In this video I analyzed a little of this poem by Edgar Guest:
MY CREED
To live as gently as I can; To be, no matter where, a man; To take what comes of good or ill And cling to faith and honor still; To do my best, and let that stand The record of my brain and hand; And then, should failure come to me, Still work and hope for victory.
To have no secret place wherein I stoop unseen to shame or sin; To be the same when I'm alone As when my every deed is known; To live undaunted, unafraid Of any step that I have made; To be without pretense or sham Exactly what men think I am.
To leave some simple mark behind To keep my having lived in mind; If enmity to aught I show, To be an honest, generous foe, To play my little part, nor whine That greater honors are not mine. This, I believe, is all I need For my philosophy and creed.
I am enjoying the use of the pedestal tea cups.
I showed you the cover of the June 1991 Victoria magazine:
I shared a few pages of The Anne of Green Gables Treasury
which is an activity book that in my opinion would serve as an
excellent learning book for young ladies.
What I wore at home today:
Please enjoy your home while you listen. Weigh everything in light of your own observations and thoughts.
Sources for the subject of conversations in open spaces:
The vitamins listed in this speech were from Philippians 4:5-7, a type of activism at home:
R - Rejoice, Requests, Refinement
T - Thankfulness
P - Prayer
The main theme today was conversation at home and a few things that make it more pleasant for everyone in the shared spaces of the house.
The following is a source that I referred to when discussing the problem of shutting people out of conversations, and when it is necessary to go to a private place.
1. Biblical Sources
Romans 12:10 – “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
Philippians 2:4 – “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Hebrews 13:2 – “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Each of these verses addresses manners, hospitality, kindness, and how we are to treat one another in daily living and shared spaces.
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2. Victorian Etiquette Sources
These historical sources document manners and social customs of the Victorian period:
A. Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management (1861)
A widely used guide to Victorian home life, manners, and domestic order.
Relevant section: Chapter on "Etiquette with Guests and in Social Gatherings."
Summary: Private discussions were to be held in private rooms (like studies, gardens, or drawing rooms with closed doors). Shared spaces were assumed to be public.
Available online at:
Project Gutenberg - Mrs. Beeton’s Book
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B. The Habits of Good Society (1859)
A formal guide on etiquette, including how to conduct oneself in public and private conversation.
Quote from Chapter on Conversation:
> “A person entering a drawing-room during conversation is to be greeted, not excluded. Privacy, if desired, should be sought elsewhere.”
Available at:
Internet Archive - The Habits of Good Society
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3. Modern Etiquette Sources
A. Emily Post Institute – Modern Etiquette Authority
Emily Post’s descendants continue to publish etiquette standards for the modern home.
Relevant Articles:
“Privacy and Shared Spaces”
“Manners in the Home: When to Excuse Yourself for Privacy”
Key Principle:
> “When privacy is needed, it's proper to excuse oneself to a private space. It's never polite to ask someone to leave a room in their own home unless absolutely necessary — and never rudely.”
Website:
https://emilypost.com
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B. Debrett’s (UK Etiquette Authority)
Longstanding British etiquette guide, highly respected for both historical and modern manners.
Quote:
> “It is inconsiderate to conduct private conversations in shared spaces if others are likely to walk through. Proper conduct requires discretion and the use of private rooms.”
