The Neo-Victorianist

Charles Dickens

2012-02-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

Charles Dickens, born February 7, 1812, 200th birthday today, also see earlier post, Telescopic Philanthropy.

Chesterton argues that the disappearance of Victorian greatness is mirrored by the disappearance of Christian hope, a virtue that suffused English culture in the early 19th century and was given its voice in Dickens’ novels.1

The Theology of Charles Dickens and On Reading Dickens
Charles Dickens Free Google eBooks

The Patience of Hope

2012-02-06T05:13:00.000-08:00

The Patience of Hope
by Christina Rossetti

The flowers that bloom in sun and shade
And glitter in the dew,
The flowers must fade.
The birds that build their nest and sing
When lovely spring is new,
Must soon take wing.

The sun that rises in his strength
To wake and warm the world,
Must set at length.
The sea that overflows the shore
With billows frothed and curled,
Must ebb once more.

All come and go, all wax and wane,
O Lord, save only Thou
Who dost remain
The Same to all eternity.
All things which fail us now
We trust to Thee.

Evening at Home

2012-01-24T20:12:00.000-08:00

"Evening at Home" by Sir Edward John Poynter (1836-1919)

Psalm 137

2012-01-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Psalm 137

The culture around us

2012-01-23T16:30:00.000-08:00

By Babel's streams we sat and wept...

Thinking about an earlier post on morality and courtship, one can easily grow very discouraged, we now live in virtual modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah. It seems almost impossible to escape the evil and filth which is pushed at us every day. It seems as if fornication and every other kind of perversion has been normalized(see: 1 Corinthians 6:17) and marriage is degraded and destroyed. Sadly one comes to the realization separation is about only path available to those who want to live a decent and moral life in the times in which we live. R. J. Rushdoony said family is trust of "blood, rights, property, name... an inheritance from the past to be preserved and developed for the future." The culture around is at war with all of these things. And sadly most churches seem unwilling to fight to protect any of these things

As the late Paul M. Weyrich said:

While conservatives have won many political victories since the election of Ronald Reagan, the Left has continued to win the culture war. Unfortunately, culture is more powerful than politics. Conservatives have thus won tactically while losing strategically, with the consequence that American society has continued to decline into the abyss that opened before it in the 1960s.1

He also earlier pointed at the need to reject and separate ourselves from the vile culture around:

Cultural Marxism is succeeding in its war against our culture. The question becomes, if we are unable to escape the cultural disintegration that is gripping society, then what hope can we have? ...I am very concerned, as I go around the country and speak and talk to young people, when I find how much of the decadent culture they have absorbed without even understanding that they are a part of it... we need to drop out of this culture, and find places, even if it is where we physically are right now, where we can live godly, righteous and sober lives.2

A sadly all too true point from Miss Liberty:

In the younger generation depraved, perverted men lusting after a woman’s body convince her that they “love” her and they need to be together...The women do all in their power to attract the eyes of men. Flirting, exposing themselves, and aggrassive behavior they use to try to draw the lust of the opposite sex. Hoping to draw “love” they give of their most valuable posession...I gasped at the results. Broken hearted/mental children, unclaimed children, adulterers and adultresses and alas, even suicides.3

'Prettiness' gone the way of goodness:

The fact that standards of beauty have taken a sharp turn away from innocence and prettiness toward a kind of wantonness and sluttiness is evident when we look at pictures from the past compared to today's female celebrities and even average women on the street.

And so we are left living in Babylon, but we must make our homes, cultivate our gardens, and live our lives...

Merry Christmas and Happy New!

2011-12-24T18:17:00.000-08:00

"Carol of the Bells" on handbells

Luke, Chapter II 1-20 (King James Version)

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T14:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless. In the early autumn of the year 1621, the 53 surviving Pilgrims celebrated their first successful harvest, which was the custom of the English. This celebration in Plymouth thanking God is remembered as the First Thanksgiving.

"our harvest being gotten in, our governour sent foure men on fowling, that so we might after a speciall manner rejoyce together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labours ; they foure in one day killed as much fowle, as with a little helpe beside, served the Company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other Recreations... And although it be not always so plentifull, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so farre from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plentie."-Edward Winslow

"They begane now to gather in ye small harvest they had, and to fitte up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health & strenght, and had all things in good plenty; fFor as some were thus imployed in affairs abroad, others were excersised in fishing, aboute codd, & bass, & other fish, of which yey tooke good store, of which every family had their portion. All ye somer ther was no want. And now begane to come in store of foule, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees). And besids water foule, ther was great store of wild Turkies, of which they tooke many, besids venison, &c. Besids, they had about a peck a meale a weeke to a person, or now since harvest, Indean corn to yt proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largly of their plenty hear to their freinds in England, which were not fained, but true reports."-William Bradford

George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789:

General Thanksgiving
By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America
A PROCLAMATION

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted' for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have show kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3rd day of October, A.D. 1789.

G. Washington

The Goblin Market

2011-11-21T19:51:00.000-08:00

An 1859 poem about two sisters and some goblins. Follow the link below to read the poem.

The Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti

Evening by evening
Among the brookside rushes,
Laura bowed her head to hear,
Lizzie veiled her blushes:
Crouching close together
In the cooling weather,
With clasping arms and cautioning lips,
With tingling cheeks and finger-tips.
"Lie close," Laura said,
Pricking up her golden head:
"We must not look at goblin men,
We must not buy their fruits:
Who knows upon what soil they fed
Their hungry thirsty roots?"
"Come buy," call the goblins
Hobbling down the glen.
"O," cried Lizzie, "Laura, Laura,
You should not peep at goblin men."

Esther by Sir John Everett Millais

2011-11-16T22:33:00.000-08:00

Esther by Sir John Everett Millais

Horse-drawn combine harvester

2011-11-16T22:24:00.000-08:00

Horse-drawn combine harvester

The Duties of Marriage and Family.

2011-11-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

The Duties of Marriage and Family.

The Duties of Husband and Wife

So much for their duties that be further off from equality in the family, as parents and children, masters and servants. Now those that are more equal are husband and wife, whose duties are either common to both, or more particular to either of them. The common duties. First, they must love one another with a pure heart, fervently. This duty both husband and wife must perform mutually one to another, which that they may the better strive for, let us consider of some excellent commodities that will proceed from this love. First, this benefit will certainly ensue: if there be fervent, and dear, and matrimonial love betwixt themselves, it will preserve and guard them from all unchaste actions and strange lusts, as appeareth, Prov. 5:19-20.

A godly form of household government for the ordering of private families, according to the direction of Gods word

Therefore at the beginning of their marriage, the wise and discret husband ought to use all good meanes to winne the good liking of his wife towards him: for if then their love be fixed, and truely setled one towards the other, although afterwards they come to some houshold words and grudgings, yet it proceedeth but of some new unkindnesse, and not of old rooted hatred; and therefore the sooner remedied. For love and hatred be mortall enemies, and the first of them that taketh place in the heart, there it remaineth a dweller, for the most part, all the dayes of life: in such wise, that the first love may depart from the person, but yet it will never be forgotten at the heart. But if the wife from the beginning of marriage, do take the heart to loath and abhorre her husband, then a miserable life wil follow to them both.-John Dod & Robert Cleaver

What is the Biblical Trustee Family?

The trustee family has the most power and scope. It is called the trustee family because its living members see themselves as trustees of the family blood, rights, property, name, and position for their lifetime. They have an inheritance from the past to be preserved and developed for the future. The trustee family is the basic social power … The head of the family is not the head in any personal sense but as family head and as a trustee of powers.-R. J. Rushdoony

For Better or Worse

Young people are assaulted by a ridicule of matrimony; they are barraged by appeals for a revolt against marriage; they hear catch-phrases promising a new freedom for a new age. The press, the radio, the stage, the screen, — this quadruple alliance which often helps mold their thoughts, — are often confederated in attacking home ideals. And youth cannot altogether escape the impact of newspaper headlines nor the panderings of erotic novels, which, banned by a wiser generation, are now offered in unexpurgated editions at a few pennies for daily rentals... Marriage is a divine institution, established by God Himself. It is not a social evolution or a heritage from any alleged brute ancestry. As the gift of God, sex, marriage, and family life are holy; and even though disfigured by sin, they should be honored by all men as divine bestowals... In the choice of a companion for life the decisive factor should not be wealth, physical attraction, higher education, and social position, but common devotion to the one Lord and Savior, the harmony of religious oneness... A general compatibility of age, culture, and race is normally essential for sustained happiness... Christian marriage must be marked by an intensity of self-sacrificing love. Wedded life characterized by frigid aloofness is not only greatly displeasing to God, but also soon becomes a caricature of the true conjugal devotion-Walter A. Maier

We need to teach our daughters

2011-11-07T22:12:00.000-08:00

We need to teach our daughters to distinguish between a man who flatters her - and a man who compliments her.
A man who spends money on her - and a man who invests in her.
A man who views her as property - and a man who views her properly.
A man who lusts after her - and a man who loves her.
A man who believes he is God's gift to women - and a man who remembers a woman was God's gift to man...
And then teach our boys to be that kind of a man.

Source: Teaching Our Sons and Daughters and Sign of the Times

Charles Spurgeon

2011-11-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

Charles Haddon Spurgeon: A Biography

The Spurgeon Archive

Charles Spurgeon Quotes

How Do You Socialize Your Children?

2011-11-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

How Do You Socialize Your Children?

A good short video on the foolish attacks on homeschoolers.

Legalism?

2011-11-04T02:16:00.000-07:00

I am starting to think "legalism" is becoming as bad as "sexism" or "racism." It seems to be an all purpose and meaningless insult by anyone who doesn't like moral standards. In theory opposing legalism shouldn't be antinomianism-the belief Christians have no moral obligations.

But after some reading I see I misunderstood it's meaning somewhat; "Legalism is alleged against any view that obedience to law, not faith in God's grace, is the pre-eminent principle of redemption." I always thought of legalism as forgetting the spirit and purpose of the law. Also often one thinks of legalism as tolerance of immorality on the grounds of convoluted argument. The fault of the Pharisees was not that they made rule rules to keep themselves holy, but that they made rules to excuse their unholiness, as John Owen (1616–1683) said; "These two principles, their own reputation and that of their sect, constituted the life and soul of Pharisaism of old."

In a perverse way this modern-day anti-"legalism" is becoming a form legalism in which people use to create convoluted arguments to justify their own selfishness. It seems many use such argument to get around the fifth commandment and it often does pave the way for antinomianism. I don't recall any place in the bible where it states eating nothing about eating nothing but candy and staying up till 1:00 a.m. are banned, but parents don't let their young children do such, is that "legalism" too? A rebellious daughter may accuse her parents of "legalism" if they require her to dress in a modest or traditional manner. This poisonous anti-"legalism" destroys tradition and morality.

On the other a child can be rebellious in legalistic way, following the letter of what his parents tell him, while doing things which they should know is wrong. This is a complex topic.

"Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."-Deuteronomy 5:16

"Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set."-Proverbs 22:28

"Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes -- our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about. All democrats object to men being disqualified by the accident of birth: tradition objects to their being disqualified by the accident of death."-G. K. Chesterton

Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah

2011-08-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

Telescopic Philanthropy

2011-07-11T03:42:00.000-07:00

One of the memorable characters seen in Charles Dickens' many novels is Mrs. Jellyby. The "telescopic philanthropist" of "Bleak House" who obsessed with bettering an obscure African tribe but having little regard to her duties as wife and mother; or the notion of charity beginning at home. She spiritually abandons her family to work on philanthropic project to help people far away who she has never seen. The Borrioboola-Gha venture is in deepest darkest Africa, the project ends in a most gruesome manner when a local African chief attacks the project base and sells all the volunteers into slavery and then uses the money to acquire rum. Sadly Mrs. Jellyby leans nothing from this starts another philanthropic project.

Mrs. Jellyby seems to care little for her husband and children. Her oldest daughter is worked constantly on philanthropic projects and sits bitterly her ink-spattered dress sinking deeper into bitterness and cynicism. The younger children are left to fend for themselves. And her husband sinks into a suicidal despair. Her own family or for that matter poor of London are of little interest to her. Sadly forgetting that one's first duty is to your own kith and kin is still a problem today.

Proverbs 31

"The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil... She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life...She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens... She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy... She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness... Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."

Titus 2

"...teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."

The Order of Release 1746

2011-06-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

"The Order of Release, 1746" by Sir John Everett Millais 1852

Scottish soldier, imprisoned by after the Battle of Culloden in 1746 is freed and reunited with his family.

High-Wheel Cultivator

2011-05-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

A useful tool in the garden.

Plans:Anyone Can Build A Planet Whizbang Wheel Hoe

Lehmans High-Wheel Cultivator

Hoss Wheel Hoe

Preacher's Kids With Wild Ideas

2011-05-24T01:34:00.000-07:00

CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY

2011-04-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY

The marching armies of the past
Along our Southern plains,
Are sleeping now in quiet rest
Beneath the Southern rains.

The bugle call is now in vain
To rouse them from their bed;
To arms they'll never march again--
They are sleeping with the dead.

No more will Shiloh's plains be stained
With blood our heroes shed,
Nor Chancellorsville resound again
To our noble warriors' tread.

For them no more shall reveille
Sound at the break of dawn,
But may their sleep peaceful be
Till God's great judgment morn.

We bow our heads in solemn prayer
For those who wore the gray,
And clasp again their unseen hands
On our Memorial Day.

From the May, 1893 issue of "Confederate Veteran"

The Homespun Dress

2011-04-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

The Homespun Dress by Carrie Belle Sinclair (Text)

The Code of Chivalry

2011-04-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

Knights Code of Chivalry

To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve the liege lord in valour and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To give succour to widows and orphans
To refrain from the wanton giving of offence
To live by honour and for glory
To despise pecuniary reward
To fight for the welfare of all
To obey those placed in authority
To guard the honour of fellow knights
To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit
To keep faith
At all times to speak the truth
To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun
To respect the honour of women
Never to refuse a challenge from an equal
Never to turn the back upon a foe

The Hand That Rocks The Cradle

2011-04-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Is The Hand That Rules The World
A poem by William Ross Wallace

Blessings on the hand of women!
Angels guard its strength and grace,
In the palace, cottage, hovel,
Oh, no matter where the place;
Would that never storms assailed it,
Rainbows ever gently curled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

Infancy's the tender fountain,
Power may with beauty flow,
Mother's first to guide the streamlets,
From them souls unresting grow--
Grow on for the good or evil,
Sunshine streamed or evil hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

Woman, how divine your mission
Here upon our natal sod!
Keep, oh, keep the young heart open
Always to the breath of God!
All true trophies of the ages
Are from mother-love impearled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

Blessings on the hand of women!
Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,
And the sacred song is mingled
With the worship in the sky--
Mingles where no tempest darkens,
Rainbows evermore are hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.

Poisonous People Online

2011-04-16T23:01:00.000-07:00

Odd how "Feminist" always reverse their worst and most vile hatred for other woman. Saw a very nasty site called "Free Jinger," dedicated to attacking conservatives. A young lady who posted a couple of comments on this blog was attacked by this site till she took down her blog. Sad that these people will even attack a young homeschooling girl in such a nasty manner. The Home Living blog has also been a victim of attacks as well. These people not content with wallowing in their own misery, have to attack others. And sadly these "Liberals" and "Feminist" have lots of other sites to spread their hateful nastiness. Nasty people.

Honor To Woman

2011-04-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

Honor To Woman
A poem by Frederich Schiller

Honor to woman! To her it is given
To garden the earth with the roses of heaven!
All blessed, she linketh the loves in their choir
In the veil of the graces her beauty concealing,
She tends on each altar that's hallowed to feeling,
And keeps ever-living the fire!

From the bounds of truth careering,
Man's strong spirit wildly sweeps,
With each hasty impulse veering
Down to passion's troubled deeps.
And his heart, contented never,
Greeds to grapple with the far,
Chasing his own dream forever,
On through many a distant star!
But woman with looks that can charm and enchain,
Lureth back at her beck the wild truant again,
By the spell of her presence beguiled--
In the home of the mother her modest abode,
And modest the manners by Nature bestowed
On Nature's most exquisite child!

Bruised and worn, but fiercely breasting,
Foe to foe, the angry strife;
Man, the wild one, never resting,
Roams along the troubled life;
What he planneth, still pursuing;
Vainly as the Hydra bleeds,
Crest the severed crest renewing--
Wish to withered wish succeeds.

But woman at peace with all being, reposes,
And seeks from the moment to gather the roses--
Whose sweets to her culture belong.
Ah! richer than he, though his soul reigneth o'er
The mighty dominion of genius and lore,
And the infinite circle of song.

Strong, and proud, and self-depending,
Man's cold bosom beats alone;
Heart with heart divinely blending,
In the love that gods have known,
Soul's sweet interchange of feeling,
Melting tears--he never knows,
Each hard sense the hard one steeling,
Arms against a world of foes.

Alive, as the wind-harp, how lightly soever
If wooed by the zephyr, to music will quiver,
Is woman to hope and to fear;
All, tender one! still at the shadow of grieving,
How quiver the chords--how thy bosom is heaving--
How trembles thy glance through the tear!

Man's dominion, war and labor;
Might to right the statue gave;
Laws are in the Scythian's sabre;
Where the Mede reigned--see the slave!
Peace and meekness grimly routing,
Prowls the war-lust, rude and wild;
Eris rages, hoarsely shouting,
Where the vanished graces smiled.

But woman, the soft one, persuasively prayeth--
Of the life that she charmeth, the sceptre she swayeth;
She lulls, as she looks from above,
The discord whose bell for its victims is gaping,
And blending awhile the forever escaping,
Whispers hate to the image of love!

More Victorian bashing

2011-04-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

A poorly written anti-Victorian Blog: "The Truth About Victoriana". I am sure one could find a lot nasty things to write about from such peroid, but this blog does not even do a very good job. I don't why see why she brings up 1950's American in comparison, that is one period I find nothing to be nostalgic about, but I could be nostalgic for the 1850's. People are flawed creatures but at least in the past morality and godliness were the ideals of the general culture. This Cindy woman is a very nasty and hateful person, who also runs a number of other very hateful sites. This "Feminist" does not like the Victorian Era, but I have heard some Conservative Christians attack the Victorian era as being matriarchal and anti-male. I take a generally positive and nostalgic of view Victorian Era for the most part, but never claimed everything was perfect. Is the modern world free of immorality, disease, prostitution, crime and cruelty?

An example of her lack of knowledge; "Victorian Boys Wore Dresses and Had Long Hair." I am not sure what the point of this post is supposed to be anyway. This blog seems to have little understanding of the subjects it covers, the reason why little boys wore skirts was mainly a matter of hygiene. Boys didn't wear trousers till they out of diapers and keeping themselves clean without their mother's help. Some Mennonites, such as the Amish, still follow such practice. "Breeching was the occasion when a small boy was first dressed in breeches or trousers. From the mid-16th century until the late 19th or early 20th century, young boys in the Western world were unbreeched and wore gowns or dresses until an age that varied between two and eight... The main reason for keeping boys in dresses was toilet training, or the lack of it. Dresses were also easier to make with room for future growth, in an age when clothes were much more expensive than now for all classes. The 'age of reason' was generally considered to be about seven, and breeching corresponded roughly with that age for much of the period."

Annie Oakley

2010-08-09T18:55:00.001-07:00

Annie Oakley; November 1, 1894

150 years old mechanical city village of denmark

2010-07-22T00:10:00.000-07:00

Marvels Of Mechanical Music, Introduction

2010-05-04T02:14:00.000-07:00

Marvels Of Mechanical Music, Introduction

The Ornithologist by Sir John Everett Millais

2010-02-13T18:56:00.001-08:00

The Ornithologist by Sir John Everett Millais 1885

About the Sheltered Garden Ground by Robert Louis Stevenson

2010-01-31T20:14:00.000-08:00

About the Sheltered Garden Ground
by Robert Louis Stevenson

About the sheltered garden ground
The trees stand strangely still.
The vale ne'er seemed so deep before,
Nor yet so high the hill.

An awful sense of quietness,
A fulness of repose,
Breathes from the dewy garden-lawns,
The silent garden rows.

As the hoof-beats of a troop of horse
Heard far across a plain,
A nearer knowledge of great thoughts
Thrills vaguely through my brain.

I lean my head upon my arm,
My heart's too full to think;
Like the roar of seas, upon my heart
Doth the morning stillness sink.

Cry Of the Children by Elizabeth Browning

2010-01-30T20:29:00.001-08:00

Cry Of the Children
by Elizabeth Browning

Do ye hear the children weeping, O my brothers,
Ere the sorrow comes with years?
They are leaning their young heads against their mothers---
And that cannot stop their tears.
The young lambs are bleating in the meadows;
The young birds are chirping in the nest;
The young fawns are playing with the shadows;
The young flowers are blowing toward the west---
But the young, young children, O my brothers,
They are weeping bitterly!---
They are weeping in the playtime of the others
In the country of the free.

Do you question the young children in the sorrow,
Why their tears are falling so?---
The old man may weep for his to-morrow
Which is lost in Long Ago---
The old tree is leafless in the forest---
The old year is ending in the frost---
The old wound, if stricken, is the sorest---
The old hope is hardest to be lost:
But the young, young children, O my brothers,
Do you ask them why they stand
Weeping sore before the bosoms of their mothers,
In our happy Fatherland?

They look up with their pale and sunken faces,
And their looks are sad to see,
For the man's grief abhorrent, draws and presses
Down the cheeks of infancy---
"Your old earth," they say, "is very dreary;"
"Our young feet," they say, "are very weak!
Few paces have we taken, yet are wearyÑ
Our grave-rest is very far to seek.
Ask the old why they weep, and not the children,
For the outside earth is cold,---
And we young ones stand without, in our bewildering,
And the graves are for the old.

"True," say the young children, "it may happen
That we die before our time.
Little Alice died last year---the grave is shapen
Like a snowball, in the rime.
We looked into the pit prepared to take her---
Was no room for any work in the close clay:
From the sleep wherein she lieth none will wake her
Crying, 'Get up, little Alice! it is day.'
If you listen by that grave, in sun and shower,
With your ear down, little Alice never cries!---
Could we see her face, be sure we should not know her,
For the smile has time for growing in her eyes---
And merry go her moments, lulled and stilled in
The shroud, by the kirk-chime!
It is good when it happens," say the children,
"That we die before our time."

Alas, alas, the children! they are seeking
Death in life, as best to have!
They are binding up their hearts away from breaking,
With a cerement from the grave.
Go out, children, from the mine and from the city---
Sing out, children, as the little thrushes do---
Pluck your handfuls of the meadow-cowslips pretty---
Laugh aloud, to feel your fingers let them through!
But they answer, "Are your cowslips of the meadows
Like our weeds anear the mine?
Leave us quiet in the dark of the coal-shadows,
From your pleasures fair and fine!

"For oh," say the children, "we are weary,
And we cannot run or leap---
If we cared for any meadows, it were merely
To drop down in them and sleep.
Our knees tremble sorely in the stooping---
We fall upon our faces, trying to go;
And, underneath our heavy eyelids drooping,
The reddest flower would look as pale as snow.
For, all day, we drag our burden tiring,
Through the coal-dark, underground---
Or, all day, we drive the wheels of iron
In the factories, round and round.

"For, all day, the wheels are droning, turning,---
Their wind comes in our faces,---
Till our hearts turn,---our head, with pulses burning,
And the walls turn in their places---
Turns the sky in the high window blank and reeling---
Turns the long light that droppeth down the wall---
Turn the black flies that crawl along the ceiling---
All are turning, all the day, and we with all.---
And, all day, the iron wheels are droning;
And sometimes we could pray,
'O ye wheels,' (breaking out in a mad moaning)
'Stop! be silent for to-day!' "

Ay! be silent! Let them hear each other breathing
For a moment, mouth to mouth---
Let them touch each other's hands, in a fresh wreathing
Of their tender human youth!
Let them feel that this cold metallic motion
Is not all the life God fashions or reveals---
Let them prove their inward souls against the notion
That they live in you, os under you, O wheels!---
Still, all day, the iron wheels go onward,
Grinding life down from its mark;
And the children's souls, which God is calling sunward,
Spin on blindly in the dark.

Now, tell the poor young children, O my brothers,
To look up to Him and pray---
So the blessed One, who blesseth all the others,
Will bless them another day.
They answer, "Who is God that He should hear us,
White the rushing of the iron wheels is stirred?
When we sob aloud, the human creatures near us
Pass by, hearing not, or answer not a word!
And we hear not (for the wheels in their resounding)
Strangers speaking at the door:
Is it likely God, with angels singing round Him,
Hears our weeping any more?

"Two words, indeed, of praying we remember,
And at midnight's hour of harm,---
'Our Father,' looking upward in the chamber,
We say softly for a charm.
We know no other words except 'Our Father,'
And we think that, in some pause of angels' song,
God may pluck them with the silence sweet to gather,
And hold both within His right hand which is strong.
'Our Father!' If He heard us, He would surely
(For they call Him good and mild)
Answer, smiling down the steep world very purely,
'Come and rest with me, my child.'

"But no!" say the children, weeping faster,
"He is speechless as a stone;
And they tell us, of His image is the master
Who commands us to work on.
Go to!" say the children,---"Up in Heaven,
Dark, wheel-like, turning clouds are all we find.
Do not mock us; grief has made us unbelieving---
We look up for God, but tears have made us blind."
Do you hear the children weeping and disproving,
O my brothers, what ye preach?
For God's possible is taught by His world's loving---
And the children doubt of each.

And well may the children weep before you;
They are weary ere they run;
They have never seen the sunshine, nor the glory
Which is brighter than the sun:
They know the grief of man, but not the wisdom;
They sink in man's despair, without its calm---
Are slaves, without the liberty in Christdom,---
Are martyrs, by the pang without the palm,---
Are worn, as if with age, yet un retrievingly
No dear remembrance keep,---
Are orphans of the earthly love and heavenly:
Let them weep! let them weep!

They look up, with their pale and sunken faces,
And their look is dread to see,
For they mind you of their angels in their places,
With eyes meant for Deity;---
"How long," they say, "how long, O cruel nation,
Will you stand, to move the world, on a child's heart,
Stifle down with a mailed heel its palpitation,
And tread onward to your throne amid the mart?
Our blood splashes upward, O our tyrants,
And your purple shows your path;
But the child's sob curseth deeper in the silence
Than the strong man in his wrath!

Crossing the Bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson

2010-01-30T20:24:00.000-08:00

Crossing the Bar
by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

More on morality and courtship

2010-01-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

More on morality and courtship...

From the Thinking Housewife:

Laura: The (degenerate) way to arrange a marriage today is to make sure your children go to the right college or private school. It’s important for daughters to get into top jobs for marital reasons too. It is a way of meeting men when traditional forms of matchmaking no longer exist. This system involves years of pre-marital debauchery...

Laura is correct that for many young people today, they are, with their parents’ blessing no less, released into a lifestyle of promiscuity and debauchery as some twisted preparation for married life... I am shocked that so many Christians e have such a laissez faire approach to their sons’ and daughters’ future, as if it will not affect them at all. Of course it will! The stated goal of modern parenting, that children be “happy” is the key ingredient of the disgusting recipe we have created as a society.1

Girls, Be Wary!

Over the years I have discovered that it is much easier to identify sexually active girls than it is boys. As one priest - referring to girls - put it: "Premarital sex drains the soul right out of them." This is not to suggest that premarital sexual activity causes little damage to a boy's character. Nothing could be further from the truth. But one more readily sees the depletion in the woman's countenance. A girl simply has more to lose, which is why when she does lose it, the loss is more manifest in her gaze.

Romances with Wolves

There's a saying that goes, "The best plan is to profit by the folly of others." That's what this article is about. I want to share with you a few things I've learned -- the hard way -- concerning girls, sex, love and relationships. Specifically, I've jotted down ten reasons why I'm now waiting until marriage to have sex.

On relate note: "Has College become a Moloch Cult" and "Venereal diseases now the main cause of infertility"

Pteridomania!

2010-01-20T23:33:00.001-08:00

Pteridomania, the Victorian era craze of fern collecting and the use of ferns in decorative art including pottery, glass, metals, textiles, wood, printed paper, and sculpture appearing on everything from christening presents to gravestones and memorials.

Links

Pteridomania - the Victorian passion for ferns

Ferns and Pteridomania in Victorian Scotland

Growing Ferns Successfully Indoors

The Gardener's Network: Flowers How to Grow Ferns

Old Clock Chimes at Midnight

2010-01-14T00:41:00.000-08:00

The Sacred Trust of Family

2010-01-09T00:26:00.000-08:00

The Duties of Husband and Wife

So much for their duties that be further off from equality in the family, as parents and children, masters and servants. Now those that are more equal are husband and wife, whose duties are either common to both, or more particular to either of them. The common duties. First, they must love one another with a pure heart, fervently. This duty both husband and wife must perform mutually one to another, which that they may the better strive for, let us consider of some excellent commodities that will proceed from this love. First, this benefit will certainly ensue: if there be fervent, and dear, and matrimonial love betwixt themselves, it will preserve and guard them from all unchaste actions and strange lusts, as appeareth, Prov. 5:19-20.

A godly form of household government for the ordering of private families, according to the direction of Gods word

Therefore at the beginning of their marriage, the wise and discret husband ought to use all good meanes to winne the good liking of his wife towards him: for if then their love be fixed, and truely setled one towards the other, although afterwards they come to some houshold words and grudgings, yet it proceedeth but of some new unkindnesse, and not of old rooted hatred; and therefore the sooner remedied. For love and hatred be mortall enemies, and the first of them that taketh place in the heart, there it remaineth a dweller, for the most part, all the dayes of life: in such wise, that the first love may depart from the person, but yet it will never be forgotten at the heart. But if the wife from the beginning of marriage, do take the heart to loath and abhorre her husband, then a miserable life wil follow to them both.-John Dod & Robert Cleaver

What is the Biblical Trustee Family?

The trustee family has the most power and scope. It is called the trustee family because its living members see themselves as trustees of the family blood, rights, property, name, and position for their lifetime. They have an inheritance from the past to be preserved and developed for the future. The trustee family is the basic social power … The head of the family is not the head in any personal sense but as family head and as a trustee of powers.-R. J. Rushdoony

Victorian House CAD

2010-01-06T21:57:00.000-08:00

Anti-Feminism Yes; Misogyny No...

2010-01-06T21:43:00.001-08:00

I am bit disturbed by the some of the material I have seen on some sites and blogs, many of them claiming to be conservative. The seeming excusing of mistreatment of women by men and linking to some truly horrible and immoral female bashing websites by people who claim to be conservative Christians is most disturbing. Any man who abuses a young woman deserves a very strong punishment. Yes many woman act like harlots, but a decent man avoids such women. The solution to these problems is the restoration of morality, parental authority, and the courtship ritual. The violation of a young woman is a crime against her and her family which needs to be dealt with in the strongest possible way. Sadly sometimes even the "Feminists" can be right on a few topics, even if they are for the most part poisonous and evil.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T23:06:00.000-08:00

The Lords Prayer in Old English

2009-12-30T22:08:00.000-08:00

Fæder ure þu þe eart on heofonum,
Si þin nama gehalgod. to becume þin rice,
gewurþe ðin willa, on eorðan swa swa on heofonum.
urne gedæghwamlican hlaf syle us todæg, and forgyf us ure gyltas, swa swa we forgyfað urum gyltendum.
and ne gelæd þu us on costnunge, ac alys us of yfele.
soþlice.

The Boar's Head Carol

2009-12-25T08:31:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T13:37:00.000-08:00

Luke, Chapter II 1-20 (King James Version)

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Carol of the Bells

2009-12-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

"Carol of the Bells" on handbells

The Victorian Gothic Church Interior

2009-12-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

The Victorian Gothic Church Interior

Sterling Hot Air Engines

2009-12-18T08:48:00.000-08:00

Interesting models of sterling engines, which ran on hot air and were used in the 1800's to power machines.

Victorian interior painting

2009-12-15T16:27:00.000-08:00

A great Victorian interior painting

Dante Gabriel Rossetti reading proofs of Sonnets and Ballads to Theodore Watts Dunton in the drawing room at 16 Cheyne Walk, London 1882 painting.

The Washboard

2009-12-15T16:11:00.000-08:00

Columbus Washboard Company

Modern Architecture: "The Principle of Non-Decoration"

2009-12-15T16:01:00.000-08:00

Some interesting posts on the Thinking Housewife blog:

"The Principle of Non-Decoration"

Modern design and fashion are characterized by a love of uniformity, monotone colors, and visual barrenness.

And...

The Principle of Non-Decoration at Work

On the ugliness of churches...

‘Terrible is This Place’

The state of ecclesiastical architecture is abysmal and is not likely to become non-abysmal anytime soon. The most beautiful churches in America and Europe were created in places and times where entire communities were united behind a single building project, a collective monument to the sacred...

And Schools...

“Why Are Schools So Ugly?”

Most people probably would say that America’s school buildings resemble prisons with windows – and without the barbed wire - because it would be too expensive to make them otherwise. But, that doesn’t make sense. Some of this ugliness is enormously costly…

Modern houses are soul-crushing to those who live in them...

Modern Architecture and its Crusade Against Intimacy

It is essential traditional architecture be revived both in our sacred structures as well as our homes. Note how the homes the wealthy and powerful today inhabit are barren and cold, empty of life and progeny...

And update 4/8/2011 from Home Living: "The Effect of Architecture on Home Living"

Windmills

2009-12-12T00:34:00.000-08:00

Windmills are a very useful bit of technology for farm and home; they can pump water, grind grain, and even make electricity.

Windmill World

From the primitive windmill to the well-known American-style windmill

Plans for a homemade "All-Wooden Wind Generator"

Wind Power Projects

"Quilting on a frame"

2009-12-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

"Quilting on a frame"

Reed Organs

2009-12-10T17:57:00.000-08:00

I do like reed organs, I remember hearing a reed organ played on Sunday at an old church I sometimes attended. They were very common in homes in the 1800's.

The Reed Organ Home Page

Has College become a Moloch Cult...

2009-12-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

I do have to wonder if college is becoming a Moloch Cult, especially in the case of young women. What do parents get from it other than having their children debauched, then move far way and not give them grandchildren. Sadly one will find very little like John Henry Newman's "Idea of a University" in a modern University; in many cases one finds little of educational value. Look at the student newspaper at most universities one will find articles on sex, rape, and perversion; and advertisements for bars, abortion, and pornography. Dormitories are dirty poorly-run cesspools, where debauchery is encouraged. Even "Christian" colleges most of the time seem unwilling to stand for morality. At what point do parents say no? I don't know the answer to this problem, but the general culture is evil. I am not necessarily saying young people should not go to college, but sometimes needs to be done...

On a related note see this article at the Ladies Against Feminism site, while the article is about young women, but much of it applies to young men as well.
Letters on College, the Workplace, etc

Is this what college does for young people...

A very depressing story from the Thinking Housewife "Emmie’s Adventure" and "Emmie’s Future" (Not for young readers)

And yikes...

Down the Ivy-Covered Lane

Should homeschooling parents send their children away to college? I am not completely sure of the answer to this question. But what I have seen of the "public school system" and colleges, has left me with a feeling it might be better to keep child out of school altogether. I recall a few years ago Maggie Gallagher asked has the time come for "home colleging." The Internet, CLEP exams and other leaning options may provide a workable compromise.

College From Home

Also see: Venereal diseases now the main cause of infertility.

Bunker Hill, Los Angeles in 1898

2009-12-07T23:48:00.000-08:00

A great video of a Victorian House

2009-12-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

Looks like it has had some modernization and modifications done it, but fairly tastefully done for the most part.

Victorian Home For Sale

Built in 1885, this classic Victorian mansion designed by Architect Willis E. Keller is a masterful blend of East Lake and Queen Anne Victorian architecture. Known as the Winan House after its original owners, it is one of the few Victorian homes in Los Angeles that stands in its original location and that still stands up to the beauty and admiration these homes deserve. This home features classic moldings, original windows, original doors & hardware, period details and wonderful original wood and stone work throughout the property. After ungoing an extensive renovation, the home is a delightful blend of modern upgrades with the overall integrity and craftsmanship of the 1880's original design intact including the much adorned original Douglas Fir softwood floors throughout. The interior details are beautifully preserved, and the generous sized rooms and gated grounds provide ample space for enjoyment and entertainment. The design includes bright spacious living areas from top to bottom, a dry bar in the media room with a walk-out to the estate grounds.

"Two Story Victorian House On The Road"

2009-12-05T00:57:00.000-08:00

"Two Story Victorian House On The Road"

Venereal diseases now the main cause of infertility

2009-12-05T00:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the nasty topic, but it is important. Infertility treatment is a growth area for Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Sadly in many cases there is not a lot that can be done for these young woman. Something everyone needs to tell their young daughter...

From the Thinking Housewife blog:

Sexual promiscuity is a massive cause of infertility and preventable if people were to abstain from sex until marriage but this message is never advised by experts... The sexual revolution was truly a disaster for women and men and the whole of Western society. Never in the history of the West have sexually transmitted diseases been so rife or so destructive. Never have so many people attended infertility clinics and embarked on various fertility treatments. This is the real disaster and this really has to be addressed...

There are loads of young women with destroyed pelvic organs. They will never conceive...1

1 Corinthians 6:17

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commiteth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Also see: Has College become a Moloch Cult...

A Favorite Psalm...

2009-12-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

Psalm 1

BLESSED is the man that hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners : and hath not sat in the seat of the scornful.
2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord : and in his law will he exercise himself day and night.
3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the water-side : that will bring forth his fruit in due season.
4. His leaf also shall not wither : and look, whatsoever he doeth, it shall prosper.
5. As for the ungodly, it is not so with them : but they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away from the face of the earth.
6. Therefore the ungodly shall not be able to stand in the judgement : neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
7. But the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous : and the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Doll Commercials: Yesterday and Today....

2009-12-02T20:58:00.000-08:00

And we wonder what why young women fall into moral degeneracy....

Mattel Chatty Cathy TV Commercial 1963 (dead)

Update: Well, that link is dead here one that works: Mattel Chatty Cathy TV Commercial 1963

Bratz Girlz Really Rock Dolls Commercial

Note: I am not endorsing the first toy just making social comment on the commercial.

December 2, 2009

2009-12-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

Some posts on other blogs worth reading.

Learning From the Past

And

Proverbs 31 Illustrated

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life... Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her...

"The Victorian House"

2009-12-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

"The Victorian House"

The Victorian House Museum, located in Holmes County Ohio, is located at 484 Wooster Road, Millersburg, Ohio.

Shooting Times test-fires a two-bore rifle

2009-12-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

Shooting Times test-fires a two-bore rifle

A Hunting Party

2009-11-25T15:47:00.001-08:00

Film: "The Cult of Domesticity"

2009-11-16T00:50:00.000-08:00

Film: "The Cult of Domesticity"

I don't see a problem... even the film admits woman still want to make a home and protect and nurture their families.

"The Victorian Reward: Simple Love, and Marriage with God"

2009-11-16T00:33:00.000-08:00

"The Victorian Reward — Simple Love, and Marriage with God, for a Christian Life of Toil" by William R. Terpening

The Pickwick Papers, Jane Eyre, and North and South, each conclude with a wedding, or a pledge of love, which contains the promise of a tranquil experience for the remainder of the protagonist's lives. The theme communicated by this example is that, after a life of testing through hardship and trial, people who led "Christian" lives-- lives marked by good, charitable, and industrious behavior-- would be rewarded by enjoying later years in which they were surrounded by friends and peace. The context for this idealistic view grew out of nineteenth-century Evangelical Christian ideals...

Charlotte Mason

2009-11-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

Charlotte Maria Shaw Mason

Charlotte Maria Shaw Mason (1842–1923) was a British educator. Her thoughts and ideas have been developed into methods which are commonly used in homeschooling curriculum.

Charlotte Mason on her education:

“My mother was delicate and required sea air, so it happened I was born in Bangor and that my earliest recollections are associated with the sea. My father, J. H. Mason, was a Liverpool merchant, a ‘dry-salter’...a refined and simple man, very fond of books....I had no brothers and sisters, and both parents were also only children...My parents, who were glad of the occupation educated me (with some lessons from outside), my father taking some subjects, my mother others, at first through the medium of Butter’s Spelling Book, with its long lists and hard spellings, its Aesop’s Fables and Lord Chesterfield’s Letters to his Son.”

See:
Ambleside Online: An Introduction to Charlotte Mason

Old Style Swedish Paint

2009-11-15T08:44:00.000-08:00

Old Style Swedish Paint

I found this while doing some research, looks interesting, a classic nature mineral pigment and linseed oil paint.

Falun Red Paint from Sweden

Classic exterior paint used for centuries in Scandinavia for under $20.00/gallon. Never scrape this paint - and it never peels. It lasts for decades.

Kindergarten 1898

2009-11-14T18:23:00.000-08:00

Kindergarten 1898

Click on image to get a better view.

"Bright Star"

2009-11-14T18:18:00.000-08:00

"Bright Star" - Official Trailer
Film about poet John Keats, 1795-1821

Lawrence Auster’s Review of Bright Star

Video: "Life in a Victorian Home"

2009-11-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

"Life in a Victorian Home"

A good video, it does not have the silliness and Victorian bashing one often finds. But by the 1890 electric lights, electric fans, modern bathrooms, and central heat were available so in the late Victorian period people would more often have had running water, water closets, central heat, closets, and other modern house fittings, but many people lived without many of these thing far more recently than many people realize. I would not quite agree with all of the material in this film but a very good film overall. I like that it points out nothing was wasted and that crafts and work were a normal part of everyday life.

"Home Living" a great blog

2009-11-13T20:08:00.000-08:00

A great blog:

Home Living by LadyLydiaSpeaks

Her most recent post is a list of some her best articles: Most Requested Posts

Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin

2009-09-13T22:59:00.000-07:00

Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1 March 1812 – 14 September 1852) was Great Britain's foremost architect, designer, and theorist of design of the nineteenth century, a man with extraordinary talent, verve and perspicacity. A man who believed in himself, and harboured a passion for Gothic and the Roman Catholic Church. Best remembered for his work in the Gothic Revival style, particularly churches and the Palace of Westminster.

Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin 1812-1852

Augustus Welby Pugin: An Overview

Croquet

2009-09-11T18:03:00.001-07:00

History of Croquet

The Croquet Association

Linda S. Lichter, 1955-2009

2009-09-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

The late sociologist Linda S. Lichter (1955-2009) wrote two books on the Victorian Era.

The Benevolence of Manners: Recapturing the Lost Art of Gracious Victorian Living by Linda S. Lichter

In The Benevolence of Manners, sociologist Linda S. Lichter guides us on a wonderful journey back to the complex world of our Victorian ancestors, illuminating their most precious concepts and presenting a wealth of invaluable advice for our troubled times: the fine and elusive art of living...

Simple Social Graces: Recapturing the Lost Art of Gracious Victorian Living by Linda S. Lichter

A beautifully illustrated exploration of the ideals of Victorian living relates the conservative values of those times, such as national pride, hard work, thrift and family, to the resurgence of traditional ideals in today's America...

"The private world of Tasha Tudor"

2009-09-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

An interesting book about the well known children's book illustrator Tasha Tudor and her home, garden, and way of life.

"The private world of Tasha Tudor"

Tasha Tudor has written and illustrated more than seventy-five beloved children's books since her first, Pumpkin Moonshine, in 1938. Now seventy-seven years old, she lives on a farm in southern Vermont, where she has recreated an early Victorian world. To capture this intimate portrait of Tasha Tudor, photographer Richard Brown followed her throughout a year on her farm. By interweaving Tudor's own words and more than 100 color photographs... She says, "Everything comes so easily to me from that period, of that time: threading a loom, growing flax, spinning, milking a cow". Dressed in antique clothing, spinning and weaving her own linen, cooking on a woodstove with nineteenth-century utensils, Tudor inhabits a world that in these evocative photographs speaks to all who long for a simpler existence in harmony with the seasonal rhythms of nature.

More Links:
Cellar Door Books
Tasha Tudor And Family
Tasha Tudor Museum

The Young Victoria

2009-09-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

The Young Victoria (trailer)