Marietta Grover
(It is my privilege to introduce my Mom, our first guest blogger in our series Thoughts That Burn. I hope you enjoy reading of the experience of a non-CMer at a Charlotte Mason retreat. -- Dawn)
My daughter invited me to accompany her to the Living Education Retreat in Iowa. I was glad to have some mother-daughter time. She flew to Omaha Wednesday night (on an airplane). The following morning, she and I packed up the car with sleeping bags, sheets, towels, and pillows. We also packed snacks in case we got lost in the wilderness that occurs when you leave the interstate highway system. We had enough provisions for a week (better safe than sorry). With all the bases covered, she and I headed up to Milford, Iowa. The trusty navigation system on my phone, got us there in good time. In other words, we didn’t get lost.
We arrived at the Lodge and checked in. We got our folders and badges. My daughter greeted old friends. I didn’t have any of those; but I met people I can call old friends in the future should the occasion arise. If they wear nametags, I will also remember their names.
We found our cabin and unloaded the car including the wilderness provisions. We packed those in the refrigerator for the trip home. Fortunately, we both got bottom bunks. At my age, a bottom bunk is a necessity.
After arranging our belongings, we headed back to the Lodge to peruse the book sale. My daughter has plans to cover every available wall space in her home with bookshelves and shelves must have good books. One limitation on the number of books to choose on this trip was the baggage weight limit on the plane ride back home.
We attended the pre-retreat gathering, where I learned about Charlotte Mason. I had heard her name but hadn’t the need or desire to research her methods. I was able to give a successful elevator presentation to my seat neighbor regarding Charlotte Mason. My takeaway from that session: “Contemplate the personhood of the child you are holding.” My grandchildren are individuals; and I must recall that in my interactions with them.
We arrived at the Lodge and checked in. We got our folders and badges. My daughter greeted old friends. I didn’t have any of those; but I met people I can call old friends in the future should the occasion arise. If they wear nametags, I will also remember their names.
We found our cabin and unloaded the car including the wilderness provisions. We packed those in the refrigerator for the trip home. Fortunately, we both got bottom bunks. At my age, a bottom bunk is a necessity.
After arranging our belongings, we headed back to the Lodge to peruse the book sale. My daughter has plans to cover every available wall space in her home with bookshelves and shelves must have good books. One limitation on the number of books to choose on this trip was the baggage weight limit on the plane ride back home.
We attended the pre-retreat gathering, where I learned about Charlotte Mason. I had heard her name but hadn’t the need or desire to research her methods. I was able to give a successful elevator presentation to my seat neighbor regarding Charlotte Mason. My takeaway from that session: “Contemplate the personhood of the child you are holding.” My grandchildren are individuals; and I must recall that in my interactions with them.