I know I need small snippets of the unexpected to keep me motivated and keep my attitude fresh. A few months ago I found a really great deal on MFW Exploration to 1850 so I snagged it and put it on the bookshelves. Earlier this week I grabbed one of the book reads from the curriculum to keep me occupied on an appointment. William Carey from the Heroes of Faith series was a page tuner for me. I couldn't put it down and finished the book within a few, albeit interrupted hours. I was so inspired I took a small detour in the curriculum to have my girls read it as well. I love how the unexpected ties in nicely with something that you've recently studied. The book makes many geography references, botany references, the English/French War (I don't think that's the exact name of the war but those were the fighting countries :), New World Exploration, and of course the importance of missionary work. Love it!

When we are all done with the book we will address an envelope to the fund being used to support the missions work of this family whose heart for God encourages me so much. Yeah!!!! Be sure to scroll down to her Wednesday, March 2, 2011 blog entry to know exactly what the mission work is all about. Some other highlights of our week:

Making an impromptu stop at the Lorton Workhouse Art Center, turned out to be a great way to spend the afternoon. I initially stopped because I knew they had great art classes and exhibits. I wanted to inspire my budding artist, DD13 and explore. I knew the center was formerly an area prison but I had no idea how historic this place really was. We were able to get a history lesson on the Women's suffrage movement during the Wilson administration to include a disturbing exhibit on the force feedings that took place at the prison during this time.





On a lighter note... great musicians like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra did concerts for the inmates here as well. Area artists rent out space at the center so we were able to see Artists busy at their craft - glass blowers, jewelry makers, and painters. One painting artist took the time to encourage DD13 to pursue her passion. He said "math and all that other stuff is important but take the time to work on your art everyday." It was very interesting to hear how in his lifetime he taught on the collegiate level and designed sets for movies, TV and the stage. Many of his designs were displayed in the studio. Why didn't I take pictures of that?? But here are some shots we did manage to get.





It is days like this day that I really appreciate the privilege of homeschooling.


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