Morning Prayer

The past few weeks have been full and beautiful. There hasn't been much time to sit down and write, but lots of good living going on here.  House sitting, soap making, reading, celebrating birthdays ( including that of our former preemie...always an extra special time of thanksgiving!), hosting gatherings, getting to know a mom with a new preemie, English Country dancing and ball gown outfitting.... even saying good bye to a grandmother who lived  life to the full and has gone on to glory.  All great blog material should my turn on the computer ever last more than 2 minutes :), but no real complaints...blogging is awesome, in my opinion, but living,making memories, and seeing my children explore their gifts ( including blogging...three of us now in this house!) is better! 


One of the books I have enjoyed this winter has been The Valley of Vision. As you start a new week, I hope this excerpt will be a blessing to you:


O God, the author of all good,
I come to thee for the grace another day will require for its duties and event.
I know that without thee I can do nothing,
     that everything with which I shall be concerned ,
     however harmless in itself,
     may prove an occasion of sin or folly,
     unless I am kept by thy power, 
Hold thou me up and I shall be safe.
Preserve my understanding from subtilty of error,
    my affections from love of idols,
    my character from stain of vice,
    my profession from every form of evil.
May I engage in nothing in which I cannot implore thy blessing
 and in which I cannot invite thy inspection.


May every creature be made good to me by prayer and thy will;
Teach me how to use the world, and not abuse it,
     to improve my talents,
     to redeem my time,
     to walk in wisdom toward those without, and kindness to those within,
     to do good to all men, and especially my fellow Christians.
And to thee be the glory. 
     

Holiday Reading and a Few Trees

Just in case you are wondering what to do with all those school books over the Christmas break.....

Just don't pack all your books into trees!  The holiday season is such a nice time to catch up on your reading, isn't it? We have also been enjoying several books on CD while driving and doing our holiday prep around the house. I keep a little notebook handy so I can write down especially memorable language/writing as we listen (the children serve as my scribes in the car). This has been such fun.  It is quite delightful to pull out a glowing metaphor or simile, or some unexpected alliteration, in the midst of daily conversation with the family! Just one of the things that make our children wonder if their mother isn't just a bit above average in the "strange" department ( ba-ha-ha-ha...)! But perhaps one day they will grow up to be stunningly articulate and not take themselves too seriously as they go about their daily tasks...and finally see that there was method in my madness :).  Pleasant Reading, friends!

Meow....

 To say that I am "not good at keeping secrets" is an understatement. I am known for innocently asking things like, "What do you think about giving your brother the same book the kids and I just bought for you?"  Or , before a surprise party, boldly proclaiming, " All hands on deck! Let's get this place cleaned up!  The visitors will be here in half an hour!!"  Seriously. So, this time of year, I really do try to just  let a quiet "meow" suffice....an aloof Siamese, instead of a bubbling, yapping terrier...for a brief season!

The Cat


Observe the Cat upon this page.
Philosophers in ever age,
The very wisest of the wise
Have tried her mind to analyze
In vain, for nothing can they learn.
She baffles them at every turn
Like Mister Hamlet in the play.
She leads their reasoning astray;
She feigns an interest in string
Or yarn or any rolling thing.
Unlike the Dog, she does not care
With common Man her thoughts to share.
She teaches us that in life's walk
'Tis better to let others talk,
And listen while they say instead
The foolish things we might have said.

--Oliver Herford

Pleasant Blog Reading

My sick days last week gave me a little extra time to catch up on blog reading.  Since I am now doing the "catch-up" thing with the house work, I really should not take the time for a proper post today. Instead,  I thought I'd share a few links with you.  Happy Reading!

*The Nester has a great post on decorating your home with book pages! I love this kind of stuff!

*Simple Mom has a super cute and economical idea that lets your children create art work for your  home.

*Cultivating Home reminded me of one of my favorite children's books and has a lovely post on Homemaking in Hard Times .

*From Chatting at the Sky....love this post on why it is hard to call yourself a writer! I always just call myself a letter writer :). ...thanks to my wonderful grandfather who taught me the joy of writing letters!

* I have also been enjoying a relatively new blog called Deep Roots at Home.  Deep Roots at Home has a variety of information on herbs, gardening, gluten free cooking, and the like. She recently started a new Link-up each Wednesday, so that might be of interest to you as well!

What have you read recently that inspired you?

Why I Read About Farming

...another photo from our trip in May....

"And like poetry, farming is an ancient choice but a fluid line, granting each new generation both heritage and a unique person challenge."  ~Lynda Hopkins


This week a sneezy-achy-fevery bug hit me.  Unpleasant. Especially since I had to spend an entire sunny, beautiful day in bed!! I hate to complain because it was short-lived and could have been much worse, but  it is just torturous to stay in bed when the sun is shining! On the up side, I was able to do some reading during my illness. The quote above is from the library book that I happened to have on hand this week. I wish I could recommend it to you, but it is sitting unfinished in the library bag to be returned. The writing was wonderful, the story was compelling, and, frankly, I wish I knew how things turned out in the end for the young woman writing the work. The thing that turned me off ( in a big way) was the foul language. It is a shame that such language was included because,otherwise, it would have been a great read.

I am almost always reading a book about farming. I have never been quite sure why.  However, this quote captures one aspect that draws me to the topic...a blend of heritage with  personal and unique challenges.  It is true in tiny gardens, as well as big farms.  Furthermore, it is true in motherhood, homemaking, and in matters of faith/application of Biblical principles. In an extremely tangible way, this applies to living in an old house.  All ancient choices, all with strong connections to the past, but each bringing  new challenges to each generation and each individual. Yes, this is the stuff I love to live and read about.

I appreciate the insight the insight, Ms. Hopkins, and I hope that in your next work you will consider editing out the foul language so your writing will appeal to a wider audience!

Math Facts... and an (unrelated) inspiring link!

 We have enjoyed getting back into the school routine this week. According to my daughter, one of the best parts of starting a new school year is that the math facts are all addition and are all easy!

Her comment reminded me of our favorite way to practice math facts. I just copy her drill sheets, slide them into page protectors, and clip them in her 3-ring binder.  I pop out the appropriate sheet when it is time to practice and, with dry erase marker in hand, she is ready to go. No more endless copying of sheets or buying drill workbooks!  My eldest son used this same concept when practicing his Latin declensions.  His co-op teacher had them use fine point Sharpie Markers, and then they would use a Magic Eraser to clean the page protector. Either way, it is a great way to stay organized, conserve paper, and save money! In addition to pen and paper drill work, there are some great folder games, board games, and songs that focus on fact memorization. Try several different things to see what works for your child. Shake things up from time to time and do something different and fun. Even a simple thing, like letting your student pick the color pen they want to use, can help keep fact memorization from becoming too boring.

To change subjects completely, a blog reader sent me the most wonderful link. Do you remember when I wrote about a book entitled The Boy From Baby House 10? It is still the best book I have read this year. And everyday I still think about about and pray for disabled children/former preemies worldwide who need families. It is a powerful book. Click here to see a wonderful story about John reuniting with an old friend from his orphanage in Russia ( courtesy of the Yankees!).  I know you will enjoy watching what God can do with "unsalvageable" children!

Only a Dad, but the Best of Men

Only a Dad

                      

Only a dad with a tired face,

Coming home from the daily race,

Bringing little of gold or fame

To show how well he has played the game;

But glad in his heart that his own rejoice

To see him come and to hear his voice.

Only a dad with a brood of four,

One of ten million men or more

Plodding along in the daily strife,

Bearing the whips and the scorns of life,

With never a whimper of pain or hate,

For the sake of those who at home await.

Only a dad, neither rich nor proud,

Merely one of the surging crowd,

Toiling, striving from day to day,

Facing whatever may come his way,

Silent whenever the harsh condemn,

And bearing it all for the love of them.

Only a dad but he gives his all,

To sooth the way for his children small,

Doing with courage stern and grim

The deeds that his father did for him.

This is the line that for him I pen:

Only a dad, but the best of men.                                            

                                                     ~ Edgar Guest 

A million Happy Father's Day wishes to my wonderful, hardworking, "no scar, no story" husband! To him and all the other unsung dads out there who toil daily, putting aside their personal comfort and faithfully doing what needs to be done in these difficult economic times so their wives can be at home with the next generation,  your sacrifices are not unnoticed. You are truly among the best of men!

The Summer Bookshelf

summer colds + summer storms + broken computer + end of the year paper work =

behind on the blog, behind on email, behind on the laundry, behind on the baking.

However......  

I am well on my way in the summer reading department!   Yes, I am currently reading each one of these, either alone or aloud with someone in my family.  I am not saying I agree with all of them :) ... at least not yet! But I have only read one of them before, so we will see how they come out! I have a couple more books I hope to add next month, but do you know what I am still missing?   A good book on marriage and/or Christian living. My honey and I like to read a  book together in the summer and we are coming up short on ideas this year. Any suggestions?

A Week of Poetry, Day 5: An Amy Carmichael Poem

                                           
A special thanks to our daughter Peace for sharing her photography this week! I have really appreciated her taking over some of the blog responsibilities so I could focus on some pressing tasks. Next week I will be away form the computer on an adventure, but please check in and read a guest post by my friend Michelle.  Michelle is a published author and an  insightful mother of  two boys. You may find that you have some of her home schooling books on your shelf at home!

Today's poem is by missionary Amy Carmichael. It is one of my favorites.  I first read in in her biography, A Chance to Die, when I was in high school.  At that time I committed it to memory. It has been an encouragement to me many times when I faced the choice between "easy" and the high call of serving God and dying to self.  There is no title listed in the book from which I first read it and, as always, the punctuation and capitalization is as the author desired.  I hope this "prayer-poem", as Elisabeth Elliot calls it, will be as meaningful to you as it is to us!


                                                     From prayer that asks that I may be
                                                     Sheltered from the winds that beat on Thee,
                                                     From fearing when I should aspire,
                                                     From faltering when I should climb higher,
                                                     From silken self, O Captain, free
                                                     Thy soldier who would follow Thee.

                                                 
                                                    From subtle love of softening things,
                                                    From easy choices, weakenings,
                                                    (Not thus are spirits fortified,
                                                    Not this way went the Crucified,)
                                                    From all that dims Thy Calvary,
                                                    O Lamb of God, deliver me.

                                                    Give me love that leads the way,
                                                    The faith that nothing can dismay
                                                    The hope no disappointments tire
                                                    The passion that will  burn like fire,
                                                    Let me not sink to be a clod:
                                                    Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.
                                                                                    -- Amy Carmichael

A Week of Poems, Day 4 : Disappointment--His Appointment

This week my oldest daughter is posting some of her photography, along with several selections of classic Christian poetry. Today's poem comes from the book The Best Loved Religious Poems, published in 1933. All punctuation and capitalization are as the author intended.  Happy Reading!

 Disappointment –His Appointment

“Disappointment –His appointment,”

  Change one letter, then I see

That the thwarting of my purpose

  Is God’s better choice for me.

His appointment must be blessing,

  Tho’ it may come in disguise,

For the end from the beginning

  Open to His wisdom lies.

“Disappointment –His appointment”

  Whose? The Lord, who loves me best,

Understands and knows me fully,

   Who my faith and love would test;

For, like loving earthly parent,

   He rejoices when He knows

That His child accepts, UNQUESTIONED,

   All that from His wisdom flows.

“Disappointment –His appointment”

    “No good thing will He withhold,”

From denials we oft will gather

   Treasures from His love untold.

Well He knows each broken purpose

  Leads to fuller, deeper trust,

And the end of all His dealings

  Proves our God is wise and just.

 “Disappointment –His appointment”

   Lord, I take it, then, as such.

Like the clay in hands of potter,

  Yielding wholly to Thy touch.

All my life’s plan is Thy molding,

  Not one single choice be mine;

Let me answer, unrepining—

  Father, "Not my will, but Thine.”

                      -- Edith Lillian Young

A Week of Poems, Day 3: Wit's End Corner

                                  

                                       “At their wit’s end they cry unto the Lord in their trouble,

                                               and He bringeth them out.”-Psalm 107:27, 28

This week my oldest daughter is posting some of her photography along with several selections classic Christian poetry.We found this poem in the book The Best Loved Religious Poems, published in 1933. If you are a weary mother in need of some encouragement, this poem is for you! ( All punctuation and capitalization is as the author intended.)

                                                          Wit’s End Corner

                          Are you standing at “Wits End Corner,”

                                    Christian, with troubled brow?

                               Are you thinking of what is before you?

                                    And all you are bearing now?

                               Does all the world seem against you,

                                    And you in the battle alone?

                               Remember-- at “Wit’s End Corner”

                                     Is where God’s power is shown.

                                       
                           Are you standing at “Wit’s End Corner,”

                                    Your work before you spread,

                                 All lying begun, unfinished,

                                     And pressing on heart and head,

                                 Longing for strength to do it,

                                     Stretching out trembling hands?

                                 Remember-- at “Wit’s End Corner”

                                     The Burden-bearer stands.

                                       
                          Are you standing at “Wits End Corner”?

                                   Then you’re just in the very spot

                                 To learn the wondrous recourses

                                      Of Him who faileth not;

                                 No doubt to a brighter pathway

                                      Your footsteps will soon be moved

                                 But only at “Wit’s End Corner”

                                       Is the “God who is able” proved.

                                                                -Antoinette Wilson

This post is linked to Homemaking Link-up at Raising Homemakers. 

A Week of Poems, Day 2: He Giveth More

                                                               
                   He Giveth More
   
                  He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
                     He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
                  To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
                     To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

                                           
                    When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
                        When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
                    When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
                        Our Father's full giving is only begun.

                                             
                   His love has no limit, his grace has no measure,
                     His power no boundary known unto men;
                   For out of his infinite riches in Jesus
                     He giveth and giveth and giveth again.
                                                              -Annie Johnson Flint

" He giveth more grace..."   James 4:6
"He increaseth strength..." Isaiah 40:29
"Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied..."  Jude 2

A Week of Poems, Day 1: For Every Day

The end of the school year is in full swing here and  I certianly do wish there was some way to get blog posts directly from my brain and into my draft box! We are going along at break neck speed finishing up our books, doing some house sitting, and enjoying various filed trips. I have hardly had a second to sit down and type out my name, much less anything worth reading! However, I do think I have written an entire month of blog posts in my head!

This week I am going to be quite busy preparing for an upcoming adventure.  Therefore,for the next few days, I am turning the bulk of the blog responsibilities over to my oldest daughter.  If the Lord is willing, she will be sharing some of her lovely photography and several selections of classic  Christian poetry.  At the moment we are not able to access her photos, but  I know you will thoroughly enjoy seeing her wonderful photography through out the week! And I am sure you will be encouraged by the words of faithful Christians that have gone before us, often facing the same challenges we find ourselves dealing with today. I believe uplifting poetry is one of the finest ways to add pleasant moments to your day! Our poetry books are on the desk with several selections marked, so happy reading!


For Every Day

SUNDAY .
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
  In living echoes of Thy tone;
As thou hast sought, so let me seek
  Thy erring children lost and lone.

MONDAY.
O lead me, Lord, that I may lead
  The wandering and the wavering feet;
O feed me, Lord, that I may feed
   Thy hungering ones with manna sweet.

TUESDAY.
O strengthen me, that while I stand
  Firm on the Rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
  To  wrestlers with the troubled sea.

WEDNESDAY.
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
  The precious things Thou dost inpart;
And wing my words that I may reach
  The hidden depths of many a heart.

THURSDAY.
O give thine own sweet rest to me,
  That I may speak with soothing power
A word in season, as from Thee,
  To weary ones in needful hour.

FRIDAY.
O fill me with thy fullness, Lord,
  Until my very heart o'erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
  Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.

SATURDAY.
O use me, Lord, use even me,
  Just as thou wilt, and when, and where,
Until Thy blessed face I see-
  Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share!

                              -Frances Ridley Havergal

Book of the Week: The Boy From Baby House 10

 This is the best book I have read this year. I walked past it in a library display and put it in my bag without even seeing what it was about. I read it in just a few days time, only to find myself re-reading it. Although that was many months ago, I just haven't been able to write a review on it. There was so much to take in and process. I still don't know that I can do a worthy review, but I know many of you are getting together your summer reading and this is a must read.

Hardly a day goes by that I don't think about something I read  in this book. It is the true account of former preemie named John, who was an orphan in Russia suffering from cerebral palsy. Through a miraculous (and lengthy) maze of circumstances, along with the courage of some very ordinary volunteers, he was eventually able to be adopted by an American. He has since flourished into a well-adjusted  high school honor student. Although I was intellectually very aware of the dreadful situations in many overseas orphanages, and even more aware of the plight of special needs children in other countries,(not to mention the general power of adoption), this book brought it all together in an earth-shattering kind of way. Everyday I now pray for children in orphanages in other countries. My heart simply cannot rest if I don't lift these little ones up to our Heavenly Father. I pray that someone will touch them and show them dignity and love, that workers will take the time to adequately feed them at meal time, that they will be allowed to play with toys, that they will receive physical therapy and medical treatment, that they will have time outside, that friends can stay together, that they will be able to retain the ability to love others and be loved, that they will know God's comfort in a real way as they suffer, that God will send His people to help them, that they will find relief, that they will be adopted into forever families. Often my heart just breaks and I can only rest on Romans 8:26 :" In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."   Yes, earth-shattering. That is really all I can adequately say.

 While showing many unpleasant realities, this account is also filled with hope. Ordinary people made a difference in one little boy's life. A very big difference. Just regular, ordinary people who cared and noticed someone besides themselves, changed someone's life! In addition, John  was able to remain psychologically strong and retain the ability to reach out to others after suffering terrible neglect. He found a place in a family and has done well. He is now in a situation where his disability does not hold him back. John's story is one that deserved to be told, and I know there are thousands more that deserve to be told as well. There is really so much more to be said...read the Amazon reviews for a more detailed and polished description...but please do read this book!

Book of the Week: More Hours in my Day

 
Over seventeen years ago my husband married a woman who knew nothing about housekeeping and home management...me! We met while we were both working and living at a Christian boarding school.  Every morning, as we escorted our middle and high school students to breakfast, a hot meal was magically placed before us in the cafeteria.  Same thing with lunch and dinner! You can imagine the panic I felt when we left our positions there so my husband could continue his education. The first meal I prepared for him was the only thing I knew how to cook...little pizzas made on canned biscuits! Can you believe that!? This is no reflection on my mother, who is a wonderful cook and housekeeper. I just had always thought myself to creative for such everyday, boring tasks.

As a 23 year old college graduate and wife, I was feeling the sting of my ignorance! Not only was I a complete beginner in cooking, I also knew very little about running a home in general. When my husband was studying I would pull out my brand new copy of  More Hours in my Day. I took notes like a mad woman.  Emilie's style of organizing and scheduling fit me perfectly. Not only did her writing help me in practical areas such as record keeping and home/time organization, she gave me a vision of  home-keeping as a creative profession and ministry of service. At this time, such a concept was brand new and truly life changing for me. ( I eventually even learned how to cook!)

One of the many things from this book that I have enjoyed implementing over the years is the practice of letting the children take turns creating table centerpieces for meals.  We love doing this!  Lego creations, stuffed animals dressed in silly clothes, treasures from outside, and many other creative things have graced our tables over the years. Now our older daughters enjoy doing things like gathering a nice bouquet of flowers or arranging rocks in a bowl with a candle for the centerpiece. It hardly seems like a meal if there is not something at the center of the table! I am so thankful that Emilie inspired us to do this when the children were young.  I truly believe that it has given them a vision of the meal table as a lovely place for creativity and beauty.

I was thrilled to see that this book was revised in 2008.  I pull my 1994 edition off my shelf now and then and always laugh at her references to typewriters and white correction fluid.  Much has changed since this book was first published in 1982! This book has a great deal of value for new homemakers, as well as older ones who need a bit of inspiration.  Everything from organizing your wardrobe and purse, to selling a home and money management, to family traditions and hospitality, are touched upon in More Hours in My Day.  I hope you will benefit from it as much as I have! Happy Reading!

Book of the Week: Little Princes

I love the New Books section of our library.  It is the first things you see when you walk in the library door, and my little one knows that it will be our first stop. I try not to test his patience too much ( being quiet and not running can be a challenge for preschool boys!), but I feel very strongly that moms need to be reading and expanding their world through good books, just like the children. The New Books section makes it easy to take a quick look and find something interesting...before little ones get restless!  Here is what I found last week:   

This was a great read! I sometimes worry that I will not be able to finish a book in two weeks, but I finished this one in less than five days.  It is the account of a young man who begins a trip around the world and is forever changed after volunteering in a children's home in Nepal.  Once back in America, he begins a foundation to help child victims of human trafficking in this postwar country. He eventually returns to Nepal and works with others to search for a core group of  missing children and reconnect them with their families, who are scattered in remote villages. By the end of the book I felt like I was friends with all the children the author describes. My arms ached to scoop each one of them (and their precious parents, who were only trying to protect them from the horrors of war ) up in my arms and tell them how dear they are to the Almighty. I wanted to hug and thank all those who were brave enough to do things I could never do.

The photographs the author includes are outstanding, putting faces with names and descriptions. The writing is easy to follow and liberally sprinkled with humor at appropriate moments.  I went from having a very fuzzy idea of what child trafficking is really about, to having a great amount of sympathy for all those caught in this complex tragedy. I also finished this book amazed by how much this small group of determined people accomplished for the children God put in their path.  The book is written from a secular viewpoint, although the author mentions his turning back to Christianity after becoming close friends with a volunteer who is a committed Christian.  I have the feeling that there is a lot more to this part of the story, but in the book all religions are simply presented as equal partners in helping the lost children of Nepal. Dedicated people of all faiths play a crucial part in the task of caring for these children and reuniting them with their families, but I know for certain that the success they experienced results from the blessing of God on their work. It is truly unexplainable from a human standpoint. I highly recommend this inspiring and enlightening book!

Author of the Week: Shirley Hughes

Today was our library day.  I don't think there is a better way to spend the afternoon than showing children a wide variety of books and helping them choose some to bring home ( free of charge!!!). When choosing books with my younger children I ask myself several questions.  One of the most important questions is, " How will this book...the story and the illustrations...influence their hours of play?"  When it comes to books that inspire imaginative,wholesome pre-school play times,( as well as leave you with a warm feeling about daily life with children), Shirley Hughes is my all-time favorite author.

I was introduced to this British author and illustrator years ago by my dear friend Sarah. She pointed out that our oldest son (about three years old at the time) was remarkably like Alfie, one of the main characters in several of Hughes' books. For that reason alone, the Alfie and Annie Rose books are quite dear to me! In addition, I love that her books display children of many cultures happily living together in a positive, working class, urban setting. Her illustrations are beautiful  and realistically reflect children and home life. The stories could only be written by a mom who has "been there" and knows all about the everyday challenges and joys of children.

Today at the library we picked up the The Big Alfie Out of Doors Storybook. The first story is about Alfie and his little sister setting up a shop in their back yard. My mind went back to this picture of Thunderbolt and his shop, which he and Spunky patterned after Alfie and Annie Rose's shop!

Another favorite story in this book is the tale of Alfie and his special rock named Bonting.  Bonting, who has his own hand made bathing suit, travels with Alfie to the beach and gets misplaced...for a while. In this story Hughes is fantastic at drawing the reader into the story and causing moms and children alike to almost ache with empathy. This is also achieved in her fantastic book Dogger. ( It is sometimes titled David and Dog, if you have the American version). David loses his beloved toy dog and his sister comes to the rescue.  After thirteen years of reading this story I still get teary eyed over Bella's her sweet sacrifice for her little brother. Other favorite Alfie books include Alfie Gets in First (when Alfie gets locked inside his house), Alfie's Feet, (when Aflie gets new rain boots), and The Birthday Surprise, (when Alfie is part of a birthday surprise for a sad neighbor).  The Big Concrete Lorry and Angle Mae are also excellent, slightly longer, stories about the children of Trotter street, a London working class neighborhood. I know there are many more that will come to mind later...

Recently I was visiting with my now far-away friend Sarah, and she commented how fortunate I am to still have little ones who enjoy Alfie and Annie Rose books.  I couldn't agree more! If you don't have pre-school children of your own, find a few in your neighborhood or church and read them one of these sweet books. I think you will enjoy it as much as they will! If you cannot find these books at your local library they are well worth the wait with Inter-library Loan.  I will also  place an Amazon link for a few titles in the sidebar of the blog  if you wish to order through Amazon. You can also search the Amazon link for further books by Hughes. They are excellent birthday and shower gifts! 

Happy Reading!