Just wanted to make a quick stop by Switzerland before we move on...

In the last podcast, I mentioned Longfellow once said his favorite poem he wrote was Evangeline. Today I share the true story that inspired the poet's heart.

In line with this month's Mother's University topic of poetry, here is a glimpse at one of my favorite poets, Longfellow.

This story focuses on Marie as a wife and a mother. I hope it inspires your heart and stirs your soul as it did mine.

Art: Marie Antionette being arrested with the king.

I never get tired of her story! Here's an introductory story for younger listeners...and also a little background as to how Mark Twain came to write his book about Joan--what he considered as his most important work.

Art credit: Joan of Arc by Jules Bastien-Lepage (1879)

Sorry I've been gone for a bit...I had some life to tend to...

But I still want to get in a few stories about France, Canada, Switzerland and a poet before we leave this month. So today I am sharing a story of Marie Curie.

Yes, I know she is Polish, but most of her work was in France. And this particular story has several WEH principles woven into it...how many can you find?

Plus, since these are podcasts mostly for Well-Educated Mother's Hearts, she is a wonderful example of the influence of a mother on her children.

She was dissatisfied with the schools in Paris, so she brought her two little girls home and homeschooled them. She even formed a co-op--she took on the job of teaching physics. That would have been something, wouldn't it??

Today I continue building on the ideas introduced in yesterday's podcast on why I think the arts are so important, especially in childhood education.

Iv'e had some thoughts weighing on me for the New Year that I will begin to share today, I'm revisiting the idea of tower climbing vs temple building. I hope it makes sense.

​Art credit: Tower of Babel by Brueghel and The Ages of Life by Thomas Cole

I thought I'd finish out the week with one more story from the American Revolution. Do you think you could be as brave as the young wife in this story?