reality | Samantha Humphreys

August 31, 2025

Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All in Learning

Remember this? I loved playing with this toy. I learned about the shapes, how they looked, how many sides they had and what they were called. For anyone unfamiliar with the concept, the yellow pieces have their own specially shaped hole in the ball. They need to be slotted through until all forms are safely inside. Once inside, the ball opened up and the pieces shaken out.

It was great fun, simple fun at a time in life when things were less complicated. Of course, it wasn’t just about enjoying the game, it was educational too. There are formed pieces, with specific names and there are places in which they fit. They only fit into the space made for them. If they were to lose any of their form, they would no longer fit. There would be no place for them.

So what of the infinite variations on the forms with a name? the cylinder or circle that isn’t quite round or the irregular shape that has no title? Where in the world is their place? How would they fit into the red and blue ball?

We now live in far more accepting societies. Diversity is celebrated in all its wonderful forms. Opportunities are opening up for a wider demographic all the time. Yet, the schooling system still expects children to fit into the same ill fitting ‘holes’. It doesn’t make sense to ‘recognise’ that we are all different. Each of us is literally unique and will find our place. but not necessarily before we reach adulthood. Yet, the framework makes students think they can excel in all subjects. That this is achievable if they put in the effort. This is comparable to saying, ‘we know you are an irregular octagon.’ We only have round shaped spaces. You need to fit through that. If you try really hard, you can change, because we need the same result from you as we do from the circles’

Does that not sound ridiculous?

Tomorrow is the start of the new academic year. Teachers all over the country will be undergoing their first training of the term. Planning of new and exciting content will commence along with techniques to make learning accessible to all students. If only the education system would align with the progress in recognising neurodiverse conditions. These conditions prove that one size absolutely does not fit all.

What a happy, fulfilled and confident set of achievers we would have then? Always.

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August 20, 2025

Wildlife Encounters in Changing Landscapes

Lost Walks (2024) Mixed Media

Our usual early morning dog walk has been disrupted by metal fences that now barricade the usual route around the field. There will be no more peaceful sunrise walks with long summer grasses brushing past our legs. There will be no random daffodils, Fireweed, and Toadflax to photograph. I feel the need to capture them every year because they look different in some way. Most sadly of all though, there will be no more Lupins which I have looked forward to every springtime.

Maze doesn’t know why we can’t turn right anymore. Every morning she stands to look through the fence at the space. This has been her morning routine nearly all her life.

Neighbours, fellow dog walkers, and human walkers are lamenting the loss of this once appreciated open space. The wider community is also voicing concerns and expressing their sadness. But, it’s important to remember that the homes we enjoy were once an open space enjoyed by someone. My own home was the first house in the road and was a small farm. That said, this space and the fields beyond the woods which have also succumbed to developers, will be sorely missed. Most importantly, the wildlife will be forced out. In the last few days, I have seen more deer and more rabbits. I also spotted a field mouse that bolted out of the hedgerow straight into my path. I shrieked (not a fan, although I admit it was cute) and the creature looked startled and ran away (phew).

Everything Changes as the wonderful Gary Barlow once wrote and we can either fight these changes or embrace them. Sometimes change is for the better. The field in our road has fallen prey in recent years to wildfires. They are creeping closer each time to the back garden fences.

Life is already too short for fighting I think.

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May 24, 2025

The Buzz of Productivity: Lessons from My Working Journey

While it suits me to be flexible, my working pattern has recently been extremely up and down. It has also been diagonal!

I appreciate that I can breathe between the hours each day. I can pay attention to the things that matter and be here. I can sit in the sun or listen to the rain during a coffee break.

That’s a point, I can have a coffee break when I need one….

Two days ago, I discovered I had an unexpected day at home. Both my appointments that day were cancelled. a field near home where I walk is now filled with a pink and purple showcase of Lupins. I watched a bumblebee travel from flower to flower collecting what she needs from each resplendent bloom.

I am a bee. I travel from teaching jobs to coaching appointments; tuition to art exhibition. I am commissioned to make art so there’s consultations and testing to do. There are other roles in between that don’t have a name and then there’s writing workshops and lessons. Examples for these lessons to be created and photographed. There is also the accompanying admin to all of this. I am content though. I love being in charge of my time and I have a literal buzz around me when I’m working. Like the bees, I feel that I’m doing what I’m meant to do. It’s how I fit into my tiny corner of the world.

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May 12, 2025

Embracing Risk: Lessons from a Snail’s Journey

I met this little snail this morning who was also taking an early morning walk…er…slide..glide..whatever snails do. Actually, I nearly stood on him. I’m sure I have mentioned that during my walks, when my brain starts to relax, random questions arise. These questions are mind boggling yet maybe not so ridiculous. For instance, ‘why do slugs even try to cross this footpath? Why does it not realise the danger it is in just by breaking cover?’

So naturally, I nearly stood on this tiny creature. I asked the same thing in my head, of course. I haven’t taken to chatting out loud with the wildlife just yet.

But you know, then for the first time I started to think, why wouldn’t they cross? Why spend all of their already short life hiding away? I have never been a risk taker. I won’t even leave the house without a fully charged phone. I always have a ‘cardie’ just in case. I need to know when and where I will eat, drink, or do anything else that keeps me functioning. spontaneity is not my middle name! As a young girl and woman, I was careful not to draw attention to myself. If anyone said I was good at art, I played it down. I much prefer to heap attention and praise on others. I certainly wouldn’t speak in front of people. I was too scared to try anything new in art. What if I was rubbish at it? Everyone would see. I wasn’t exactly encouraged by school, so I don’t totally blame myself anymore.

In the last decade or so, I have taken some brave (for me) leaps of faith. I have exhibited my work in galleries. I have even won a couple of competitions. I have taken on jobs without knowing if I would be any good at them. Just because I knew they would be an amazing string to my bow if I was good at it. I am excited to learn new techniques. I am even more excited to pass on what I have learned.

Be more snail.

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May 5, 2025

Untitled

Look at this field of dandelions. I can never fully capture on camera the beauty of a vast field that stretches as far as the eye can see. I see them every day for weeks, yet I always find a new composition, angle, or reason to photograph them.

My calm brain starts thinking of random things… How many dandelions are in the world? Who said we can tell the time with them? As a little girl, I would pick a ‘dandelion clock’ and blow out breaths that magically matched the hour! I think I only ever did this at three o’clock since it wouldn’t take twelve breaths had I done it at noon.

All these dandelions began their lives at around the same time, but some have already lost many of their fluffy white seeds to the wind, while others are trying to hold on to theirs. I love a good metaphor, and I’ve recently returned to teaching at school. Each class is made up of children from various backgrounds and cultures. No two children, aside from siblings, have the same family situations, but even then each one has their own unique emotions, thoughts, and comfort zones.

So why are they all expected to be equal in their ability to learn the same things at the same pace? Our dandelion counterparts live in the same field, but conditions play a part in how their future is shaped and yet they will all if given the chance to live, progress through life and thrive. All strong and capable, but finding these strengths and capabilities at different times of life.

Of course it is essential in formal education to monitor progress, thats what purpose it should serve though, monitoring progress checking that there are no barriers to learning that can be solved with kindness not threats and sanctions. Each beautiful dandelion will reach its full potential in good time. Maybe not by conforming and living up to the same expectations as others; but by encouragement and patience and the resources to give the individual guidance that is so needed.

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April 15, 2025

Creating Mindfulness in Nature: A Reflective Outing

This weekend, I was working alongside fellow creatives in leading some community workshops in a non residential retreat. Titled, Creative Calm, these were held on the beautiful campus at ARU Writtle. I designed short tasks using drawing, painting, and writing. These short tasks embrace the idea that mindfulness can be achieved by focusing only on the moment.

Engaging with nature is known to improve life balance. It keeps us mentally fit and promotes a positive sense of wellbeing. Walking in green spaces, forests, woods, and fields makes us feel wholesome. More importantly, it allows us to reset our busy minds when partaking at either end of the day. Being creative also holds these powers. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced and confident artist. You can also enjoy these benefits, even if you consider your skills to lie elsewhere. The secret to unlocking the powers is understanding that we, as humans, are part of nature. We are not a separate entity. Nature is made up of living, moving, ageing and ever-changing matter. We are just that.

Last week was filled with sad news of the passing of friends and family of friends. I chose a corner of the memorial garden on campus to create a watercolour painting. I’m unsure if that is the name of the garden. It has become a place where tributes are left in memory of those that have passed in recent years. It is also a retreat for peaceful sitting. As I studied the leaves, flowers and man made structures; I reflected, just sat and thought. I layered my painting with the subtle changes in green tone. My aim was to give it the depth and richness I wanted to achieve. I pondered (now there’s a word I don’t use often enough) on how and when we turn to nature. We use plant materials to celebrate life, whether that life is in the current, recently or long since passed. Flowers are given, wreaths or bouquets are laid or trees are planted in memorial. We become connected to nature by these acts of tenderness throughout our lives; we become memories planted firmly in those places of solace when we have moved on. This little corner of the campus is truly a wonderful place for addressing life balance and mental reset. Capturing the current through text and poetry can develop or strengthen mindful practice. It lets us close all the open tabs and hit the power down button for a short while.

My outcome from this session? Life really is too short, do what feels right and change direction if necessary. Cliched I know, but there are many paths to explore.

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March 29, 2025

The Calming Power of Circles in Art

Bocking Woods (2025)

Circles feature in much of my art, they are conducive to a sense of calm to me. Seeing such a perfect example with its swooping curve of nature, during an early morning walk filled me with joy. It was a great start to my day.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been recovering slowly. It was from a monster of a migraine. The headache started during a day of teaching at school. I could do little to prevent it from escalating. The Easter holidays will be a time to reset. I will plan how to regain a little balance. Lately, time has been running away with me. I imagine this is why I still have the remnants of pain in my head. It is also why it is taking me an age to finish writing this post!

Walking is like a tool in my well being toolbox. It serves me well in terms of making sure I’m capable of thinking about my day ahead. It allows me to ponder on recent days. I can plan how I will build balance into each part of this one.

The day begins and ends with celestial circles; and I find that using circles in my practice is soothing. Whether it be a mandala, an emotion wheel, a print, or a zentangle pattern. The presence of a circle on my page is always aesthetically pleasing.

Witnessing such a fine example at the end of a long path through the forest was satisfying. It felt like a perfect metaphor for my difficult couple of weeks. It was a lovely addition to my morning walk. It seemed like a magical entrance to a fabulous day.

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March 4, 2025

The Benefits of Journaling Through Art

This afternoon was the first of two journaling lessons I teach at The Art and Design Studios in Great Waltham. Today’s task was my favourite exercise, drawing a tree. We draw trees we find pleasing and give thought to their similarities and differences to humanity. There are many topics of discussion to focus on that crop up during the session. I have taught this exercise over many years and each time it differs in content, outcomes and it develops. I learn from it myself, always.

I have many versions of drawing a tree. The one above is the first from today. I have another class tonight, so I will do at least one more. The tree is one I pass at least once a day. It often has a gang of dog walkers gathered underneath, chatting and socialising their dogs. Whatever the weather, they throw sticks in the river for games of ‘Fetch’. This is lovely to see. I manoeuvre my way around excitable pups who sometimes jump up to say hello. This prompts many apologies all round for a variety of reasons. Of course, all are totally unnecessary. But hey-that’s what we English do right?

This was very early morning yesterday and it was particularly tranquil. The weather was bitingly cold. I was so comfortable because I dress in many layers. I always prepare for being cold, especially when out early. The sky was as blue as early summer and I felt the endorphins flood through me. I reflected on how grateful I am to live within walking distance of these green spaces. I am grateful that I am healthy enough to enjoy them. I am also grateful that I have the freedom to do so. I can honestly say that I owe my new positive mindset, to once drawing a tree several years ago.

Time to think is important, even if it’s only for a minute every so often. Gift yourself the time.

The Art and Design Studios -Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/_theartanddesignstudio/

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February 25, 2025

An unexpected (but very much appreciated) moment of Joy

Yesterday, while I took a short walk around Great Waltham between my classes, I found a beautiful patch of early crocus on some communal grass area. I looked around in the hope of finding a fallen, broken flower so I could take it back for the evening botanical drawing session, but alas, there was none. Also, it was great that there was none, because there were some that had been mightily flattened by the heavy downpours and still looked very securely attached to their stems and firmly rooted in the ground.

I noticed that the colour palette was very much in line with my own yesterday. I was wearing green and purple which I have also thought was very much a Daphne from Scooby Doo signature, so at least now I can instead associate it with spring colours instead.

What were the chances that I would choose to wear that combination on the same day that I decided to go for a walk between the classes and I would walk that way? That I would do this on the narrow window of time that these flowers bloom? Sometimes all the stars fall into line and bring about these small, really inconsequential happenings that do, for some reason, bring some much needed childlike joy to my brain!

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February 18, 2025

Sunrise, Frost and Frozen Toes

It was beautiful yesterday morning as I headed over the footbridge on the nature reserve, but oh my was it cold!! This was at 07.38, the sun was coming up promising to warm me, but I was chilled to the bone and I stayed that way for most of the day.

This morning I went for an early swim, also a cold activity but walking home, I was so wrapped up in layers and the sun was out so it was a lovely cosy, comfortable walk back.

For the rest of the day I will choose from the long list of little jobs I have put off until we break for half term, inevitably, a fair few will be put off until Easter and summer breaks but I have become a lot more chilled. I am chipping away at that list slowly and not doing my usual thing of starting one job, then mid way through it, starting another so I can finish the first! There then follows an endless cycle of unfinished tasks and a huge mess.

I feel I am being a bit hard on myself actually, (the old me from a few years back would never have said that…progress indeed) because I have already been busy over the weekend with sorting bags and clothes I no longer need-I have re-organised my art room as I have had more supplies delivered for workshops and cleaned in general quite a lot. So in light of that-finishing reading my book might be bumped to the top of that list, after walking my dog.

Bring on the spring, I am ready for it!

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Tag: reality