Saturday, April 22, 2023

Preparation in the Home


Hello Ladies

Today can be good for all of us in the home. 
It requires thinking on things that are lovely. Sometimes, looking at a few pictures is helpful.


This is the scene today from my front window. Could it possibly be anywhere else? I 'spect it might be mistaken for a number of places, due to the overcast condition of the sight.

I have revisited the paintings of Edmund B. Leighton (English, 1852-1922).
These two paintings depict women with sewing. I spoke a little bit about
the advantages of hand sewing, in this broadcast.

 Leighton had such an interesting life: he quietly and privately painted, while the world was in turmoil. I always thought this was profound: if you have a home to look after, do it whatever the condition of the world is, and refuse to allow its upheaval to shake you.

Before Leighton became known as an artist, he studied architecture. Most of his paintings have the beautiful architecture somewhere in the background. 

Many of the biographies of his career report that his wife helped him by sewing a mannequin, or a stuffed doll, with costumes  and cloaks for him to use as a model for his paintings of the historic past. He was living in the early 1900’s but his scenes depicted more idyllic times previous to his own.

A Quiet Moment
by Edmund Blair Leighton


On the Threshold 
by Edmund Blair Leighton

A friend of ours hiked the Appalachian Trail and has sent us some photographs. This is one of an old stone and brick house. The sign on it said it once belonged to George Washington.  The Appalachian Mountains and Trail covers the states:

New Hampshire
Maine
Vermont
Massachusetts 
Connecticut 
New York 
New Jersey

Pennsylvania 
Ohio
Maryland
West Virginia 
Virginia
Kentucky 
Tennessee 
North Carolina 
Mississippi 
Georgia
Alabama 

The trail goes through the original 13 colonies of New England and the mountains cover other states. 

In this broadcast I shared a letter from a grandchild, and showed 
The English Cottage publication, by Victoria Classics,

I also read from The Jane Austen Diet about the beliefs the Regency world had about keeping the mind calm. I listed a few things ladies used to consistently indulge in to keep the mind-body balance and create a sense of well-being. 

I also read from Scones and Tea (by Teatime Magazine)



I will be reading from this book in future broadcasts, and next time will be about a tea room in Kentucky.

If you'd like to make a contribution, you are welcome to put something in the PayPal account on the left on this blog, or email me for my address: ladylydiaspeaks@comcast.net

Please practice a few calming things that I have suggested, and make note of the effect it has, whether it is beneficial.

Please pray for me that I can get here more often to talk to you. I have so many notes and never find time to read them to you.

I hope this broadcast is helpful in your routine at home today:


17 comments:

Let's Be Frank said...

There are 5 more states not listed. Perhaps you only intended to list these 8. If any of your readers wish to know the entirety of the trail, (https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/the-appalachian-trail-state-by-state-overview-highlights-hiker-tips-maps-and-more/)
your viewers may find this included link of interest.

Mrs. White said...

The paintings by Leighton are beautiful. It is certainly inspiring that he painted such beautiful scenes of happiness and peace despite what was happening around him at the time. It is a good reminder to live calmly and carry on.

Flossy said...

Hello lovely Lydia - good news..... we have had cooler air in the last 2 days here in Brisbane.... it's been soooooo nice..... I feel as though I can breathe better and also... my makeup is staying in place too... BONUS!!! Really enjoyed your vlog today - thanks so much for all the time and effort you put into them all!! kind regards Flossy xx

Lydia said...

I’ll try to add the rest of the states to the post. Thanks!

Marianne said...

Dear Lydia,
Oh, but you do have a listener in Alabama- me! I live in Montgomery , the capital, and Prattville is just across the AL River from here. About 15 minutes away. I loved everything about this post and your video today; thank you for all the calm and the loveliness. I will listen again tomorrow as I hardly slept last night and am feeling a bit fog-brained this morning.
Your friend in AL,
Marianne

Vintagebeliever said...

Thank you for the lovely chat about many interesting things. ๐Ÿ˜Š

Lydia said...

Oh yes Marianne, now I remember you. And I’m going to look on the web to see if the Smith-Byrd House is still open and find out more about it.

Unknown said...

Lydia, I just enjoy these little visits so very much! I listen to you in the day time and when I can’t sleep, I listen to you just before bed. Your voice and demeanor are so calming and your encouragement for us ladies to be the best that we can possibly, reflecting our love for God and for our families has really transformed my life! I thank the Lord for you!
Blessings,
Patricia

Mrs Bain said...

Such a delightful chat today. Thank you for visiting. I made dinner while I listened. My very first “homekeeping” book was Emily Barnes’ “Welcome Home” book. I still have it. I don’t like to just sit and do nothing either, even when there are guests. Knitting keeps my hands busy. I even take something simple to knit on car rides. If I could find a reliable supply, I’d spend time in silk ribbon embroidery. I look forward to your next broadcast.

Christal said...

I'm so happy to see you, I really missed you the last 2 weeks, I'll pray that you can post more often, you always lift me up, I love your book readings. Have a beautiful and blessed week ๐Ÿ™♥️

Cathy said...

Lydia,
It was very satisfying to listen to Homemaking Radio as I cleaned out my freezer and refrigerator (it is always an enjoyment to listen). To celebrate and honor homemaking as a godly role for women is a simple truth. I like being with those who support this role.
The movie you mentioned here, It Happened on Fifth Avenue, is one of my family's favorite Christmas movies! It was the state of Virginia where he went in the summer months. I live in Virginia...you can add this southern state to your listening audience๐Ÿ˜Š.
I consider handiwork at home a daily joy if possible....which it is most days. And I do like to carry it along with me when I am able. There are a few friends who welcome visits including our handiwork.
Thank you for reading to us.
Blessings,
Cathy

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

I'm so glad you've made another video. I look forward to listening as I work about the home later today.
Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage in Missouri!
Laura Lane

Janine said...

I love Emilie Barnes and got to attend her seminar when I was a teen. I wish I could find her book on the Prov 31 woman. I also enjoyed the movie you mentioned about the tramp living in the mansion. I agree with avoiding fragrance in products and NO dryer sheets.

Lydia said...

Dear Lydia,

Thank you for ALL you do to encourage and inspire me in my God given role as keeper of my home. This talk was so enjoyable, but I will tell you, it came at a time when I needed to hear someone tell me to not get overwhelmed by my written list. Sometimes, I try to battle through it, but your advice to sit and rest when you feel like you’re coming down with an illness, removed any guilt. I had many plans for today, but hearing this message convinced me to sit and write letters instead and just listen to homemaker radio. Thank you for being a friend to all of us ladies ( though we may have our differences)because we truly HAVE gleaned so much from your talks through the years.

God’s blessings,
❤️Holly

lesley bambridge said...

Such a lovely broadcast today Lydia.

I didn’t get things done, but instead listened quietly and enjoyed thinking about the ideas, encouragements and little, stories you related.

Here in Britain we are about to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. In Fromow Gardens where I live, Surrey, England ๐Ÿด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ we’ll be having a Royal lunchtime Tea Party, (gold) crowns provided ๐Ÿ‘‘๐Ÿคด๐Ÿ‘ธ . It was very sad to lose our dear Queen, but I know Charles will be a good King.

I hope you will raise a cup of Yorkshire Gold on coronation day, dear Lydia

Angela said...

I couldn't take my eyes off your mantel arrangement! Just lovely!

Lydia said...

I wanted to do a better job on that mantel arrangement but I’m glad you liked it.