CMER

Folksong

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CMER 2025: Folksong

Fishing Trip, Norman Rockwell, 1919. Public Domain

My family will be together for the holidays. We will enjoy talking about good meals, board games, family vacations, and folksongs; just a few shared memories that knit us together as a family.

In a few short weeks, attendees from eleven states will gather at The Hideaway for CMER 2025. Nearly a third are new to the retreat. We will sing a folksong. It is our prayer that this time of singing together, laughing, and learning a new song or recalling an old favorite, will be the first of many shared memories that we will forge over the weekend.

Do you want a sneak peek? Name that tune in five words: “Well now, take down your…”

We are looking forward to singing with you!

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Sweet Polly Oliver

Hua Mulan, c.5-6th century. Public Domain

This year’s folksong, Sweet Polly Oliver, is a classic English ballad in the vein of a universal trope.

Rather than be separated from her true love, a young woman adopts the disguise of a male soldier and follows him into the army.

If that sounds like a familiar plot, it should. Hua Mulan is the classic Chinese tale of a daughter who joins the army in a gesture of filial love, serving in her father’s place. Do any others come to mind?

We look forward to singing with you at the retreat.

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Folksongs are like Teapots

Charlotte Mason Educational Retreat
By Frederic Remington Public Domain

On a shelf in my kitchen is a collection of teapots. I have been a modest collector for twenty years. There is no purpose to the collection; I choose what pleases me. Many are gifts and each of these special ones has a note tucked inside that tells who gave them to me and on what occasion.

One of these dear teapots belonged to my Great-Great-Great-Great Grandmother. My mother was given it the year that I was born. When I hold it in my hands, I imagine their hands as they held it and poured a cup of tea for their families in places far, far from me. As I do the same, they draw near to me.

Folksongs are like heirlooms or keepsakes…or teapots. They are treasures that are passed down, sometimes a little worse for the wear. When you sing them, you draw near to those who walked before you and through life experiences that you can only wonder at. [Read more…] about Folksongs are like Teapots