Mastercrafts and Lark Rise to Candleford

I have just watched the 3rd episode of the Mastercrafts series on iPlayer. The first was green woodworking, something that is very close to our hearts in this family. The second was thatching which is something that David has an interest in, and the 3rd was Blacksmithing. All make for interesting viewing, especially for a Home Educating family of four boys, that are very practical minded.
The message that comes through in each programme is, as we already believe, that people like to do practical things. There is something more rewarding working with a raw material and making it into something beautiful, useful and individual. It reminds me of the reason for our home educating journey here. That the boys discover what truly make sthem happy and to follow that path, rather than end up at 40 having sat at a desk job that they hate for years, and then trying to change direction. It just isn't always possible to change route later on in life. Mortgages and family commitments can prevent it, and why wait until you have muddled through life for so many years before finding out what is right for you? Why should we be unhappy and just stick at something to pay the mortgage? I don't mean not to work hard, but why shouldn't we all be able to work hard at something we enjoy?
That is the main goal for our HE journey... for the my boys find the path that is right for them.
I have also been watching Lark Rise to Candleford. I didn't see the first two series. I didn't know it existed and so would dearly love to catch up on the series on DVD (my birthday coming up next month, so you never know!!!!) as I have really enjoyed the recent episodes. Something about rural life, in its day to day simplicity that makes me crave the next installment!!!
An episode recently showed a boy being pushed in a direction that he didn't want to go, academically and work wise. It saw him rebel against it completely and he moved out to follow his desire. Only by showing love and support for his needs, were his parents able to help him decide on the right path for him. Laying down the law and giving ultimatums did not work, and was a good reminder for all of us parents of headstrong children out there!!!
We have no TV licence as the amount of rubbish out there is massive, but occaisionally I find something worth watching, which is good for the knitting projects!! Good job us women can multi task!!!
It has been a good week socially for us. Two lovely wood walks and picnics with other home educating families, saw the boys engaged in activities with children and babies of ALL ages!!!


Long may we have sunshine and good friends!!!