of the world.
It is a mistake to try to get rid of the work of the home; the right way is
to enjoy it; just as a doctor, an actor, a writer, a manufacturer or a
merchant enjoys his or her work. The affairs both of the home and the world
belong to the woman home-maker. We should take pattern by English and
French women, for the English woman is keenly interested in political
affairs and is able to discuss them with understanding, and the French
woman is admired by all because she is her husband's business partner and
can continue the business in his absence. A partner with responsibility is
better and happier than a worker without responsibility, and of infinitely
more value to the community than an idler without an intelligent interest
in life.
No true home can exist without the recognition and love of spiritual
interests. Home life is intended to promote the growth of kindness and
mercy. The woman of the home must also help in providing recreation for her
family and herself. Thus home becomes the best and happiest placein the
world and is worth all we can give in time, energy and love to make it so.
CHAPTER XIX
JOURNALISM. WRITING. ADVERTISING. ART. HANDICRAFTS. DESIGNING.
PHOTOGRAPHY. ARCHITECTURE. LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
HOUSE DECORATING AND FURNISHING. MUSIC. ACTING. DANCING.
Many girls who have definite gifts are specially interested in the
occupations described in this chapter. As a rule, the girl with a decided
talent has no difficulty in choosing the employment which she wishes to
follow. But she sometimes is in doubt as to whether her ability is
sufficiently great to justify her in choosing an art rather than a
handicraft, or an art rather than a profession, or whether her gift should
not be used in a directly practical business pursuit. One of the purposes
of "The Canadian Girl at Work" is to teach the work of whatever kind may
be interesting, and that the standing of the worker depends on the skill
and perfection with which the work is done. Good art is found in many forms,
but never except as the result of work, devotion and a gift. If the girl,
in any artistic employment, helps to make the ordinary surroundings of
everyday life more beautiful and more suitable she is using her gifts to
advantage.
The girl who wants to write may find a suitable and enjoyable field in
journalism. Some instruction in journalism is given in colleges, more
often in connection with college papers than in any other
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