an apology...(Hello Kitty party)

Today was my daughter's fifth birthday party. It was a wonderful party (a pink, Hello Kitty, pink, tea party birthday party); one I will post about in more detail when I get home from my trip, but there was someone missing and my heart is kind of heavy about it.

There was a miscommunication about siblings coming. When a Mom caught me off guard letting me know it would be both sisters coming, my response was not thought through and communicated very poorly. I quickly tried to rectify my mistake, assumed it was "a-ok" and went on my way...purchasing 9 feather boas, setting 9 place settings for guests...

The day of the party, as guests are arriving,  the last two guests were due. I opened my front door to see not the last two, but one little guest there...without her sister. The parents did not bring her. Because in my hasty communication, they surely felt she wasn't really welcome to attend. That was so far from the truth.

As the party got going, there was one feather boa left in the bag. One tea cup not used. As wonderful as the party was, I had that small voice in my head and feeling on my heart of sadness... Because I had had a perfect opportunity to be welcoming and generous and in my tired, stressed out, pre-party (post midterms) state, I had come across initially irritated and unhospitable.

Midway through the afternoon, my twin boys with special needs joined the party for the lunch and the singing of happy birthday and serving of the cake. All my little guests had been told in advance the boys are special. They were all nice. The little sister, the one who came without her sibling,  left the birthday table, came to me and said "Miss Katie, would it be okay if I went over to your boys and said hello and included them". She, all 7 years of her, had succeeded where I had failed.

I like to think that I am always welcoming and showing my best self. If I make a mistake or handle something poorly, I want to be a big enough person to be able to acknowledge my errors and make amends for them. I will send that Mom this  post. I will take this opportunity to tell this Mom "Though your friendship is new to me, you are dear to me. I am sorry I handled things in a way that made you think even for a moment that both your daughters were not welcome. Please forgive me and please know that you, all of you, are always welcome here." 

"Dear Lord,

Please help me to always be welcoming. To always practice hospitality in ever sense. To always be generous in my thoughts and actions.  To take every opportunity to make every person feel welcome, feel appreciated and feel wanted. Always. Amen."


Blessings to you all. I read every comment. I treasure your friendships.

Wordless Wednesday: A wish for you

Wishing you a calm, relaxing, kind of day. A day where  a cup of tea and quiet time outdoors are included. A day where you can catch your breath, find the good, and know that everything you are doing has value. 

 **photo credit: My English Luvs board.

How to Start a Jane Austen Bookclub

When 2011 started, one of my personal goals was to read all six of Jane Austen's novels (Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Emma, Persuasion, NorthHanger Abbey and Mansfield Park). I decided that the way  I wanted to proceed in accomplishing this was to  start my own Jane Austen Bookclub (JABC). We started in June and have two meetings left. It has been a wonderful  experience. I have made new friends and am 5 novels through my goal of reading all her novels this year.

While there are many ways to start and run a bookclub, I wanted to keep things simple. No officers, no minutes, no bureacracy. Just women with a love of Austen getting together and discussing something other than children, families or laundry. Here is how I  did mine:

Decide on the parameters.

My JABC meets once a month.  At the first meeting, we all picked our novel to be responsible for (the minimum obligation was  to read just one of her novels--the one you picked at the first meeting-- but most of the members chose to read all). When it was time for "your novel" to be discussed, you helped and/or led the group discussions. I encouraged my friends who may or may not have time in a given month to get the novel read to view one of the movie versions so they could follow along and still contribute.

HInt~As the founder, it will be your responsibility to make sure all opinions are heard and respected, to keep people on topic (the book  at hand and not drift into famiy life, children or realtionships) and to make sure everyone has ample opportunity to participate. Sometimes that will mean kindly helping a long winded person to "wrap up"  or asking lead questions to help shy members open up.

When and Where to meet

My JABC meets at a different restaurant or cafe each month. I made a hard and unwielding rule of no children and so that meant my house was out! Some bookclubs have their members take turns hosting the meeting each month. This is a nice way to do it also, but does not work so well if any of the members are still raising small children. I picked middle range cafes/restaurants that offered lots of choices from snacks to full meals to accomodate everyones needs and pocketbooks.

Hint~~we met on a Friday night. For my JABC this was a night that no one had early obligations the next day and one of my members who was driving in from a few hours away could hook the meeting date onto an overnight visit with her daughter who lived locally and noone had to miss work. If I chose a cafe/restaurant that tended to be popular, It was my responsibility to make the reservation for us.

Dues?

I collected $20 in dues at the first meeting. In return, my members received a gift bag that included a  Jane Austen themed journal they could use for writing notes, a pen, and a stack of vintage style mini post its. While not necessary, handing these out at the first meeting got everyone excited about the club and reading that first book.

Hint~~ Dues are not necessary if your club is small,  and can easily be omitted if finances are tight. Also, I encouraged my members to check out the Austen books they did not have at the local library. A book club can be free for members in that regard. However, if you choosing to host each meeting at your own home  instead of taking turns or at a restaurant or other public meeting place, I do recommend it. If nothing else a small due collected at the beginning will cover refreshments (wine and cheese? tea and scones?).

How to find Members

I sent out an email to everyone I know and also put up flyers at the local bookstores and the local library. Oddly enough, I found my two most active participants, a mother and daughter, through an advertisement I had decided at the last minute to put on Craigslist. I had one new member join midway through, and others drop as time went on. You will have to decide at the beginning that you don't care how many people show up. As long as one other Austen lover shows, you will have a fabulous book discussion.

Hint~~ I always sent out the meeting date/time 3 weeks in advance and would send everyone a reminder text or email the week of. We would spend the first 15-20 minutes "catching up"  on personal tidbits, and then start discussing the book of that month.

Keep it simple, but make it special

I wanted my members to look forward to bookclub so that if something came up mid month they would not want to ditch JABC but rather respond "I can't do that...I have bookclub!" with a smile and anticipation on their face ;-) So, each month I brought my stack of English home magazines to the meetings and let members swap them out for a different issue to take home. Turns out, I am told this was some member's favorite part. I also sent a set of study questions and other points of interest links from the web to the members at various times to do with what they chose. In the end, I allowed them to decide their level of participation.

Hint~~the internet is a great resource. I was able to find discussion questions on the PBS website  for all the Jane Austen novels that I would send to member before hand and we would often use these to lead our discussions!

Celebrate the End

My JABC started in June, after tax season, so my own Mr. Darcy would be available to be home with our children while I was at bookclub, and will conclude in December with our last meeting. That lat meeting will be held at the local tea house, and will coincide with Jane Austen's birthday month. Meeting June-Dec allowed us a one month buffer in case there was a cancellation and still enabled us to get through all 6 of her novels prior to our ending date.

Hint~~ At the last meeting, you can see if there is a different author everyone would be interested in doing the following year. Or you can do a favorites bookclub, where each person gets to pick one book (their favorite) of any  genre, or of one decided upon genre, that each member reads.

I hope this has shown you how easy it is to start your own bookclub. A bookclub is a wonderful way to learn more about an author, timeperiod, or subject. It is also a wonderful way to make new friends and get some quality adult/me/intellectual time into your  schedule. I found it was wonderful way to make new friends in addition to giving much needed face-time to some current friendships.

**photo credits: please see my Pinterest board titled "jane austen luvs" for photo credits.
**This post is linked up with the Homestead Revival Hop.

Happy Reading,

Minimalism Monday: pack lightly

Is this you?

In her book, The Joy of Less, Francine Jay devotes a great few pages about the benefits of packing lightly on a trip. As I read this last year, I thought "I could never do that" (pack only a few items for a trip), but then I remembered several instances where I already had!

The first time I had to pack light; I mean really pack light, was a trip I took with my husband and then one year old twins which included  a 4 1/2 hour flight. By the time I had gotten the boys' clothes, diapers, wipes, and numerous  baby paraphenalia (times 2)  packed I found I had very little room left for my husband or myself. That trip was 7 days and I packed my husband and I shoes, swimsuits, clothes, toiletries and all in one small garment bag. It was the lightest I had ever packed for a trip ever, and yet I found I was really wanting for nothing once there!

The second time, was by accident. I had packed alot (read: way too much) for my husband and I and our eldest daughter. We were headed to Hawaii on our 10 year anniversary trip and we wanted our eldest daughter to come too so that she could get some quality time with mom and dad before a new baby came, which was due in 5 months. We got to the airport, running just a little short on time and they refused to check our bags, supposedly we had missed the check in time by, get this, ONE minute.

We only had a few minutes to throw what we wanted to pack into my husband's carryon and then hurry to our flight. While on that trip we did have to purchase a few necessities once we got there, I was reminded that most of the things we don't pack are not missed once we arrive at our destination and start our adventure.

Same thing for our family trips. When packing for 7 days for a family of 7, I limit outfits per person (same for shoes) and am usually able to pack the 7 of us in three bags for a 7 day trip!

Next week, I am heading out on a trip. I am headed to much cooler weather than I am used to here in the Southwest (will be high 50s). I am headed to Paris. So this trip, looking stylish is important. So is comfort as I plan to do at least one walking tour while I am there.  There are 100 things I have considered packing, but I am planning on taking one small bag as I do not wish to be burdened by heavy or cumbersome suitcases while en route, and especially on the Metro. So, I spent some time on the JourneyWoman site and also on HipParis.com  so that I could read other women's tips on good items to bring, what to leave home, and how to avoid looking like a tourist, which besides being more stylish, is also safer. 

My packing list: under 25 items items for 6 days. That's it. That is everything.  This includes clothing items, one small ziplock of toiletries, a language dictionary,  a travel journal,  a frommers pocket guide, my travel umbrella and my cell phone.

I am packing one main color scheme so that all mix & match. Pieces also layer well to accomodate fluctuation in temperature. Scarves will be my main accessory. I am sticking with black as all the sites, recommended a black scheme for Paris.

• one pair slacks
• one pair jeans
• one black turtleneck
• one dress
• one jacket
• one vest
• my trench coat
• 2 sweaters
• one pair tights
• black shoes (dress)
• red ballet flats (casual)
• 2 scarves
• socks, underthings, one pair of pajamas
• one small ziplock back toiletries
• makeup: face powder, mascara, lip stick
• small language dictionary
• travel journal
• pocket frommer's guide
• travel umbrella
• cell phone

This list includes the pants and sweater I am wearing on the plane so items actually being packed will be less. Here are some great tips for packing lightly:

• Check the weather forecast before. Don't pack for what-ifs. pack for what is forecasted.
• Stick with a main color theme. Mix and match pieces are key.
• Stick with pieces that can layer easily or be worn in different ways
• I always pack one scarf. A scarf can make the same outfit look amazingly different
• limit shoes to no more than 2 pairs if trip is a week or less
• minimalize makeup for trips. Do you really need 4 lipsticks for a 7 day trip. No.
• If traveling alone, limit yourself to one bag. This is easier to keep your eye on and keeps you more mobile.
• If you know, for sure, you plan to do shopping on your trip, pack an empty bag within your suitcase to aid you in getting those items home.  I will definitely be doing that this trip ;-)

These are not hard and fast rules, but they are helpful to keep you from packing too much. I find myself really bothered when something I packed does not get worn, as that means i lugged it around airports, cities/countries for nothing. Therefore, each piece must be paramount. Especially, If i am packing for us as a family, as space within the bags making the trip is at a premium.

Are you a light packer or a heavy packer?  If you're weekend necessities and outfits can't fit inside a "weekender" style bag, you might be a heavy packer. Trade that in for freedom and simplicity  at your next destination!

Happy traveling!

photo credits: please see my Pinterest boards:  brighton park posts, and french luvs for photo credits.

Farm Photo Friday

The Homeschool Mother's Journal: Paris

**This post is linked up to The Homeschool Mother's Journal, a weekly wrap up,hosted by Sue at The Homeschool Chick.

In my life this week…My husband surprised me with tickets to Paris. I leave in ten days. And, on that same note, I got an A on my oral French Presentation in class on Tuesday night! Also, wrapped up my online History class through ULM (it was an 8 week course). What a week!

In our homeschool this week…Got in alot of reading time each day. I am thankful that all my kids really seem to love reading. and I love that the afternoons, after lunch and our daily activity, we have some quiet time in our homeschool. Good for the kids. Good for me.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share… Repeat after me "I will not compete with other homeschoolers. I will not compete with other homeschools. I will avoid competitive moms and I will feel good each day in the knowledge that what I am doing is enough".

I am inspired by… travel

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing… going to the library once a week and I leave for Paris in ten days. I am filled with a nervous energy/excitement that is hard to describe. I am excited to be able to practice my French I have been learning all year.

My favorite thing this week was…The Paris tickets day of course. I did not see that one coming...

What’s working/not working for us… Waldorf inspired curriculum continues to work for us. As I continue to read about it and learn more about it myself, the more I know this was the right choice for our family.

Questions/thoughts I have… wondering if I am going to be able to finish the prepping for the girl scout ceremony taking place at our house tomorrow...nothing like waiting till the last minute. In my defense this week I had midterms to study for, that pesky oral presentation for French class, and my daughters 5th bday party coming up to plan! This week was crazy!

Things I’m working on… My French

I’m reading… Northhangar Abbey by Jane Austen (still). Just finished Beyond the Rainbow bridge by Barbara Patterson. Great book.

I’m grateful for… my family

I’m praying for… my children

A photo, video, link, or quote to share… We watched this clip from Je T'aime in French class last night. It is only 6-7 minutes long and has the lovely actress Margo Martindale in it. I hope you enjoy is as much as I did. It is so heartwarming. (You will need to pause the blog's music by scrolling down to the music player icon on the bottom of the right side bar and pressing the pause (II) icon)  :-) If you are unable to see it well, or dont want to bother with pausing the blog music,  click HERE for the full screen version. I promise, it is SOOOO worth it!

To follow my French Luvs board on Pinterest, click here.

To follow Brighton park on facebook click here.

Blessings, mes amis,

Theme Unit Thursday: Halloween

Halloween is around the corner, but there is still time to get some cute crafts and treats in! Maybe one of these, perfect for your preschoolers/younger kids:

Or if you want it as a lasting memory, modify it as such:

For health/science, the little ones can do this skeleton made of q-tips...

while your older students can use noodles for these:

You may even have a pumpkin and a ghost...

and when you are done every one is hungry so we can make these...

or if your more ambitious, these licorice tree scenes...

**Picture credits and links to tutorials of today's Theme Unit Thursday projects can be found on my "Halloweenies" board by clicking HERE.

Have fun,

Tip me Tuesday: Dual purpose Item

Tip me Tuesday  is the day I offer a tip or two because sometimes, the little tips make big differences! You will also find the occasional product review and recommendation here as well!

I love to sew but due to schedule, I don't sew as often as I would like, and I didn't have a good place to store my large fabric cutter grid, which is made from a heavy, bendable plastic.  One day, upon leaving it in the homeschool/play area, I passed back by to see my 11 year old son Timothy had found another use for it:

How genius is that? Now on the none sewing days, it is a puzzle board and great for those bigger puzzles that Timothy is now graduated to...Since the above picture was taken, I have seen Tim or all the kids around the board, working together, on a puzzle no less than a dozen times (and I no longer have guilt over where to store such a hard to store item).

I would love to hear some of your multi-purpose item ideas. Share them with all of us in the comments below.

Blessings,

A Lovely Blog Award

Goodness is contagious.

So is gratitude.

I want to thank Gloria at GloSews for giving me a blog award this past week....

Thank you, Gloria. That was "sew" sweet of you ;-) If you enjoy sewing, I encourage you to check out GloSews blog. It has great projects and I always love visiting it!  To accept this award, I am told I must tell 7 things about myself and then pass it on to 15 blogs I love... So here are my 7 things I don't think I have shared here at Brighton Park before:

1.  I have lived in 5 states (IL, KY, FL, CA and AZ).
2. I have visited 8 countries (Mexico, Uraguay, Paraguay, Chile, St. Maarten, England, Scotland & Italy. (Soon to be 9; headed to France on Nov 2nd)
3. Speaking of, I was married in Scotland.
4. The elders of the church we were married in, made my husband and I, honorary members of the Stuart clan.
5. I know how to play 2 instruments: saxophone (proficient; played 17 years) and piano (learning).
6. My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice; the Kiera Knightly version.
7. After a year of blogging, I still find it exciting when a new follower joins me! Don't you?

And I am passing this award onto the following blogs. I love these blogs and sooo encourage you to check them out! I put little descriptions beside them so read through and visit the ones that strike your fancy!

1. Rose petals from Heaven (free graphics and buttons for your blog--tell her Katie sent you!)
2. Blessed Femina (recipes, faith, homemaking...and its GORGEOUS)
3. My Austen Dream (Jane Austen Themed blog)
4. Pleasant Home (wonderful blog about all things domestic: recipes, decor, etc)
5. 2 bags full (adventures in knitting and travel)
6. the army chaps wife (faith and homeschool and more!)
7. Small Things (faith, Catholic homeschool, and the most amazing photographs you will ever see)
8. Olives and Pickles (amazing homeschool blog...tutorials galore!) (Montessori and bilingual)
9. Our life in Words (homeschool blog; great info--especially the blogging tutorial/how-tos)
10. Frontier Dreams (one of my favorite Waldorf blogs; tutorials galore!)
11. Cup of Delight (crafts, homemaking)
12.A wise woman builds her home (fabulous posts on faith, marriage and motherhood)
13. Backyard Farming (backyard chickens, gardening, urban homesteading and more)
14. A place to roost (a homeschool blog with beautiful photographs)
15. Bake for Happy Kids (a wonderful, extremely versatile cooking blog with kids in mind!)

Happy Monday. Find some goodness. Share it. Get some gratitude. Express it. Both are contagious!

Blessings to you!

Farm Photo Friday: Baking Day

Monday in our homeschool is Baking Day. It is something the girls and I have grown to look forward to each week. Once our academics are all finished, and lunch is cleaned up. We head to the kitchen for some time together. This week, we started with baking bread.

Audrey also made carrot cupcakes.

She only ices half of them because Baby Brooke and Audrey herself like them plain.

Charlotte made Banana bread.

My mother, her Grandma Paula, made her the disney princess apron. She loves it.

Charlotte's banana bread was just a box mix, but look at that proud face. Which reminds me that is doesn't have to be made from scratch to make a memory.

Blessings to you this week,

This post is linked to homestead revival's barn hop and Farm Friends Friday.