A Diary of Innocence: Sweet Violets
Thirteen-year-old Mary Hutchinson's disabilities did not impair her love of life. As she wrote in her diary "For though I am deprived of correct hearing, I can still hear and enjoy the voice of Nature.''
Wednesday, March 16th. Arose 8.30 a.m. I went for a walk and got some more violets. They are so lovely, the sweet dear little things. I did enjoy my walk last night. I think I enjoy each walk I take better than the last. This morning the grass was so soft and everything so beautiful. The hedges and trees are in bud. Some varieties are in leaf. What promise there is in every bud. This afternoon we repotted one of the aspidistras because some of the leaves were going yellow. We found several worms in the pot. The plant was Uncle Willie. Alice and I went to Mr. Bendelow's. We got a broom like a besom. After tea I sponged all the aspidistras. I gave my walking stick a new lease of life. In the evening I sewed at my hankie. Retired 9 p.m.
These are the verses I put on Nellis's bookmark-blotter.
God Bless Thee
With the fullness of His grace,
With the brightness of His face,
With the joy of depth unknown,
Of the peace He calls His own,
With His love's abiding rays,
God so bless thee all thy days.
I like these words also:
Heroism
Whether we climb, whether we plod,
Space for one task the scant years lend,
To choose some path that leads to God
And keep it to the end.
Lizette W. Reese
Thursday, March 17th. Arose 7.45 a.m. It is a lovely morning. I went out after breakfast. I went to the top of Nelson Lane. I looked for birds' nests but I did not find any this year. The birds were singing beautifully. I strolled gently along. I cannot describe the beauty in my walks. I do enjoy them. Today the men were ploughing in the fields. Everything is so peaceful except the motors which come hurtling along. Give me a pony and trap! I earned a penny this afternoon. Alice enamelled her bicycle and I helped her to rub the old enamel off with emery paper. I am so happy; the days are so lovely. I went with Nellie to Mrs. Clayden's. I did enjoy the walk there over the fields. We spent a pleasant hour there. When we came back the mystic twilight was falling. Retired 9. p.m.
Friday, March 18th. Arose 8.45 a.m. It is a beautiful day. Its beauty is indescribable. In the two grass fields there are sheep and lambs. The little lambs frisk and play like so many children. They perform some wonderful gymnastic feats. All day I can hear the ceaseless 'baa-ing' and 'maa-ing' of the woolly creatures. For though I am deprived of correct hearing, I can still hear and enjoy the voice of Nature. Ah! How sweetly the song of the birds rings in my ears. My dear little feathered friends, how I love you. The sun shines brightly today. But there is a little mist and the hills are hidden from our view. I went for a walk in the morning -- again in the evening. Each walk has a different beauty. Tomorrow I will describe them as I see them. I spent a pleasant evening sewing. Retired 9 p.m.
Saturday, March 19th. Arose 8 a.m. This morning I did not go out. It was lazy of me. For when going for a walk I am learning all the while. Ah! How many valuable lessons I have learned in the school of Nature. The stages of day. Dawn. The beautiful sunrise. All pink and golden. The dew is on the grass and hedgerows. Oh, the indescribably beauty of those mosaics of pearls. Natural pearls -- the dew on a cobweb. The long fingers of light steal over the earth and give place to morning. Morning -- the sun has mounted up in splendour. The world is bright and busy. All Nature is awake. Afternoon -- is more quiet. Slowly, slowly the sun sinks in the west of pink fire. The grey and mystic twilight falls and night comes on. A night of fairy moonlight or inky blackness comes on to give place to another golden dawn. Went to Thirsk with Mother at night. Visited Mrs. Scott and Mrs. Bendelow. Mrs. Pick and Alice came. Retired 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 20th. Arose 10 a.m. It is a beautiful day. I went to gather violets. I got quite a lot. They look so pretty. After dinner I went to Nelson Lane with Nellie. Then we went back. Then I went out again. I went as far as Fieldings‘. There I met with Mary Miriam being carried by her mother. I walked with them to the corner past Mr. Holroyd’s. We had a very pleasant walk. Mary is growing into a fine baby. After tea I read the C. N. Then I practised. Mary Dale came. “A gentleman puts more into the world than he takes out.” Truly this must be the definition of a gentlewoman also Then may I be one. Retired 9 p.m.
