Well it’s been a while since I last posted on here . . . between being very busy and having my computer crash, blogging just never entered the mix! A new (used) computer is sitting on the desk and I am dealing with programs, files and so on each day.
We had a tapestry weaving class last week: there were three signed up for it, but only one was able to attend. The nine-men morris classes had similar numbers, so I’m assuming that summer has arrived and people are finding other things to do. We had hoped to have archery up and running by now, but trying to find a suitable location, the appropriate equipment, and the necessary insurance and paperwork has been a barrier – but we will work it all out.
I was very encouraged to see an after school program in California where one of the activities was fencing. The students participating were late elementary school/middle school age. One of the issues with the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) is that in order to participate in fencing/rapier fighting, an individual must be 16 or older. Now I know darn well that in collegiate-style fencing, students start at a young age and are well on their way to being a notable fighter long before they turn 16. So . . . why the wait? I think that is yet another area that Medieval Living will explore – Medieval-style fencing – based upon the individual student’s aptitude and maturity, rather then age. (Which is the way I handle all of my classes – age should never be the sole determining factor of a student’s appopriateness for an acitivity or class.)
I attended the Albuquerque Folk Festival on the 19th of June – what a fun event!!! I wish more people would participate in this very worthwhile activity! I attended the beginner’s tinwhistle/pennywhistle class led by Andy Moss . . . as usual, his class was excellent and well attended. During the class, he offered a slightly different notation system for the whistle, which I will post on the “Music” page of this blog. Also a the folk festival was a gentleman who was spinning wool. I venture to guess that he was in his late 30s or early 40s (I am horrible at judging ages) – but he had been spinning most of his life, and was very adept at the art. I had the pleasure of visiting with him for 30 minutes or so, discussing the art or spinning. He gave me some ideas for “spinning” classes for Medieval Living, so look for that this fall.
I will continue to schedule some activities in both Albuquerque and Los Lunas this July and early August, but I think we will slow down a little, as it seems that most families are traveling or occupied with other things. Instead, I will spend my time focusing on developing some new classes and “tweeking” old ones, with our sight focused on September.
I don’t remember if I posted this or not . . . Medieval Living, Inc., has finally received it’s 501(c)3 status from the IRS – very glad for this as it allows us to pursue more funding opportunities then we could without it.
And of course, I have to return to the public school classroom this August, so I need to spend some time lesson planning and preparing for the new school year . . . unless someone offers some financial support to allow me to focus solely on Medieval Living – I would prefer the latter, as it would be truly what I feel I should be doing!!!
Enough for now – hope I haven’t lost too many readers during the “down” time – send me an email or post a note on the message board.
Cheers!
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