Historical Setting, 629 C.E. Vosges
Brandell and I came to this wood to cut a clearing and now I learn he also plans to make a little house here. He knows I’m pretty particular about how thatch is laid. When it is done badly there are endless leaks and mold. So apparently, Brandell just decided to ask me to teach him from the start so he won’t have to hear me complaining every time I come to make repairs. I know there are so many more important things to think about in the world now, even within my own family. So maybe the art of thatch is just my favorite worry because I can control it.
The grasses in this end of the creek are abundant and fine quality and Brandell’s gift is working with his hands, so this little project should come along very well with two of us on it.
Gaia has been spending these days with Ana while we are working on this secret gift house. Ana’s teacher who raised her from a young child was also blind, so Ana is sensitive to Gaia’s limitations but also knows her abilities. Carding wool is not for Gaia, but spinning is good because the quality of the yarn is determined by fingers knowing the feel of the strand. When we return after our work Gaia is working with the spindle. I asked if Ana was asking too much of Gaia. But both women disagreed.
Gaia has a plan for preparing the clearing using this spool of wool. She knows nothing of a house there, but she wants all the wedding guests to find their places in a circle of yarn she will weave among the trees. Then at the wedding, she herself can follow the string all around the edge of the clearing and meet with each of the guests without the need for a guide.
So, all Brandell has to do to surprise her with the little house is to splice its doorway right into her guide line. Just when she thinks she knows the places for everything at the wedding feast, she will follow her guiding yarn and suddenly, there will be the little house! We are all having fun whispering and planning all these preparations and I wish I could say that was all I had to think about.
But as we are just sitting down at table to eat, Greg rides in from Luxeuil with Layla sharing his horse.
(Continues Tuesday, April 16)
Lazarus Ink 