Probably the best part of my childhood was spending time with my mother, being gently taught the skills of making a happy, well-ordered home: cooking, cleaning, organizing, laundry, sewing, baking, etc.
Wow- you succinctly defined an idea I'd never realized: I've been buying things to bring me comfort instead of doing things to bring me comfort. The former never quite works yet I keep trying. Meanwhile, what I really want is accomplishable just by reaching out to people, spending time fixing or making things, etc. Thank you!
I think my mother was Susan Sawerby, right down to those rosy cheeks. My mother's house was always filled with yummy smells from her delicious "from scratch recipes" (she could whip up a feast for unexpected guests with whatever she had in the house). She was amazing and her regular baking made the house smell wonderful. Her extended family always dropped over for her companionship, hospitality and kindness. She loved all animals and always fed them (birds/squirrels), and spent time with the neighborhood pets. I remember one neighborhood dog who would come to visit in the afternoon and stayed at our house until dinner time. My mother was "love" personified, she loved her family, her brothers, aunts and uncles and her many cousins.Never had a bad word to say about anyone, never gossiped, was always put together when she left the house, down to her hat and gloves. She made friends everywhere, at park benches and at the bus stop. She loved people and she loved children, she would often purchase little things for some of her coworkers children. We didn't have much (my father worked for the Post Office and she did not work until I went to college) but my mother use to say, that you don't need to be rich to be clean, just soap and water and some elbow grease. She made a lovely home with what she had. She was always kind, loving, cheerful and so very understanding of me, as a very shy child. I adored her and I loved to make cookies with her at Christmas. She taught me so much. She took singing lessons when she was young at the Boston Conservatory, so the house was filled with her singing and music. She would sing me to sleep as a child. She was truly a wonderful homemaker, wife, mother and friend. I miss her like crazy. :-)
My daughter and I watched all of these movie series and several Secret Garden. When she was a little older love many of the English movies. Also we still go back to the 1994 Little Women for Christmas favs..and the New York Nutcracker Ballet from the early 90s with McCauley Caulkin.
Thank you. So often these days homemaking is looked down on, especially when taking care of the home and family doesn't include a money-making career. This video has made me feel seen. You've made me feel valuable. Thank you so much.
One of my favorite books as a child is Heidi. Just finished re-reading it last night. It speaks to being kind, clean, and the importance of fresh air, and a simple diet to wellbeing. Would be a good addition to this series if you haven't done it already. New subscriber.
YES and welcome, n kady! That was the book my dear mother read to me when I was sick! Always! And she occasionally made "Heidi" dinners just for me. Bread and cheese with milk in a wooden bowl and fresh fruit for "dessert"...She would sit the food on the seat of a chair, and allow me to sit on a footstool, so the chair seat was my "table"...just as Grandfather did for Heidi. Oh, how I loved that (and yes, I did that for my little girls, too!).
@@karennoske3008 Oh, how sweet! Every time I read the passages about the lunches on the Alm or dinners in the hut, I'd suddenly get hungry. Ah, the simple things😊 Thank you for the warm welcome.
This is my favourite book too. Every time I feel frazzled or chaotic I go back to this book or books like this for solid grounding. This episode brought back the memories of me spending my time with my mother in the kitchen, helping her, telling her about my day and thoroughly enjoying it. Another great video. Thanks❤️
"Each of them kept looking up at her comfortable, rosy face secretly curious about the delightful feeling she gave them - a sort of warm, supported feeling." Doesn't this just make you cry? Love this series.
I've never read this book, but I will now. One of the things that I used to LOVE doing was just reading quietly with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. I seldom get a chance to do that because I work 50 hours a week in the medical field. I get one weekend day of and one weekday off and I'm always tempted to curl up with a great book next to the fireplace. However, I have to set a timer and place it in another room so that I can cook and clean. Otherwise, I might lose several hours without realizing it!
The beauty of the classics is that they teach us principles and morals that transcend the storyline. ‘An Old Fashioned Girl’ by Louisa May Alcott recently sparked in me thoughts of traditional femininity, which is far beyond ‘looking and feeling beautiful/womanly/girly.’ Femininity is beyond appearance and is cultivated in one’s character and in her values as a woman. A good book spurs us to reflections such as these and as you are sharing! Blessings to you!! 💕
@@TheDailyConnoisseur You’ll love it! It’s FULL of ‘homemaking secrets!’ 😃 Oh- it does have a (very respectful, clean) love story at the end of the book, so it may or may not be appropriate for your children currently (your discretion here!). The point of the story is not a love story, but it does end with one.
I loved The Secret Garden as a child and hearing you read these passages makes me realize how well it’s held up to both children and adult readers. A true classic. I hope you continue to do videos on lessons learned from classic children’s literature, and I hope at some point you get to Anne of Green Gables. Another one you might look into is Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott. Anyone who loves Little Women might find her lesser known books interesting, too.
I can totally relate with Martha looking forward to doing homemaking at her mother's house. When I worked helping the elderly in their homes with cooking and homemaking tasks - I dreamt of just being home and taking care of my home and family. Because what was a chore to do for others was a joy to do for my own family.
I feel like you gave me a very clear "job description" for my career of homemaking through your explanation of who Susan was, what she did, and how she did it. It is an honorable role, and you challenged and inspired me to rise to that high calling. Thank you!
Jen is a 💎 Gem. You are like a friend to me. I have been with you for 6 years now and you are helping me be a better homemaker and mama. You blessed my life and I pray the blessings return to you doubled and tripled. God bless.
I love these homemaking secrets from some of my favorite childhood books. My mom read the little house on the prairie books to me and it is my favorite childhood memory. Another one was the little princess.
So many beautiful nuggets of truth and wisdom. I do long for a simpler time. I try to make that in my own life. Beef tea, I thought bone broth as well. Its wonderful for you. I'm an only child so being outdoors and wandering around where it was safe was always the best for me. I still do it when I can. I end up with several short stories in my head🤭
My mother-in-law grew up in Nome, AK with 10 siblings. She had to bake 12 loaves of sourdough bread every Saturday. She absolutely hated it. 🙄 It was a hard life and without much love in the house, it was made even harder. I appreciate that we have it so good these days that we can turn difficult home-making chores nostalgic and enjoyable. I love the Secret Garden and your channel!
I think that was the key to why the maid couldn't wait to go home to do chores. It wasn't the chores in themselves, but because she enjoyed being with her family. I haven't experienced it personally, but I've known women who loved to do household chores because they grew up with a loving mother who made the time joyful. It infused the experience with a golden glow that lasted a lifetime.
Do you have any advice for young traditional women who want to be homemakers? Growing up I was always told that I HAD to be a boss babe and have a big career. But now I know that it’s not what I want, do you have any advice?
Choose wisely. Don’t be so blinded by your desire for a home & kids that you rush into a marriage with a man who isn’t committed, hardworking & doesn’t have the same goals as you. Better to wait for the right man than to put yourself through decades of stress, unhappiness & disappointment. I’ve seen sooo many divorces because people are blinded by the dream or caught up in the whirlwind.
@@MsDianaJean i agree completely. By staying at home and being completely financially dependent on your man you are at risk of abuse. And sometimes it's hard to tell if someone is truly a good person and their true colors might come out once you are completely dependent on them. Especially when children come about. I'd say be careful, know your worth and have an education or at least some work experience for a backup option.
Hello, Jennifer-I’m loving your videos and books. I purchased all of them. The speak to me so clearly and I’m putting them into practice. Do you have any UA-cam videos that show exactly how you plan your day? Thank you. God bless you.
That was just beautiful, Jennifer. I had tears in my eyes several times, picturing the sweet and homely blessings of deep care and virtue that made this story so lovely.
A lot of these spoke to me but right now I am trying to sit with “how do you like yourself?” I just walked in on my freshly laundered clothes, that I was working on folding and putting away, being pushed off my bed to the ground and my husband in that room. Though I believe it was a child of mine that did it, this stung and I makes me want to go for a drive somewhere for a break but COVID. So I’m trying to hold my dignity and ponder this phrase. So I’m thankful for this video today 🤍
I feel for you xx this has happened too many time to me and I’m sorry to say I did not keep my poise! Well done for trying! I can definitely relate to that struggle. Xx
I don't think there would be anything wrong with showing your displeasure at that. You're being taken for granted; don't let that go on because it doesn't end well.
Thanks for the support - yeah I totally did talk to him about it. However instead of lashing out like I wanted to in the heat of the moment, I calmed down and stated my feelings. He actually did at first become a little defensive but I was calm and didn’t engage. Shortly after that I came back to my room and he was doing the laundry. I said “thank you, I appreciate that” and he replied “I appreciate you” and hugged me. So taking that step back to keep my cool really worked out for me!
Gosh how this hit home for me. I never felt respected or supported as a wife and mother. I spent so much of my children's precious childhood feeling sad and angry and unappreciated. It was a long time before I learned not to engage. Divorced now obviously! There's no way to get back that time, homemakers need love, if only from themselves. My daughter is expecting my first grandchild, I'll definitely advise her to watch this.
Oh I just adored this book as a child. It was the first piece of ‘proper’ literature that I read, followed by Jane Eyre. But The Secret Garden will always have a special place, as I am from Yorkshire and those Yorkshire accents in there just make me feel so connected to it. 📚
What amazed me about Dickens and his mother feeding them was that their own family is described as never having quite enough to eat...yet they still have enough to share. That is amazing to me.
As a proud Yorkshire woman I thoroughly endorse your choice of this wonderful book to demonstrate important life lessons. My own Yorkshire childhood was very free and full of adventure. Thinking back to my grandparents they seem like historical characters now. What a lot we have lost as well as gained in the last fifty years.
I’ll never forget the image of Caroline Ingalls, while traveling by covered wagon across the prairie, not only did the washing regularly, but added bluing and ironed everything.
Thank you, Jennifer. There's something really special about keeping a book from your childhood. For me, it was The Chronicles of Narnia & The Book of Virtues my dad used to read to my brother and me.
I recently bought this book for $1.00 at a used bookstore and will be starting it soon. I went there to hunt down the Little House series after watching your videos. I found three of the LH books and got this one, too! 😃
Jennifer this was so wonderful! How delightful! Especially how you ended it. I’m so inspired to love my children and family well and provide an extra measure of warmth and hospitality today. Thank you! Blessings!
I am only recently discovering your videos and channel. I wish there was a love button because I absolutely love your videos. I am a single mom who works outside of the home but I still connect with you and my desire to be a good homemaker. Thank you so much for this series! 💖💖💖
I love this book and the movie is beautiful. I love the parallel between the Secret Garden and Mary's inner garden. Two other tips I got from the book: 1) The children go out every day. As soon as Mary arrives, Martha sends her out (with a good coat, scarf and beret) to the cold moore. No one is worried that she'll catch a cold, and on the contrary, we see Mary grow strong thanks to her being in the wild. 2) Love is in details. Susan can barely afford bread, but not only she makes it and gives her for free, she tucks the buns in clean pretty napkins. My mom and grandma taught me to be detail oriented in that way, as it shows special consideration for the other person.
Susan Sowerby has been a hero of mine since I was a little girl. I read this book over and over as a child, and then again as a mom. My boys called it The Brat in the Hat because Mary was the epitome of an annoying girl to them (although that never stopped them from asking for another chapter!). My children all idolized Dickon. I cannot say too much about how influential this beautiful story has been in my life. 🗝🐦
Secret garden is also my favorite book! I checked it out from the school library when I was 11 and I was enamored with it. I have two copies of It that I cherish . One of them is filled with sticky notes marking some of my favorite parts. I never even thought of applying it to my life as a homemaker… Well maybe I did…I just didn’t put it in so many words. Thank you so much for sharing this innovative idea.
Once a week baking:. I have to freeze bread so it doesn't mold between baking days. My kids have gotten tired of sourdough... I still make it because I love it but I've started making a few loaves of whole wheat for them when we don't have enough leftovers for lunches. Boredom: I have embraced this concept for 18 years of mothering. The imaginative games my kids come up with always makes me smile.
My Granny used to make beef tea for my mother and her siblings. They would have it in the winter when they returned from school. Granny literally just cooked rump beef and water for a long time. My uncle, who is 80, still talks about how delicious it was.
Jennifer, thank you for your beautiful video. You are such an inspiration to me. My favorite secret is that a good homemaker does not need an unlimited budget.
I love these series! I see areas where I need to adjust my attitude toward homemaking. I have physical limits but I do try. But, yet, I'm also encouraged. My oldest son has had opportunity to visit homes where they have much nicer houses and nice furnishings. But several times now when he comes home to our humble abode :) he will comment how nice and cozy our place is. And I'm shocked.
The Secret Garden was also one of the books that I have loved ever since I read it for the first time ❤️. Susan also became somewhat of a role model for me when I was a stay-at-home-mom and I never saw her as a contradiction of my in-bred feminism, but more of a pathway to becoming a better person by taking my responsibilities seriously. I still bake a cake on Thursday or Friday and our grandchild, my husband, our neighbor, and grown-up children look forward to it. I watched yr video today and right now I'm going to start reading the book once more.
Jennifer, I loved so many books as a child and I love the way you are reintroducing us to this great literature through a homemakers eyes! I especially liked Anne of Green Gables. I so enjoy all your videos and have also read all three of your books. You are a delight and I am so grateful to have found you!
This video is wonderful. 💚 The Secret Garden is one of my favorites too. One of my persistent goals is turning my backyard into a secret garden. It's a labor of love and continuous source of mindfulness and meditation as I tend to the many weeds, flowers, herbs, and weeds. The joy sets in on my kids occasionally too.
Dear Jennifer, I am so blessed by the wonderful homemaking inspiration you have extracted with such care and wisdom from a very dear book that my children and I loved, too. It reminds me of when I used to do a week's baking (the house smelled amazing with whole wheat bread in the oven!) when my kids were little. You look wonderful and content and are teaching your generation (and mine!) some very essentials, grounding truths that many have never been taught. Blessings, dear little sister, on you and yours. And BTW, I *love* the Daily Connoisseur holiday "opener"...it makes me smile every time I see it. Don't change that, please!
This is one of my all time favorite books. If you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend that you look for a copy with illustrations by Tasha Tudor. They are beautiful and enchanting. I think this book and Tudor's illustration were instrumental in giving me a love of gardening.
Oh I love this! Books are the best way to be inspired in life. Have you read Father and I were Ranchers by Ralph Moody with your children? It is beyond inspiring in the same way as Little House. There were so many lessons for me as a homemaker in that book and tons of character lessons for us all.
Your insight into the phrases from this book speaks volumes about what is important to you. Thank for sharing these eye opening observations. Related to #11 about waking early: i remembered ( im 83 now) when all 4 of my children were in grade school and my husband and I both had full-time jobs outside the home. I was beginning to feel that I had no time to pursue my own interests. So I started getting up at least 1/2 hour before I had to get my children up for school. That half hour was mine!!! I used it to knit or crochet. Or to read. Or to think and plan. That half hour revived me to be who I am. And gave me the energy and inspiration to carry on the day to day routines for our household and family. Thank you for this wonderful reminder.
Really enjoyed this!! What you said about children and imagination is so true!! The Minimal Mom talks about this too, as she admonishes parents to reconsider how many toys kids really need. She says that "creativity is just on the other side of boredom!"
I love this book! I used to read it and the Wind in the Willows every spring. The picnic scene in Wind in the Willows is very inspiring. There is actually a Secret Garden Cookbook as well as a Little House Cookbook. I found it at the library once. I'm so excited to hear your thoughts about some of my favorite classic children's literature. These books have been so formative in my life. For a while, I tried to live an oldfashioned life. It was truly rewarding. Thank you for making these videos. I just ordered your first book and am quite excited to read it.
Im listening to this as I drive to the shops. I'm bawling my eyes out at the traffic lights. The beautiful way the children look at Mrs Sowerby is just heart-string tugging
I read a shortened version of this book when I was really young but only later in life realized that there was a full book. Might have to read this as it was my favorite book
What a wonderful analysis of the Secret Garden, one of my all time favorites. So many insights. I think I'll listen to the audio book while I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner! So cozy. Thanks Jennifer 😊
Some of these points are so convicting! I’m enjoying every minute of this, but there are tears in my eyes because homemaking is my life and I know I need to adjust some of my attitudes and perspectives. I so appreciate all the exhortation tucked into this delightful video. 🤗
Love this series especially this video on The Secret Garden, it is a favorite book of mine too. The author’s mother is buried in a picturesque cemetery near my house in east TN. We took a tour there a few years ago and there were people explaining to us who the notables were that were buried there. I wish I could remember the connection to Appalachia of the mother of an English author (marriage or relative?) but it was neat to me that there is a little connection in my small part of the world to such a dear book from a place I’ve always wanted to live or visit. Your point on boredom and liberty made me think of my childhood when we would leave the house and go anywhere we wanted (within reason) with no supervision, on our bikes or on foot. Also when we were stuck at home, my brothers and I would play a game where we would “travel” around the living room with the rule being we couldn’t touch the floor. So there was a lot of walking across the top of the sofa and using our fingers to grip the top of the door frames to hop from tables to chairs etc. You brought back a fond memory. Please keep doing this series, I love it.
Jennifer, speaking to your section on "how do you like yourself," my grandma, with knowing chuckle and a twinkle in her eye, would remind her grandchildren to be humble by saying, "I love me. Who do you love?"
I just discovered you this week. Your you tube channel reminds me of a combination of Laura Ashley and the very early days of the American Girl dolls. We were fans in the early days. We also read the Little House books to our children [I am 67 and married a farm boy from Montana]. Someone else commented on the Little Britches series by Ralph Moody. The home making secrets of the mother in Little Britches and Man of the Family fits right in with what you are instilling in women rising to the challenge of the life we have before us. Someone else mentioned that their mother said to make sure you have a degree or skill as one never knows! My mother said those words to me. I was not allowed to date until I was 18 and could not marry until I had a college degree. Even though home making is the higher calling for many, having the ability to engage in some kind of commerce is not negated. Those who are critical of the home making skills neglect to comprehend that one does NOT negate the other. I have raised three children. I have always taught in various situations through out the lives of my children. I also homeschooled through those years. You all are so fortunate to have the internet. I could have used more encouragement 'back in the day'. Thanks Jennifer. Keep up the good work.
I just loved this video. As a young teacher in the seventies, I read this book to my fifth graders, and we all loved it. That was back when children had prolonged attention spans. Of course, my life experience didn't allow me to discern these lessons. Thank you for sharing. New subscriber, and I am looking forward to more of all of your videos.
I adore The Secret Garden! I love this homemaking series from children's classics. Another of my favorite is What Katy Did, by Susan Coolidge. Btw, I love those Christmas plates behind you. ❤️❤️❤️
It was amongst my favourite books too. In the UK in the 70s there was a TV series based on the book. It was very popular and we couldn't wait to watch it every week.
'The Secret Garden' was also my favourite book as a child. Your video presentation hit the spot for me and was a delight to listen to. I love how you really thought about the book in relation to creating a welcome and comforting home, where everyone feels loved and cared for. I am due for another read of this classic novel. You are also lovely to listen to, you look beautiful in this video and the dresser behind you is the perfect back-drop for this video. 10/10.
1. An excellent home life can be lived on any budget because it is filled with ❤. 2. Actively cultivate the characteristics of a successful homemaker. 3. Attitude. 4. Joy and wellness. I love going back to my parents to help them out. 5. Bake once a week. 6. Boredom awakens childrens imaginations. 7. Nice smelling home. 8. Value cleanliness. 9. Children need liberty to cultivate their imaginations. 10. Drink beef tea. 11. Wake up early to be truly inspired. 12. Problem solvers. 13. Care about what your children care about.
The Secret Garden is one of my favorite books. I only saw the perspective of the garden being our mind and what we feed it with and you sharing your perspective as a homemaker truly reminds me of a woman I hold dear as my role model- The Proverbs 31 woman. 😊 Blessings and I am inspired to read the book again ❤🙏
I grew up in the 1950's and in the summer, we might do a few chores, but we were able to play and didn't have to come home until the street lights were on. We had talents shows, played games, had races, built forts, climbed trees, bought penny candy, rode our bikes and had picnics. If you said you were bored, your mother made you do chores so we never mentioned it.
This was similar to my childhood in the '70s. We helped regularly with chores but also had plenty of time to play outside doing all of those things you mentioned above too. My mother would call us home by ringing a bell. I read many of the beautiful classics, like the ones Jennifer is sharing with us, outside under (or even in!) a tree. I am so grateful now for my childhood.
Me too...and I grew up just yesterday. If you were bored my mum said you were just idle and she gave you something to do. When I am babysitting it is likely they'll be outside "cooking" or whatever else they fancy. Keeps the house surprisingly organised as a bonus😅
This is such a delightful series Jennifer. As a homeschooling mom I find myself reading old classics with fresh eyes. I’m learning so much about creating a home and parenting through children’s literature. I love hearing your perspective on these topics. I’m excited for your next video on Little Women, one of my very favorites! I’m journaling my thoughts after reading Little Men with my middle school aged son. Such great nuggets on parenting, homeschooling and raising boys. It’s a treasure trove! Thank you for this fabulous series, I so look forward to these videos. 💗
Probably the best part of my childhood was spending time with my mother, being gently taught the skills of making a happy, well-ordered home: cooking, cleaning, organizing, laundry, sewing, baking, etc.
Wow- you succinctly defined an idea I'd never realized: I've been buying things to bring me comfort instead of doing things to bring me comfort. The former never quite works yet I keep trying. Meanwhile, what I really want is accomplishable just by reaching out to people, spending time fixing or making things, etc. Thank you!
I think my mother was Susan Sawerby, right down to those rosy cheeks. My mother's house was always filled with yummy smells from her delicious "from scratch recipes" (she could whip up a feast for unexpected guests with whatever she had in the house). She was amazing and her regular baking made the house smell wonderful. Her extended family always dropped over for her companionship, hospitality and kindness. She loved all animals and always fed them (birds/squirrels), and spent time with the neighborhood pets. I remember one neighborhood dog who would come to visit in the afternoon and stayed at our house until dinner time. My mother was "love" personified, she loved her family, her brothers, aunts and uncles and her many cousins.Never had a bad word to say about anyone, never gossiped, was always put together when she left the house, down to her hat and gloves. She made friends everywhere, at park benches and at the bus stop. She loved people and she loved children, she would often purchase little things for some of her coworkers children. We didn't have much (my father worked for the Post Office and she did not work until I went to college) but my mother use to say, that you don't need to be rich to be clean, just soap and water and some elbow grease. She made a lovely home with what she had. She was always kind, loving, cheerful and so very understanding of me, as a very shy child. I adored her and I loved to make cookies with her at Christmas. She taught me so much. She took singing lessons when she was young at the Boston Conservatory, so the house was filled with her singing and music. She would sing me to sleep as a child. She was truly a wonderful homemaker, wife, mother and friend. I miss her like crazy. :-)
Anne of Green Gables has loads of homemaking secrets!
Yes, I was going to mention this as well.
Yes, I have been trawling the Internet to see if anyone has done a how to housekeep like Marilla and Anne.
My daughter and I watched all of these movie series and several Secret Garden. When she was a little older love many of the English movies. Also we still go back to the 1994 Little Women for Christmas favs..and the New York Nutcracker Ballet from the early 90s with McCauley Caulkin.
Thank you. So often these days homemaking is looked down on, especially when taking care of the home and family doesn't include a money-making career. This video has made me feel seen. You've made me feel valuable. Thank you so much.
These videos about home making and books are so interesting and so original!
One of my favorite books as a child is Heidi. Just finished re-reading it last night. It speaks to being kind, clean, and the importance of fresh air, and a simple diet to wellbeing. Would be a good addition to this series if you haven't done it already. New subscriber.
It was my favourite book too. My mum used to read it to me every night until I was able to read it myself. Thank you for reminding me about it ❤.
YES and welcome, n kady! That was the book my dear mother read to me when I was sick! Always! And she occasionally made "Heidi" dinners just for me. Bread and cheese with milk in a wooden bowl and fresh fruit for "dessert"...She would sit the food on the seat of a chair, and allow me to sit on a footstool, so the chair seat was my "table"...just as Grandfather did for Heidi. Oh, how I loved that (and yes, I did that for my little girls, too!).
Heidi is so good. I have to add that to our list.
@@karennoske3008 Oh, how sweet! Every time I read the passages about the lunches on the Alm or dinners in the hut, I'd suddenly get hungry. Ah, the simple things😊 Thank you for the warm welcome.
I always dreamt of sleeping in a straw loft by a window
This is my favourite book too. Every time I feel frazzled or chaotic I go back to this book or books like this for solid grounding.
This episode brought back the memories of me spending my time with my mother in the kitchen, helping her, telling her about my day and thoroughly enjoying it.
Another great video. Thanks❤️
The Secret Garden is my favorite book of all time. It brought me a lot of comfort as a child, and when I was in boarding school.
Dude. This series 😍🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Thank you, Nikki! Much love ♥️
Amen! My heart is all melty. 😁❤️❤️❤️
"Each of them kept looking up at her comfortable, rosy face secretly curious about the delightful feeling she gave them - a sort of warm, supported feeling." Doesn't this just make you cry? Love this series.
Yes! I was so inspired by that, and a little sad that I’m not quite that woman... yet.
This is by far my favorite video of yours- especially for people who grew up in a home with a lot of yelling. Thank you for my gift this morning! ❤
I've never read this book, but I will now. One of the things that I used to LOVE doing was just reading quietly with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. I seldom get a chance to do that because I work 50 hours a week in the medical field. I get one weekend day of and one weekday off and I'm always tempted to curl up with a great book next to the fireplace. However, I have to set a timer and place it in another room so that I can cook and clean. Otherwise, I might lose several hours without realizing it!
You're in for a wholesome treat! This book was one of my family's favorites when the kids were growing up.
The beauty of the classics is that they teach us principles and morals that transcend the storyline. ‘An Old Fashioned Girl’ by Louisa May Alcott recently sparked in me thoughts of traditional femininity, which is far beyond ‘looking and feeling beautiful/womanly/girly.’ Femininity is beyond appearance and is cultivated in one’s character and in her values as a woman. A good book spurs us to reflections such as these and as you are sharing! Blessings to you!! 💕
I love An Old Fashioned Girl! 📖
@@DansonforJoy It’s my new favorite fictional text! 😃
I haven't read that one... I need to!
@@TheDailyConnoisseur You’ll love it! It’s FULL of ‘homemaking secrets!’ 😃
Oh- it does have a (very respectful, clean) love story at the end of the book, so it may or may not be appropriate for your children currently (your discretion here!). The point of the story is not a love story, but it does end with one.
That's another favorite too 💞
I loved The Secret Garden as a child and hearing you read these passages makes me realize how well it’s held up to both children and adult readers. A true classic. I hope you continue to do videos on lessons learned from classic children’s literature, and I hope at some point you get to Anne of Green Gables. Another one you might look into is Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott. Anyone who loves Little Women might find her lesser known books interesting, too.
Krista, I just read Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom. Both books are a wealth of wisdom!
We are reading Little Women right now. I'm already highlighting passages, haha
I’ve been CRAVING Eight Cousins again! Can one “crave” a book? 😂📖
@@DansonforJoy definitely! I crave books constantly. 💕📚
I LOVED reading Eight Cousins and A Rose In Bloom! More than Little Women. :)
Well done. I recently read The Secret Garden for the first time and I am 65 yrs.old. I will now read it again with all your insights. Thank you.
I can totally relate with Martha looking forward to doing homemaking at her mother's house. When I worked helping the elderly in their homes with cooking and homemaking tasks - I dreamt of just being home and taking care of my home and family. Because what was a chore to do for others was a joy to do for my own family.
Jennifer, please continue to make these videos. They are a treat to listen to while I'm taking my nightly shower after a long day with two littles 😊
Sounds like the proverbs 31 woman to me✝️💞
I feel like you gave me a very clear "job description" for my career of homemaking through your explanation of who Susan was, what she did, and how she did it. It is an honorable role, and you challenged and inspired me to rise to that high calling. Thank you!
I just adore these types of videos Jennifer. You are so good at extrapolating the treasures for homemakers!
Jen is a 💎 Gem. You are like a friend to me. I have been with you for 6 years now and you are helping me be a better homemaker and mama. You blessed my life and I pray the blessings return to you doubled and tripled. God bless.
Thank you, Elina!
I love these homemaking secrets from some of my favorite childhood books. My mom read the little house on the prairie books to me and it is my favorite childhood memory. Another one was the little princess.
The Little Princess was amazing too.
I love your Christmas China behind you, such a charming pattern.
Congratulations on the Pinrose collaboration! I love Secret Garden, but A Little Princess was always my favorite.
Yes mine too!
Thank you!
So many beautiful nuggets of truth and wisdom. I do long for a simpler time. I try to make that in my own life. Beef tea, I thought bone broth as well. Its wonderful for you. I'm an only child so being outdoors and wandering around where it was safe was always the best for me. I still do it when I can. I end up with several short stories in my head🤭
Sounds like you're an introvert? I can relate.
@@TheDailyConnoisseur for sure. I'm mostly thinking, a good bit of social and a tad restrained introvert😊🌷
Yes! Next do "Little Women"!
We are reading it right now :)
I'm reading that right now too, Jennifer!! :)
YES! I concur.
Or From Lark Rise to Candlefork...
My mother-in-law grew up in Nome, AK with 10 siblings. She had to bake 12 loaves of sourdough bread every Saturday. She absolutely hated it. 🙄 It was a hard life and without much love in the house, it was made even harder. I appreciate that we have it so good these days that we can turn difficult home-making chores nostalgic and enjoyable.
I love the Secret Garden and your channel!
I think that was the key to why the maid couldn't wait to go home to do chores. It wasn't the chores in themselves, but because she enjoyed being with her family. I haven't experienced it personally, but I've known women who loved to do household chores because they grew up with a loving mother who made the time joyful. It infused the experience with a golden glow that lasted a lifetime.
Wonderful channel. So wholesome.
I just love this series...how you share homemaking lessons from fiction. Love it.
Do you have any advice for young traditional women who want to be homemakers? Growing up I was always told that I HAD to be a boss babe and have a big career. But now I know that it’s not what I want, do you have any advice?
Agreed. Tried it, it wasn’t me and I hated it! Now embracing who I am.
Choose wisely. Don’t be so blinded by your desire for a home & kids that you rush into a marriage with a man who isn’t committed, hardworking & doesn’t have the same goals as you. Better to wait for the right man than to put yourself through decades of stress, unhappiness & disappointment. I’ve seen sooo many divorces because people are blinded by the dream or caught up in the whirlwind.
I suggest your save yourself a year's worth of income incase anything happens and you need to leave your relationship.
@@MsDianaJean i agree completely. By staying at home and being completely financially dependent on your man you are at risk of abuse. And sometimes it's hard to tell if someone is truly a good person and their true colors might come out once you are completely dependent on them. Especially when children come about. I'd say be careful, know your worth and have an education or at least some work experience for a backup option.
Mrs. Midwest is a great resource for this!
Hello, Jennifer-I’m loving your videos and books. I purchased all of them. The speak to me so clearly and I’m putting them into practice. Do you have any UA-cam videos that show exactly how you plan your day? Thank you. God bless you.
Thank you Jennifer, that was as soothing as it was inspiring. Love the comments from fellow subscribers, you’re a lovely group of people 💐
You are such a breath of fresh air. Your pieces of truth in this series are spot on.
That was just beautiful, Jennifer. I had tears in my eyes several times, picturing the sweet and homely blessings of deep care and virtue that made this story so lovely.
A lot of these spoke to me but right now I am trying to sit with “how do you like yourself?” I just walked in on my freshly laundered clothes, that I was working on folding and putting away, being pushed off my bed to the ground and my husband in that room. Though I believe it was a child of mine that did it, this stung and I makes me want to go for a drive somewhere for a break but COVID. So I’m trying to hold my dignity and ponder this phrase. So I’m thankful for this video today 🤍
I feel for you xx this has happened too many time to me and I’m sorry to say I did not keep my poise! Well done for trying! I can definitely relate to that struggle. Xx
I don't think there would be anything wrong with showing your displeasure at that. You're being taken for granted; don't let that go on because it doesn't end well.
Thanks for the support - yeah I totally did talk to him about it. However instead of lashing out like I wanted to in the heat of the moment, I calmed down and stated my feelings. He actually did at first become a little defensive but I was calm and didn’t engage. Shortly after that I came back to my room and he was doing the laundry. I said “thank you, I appreciate that” and he replied “I appreciate you” and hugged me. So taking that step back to keep my cool really worked out for me!
Gosh how this hit home for me. I never felt respected or supported as a wife and mother. I spent so much of my children's precious childhood feeling sad and angry and unappreciated. It was a long time before I learned not to engage. Divorced now obviously! There's no way to get back that time, homemakers need love, if only from themselves. My daughter is expecting my first grandchild, I'll definitely advise her to watch this.
Love this series. It always puts things into perspective. You look great Jennifer!
-Lydiya
Thank you!
Oh I just adored this book as a child. It was the first piece of ‘proper’ literature that I read, followed by Jane Eyre. But The Secret Garden will always have a special place, as I am from Yorkshire and those Yorkshire accents in there just make me feel so connected to it. 📚
What amazed me about Dickens and his mother feeding them was that their own family is described as never having quite enough to eat...yet they still have enough to share. That is amazing to me.
Hahaha, Susan Sowerby has been my homemaking mentor for my whole life as well! Love finding a kindred spirit 🙂
As a proud Yorkshire woman I thoroughly endorse your choice of this wonderful book to demonstrate important life lessons. My own Yorkshire childhood was very free and full of adventure. Thinking back to my grandparents they seem like historical characters now. What a lot we have lost as well as gained in the last fifty years.
I’ll never forget the image of Caroline Ingalls, while traveling by covered wagon across the prairie, not only did the washing regularly, but added bluing and ironed everything.
Thank you, Jennifer. There's something really special about keeping a book from your childhood. For me, it was The Chronicles of Narnia & The Book of Virtues my dad used to read to my brother and me.
Loved The Chronicles of Narnia!
I recently bought this book for $1.00 at a used bookstore and will be starting it soon. I went there to hunt down the Little House series after watching your videos. I found three of the LH books and got this one, too! 😃
Jennifer this was so wonderful! How delightful! Especially how you ended it. I’m so inspired to love my children and family well and provide an extra measure of warmth and hospitality today. Thank you! Blessings!
I am only recently discovering your videos and channel. I wish there was a love button because I absolutely love your videos. I am a single mom who works outside of the home but I still connect with you and my desire to be a good homemaker. Thank you so much for this series! 💖💖💖
Even as a stressed out graduate student with very little time on my hands, these videos are somehow so relateable, soothing, helpful!! ❤️
I love all your content....but this series is my favorite. Absolutely love it. Thank you so much and please don’t stop!
I love you Jennifer. I love how eloquent you are.You are never redundant.
Thank you!
You didn't see this book through the eyes of a homemaker alone. You also talked about it as an author. Loved this video.
I love this book and the movie is beautiful. I love the parallel between the Secret Garden and Mary's inner garden.
Two other tips I got from the book: 1) The children go out every day. As soon as Mary arrives, Martha sends her out (with a good coat, scarf and beret) to the cold moore. No one is worried that she'll catch a cold, and on the contrary, we see Mary grow strong thanks to her being in the wild. 2) Love is in details. Susan can barely afford bread, but not only she makes it and gives her for free, she tucks the buns in clean pretty napkins. My mom and grandma taught me to be detail oriented in that way, as it shows special consideration for the other person.
Susan Sowerby has been a hero of mine since I was a little girl. I read this book over and over as a child, and then again as a mom. My boys called it The Brat in the Hat because Mary was the epitome of an annoying girl to them (although that never stopped them from asking for another chapter!). My children all idolized Dickon. I cannot say too much about how influential this beautiful story has been in my life. 🗝🐦
Secret garden is also my favorite book! I checked it out from the school library when I was 11 and I was enamored with it. I have two copies of It that I cherish . One of them is filled with sticky notes marking some of my favorite parts. I never even thought of applying it to my life as a homemaker… Well maybe I did…I just didn’t put it in so many words. Thank you so much for sharing this innovative idea.
Once a week baking:. I have to freeze bread so it doesn't mold between baking days. My kids have gotten tired of sourdough... I still make it because I love it but I've started making a few loaves of whole wheat for them when we don't have enough leftovers for lunches.
Boredom: I have embraced this concept for 18 years of mothering. The imaginative games my kids come up with always makes me smile.
My Granny used to make beef tea for my mother and her siblings. They would have it in the winter when they returned from school. Granny literally just cooked rump beef and water for a long time. My uncle, who is 80, still talks about how delicious it was.
Love that!
I remember the movie I will look for the book
Jennifer, thank you for your beautiful video. You are such an inspiration to me. My favorite secret is that a good homemaker does not need an unlimited budget.
I love these series! I see areas where I need to adjust my attitude toward homemaking. I have physical limits but I do try. But, yet, I'm also encouraged. My oldest son has had opportunity to visit homes where they have much nicer houses and nice furnishings. But several times now when he comes home to our humble abode :) he will comment how nice and cozy our place is. And I'm shocked.
The Secret Garden was also one of the books that I have loved ever since I read it for the first time ❤️. Susan also became somewhat of a role model for me when I was a stay-at-home-mom and I never saw her as a contradiction of my in-bred feminism, but more of a pathway to becoming a better person by taking my responsibilities seriously. I still bake a cake on Thursday or Friday and our grandchild, my husband, our neighbor, and grown-up children look forward to it. I watched yr video today and right now I'm going to start reading the book once more.
Jennifer, I loved so many books as a child and I love the way you are reintroducing us to this great literature through a homemakers eyes! I especially liked Anne of Green Gables. I so enjoy all your videos and have also read all three of your books. You are a delight and I am so grateful to have found you!
Your book-report series is more valuable than a literary analysis. I welcome more.
This series is absolutely beautiful and well stated. Thank you.
I enjoy this series so much! And I love your beautiful Christmas dishes in the background.
Thank you! Happy Thanksgiving!
This video is wonderful. 💚 The Secret Garden is one of my favorites too. One of my persistent goals is turning my backyard into a secret garden. It's a labor of love and continuous source of mindfulness and meditation as I tend to the many weeds, flowers, herbs, and weeds. The joy sets in on my kids occasionally too.
Dear Jennifer, I am so blessed by the wonderful homemaking inspiration you have extracted with such care and wisdom from a very dear book that my children and I loved, too. It reminds me of when I used to do a week's baking (the house smelled amazing with whole wheat bread in the oven!) when my kids were little.
You look wonderful and content and are teaching your generation (and mine!) some very essentials, grounding truths that many have never been taught. Blessings, dear little sister, on you and yours. And BTW, I *love* the Daily Connoisseur holiday "opener"...it makes me smile every time I see it. Don't change that, please!
Thank you, Karen! xx
I love this series. You need.to keep it. It's the very best part of your channel.
I love The Secret Garden. And classic Children’s literature is just so good. Timeless. 💜
This was a lovely video. Thank you!
This is one of my all time favorite books. If you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend that you look for a copy with illustrations by Tasha Tudor. They are beautiful and enchanting. I think this book and Tudor's illustration were instrumental in giving me a love of gardening.
We have that one too. So good!
@@TheDailyConnoisseur Oh good!!!
How delightful and inspirational too!
Oh I love this! Books are the best way to be inspired in life. Have you read Father and I were Ranchers by Ralph Moody with your children? It is beyond inspiring in the same way as Little House. There were so many lessons for me as a homemaker in that book and tons of character lessons for us all.
This was my favorite book as a child. Lovely video. Thank you Jennifer.
You have such a calming voice. I enjoy these charming stories! I love your Christmas dishes in your china clost! Giving me some fun ideas!
Your insight into the phrases from this book speaks volumes about what is important to you. Thank for sharing these eye opening observations. Related to #11 about waking early: i remembered ( im 83 now) when all 4 of my children were in grade school and my husband and I both had full-time jobs outside the home. I was beginning to feel that I had no time to pursue my own interests. So I started getting up at least 1/2 hour before I had to get my children up for school. That half hour was mine!!! I used it to knit or crochet. Or to read. Or to think and plan. That half hour revived me to be who I am. And gave me the energy and inspiration to carry on the day to day routines for our household and family. Thank you for this wonderful reminder.
I shared this will ALL the young women in my family and church family---with children and without!!! You inspire me!!!
Thank you ❤️
I’ve never heard of the book but am now inspired to get it for my 8 1/2 year old granddaughter for Christmas. Thank you.
The 1993 film is also amazing. And a new version is about to be released.
A Little Princess (both the book and the film) is amazing too!
Really enjoyed this!! What you said about children and imagination is so true!! The Minimal Mom talks about this too, as she admonishes parents to reconsider how many toys kids really need. She says that "creativity is just on the other side of boredom!"
I love this book! I used to read it and the Wind in the Willows every spring. The picnic scene in Wind in the Willows is very inspiring. There is actually a Secret Garden Cookbook as well as a Little House Cookbook. I found it at the library once. I'm so excited to hear your thoughts about some of my favorite classic children's literature. These books have been so formative in my life. For a while, I tried to live an oldfashioned life. It was truly rewarding. Thank you for making these videos. I just ordered your first book and am quite excited to read it.
I recommend Rilla of Ingleside as another gem to learn from!
Try to get a book about the receipts of Hildegard von Bingen for all the old medicin
I loved this video, I felt like I was apart of your book club in your beautiful home 🥰 thanks for reading and suggesting such a wonderful book! 🙂
Thank you Jennifer!!!!!!!!! I love what you're saying and love the book. Best regards fron Anna
Loved that book growing up! ❤
Im listening to this as I drive to the shops. I'm bawling my eyes out at the traffic lights. The beautiful way the children look at Mrs Sowerby is just heart-string tugging
I read a shortened version of this book when I was really young but only later in life realized that there was a full book. Might have to read this as it was my favorite book
What a wonderful analysis of the Secret Garden, one of my all time favorites. So many insights. I think I'll listen to the audio book while I'm cooking Thanksgiving dinner! So cozy. Thanks Jennifer 😊
Some of these points are so convicting! I’m enjoying every minute of this, but there are tears in my eyes because homemaking is my life and I know I need to adjust some of my attitudes and perspectives. I so appreciate all the exhortation tucked into this delightful video. 🤗
Thank you so much xx
Love this series especially this video on The Secret Garden, it is a favorite book of mine too. The author’s mother is buried in a picturesque cemetery near my house in east TN. We took a tour there a few years ago and there were people explaining to us who the notables were that were buried there. I wish I could remember the connection to Appalachia of the mother of an English author (marriage or relative?) but it was neat to me that there is a little connection in my small part of the world to such a dear book from a place I’ve always wanted to live or visit. Your point on boredom and liberty made me think of my childhood when we would leave the house and go anywhere we wanted (within reason) with no supervision, on our bikes or on foot. Also when we were stuck at home, my brothers and I would play a game where we would “travel” around the living room with the rule being we couldn’t touch the floor. So there was a lot of walking across the top of the sofa and using our fingers to grip the top of the door frames to hop from tables to chairs etc. You brought back a fond memory. Please keep doing this series, I love it.
Jennifer, speaking to your section on "how do you like yourself," my grandma, with knowing chuckle and a twinkle in her eye, would remind her grandchildren to be humble by saying, "I love me. Who do you love?"
I just discovered you this week. Your you tube channel reminds me of a combination of Laura Ashley and the very early days of the American Girl dolls. We were fans in the early days. We also read the Little House books to our children [I am 67 and married a farm boy from Montana]. Someone else commented on the Little Britches series by Ralph Moody. The home making secrets of the mother in Little Britches and Man of the Family fits right in with what you are instilling in women rising to the challenge of the life we have before us. Someone else mentioned that their mother said to make sure you have a degree or skill as one never knows! My mother said those words to me. I was not allowed to date until I was 18 and could not marry until I had a college degree. Even though home making is the higher calling for many, having the ability to engage in some kind of commerce is not negated. Those who are critical of the home making skills neglect to comprehend that one does NOT negate the other. I have raised three children. I have always taught in various situations through out the lives of my children. I also homeschooled through those years. You all are so fortunate to have the internet. I could have used more encouragement 'back in the day'. Thanks Jennifer. Keep up the good work.
I just loved this video. As a young teacher in the seventies, I read this book to my fifth graders, and we all loved it. That was back when children had prolonged attention spans. Of course, my life experience didn't allow me to discern these lessons. Thank you for sharing. New subscriber, and I am looking forward to more of all of your videos.
I adore The Secret Garden! I love this homemaking series from children's classics. Another of my favorite is What Katy Did, by Susan Coolidge.
Btw, I love those Christmas plates behind you. ❤️❤️❤️
It was amongst my favourite books too. In the UK in the 70s there was a TV series based on the book. It was very popular and we couldn't wait to watch it every week.
'The Secret Garden' was also my favourite book as a child. Your video presentation hit the spot for me and was a delight to listen to. I love how you really thought about the book in relation to creating a welcome and comforting home, where everyone feels loved and cared for. I am due for another read of this classic novel. You are also lovely to listen to, you look beautiful in this video and the dresser behind you is the perfect back-drop for this video. 10/10.
My mother is not a homemaker. She was never home. I hope to be better and your channel is very inspiring.
I had purchased this book some 11 years ago in grade 6 from my Scholastic Fair❤️
Love your Spode Christmas plates.l have those too.They are so lovely.
I love them!
1. An excellent home life can be lived on any budget because it is filled with ❤.
2. Actively cultivate the characteristics of a successful homemaker.
3. Attitude.
4. Joy and wellness. I love going back to my parents to help them out.
5. Bake once a week.
6. Boredom awakens childrens imaginations.
7. Nice smelling home.
8. Value cleanliness.
9. Children need liberty to cultivate their imaginations.
10. Drink beef tea.
11. Wake up early to be truly inspired.
12. Problem solvers.
13. Care about what your children care about.
I love story time. More , more, more please.
The Secret Garden is one of my favorite books. I only saw the perspective of the garden being our mind and what we feed it with and you sharing your perspective as a homemaker truly reminds me of a woman I hold dear as my role model- The Proverbs 31 woman. 😊 Blessings and I am inspired to read the book again ❤🙏
I grew up in the 1950's and in the summer, we might do a few chores, but we were able to play and didn't have to come home until the street lights were on. We had talents shows, played games, had races, built forts, climbed trees, bought penny candy, rode our bikes and had picnics. If you said you were bored, your mother made you do chores so we never mentioned it.
This was similar to my childhood in the '70s. We helped regularly with chores but also had plenty of time to play outside doing all of those things you mentioned above too. My mother would call us home by ringing a bell. I read many of the beautiful classics, like the ones Jennifer is sharing with us, outside under (or even in!) a tree. I am so grateful now for my childhood.
Me too...and I grew up just yesterday. If you were bored my mum said you were just idle and she gave you something to do.
When I am babysitting it is likely they'll be outside "cooking" or whatever else they fancy. Keeps the house surprisingly organised as a bonus😅
This is such a delightful series Jennifer. As a homeschooling mom I find myself reading old classics with fresh eyes. I’m learning so much about creating a home and parenting through children’s literature. I love hearing your perspective on these topics. I’m excited for your next video on Little Women, one of my very favorites! I’m journaling my thoughts after reading Little Men with my middle school aged son. Such great nuggets on parenting, homeschooling and raising boys. It’s a treasure trove! Thank you for this fabulous series, I so look forward to these videos. 💗