Homeed In Pictures: first half spring term

Pictures can paint 1000 words; I love using my camera but it has been a bit remiss in my life of late - a sense of being 'too busy' to pick it up and click away.

Yet taking pictures enables me to see things differently, to capture a moment that may be forgotten or to share with friends something wonderful in my life.  With this in mind, I have signed up to #100daysofhappiness . I have also encouraged Sophie to participate too; she is feeling a bit 'down' of late as she studies for her GCSE's and questions why she needs to know about Photosynthesis, Pythagoras Theorem or Verbs and Adverbs, when she is only going to get old and die one day anyway.  Big questions from a young soul!  When life feels a bit weary, it's easy to forget it's the little things in life that count: follow me on Instagram if you want to see my 100 days, in the meantime these are some photos of our home ed for 2014 so far:

angela xx 

You know what a camera is? A mirror with memory. 
- Anonymous

Home ed book-shelf: Getting back to basics

I love the start of a New year; it's the time and opportunity to revisit and reflect on where you are at and where you are going.  With that in mind, this selection of books is to re-inspire!

 Under Pressure: Putting the Child Back In Childhood
 Of my three children, one is most definitely moving away from childhood, one is on the brink (sometimes a child, other times yearning to be older) and one is still very much a child!  It is so easy to move children forward too quickly; our adult world consistently impinges on their needs and developments - and our own concerns and worries about 'keeping up' may lead us to push children (and ourselves) to the edge.  This book reflects on modern life, education and the basic needs of children.  I am re-reading it; as a result we are on a screen detox this week.  The i-phones have been put away, the second lap top closed, the i-pod shut down and the TV covered.  It's day two; the energy in the house is already so different.  Books are being read, games are being played and it is much noisier (is that a good thing?) as the children talk and play and sing instead of being sucked into the vortex of cyber space.  Loving it!



Nature's Playground: Activities, Crafts and Games to Encourage Children to get Outdoors
I am not that imaginative when it comes to being outside, but when I have been outside I feel rereshed and whole again (unless it's pissing down with rain - then I just feel wet.) Getting the children involved with wanting to be outside can be a challenge; this book is full of great ideas for children of all ages (and adults) that takes you through the seasons with simple ideas for enjoying nature and the outside.  Our home ed plan is to tackle one activity a week!


The Life Organizer: A Woman's Guide to a Mindful Year
Last year was so involved in the campaign to save Independent Midwifery and so busy with births, that I feel I was constantly rushing (apart from our time out in the states) and not as mindful of myself as I would have liked.  I purchased this book a couple of years ago, but last year it sat on my bedside table for 12 months without being opened.  I plan to use it this year with intention, to centre myself, nurture myself and find time to follow some of my own dreams.


Which will you add to your bookshelf?