would love to win the book!
Sarah D says
This book looks like a great read!
Lisa Bickerstaff says
I would love a copy of this book. 🙂
Melanie says
ooh, just looking at the baby cage gives me the willies. The book sounds beautiful!
Jenny says
I’d love to read this!
Hannah Hilgendorf says
I would love to win! Thanks for offering such a wonderful book!
Tracey says
Sounds like a book I can use right now!
Megan says
This book looks great!
Kristi says
I really enjoyed “The Little Oratory” and would love to win David Clayton’s book — thanks for holding the giveaway!
Connie says
The world is in desparate need of more beauty. I would enjoy reading this book. Thank you for talking about beauty.
Dia says
I’m intrigued by the book.
Michele says
Ooooo….I’d love a copy of this book!
Emily says
Looks like a great book. Love the article by Bishop Olmstead as well!
Peggy says
This homeschooling mama would love to win this book! Sounds like a real gem! Thank you!!
Fiona says
I can honestly say your blog has changed my life! Thank you for the links. I look forward to reading them each week. Looks like a brilliant book 🙂
Jennifer Gregory Miller says
I would love to save some money and win this book! Thanks!
Aubrey Lively says
My favorite assigner-of-books, Briana Paternoster, has put this one on my list, but I’m afraid I’ve already spent the Briana-budget for this (or the next 10) years. So winning this book? Would be *awesome.* 😀
Lindsay says
Just the thing! Thanks for offering the giveaway.
Stephanie Griffith says
That book looks amazing! If I don’t win I’m going to buy it for my birthday present to myself.
Kelly says
Yes, please enter me in the giveaway! Thank you!
Ranee @ Arabian Knits says
Thank you for offering this book! It sounds like a wonderful resource for our homeschooling and moving to jobs and college family. 😀
Ranee @ Arabian Knits says
Following
Janette says
I’ve been wanting to get this gem 🙂
Donna Marie says
Oh, how lovely! Thank you!! <3
Karen says
I would really like to read this book. I’m in need of some motivation and clarity in my homeschooling these days. Thanks for the offer!
Ashley says
Thanks for the giveaway!
Emily says
I would love to win!!
Lina says
If Canadians are eligible, I’d love to win!
Toni Graham says
I would love to read this book! Please enter me in the contest.
Toni Graham says
Please enter me in the give-away!
Andrea says
Random Number Generator, please pick me!
Marie says
I’d love to be entered in the giveaway . The book looks great!
Rosebud says
What a lovely book!
Jenny says
I’d love a copy of the book!
Kathryn says
I’d love to read this book! I put it on my Amazon wishlist hoping for Christmas.
A.R. Danziger says
As a homeschooling mom and an artist, I’d really love to read that book!
Becky g says
Excited about this book!
Theresa says
I’d love to win!
Sudan says
Thank you for hosting this giveaway!
Sal says
Loved your post on cast iron … always so sensible; which is one of the main reasons why I love your blog. There is no posturing and you are so willing to share!! Thank you and thanks for the chance to win this beautiful book. What a great give away!!
Lynn Wright says
Thanks for hosting the give away!