One of the more valuable lessons I picked up some time ago - I am not really sure from who or where, only that the idea is not original to me - was deciding on a course of study for the coming year.
The concept is that you pick one thing - or maybe some things - that you would like to learn more about over the coming year and spend your time and energy learning about them. It could be a completely new thing or or a series of old things you wish to know more about. The important thing is that one makes a concentrated effort to focus on certain items.
This year's choices:
1) Icelandic Sagas: Not really a surprise, given we are going to Iceland in in August. I believe I have most of the sagas that are available in English, at least the major ones. More of a re-acquaintance with old friends.
2) Cistercian Thought: The Cistercian Order has always fascinated me: scholarly, labor oriented, and often silent, if I had to choose a religious order to join they would be the one (and the philosophies of living simply and providing for one's self go well with my own philosophy). I have read smatterings of their thought but nothing on a larger order.
3) Polish Hussars: One of the more unique and interesting warrior classes of the 16th -18th century. Not only is it an excuse to re-read The Siege of Vienna and a biography of Jan Sobieski, it is the opportunity to learn about the history of Central Europe (often a forgotten part of US European studies).
4) Farming: This is always on the list. I am always looking to learn more - not just for where I am now, but for where I might be someday.
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