Being: Conscious, mortal existence; life.
Every month we welcome two families, two people, two voices to share their stories in whatever way they chose. We hope that you find joy in their daily lives, and their simple habit of just being.
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It seems to me the original purpose of festivals was to celebrate some practical and functional accomplishment or holiday. Back when people worked, lived and celebrated all within the same life, without compartmentalizing life- you celebrated your work. And work was life.
I find if our life, our work, and our learning are all one- we celebrate them far more fully. And those celebrations are not forced, nor do they require planning, because they just are. They come from the natural rhythm of our lives, full of richness.
The Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival is one such celebration in our small world. The excitement the night before is only rivaled by Christmas Eve. My oldest saves her money all year long to reach a goal she has set for her personal stash. Both girls have a list of projects, and the needed supplies. I have my own long list full of gifts, school lessons, and crafts. It has become a community festival as many of our circle of friends also craft with wool. Seeing the same farmers, spinners, and vendors every year- we build valuable relationships and associations. We look forward to seeing them, discussing what has happened during the year. We talk about the projects of last year and the ones to come.
Right around the time we started homeschooling, I started buying as much of our roving, felt, and yarn at the festival as I could. At the time I thought I was just collecting a good sized stash of good quality material. I respect the needs of my children to have high quality supplies if they are to make high quality work. I also support and value the quality work that small farmers and artisans provide in all industries, especially this one so dear to my family. After the first year though, I realized my bulk purchase did something much bigger.
When I buy all our stash from the festival- we run out a month or so before the next one. So the whole season before we pine and plan for our return. It has become a fully functional festival based on our work and our learning, based on the way we live. The build up is not only enthusiastic, but authentic.
It is tradition. It is celebration. It is all based on the rhythm of our life. Seeing the children absorb this experience, I am overcome with gratitude. I know these weeks before, during and after the Sheep and Wool festival will be cherished for all the years of our lives.
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This month we will be sharing some lovely words from Sherene Cauley. Sherene lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters. She is a yoga teacher, child care provider, homeschooler and promoter of wellness. Surrounded by family and friends, they are excitedly awaiting the birth of their little boy this summer. You can follow Sherene’s own blog here. We look forward to having Sherene with us and we hope that you will join us in welcoming her.
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