Been Awhile

[ocean_light]

I took the kids to the Wool and Fiber festival over the weekend. We had a good time. I love being out with the kids. Lucien has been doing better outside, although he still won't race to go outside and play like he used to, and he is always relieved when we take the car rather than walking or go someplace inside. He tells me he doesn't like to be outside because when he is outside he worries about the leaves. But he did well at the festival. We saw sheep and goats and bunnies, watched people spin yarn, and there was so much beautiful yarn for sale! My goal this year is to learn to crochet well enough to buy some next year. One thing I did get for us was a little drop spindle. I am trying to learn to use it, but I think it is a little harder than it looks. It has inspired a great idea, though. I have been involved in this project to start a Museum of Science and Art in Rhode Island. The intersection of the two is fascinating, and provides tremendous opportunities for hands-on learning and discovery. We have been talking about starting with some outreach programs, and I have a new idea. The drop spindle I got is basically made out of a dowel rod and old CD. I am thinking that if you vary the materials used, particularly the weight, you will vary the spin and thereby change the quality of yarn you create. A hands-on lesson in physics and art, with a little history and culture thrown in!! The question is, can a kid figure out quickly enough how to use a drop spindle in at least a rudimentary way? Or maybe the better question is - can I? :)

On another note, Lucien will be going to preschool in the fall and I would like to use at least one of those mornings a week to do some special activity with Mireille. But what? Any suggestions? Lucien and I have done Music Together for the last three years, and we have loved it. But I don't want to do it again. I want to do something new.