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“Misty Hollow
Carving” was launched in
October 2008
Misty Hollow Digital Images were
launched on September 26, 2012.
“Crop Circles’ Web Site” where all
my images are available.
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Grooving
with Father Christmas at Lang Pioneer Village’s Christmas by Candlelight
Each
year now the Lang Pioneer Village Christmas by Candlelight has grown. It seems
that more and more people come out to enjoy a walk back in time as they prepare
for their Season Celebration.
This
year was no different. Hundreds of people gathered in the small village perched
on the shore of Indian River. They
walked around the very old homes and shops that stayed open two nights in a row.
This was done so the families that come could catch a glimpse of what used to
happen long ago. On December 8 and 9
from 5 PM until 9 PM the families came by the groves to walk back in time.
My
personal involvement was to continue with my presentations of the things that I
do with my wood carving and lace making.
I do Tatting and carve wood as many of you know. All of the things that I was showing on the display
tables have their origins back in the 1800s – many were being made and were
part of the Pioneer Christmas celebrations.
I
should state for the record that I did have some “non-Pioneer stuff” on my
table. One item that I have carved and display is the 2012 Harry Potter
Wands. Why bring that along to a Pioneer
display? Well a young person/teenager is
kind of interested in the old stuff because they had to come with the family…
BUT when they spot the different Harry Potter Wands from across the room they
press in to hear more about what I do.
Watching
the faces of young men and young women with the way they reacted to more explanation
about the Celtic Love Spoons was priceless.
I told them the simple story, “When a young person your age fell in love
with a girl and wanted to marry her, he would carve a Celtic Love Spoon for
her. He put as much detail into the carving that he could which helped him to
express his love for her. His greatest
hope was that her father would be impressed with the carving and then allow the
young man to marry his daughter.”
At
that point more than one guy stated flatly that he liked this old way and would
start carving something soon… asking if I gave lessons. At which time the young lady standing beside
him stated adamantly, “The Love Spoon is a beautiful story, but buster you are
not getting off that easy… I want a Ring with a Big Diamond!” He looked sheepishly at me and shrugged
stating, “I liked the old way…”
The
Celtic Love Spoon was the tradition of the Irish, Scott and Welsh folk of years
gone by. When Lang Village began in the middle
of the 1800s it was very likely that this tradition was still part of the old
ways of asking for permission for a daughter’s hand in marriage.
At
my demonstration table this past two days it was very funny how many couples or
parents of daughters that were married… told of the way that their son-in-law
came to ask for the privilege to marry.
The stories back to me were many!
I could write a book on the many comical ways that they described.
That
is what Lang Village does for everyone. They begin talking and telling stories
about their own lives and family life. Lang Village brings the history of the
folk of 1856 alive… and it also helps folk to relive their own cherished
memories. It is a miracle of each
Christmas – just remembering.
One
story I can related was my meeting of Lenore Convey of Campbellford. Lenore came to the Village in her wheel
chair. She was bundled up and enjoying
every minute of the evening’s celebration.
Her
son pushed her wheel chair over to my table where she looked over everything that
I had on display. Then she came close to
where I was standing and tried to speak to me. Her son interpreted by telling
me that she wanted to shake my hand and say Merry Christmas to me. I was
touched. Though she couldn’t speak clearly now and was confined to her wheel
chair she still wanted to be a part of the Village – telling everyone her
feelings.
Lenore
had her son take her to see Father Christmas. It was an important part of
Lenore’s journey last evening. Then her
son asked if we could take some photos of his mom meeting Father Christmas… and
send her a copy. Here are the shots as
she told Father Christmas what she wanted him to know this year.
I
know that Lenore touched Father Christmas’ heart as well as mine. She has seen many Christmases come and go –
but this may be the best every – she gave something to all of us.
My friend Carrie(fellow volunteer) making the dancing dolls do a jig - along with Father Christmas and me 'jamming'
Saving the Best for Last
Towards
the end of the evening when the crowds lessened… something special happened.
I
had my Fiddle Music playing as I had most of the evening. The music provided me
with the background sound for the playing of my Wooden Spoons with the kids
that came by.
Father
Christmas had a little music in him so I discovered. He had been tapping his
toes to the lively music filling the room.
With the pause in the traffic we jammed together with my Wooden Spoons
and did quite well together.
Father
Christmas went home last evening with a set of metal spoons that I use to teach
kids… and apparently he will be in touch with me later for a set of Wooden
Spoons as well.
Can
you imagine – Father Christmas – Santa in the modern world – has asked me to
possibly make a set of the Spoons for him. Sorry elves – gotcha!
A Big Pause here…
I
want to thank the staff of Lang Pioneer Village, Joe, Laurie, Elizabeth, Jill
and all the hard working people that do so much to make Lang Pioneer Village
the best volunteer experience ever. You
folk let us become young again… and do what we can to bring History Alive! You gals and guys ROCK! Thanks a million!
~ Murray Lincoln ~
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