Sticks and Stones, Day 133

Nicolai is a serious stick and stone collector. Here is one of his projects making "weapons" on our front porch. There are constant battles occurring around the house and in the yard. I think it is a little boy thing because he doesn't get to see many movies or cartoons that kids his age are watching. I believe it's just in his genes. I don't completely understand it, but I also don't always discourage him. He is fascinated by primitive people and tools and I see this play as part of his way of getting in touch with his primitive self. I just don't want him to go off and fight an actual war when he grows up. How to channel his fascination with death and fighting is the real question?

The Basics, Day 27

I am a luddite at heart. I own several computers, digital cameras, video cameras...various forms of technology in general, but my favorite tools are the ones I don't need to plug-in. My board shear in the studio is by far one of the best tools I have ever purchased. And the best thing is that it will never crash on me, need to be upgraded, or will be subject to a virus. There is something to be said about simple objects that get the job done. I am very proud of the fact that the only electricity I use in the bindery are the lights to see by at night. Yes, I am a luddite at heart.

Collecting, Day 22

My scissor collection came about when my family and I went to clean out my grandparent's home after they had both passed. My grandfather was a serious garage saler. My grandmother never allowed most of the items he purchased into the house, so his purchases tended to live in the garage, however, scissors seemed to be the exception. I already had a small scissor collection consisting of about 10 pairs of scissors, but as we went through the house they kept appearing over and over again. I think I lost count at around 50. I have quite a serious collection now. It is a good reminder about how much stuff we actually need and what gets lost in the clutter. I actually caught myself the other day looking for a pair of scissors...I think I need to reevaluate my desire for this collection.