A couple years ago I made this illustration in gouache to match the quote by Thomas Edison. I had been inspired by Ruth Goodman's British historical reality tv shows. The self-taught domestic historian takes you back to Victorian Farm, Edwardian & Wartime farm periods for example, to show viewers what it was really like living under such harsh conditions.
Goodman's extensive knowledge on textiles, fashion, food preparation, recipes, laundry, baking, decorating just to name a few are mind blowing. This woman has a zest for life and learning and it seeps out from the screen into your heart. That is, if you appreciate historical accuracy given to you by someone who is the antithesis of Hollywood. Ruth Goodman is a quite beauty and one of the most underrated female influencers of the 21st century! There, I said it! HA.
But aside from learning so much from Ruth when it comes to historical facts, one of the main reasons why I love watching her is because she is always wearing a smile or at the very least an attitude of content and a deep willingness to learn something new.
Whether she is scrubbing floors, spending an entire day trying to cook a meal, making rush mats to sleep on, learning to spin yarn, or learning how to make homemade ale...she is always all in. It is inspiring to watch! Granted, it is a reality show and I understand I probably sound like i'm glorifying her... but there are some people who seem like the real deal, and my money is on Goodman.
If you haven't already watched one of her shows, I highly recommend them. However, be warned....if you're someone who loves watching shows like The Bachelor, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and all The Real Housewives, then chances are you'll be bored.
The only drama you'll find is with Ruth's two costars and whether or not they are able to get the fields plowed in time before a thunderstorm rolls in.
