Book 13 of 50 – Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

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It just so happened that I had to wait on the kids almost the entire day at co-op and at orchestra rehearsal. That gave me time to read this book, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, in one day – to be precise, in about four hours. The book is only 78 pages long and the plot moves fast.

Frederick Douglass

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass – the first of his three autobiographies

I knew what to expect – shocking portrayals of slavery during the 19th century. That is why I hesitated before reading it. Violence in a book or a movie never appeals to me. In fact, I avoid it as much as possible. It was hard to read the four or five passages in which Douglass describes horrible acts of violence against African Americans. Continue reading »


Book 12 of 50 – A Narrative of the Life of David Crockett

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One of the funniest books you will ever read, A Narrative of the Life of David Crockett is his autobiography. Talk about Southern charm. The voice of David Crockett rings honest and funny. His quaint language tickled me from the first page.

David Crockett

David Crockett’s autobiography

It did not take me long to read this book because the stories move fast and keep one’s interest. Crocket got bullied in school and decided not to attend anymore. When his father found out, two weeks later, he chased David “at top speed” for over a mile. Hold it right there. How fit were these people? Continue reading »


Book 11 of 50 – Cry, the Beloved Country

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Alan Paton wrote a masterpiece which fed him and his family for the rest of his life. Cry, the Beloved Country is set in 1946 in South Africa. I loved it. It reads fast and easy.

Alan Paton Cry, the Beloved Country

Alan Paton – Cry, the Beloved Country – my copy

The plot moves rapidly, despite repetitions and descriptions. Paton writes well, what can I say? Continue reading »


Book 10 of 50 – Humorous Stories & Sketches

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Mark Twain can be funny. In Humorous Stories & Sketches, he is super funny. I especially enjoyed “Journalism in Tennessee.” Since I dabble in journalism as a local, lifestyle columnist for my local newspaper AND I live in Tennessee, this story seemed particularly suited to my situation.

Mark Twain Humorous Stories & Sketches

Mark Twain Humorous Stories & Sketches – my copy

Of course, thank God, we do not have to face the kind of tribulations as the newspaper editor Twain worked for while in Tennessee. The humor came not only from the description of the violence Twain had to face alongside his boss. It especially stemmed from the edits the boss made to Twain’s reporting. Continue reading »


Youth Symphony Winter Concert

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In February, our children played at the historic Tennessee Theater with their respective orchestras. This was the 2023 Winter Concert put on by the six ensembles which comprise the Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestras.

Inside the Tennessee Theater

Inside the Tennessee Theater

Of all the things I do as a homeschool mom, taking the kids to the concert hall so they can perform is one of the best. It is right up there with competing in the Spelling Bee and Science Olympiad. Continue reading »


Youth Symphony Fall Concert

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How is this possible? How did I not blog about my pride and joy, the youth symphony concerts which have already happened this season? So back in November, our children with their respective orchestras played at the Tennessee Theater in Knoxville.

The Tennessee Theater

The Tennessee Theater

There are six orchestras. Our daughter plays in Philharmonia (the one in the middle) and our son plays in the Youth Chamber (the second from the top). The music is gorgeous. Continue reading »


Book 9 of 50 – The Abolition of Man

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C. S. Lewis gave three lectures at Cambridge about the philosophy of education as he understood it. These lectures became The Abolition of Man. Many commentators put this book on a short list of books that can save Western Civilization.

Lewis starts out by criticing an English high school textbook of his time. From there, he builds a case for education in morality and absolute values. Honestly, at times, I had no idea what he was saying. He lost me about the middle of the first chapter, Men Without Chests. I got the main idea, but when he got into the details of The Way (which he calls the Tao), my poor mind did not comprehend him anymore. Continue reading »


Book 8 of 50 – Julius Caesar

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William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar (not an affiliate link) fascinated me to no end. Everybody knows the story of how Caesar died and what the Ides of March is, but I had no idea Caesar dies in the middle of the book.

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare

I wondered, “What is in the rest of the book?” It turns out, plenty. Shakespeare is brilliant, as always, to pace the story in such a way that the climax happens in the middle of the book. Then, he can clearly show the outcome and all the consequences of the conspirators’ actions. Continue reading »


Book 7 of 50 – The Pearl

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John Steinbeck’s books usually happen in California, but The Pearl happens in Mexico. The story comes from Mexican folklore and Hollywood made it into a movie as soon as Steinbeck published it.

The Pearl by John Steinbeck

The Pearl by John Steinbeck – audiobook cover in my Libby app

I listened to this book on Libby, the library app. Somehow, most books I find there this year are available on audio format more than in e-book form. It poses a challenge to me because auditory processing is not my strong suit. However, it seems to work. It stretches my skills and helps me utilize the time I have at co-op, when I am waiting on my children to finish their classes. Continue reading »


2023 Science Olympiad Regionals

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Veni, vidi, vici. We came, we saw, we won. Our team, Cedar Springs Homeschool, beat Webb Middle School (a $20,000 per year private school) and several magnet schools from Chattanooga. Out of 23 events, we won 20 or 21. I cannot keep track.

Cedar Springs Homeroom

Cedar Springs Homeroom at Regionals

I wonder what goes through the minds of these parents who spend a fortune sending their children to Webb, when they see a homeschool team beat them by a lot.

If it sounds like I am gloating, allow me to redirect you to the song of victory which Deborah sings in Judges 5. There is a whole lot of gloating there and then some mocking of her enemy and – I kid you not! – his mamma. Anyway. I am not gloating, just stating facts. We won by a large margin.

Cedar Springs Homeschool Science Olympiad Team A

Cedar Springs Homeschool Science Olympiad Team A

The thing is, we did not even study that much. Now that we know we are going to State, the kids must do a whole lot more and they know it.

The life lessons from Science Olympiad count even more so than the scientific knowledge. Planning, executing, grit, pushing through when the going gets tough, communicating with the team and the coaches, controling your nerves, winning graciously (don’t scream too loudly when they announce you won gold again), applauding your competition etc etc.

Our son had five events, all written tests. He won gold in Codebusters, Crave the Wave, Dynamic Planet, and Solar System. He won bronze in Green Generation.

Our daughter had two events, both building something that does something. She won gold in both Bridge and Flight. It was really difficult for her because she had never built an airplane before and then she had to learn how to trim it.

She walked up to me after the awards ceremony and said, “It was worth it.” Our son is the team captain and he just put a long message in Slack, where we communicate with each other, telling the team that they can go to Nationals, but they have to study hard. And then he gave details on how they should have a daily routine etc.

State is in April at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. I will definitely let you know what happens. Only the top team gets to go to Nationals, which are in May in Wichita, KS.