Motherculture in Little Pockets of Time
By Kimberly Somarriba, CMI Event Coordinator
Is it me, or does this change of season, although welcome, make you feel a little overwhelmed? The peaceful, still days of winter are suddenly over. There is spring cleaning to be done, we are behind with math lessons, our favorite nature spots are calling (and we must explore before tourist season), suddenly everyone is in a growth spurt requiring twice the grocery trips, the baby has not adjusted to the time change, and all the kids are due for dental cleanings. Surely, I’m in good company?
With all the hustle and bustle of spring excitement, finding time for Motherculture can quickly slip off my schedule. Afterall, something has got to give.
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And yet, fifteen years of motherhood has taught me that remembering my own personhood can be the antidote to the overwhelm I feel in these busy seasons. So, I’ve been finding small pockets of time to spend in my own pursuits, which fits this season of life best. Here is what it looks like for me:
- Sitting down with my high schooler and participating in her art lessons.
- Reading a book with a friend or two and texting or video chatting about it afterwards.
- Walking during meetings (apologies to my CMI colleagues for the shaky screens…and sweat).
- Testing out a new sourdough recipe, doubling it to share with friends. We just tried these brownies…they were decadent!
- Adding a journaling session to our time together as a family, letting go of the idea of a perfect journal and celebrating the practice for its own right. Lindsay shared some beautiful, practical notebooking inspiration here.
- Leaving the earbuds at home when I go for a walk, and listening for the birds instead. Sometimes I’ll turn on the Merlin Bird sound ID and just keep it in my pocket or stroller, and not look at it until I’m home. It’s like a little game to see if I heard all the birds the app did.
If you’re in the Hive, I’d love to hear the ways you fit in a little time to nurture your personhood as a mother and educator. Let's chat!
In keeping with finding these small pockets of time to breathe life into our person, we’d love it if you join us for our virtual conference offering this year - Friends and Fellow Labourers - this series is designed to better emulate the in-person conference experience with conversations around topics guided by CMI Board and Staff members. Consider yourself invited!
Notes:
- Member Survey: Tell us about your experience with Alveary – what you’re loving and what we can improve. Your feedback helps shape what we create next and how we serve you better. As a thank you, you’ll be entered to win one of five Amazon gift cards.
- Summer CMI Courses: Looking for opportunities to deepen your understanding of Charlotte Mason's ideas? Mark your calendars for March 25th, when registration will open for all Summer courses! Have questions? We'd love to talk with you at an upcoming open house!
- 2026 CMI Conference: The complete list of speakers, session titles, and track options for Faithfully Present 2026 is now live on our website! Whether you’re a home or classroom educator there’s a track just for you. View them all here.
- Friends & Fellow Labourers: Pull up a chair and join our virtual series where parents and educators come together to explore Charlotte Mason’s ideas and find fresh encouragement. Learn more here.
- Office Hours: Here is the recording from this week’s Office Hours discussing Charlotte Mason’s 7th principle.
- Term 3 Exams: Term 3 exams are live! You can find the exams for all grade levels in your Dashboard under “Exams”. Remember, you can also submit your exams to the Alveary team.
- In the Company of Ideas: During the month of March, we have been discussing The Fool and the Heretic over in the Hive. There is still time to join in on the conversation!
Mason Quote
"The best thought the world possesses is stored in books; we must open books to children, the best books; our own concern is abundant provision and orderly serving."
Vol. 2, pg. 26
