Better late than never. This will have to be my motto to get me to the Christmas markets this year because I am finally into full scale production. Today has been about making the prototypes for the wreaths and now they are done I can just get on and make them all up. The house does look like a bomb has landed in it so I must be making progress. The sewing machine will be out tomorrow to complete the range and then I have 2 weeks to get as much done as I can.
It has been therapeutic creating things this week and strangely peaceful. As the young people on the island try and come to terms with the loss of Connor there is a sadness that lurks in the autumn mists and we can all feel it. Connor's death comes on top of three suicides in the past couple of years and I think our young people are struggling. None of it makes any sense and it is a huge burden that they are all carrying. As parents we just want to take the pain away but we can't and all we can do is be there as they slowly begin to talk about it. The island is a sad place to be at the moment and I think it will be for some time.
I have had lots of encouraging discussions with parents over the past 24 hours in response to my piece about supporting young people. It would seem that I am far from alone in wanting to do what I can to help our young people find their way in life. Sadly, I have also had some difficult conversations with parents who are trying to support their children through their final years in school. The pressure is immense and I do wonder what it is going to take before we realise just what the current system is doing to our children. Scottish island mum is filtering a continual message that 16-18 year olds are finding life just too tough. Pressure to achieve top grades is so high that we might as well let the other grades go. It is complete nonsense and I can not believe that this attitude is so entrenched in our society. I want us to all come together in a way that asks questions of a system that is clearly not working and damaging some of our young people. How on earth do 16 year olds take 10 plus GSCEs and why are 18 year olds starting to feel that they need 4 A levels?
So, in my crafting production line I am starting to contemplate what I might do to support young people. I already work closely with a number of young people who need help but I want to add a more universal response to what I am doing. My early research is showing me a couple of ways I might be able to help and I have some gentle emails circulating as I write. I don't want to moan; I want to help. This may come to nothing but I would be surprised at that outcome. Scottish island mum is not one for giving up. I shall keep you posted. Meantime if you are a parent and have any perspectives to share I would love t hear from you. I am especially interested to hear from parents who have found solutions to the problems faced by our young people as I am sure readers would be very interested.
I was lifted by last nights programme on the Great British Year. The episode focused on summer so autumn will be the last episode. The filming has been breath taking and to hear that people from all over the country have been sending footage in was truly inspirational. As the island delves deeper into autumn the colours are at their most glorious so tomorrow is a walk in the woods day to try and capture some of it. This time is so short before the leaves drop to the ground and winter starts to make itself known. It truly is a time to treasure.
Until tomorrow. xx
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