Lady Artist - Caroline Greb
Caroline Greb, her husband Ethan, and their toddler Thea currently live in Charlotte, NC while Ethan pursues his masters at Reformed Theological Seminary. In between the hours making scrambled eggs, changing diapers, and going on walks, you can find Caroline editing for Ekstasis Magazine, teaching Aesthetics at Greyfriars Classical Academy, and painting artwork for commissions, businesses, galleries, and her website. You can see more of Caroline’s work at carolinegreb.com and follow her painting, homemaking, and adventures with her family on Instagram. Keep your eyes out for her new collection coming out January 25th!
ICYMI - We began a book study this week. If you want to follow along, get The Book of the City of Ladies by Christine de Pizan. Here’s the version we are reading together.
A Woman to Know - Elisabet Ney
Growing up in her stone carver father’s studio in Germany, Elisabet Ney developed a strong desire “to know great persons.” She stubbornly began to work towards her goal to become a sculptor, even going on a hunger strike for a week when her parents initially opposed her. The first female sculpture student at the Munich Academy of Art, Ney opened her own studio in Berlin 1857. Ney’s future husband, Edmund Montgomery, convinced philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer to sit for a sculpted portrait which was widely hailed and kickstarted the beginning of Ney’s career. She sculpted many famous figures in Europe at the time - the Brothers Grimm, Richard Wagner, and King George V of Hanover. But after Montgomery (now her husband) was diagnosed with tuberculosis and their first child was born, Ney and her husband immigrated to the Americas, where they eventually settled between Houston and Austin, Texas in 1873. Ney continued her work, sculpting figures such as Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin and William Jennings Bryan. Ney became a champion of the arts in the still young state of Texas and in the growing country of America. There is a museum dedicated to her work in Austin, Texas.
Quick Takes - 5+ Women Bryna Wants in The City of Ladies
Balanced Beyars (https://www.instagram.com/balancedbeyars): These Hormone Hype Sisters are some of my favorite people I follow. Their information on the female menstrual cycle is literally life-changing for women. Their approach to life as a woman is holistic, practical, and ground-breaking. I’m obsessed with their page, attitudes, and energy!
Hannah Walker at Touch of Grace Esthetics (https://www.instagram.com/_touch.of.grace/): Ohio friends, this one’s for you! Hannah is a licensed esthetician in the Dayton area. Her small business offers cosmetic and personal care through facials, waxing, and more. As a stress-prone personality myself, few things give me energy and rest quite like an appointment with Hannah!
Karen Welton, Birth Coach (https://www.instagram.com/painfreebirth/): I absolutely love this woman’s page. Welton provides women with knowledge, confidence, and calm about their own bodies in labor. Liberation in action.
Andrea at (https://www.instagram.com/deliciouslyfitnhealthy/ ): I love the information and resources on this page! Women in modern society are not supported in the care and healing of their bodies after the epic task of pregnancy and labor, and Andrea’s page is a perfect place to start learning about a mother’s body.
The Little Milk Bar (https://www.instagram.com/thelittlemilkbar_/): This page and website are all about empowering breastfeeding mamas. As a first time mom, who was breastfeeding between classes on a college campus, I gained a lot of confidence from this page. I love what she stands for. Disclaimer: foul language on some content.
BONUS (because there are so many cool women, y’all!): Shawn Johnson East (https://www.instagram.com/shawnjohnson/): Olympian, mama, and author, Shawn is a delight to follow. I love how she and her husband discuss and portray marriage. Honest, hilarious, and helpful - a rare combination in marriage discussions these days.
Daily Delights -
Bryna: While reading If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff, my son suddenly asked to make cupcakes. Nothing quite as special and fun as the craziness of baking with a 3 year old. 10/10 recommend. You’ll never forget the pride in their voice when they announce at the top of their lungs that “the cupcakes are in the oven!”
Jillian: This week, we four gals finished our study, Girls Club by the Clarkson women. I thought I knew my ladies well - but this study’s superb questions and thought-provoking readings have deepened, and re-centered, our friendships. Highly recommend!
Kiernan: Even with the first snow up here in New England, I am determined to get outdoors more. The 1000 Hours Outside challenge is getting us out, even if I get too cold after 30 minutes. Every minute counts!
Gail: This week I’m delighted to be making plans to do preschool with my grandson, Alexander! His mother and I have picked out the curriculum, Before Five in a Row. (Oh, what joy if I could do it with all my grandchildren!) Being with children is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I’m thankful to have this opportunity.
The Not-So-Commonplace -
Listen, we are calling you back. Driven out
You must now return. The country
Out of which you were driven flowed once
With milk and honey. You are being called back
To a country that has been destroyed.
And we have nothing more
To offer you than the fact that you are needed.
Poor or rich
Sick or healthy
Forget everything
And come.
~Bertolt Brecht, To the Actor Peter Lorre in Exile
And a new category, Movie Quote! We ladies can hardly communicate without using movie quotes so we thought we’d share some of the ones we throw around a lot! We hope you enjoy them as well.
“Why can’t they get girlfriends?”
What film is this from? Go to our Instagram stories to submit your guess and check next week’s journal for the answer!
Have a lovely weekends, Friends.
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