Woodcarving was enjoyed by all ages

I am always amazed at how many people come out for the local celebration known as the Fiber Fest. Several people came from out of state. On Friday it seemed like every school around had scheduled a field trip to the festival. I have never seen so many well-behaved children in my life.

Even though the younger people had been warned not to touch anything, I encouraged them to pick up any of my wood carvings they wanted to. Some of them did, while others hurried by, not wanting to fall behind their friends.

My favorite was a lady who said she resided in the local nursing home. The gentleman pushing her wheelchair had pushed her past the exhibits rather quickly. Then, after they had checked out the entire place, the wheelchairs were parked at a nearby table. The guy sat down with the others.

One of the ladies walked her chair over to the woodcarvers table. She told me now that she had gotten rid of her helper, she could look at anything she chose. The man didn’t react to this although he was well within earshot. The woman picked up several carvings and chatted for a bit before going back to her friends. I hope I am that feisty if I ever end up in a nursing home.

I love watching people. I find it interesting to see what catches their interest and what they pass by. Snippets of conversation allow me to speculate about the rest of their lives. Several of the attendees wore beautiful creations that were obviously made by hand. Did they or a loved one spend untold hours to make something special?

A booth at the entrance held a display of embroidered items. I felt a twinge of sadness because I have saved many embroidered pieces that were similar to what was displayed. I wish my mom had been able to share her embroidery talents with those outside of her immediate family.

I received a nice surprise Saturday. My brother, David, and his wife, Apryl, stopped by on their way to some kind of show in Michigan. Apryl has her own loom and she found a good deal on shuttles even though she seldom uses her loom. After we chatted a little, she went back for more bargains.

When they came back I drug them over to introduce them to a friend so she could put faces to a couple of people I write about on a regular basis.  While we were talking David handed me his watch so I could wind it up. It is one of those self-winding things that operates on movement. He reasoned that my hands shake anyway so he might as well put me to work. Then he suggested that I wear Apryl’s fitness tracker because it would register more steps just from my hands moving so much. I declined.  

Since the crowds were thin, I opted to go to lunch with them. We talked and visited until it was time for them to go. They dropped me off at home and went on their way.

Even if you are not the least bit interested in fiber arts, I encourage you to check it out next year. If you are into history, then you can see how clothing can go from sheep, to thread, to material and become a finished product. If you hate history, then come to people watch.

Or you can attend for a great chicken salad sandwich and a piece of pie. Whatever your reason, it is a relatively inexpensive way to spend a late winter afternoon. Who knows? Your siblings might drop by and buy lunch.