My faithful assistant and I did some woodworking this evening.

@TheHorse (238349)
Walnut Creek, California
March 8, 2020 11:00pm CST
Horse Jr. and I played some softball catch earlier today, but I had to head out and play music with my buddy Michael (the one who records my MyLot music videos and plays in several bands with me). After I got home, Horse Jr. appeared at my door, asking if we could play. He helped me diagnose some problems in my main stereo, and then we went out and played some more softball catch in the ebbing evening light. After that, he asked if we could do some work together on one of the random walnut receiver cabinets I have here. He said, "We need some 150 grit sandpaper. Do you have any?" I told him I did, and we cut a sheet into strips, so we could work together. We finished up a side, did a water treatment, and then I told him I'd written a "jazz" (piano) piece I want to show him that I wrote at Michael's house today. He has his Bach down, and I want to show him the art of jazz improvisation next. At that point we realized it was 8:30 PM, and that he'd better get his little Croatian tush home, so he didn't get in trouble. I'll show him the simple jazz progression I wrote for him later in the week. I'll attach a picture I took of him helping me unpack the Fisher cabinet I recently sent home to its owner. All of this make me think of the days when "apprenticeships" were common. I'll have to do some research to see when that was the norm. If I died tomorrow (I don't intend to), Horse Jr. could carry on my business if he really wanted to. And he will carry on my love off Bach and Keith Jarrett. He is eleven years old. Have you taught specific skills to specific kids? I fear death less knowing that I have passed on (good) music appreciation and woodworking skills to this kid. Life is strange.
9 people like this
6 responses
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
9 Mar 20
i taught all my kids to cook. Plus so many other things over the years. It is amazing what we can actually share when we sit down and think about it!
2 people like this
@TheHorse (238349)
• Walnut Creek, California
9 Mar 20
It is. Horse Jr.loves math in part because we've made up math problems for each other since he was four or five.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
9 Mar 20
@TheHorse we did the same thing to our kids. it helps!
@JudyEv (382412)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Mar 20
Apprenticeships were common when I was going to school and after. I think they still have them though maybe not as many.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (238349)
• Walnut Creek, California
9 Mar 20
I think it's a great way to learn a "trade." I'm still a strong advocate for a Liberal Arts education, though.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (502729)
• Italy
9 Mar 20
I fear I taught nothing to kids, to my niece, but she was not a "kid", a teenager.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (502729)
• Italy
9 Mar 20
@TheHorse She learnt a few things but refused to learn others.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238349)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Mar 20
@LadyDuck That's kind of the nature of (many) teenagers.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238349)
• Walnut Creek, California
9 Mar 20
Nothing wring with helping out a teenager.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130150)
• Israel
9 Mar 20
@TheHorse Sounds like a good idea to check out if he can take over your business. He sounds like a good kid.
@LindaOHio (222726)
• United States
9 Mar 20
I'm glad to hear that you and Horse Jr. spend quality time together.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238349)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Mar 20
It's always fun for both of us.
1 person likes this
@Pandy_ (800)
• Sydney, Australia
9 Mar 20
fantastic to be teaching skills like this to kids today. enrichment! they need time like this greatly and it seems few get to learn things like this with parents these days
1 person likes this