Mrs. Schaeffer starts this final chapter in The Hidden Art of Homemaking with an interesting claim that each of us is an art form and creates an environment around us. The people who live and work with us must interact with the environment that we are creating. Mrs. Schaeffer says: "Our conversations, attitudes, behaviour, response or …
When Mrs. Schaeffer first wrote The Hidden Art of Homemaking, segregation and integration were big items in the news. I think her take on it is very refreshing. She starts the chapter by quoting two Bible passages: After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and …
We're nearly to the end of the book The Hidden Art of Homemaking. I love how Mrs. Schaeffer takes a subject - clothing - that can be very controversial and shows us that the important thing is the heart of the person not their outward appearance. That doesn't mean I agree with everything she says …
Mrs. Schaeffer starts this chapter with her definition of "creative recreation". "...Firstly, it is recreation which produces creative results, stimulates creativity, refreshes one's ideas and stirs one to 'produce'. Secondly, it is recreation which is the result of original ideas, creative because someone has creatively planned an evening, a day, an occupation which in itself …
I will admit to thinking that there wouldn't be much for me in this chapter because I'm not really into drama. I was in a couple of plays when I was in school, and it was fun, but I wouldn't want a career in it. I was pleasantly surprised (and it shows how long it's …
This is a subject dear to my heart because so many people in my family love to write and are good at it - my husband, oldest daughter, oldest son, dad. In some ways we have more ways to write now and yet paradoxically less communication happening. As I read this chapter I thought about …
This is a topic that concerns everyone. We all eat. Sometimes I lament the fact that my children expect three meals every day along with numerous snacks. It's a lot of work! But the truth is we all eat - every day. Just because this is something we do every day, several times a day …
Okay, I'll admit - this is an area that I really have no talent in. Even so Mrs. Schaeffer would not accept this as an excuse for not somehow adding flowers to my life and the life of our family. And to be honest, reading this chapter has inspired me to try to do more …
I will be the first to admit that I am not a very good gardener. It's not an area that I know much about, but I enjoy it as a hobby. Last year because we had just moved I didn't do much in the way of gardening. Reading this chapter this week has really challenged …
Interior decorating is a subject that fascinates me. I don't feel like I'm very good at it, but I also feel like I'm improving. This chapter was such a challenge to me. Years ago we moved to the country, and I seemed to have lost my way with interior decorating. When I look at old …
Intentional Simplicity 