Inspired by gardens as a time portal, I imagine a teatime tête-à-tête while sharing our adventures in historically accurate clothing, handsewn in a historically accurate way.
Thus, please join me…
18TH CENTURY INSPIRATIONS IN MY YOUTH
Something about the charm of a Sleeping Beauty coloring book when I was six caused me to color a page of 18th century gents on horses, be still my heart…
Then in grade school for history we watched the Disney movie, Johnny Tremain…full of tricorn hats and lovely swishing gowns with perky ruffly caps that gripped my soul.
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG ACTUALLY LIVES 18TH CENTURY?
Seeing a vibrant 18th century town alive with tricorn hats and swishy gowns broadcast on television on Independence Day, I asked my dad in wonderment: That looks so huge it must be real. Is it?
My dad knowingly replied: It’s Colonial Williamsburg, where the residents of that town actually live 18th century every day.
Wow!
Better than I could ever imagine was my first visit to Colonial Williamsburg as a young school teacher, where I was immersed in a 1774 Virginia town alive with tricorn hats and swishy gowns, while listening to the clip clop of horse hooves.
While learning that Virginia was the largest, oldest, wealthiest, and most populous of the British colonies. I also learned that famous people I already knew from textbooks walked those streets where they created our country of America.
Who knew? Williamsburg was never once mentioned in history books.
How do I hold all those marvelous details in my head? Which books actually write of this? Can I live here, too?
HOMESCHOOLING COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG STORY – AMERICA’S STORY
Back home in Texas, my kids were born and our homeschooling journey began, with a goal to teach them all I knew of the amazing history in Colonial Williamsburg, which is also America’s story.
BLOGGING OUR STORY
Meanwhile a new technology called blogging became a thing, which I proclaimed I’d never do. 😉
As we progressed in our homeschool journey, many moms wanted pictures of the uniqueness of our Becoming History through homeschool.
With the ease of blogs to tell our story to other homeschool moms, Teacups in the Garden debuted in 2007 with an invitation to my garden.
Choosing a theme of gardens and teacups, I envisioned two of my favorite things combined for a lovely relaxing chat as we share our experiences.
FINDING LAFAYETTE EVERYWHERE I GO
As we began traveling through Virginia on summer vacations from Texas, I was intrigued by all the Lafayette sightings.
Knowing him only as a sentence in a history textbook, I began exploring his life, which unfolded an amazing story of the alliance between America and France, that continues to this day.
A fan was born!
AWARD
Top 30 Homeschool Blogs by Top Education Degrees: Your Guide to the Best Education Degrees first awarded my blog in 2014!
The author of the article Tracey M. Armstrong, Ph.D. in Education from the University of Virginia homeschools too!
Best Social Studies Blog (#26 on the list): Teacups in the Garden
Describing my blog she beautifully wrote: With an invitation to join the author in her garden of life, this blog takes readers on an exploration into history, their homeschooling journey, trips to fascinating places, and their latest projects in quilting, sewing and historical costume design.
Then she featured one of my signature posts: How do I Plan Becoming History presentations?
Thank you Top Education Degrees for the recognition!
{{{Alas, her current links go to my old Blogspot website.}}}
WHILE SHOPPING FOR COSTUME FABRIC…
While having some linen fabric cut at JoAnn Fabric, the young man helping us asked what I was making. I replied I needed it to finish an 18th century hunting frock for my son. The guy asked my son, “Cool! When will you wear it, while reenacting?” My son explained about visiting CW in costume. That led to more questions where he asked where the kids were schooled. We said we were homeschoolers and I added that we do history presentations in costume. “Wow! You’re a fun teacher!” the guy exclaimed. He said he was homeschooled through 6th grade but was sent to public school to finish his education. He said it was so boring because he had already learned everything his classmates were learning. -July 30, 2012
COMMENTS FROM MY OLD BLOG
Thought you would be interested to know what Sue (my dad’s cousin) thought of your blog. I sent it to her the other night. This is what she said about the blog: I checked out a lot of Laurie’s blog yesterday. Boy she is good!!!!! -Mom, June 18, 2009
If I wanted to ask Laurie from Teacups a question, but first…your blog seriously ROCKS! -Nicole, Aug 23, 2011
Hi Laurie, It really is a small cyber world. I ran across your blog 6 months ago and loved your concept. – Tiffani, June 30, 2012
I’ve just discovered your blog. Your site is beautiful. Full of great information and very extensive. Thanks much, I hope to visit often. Just wanted to tell you so. Have a blessed week -Jean, Feb 4, 2013
Thank you for your blog! I discovered your blog about seven months ago, and I have really enjoyed it. Thanks so much for your time! -Jennifer, Mar 7, 2013
I’m a history buff and I enjoy your blogs. -Paul, Dec 1, 2018
CONTACT ME
Email me at code name: lahbluebonnet@gmail.com
