Almost a year and a half ago I started an experiment that I wasn’t able to finish….
but I CAN’T LIVE with unfinished business.
I need closure.
So this week I began my experiment again.
And this time I’ll do it right…and I will complete it.
An experiment is “a test or trial undertaken to discover or demonstrate something”.
My experiment is based on the book “The Art of Homemaking” written in 1962 by Daryl Hoole.
(and just so you know Daryl is a woman)
How I found this book, why I bought it, and how I came to appreciate it are for another post.
This post is about my idea to try living Daryl’s instructions to become “the ideal homemaker”.
In her book Daryl compares the ideal homemaker to a diamond that sparkles because of the variety of facets in which it is cut. She then outlines 20 facets (qualities) that must be present in a homemaker to make her as brilliant as a diamond.
This week I reread the book and reviewed each facet. I also decided that I will begin with Facet 1 and work through each Facet in the order that she has written them in. In my original experiment I tried to conquer one Facet each week but soon discovered that, for me, was futile.
This time I will take as much time as I need to give each Facet a real attempt. My only rules will be these:
#1. I need to attempt following the instructions for each facet.
#2. I need to have finished attempting all 20 facets by December 31, 2012.
That’s it. Only 2 rules.
And just so we are clear Mrs. Hoole says, “An ideal is something for which we strive. It is our standard of perfection and excellence…we can’t be ideal homemakers in every way at all times, but we do need a goal…”
I don’t think I will ever be the “ideal homemaker” but I do look back on the generations of my grandmother and great grandmother and see how they indeed turned homemaking into an art. I believe there is something to be said for that…and something that can be learned from it…and possibly even an ideal to strive for. And there in lies the purpose of my experiment.
Can I work these values into my 2012 lifestyle?
I guess only time will tell. As for this week I’ll be working on Faucet 1 (which I’ll tell you all about next Saturday). Wish me luck.
PS—I search every thrift store I enter for Daryl’s books—I love to give them as gifts—and I’m always afraid that one day I won’t be able to find them. But tonight I found that if you go HERE you can download the entire original book in digital form for only $7. Sweet!
I think you mean FACET. Like the facets (points) of a diamond. Not FAUCET…like the tap on a kitchen sink.
That book looks wonderful!
Dude, Emilie—thanks! I just fixed it—hopefully for anyone reading my posts one of the facets will be on improving one’s spelling!
liZ
Dude, Emilie—thanks! I just fixed it—hopefully for anyone reading my posts one of the facets will be on improving one’s spelling!
liZ
Hey, I have that book! I’ve even read it. I guess I need to pull it out and re-read . . . sounds like it’s worth it.
I’m excited to read about your journey through each facet. Sounds fascinating. 🙂
Been looking for something exactly like this, but didn’t know where to start. Thanks for the book recommendation. I’m going to look for a copy! Thanks!
I have this book too! The illustrations are my absolute favorite.
I know Mrs. Hoole! She and my grandparents were neighbors and good friends. I had the pleasure of dining with her once. I wish I’d savored it more, as at the time I didn’t know how influential she is. Thank you for reminding me about this book. I may just have to download it.