I spent this past weekend talking about winter weather wear at GCVM for their Preparing for Winter event. I admit, there is a bit of irony to my fondness for this event given my disdain of winter itself. For me, it is all about the people, the visitors, those I see again and again, as well as those who are visiting the museum for the first time. I love the conversations, the questions, the tangents, the moments of connection, and understanding.
Friday night, as I drove home in the rain and dropping temperatures, I questioned whether I should really be doing a full weekend in the village given how completely worn down I felt from my day job. The world felt dark, wet, and cold while I felt tired, sore, and disheartened. Come Saturday morning, the sun was out and shining. As I walked into the village, music played while the ground was scattered with droplet speckled leaves reflecting the sunlight.
It was a beautiful pre-winter day.
My third group Saturday morning, moments after 10am, was a pair of families with 11 young children. They all lined up around the tables and gave me all of their attention. This was the moment my stress of the previous couple months melted away. I was able to let go of all the work baggage and truly enjoy engaging with people, sharing this little corner of history.
My topic for the weekend was winter weather wear, which allowed me to talk about both layers of clothing and my ongoing winter hood research. I was beyond pleased with how genuinely interested people were in which hood was good for what. Here are two of the short videos I did while there.
On my way out Saturday, I noticed one the photo stand in front of the Doctor’s office. This is one of, I think, two decorated photo/selfie stations the museum set up. Someone created non-intrusive wooden stands with grooves for holding phones or tablets. I made time to take a few photos with it Sunday morning.
When I left the museum Sunday, I stopped for my traditional post-program Chinese dinner and popped in one of my favorite antique shops, where I picked up two cdvs. I came home and got ready to launch my Mystery Boxes and Clara’s Corner bookmarks. By 9 something, half my boxes were sold, and I could curl up with the book I’ve been waiting to read. I may have been eating a most delicious molasses cookie at midnight as I read. This morning, when I woke, I found I was disappointed I wasn’t headed back for a third day.
Next event: Holiday Open House – December 17th – Find me in Jones Farm this year.
If I Had My Own Blue Box: 
A delightful post. It’s such a feeling when talking with interested people. Between that and one of those rare and wonderful almost-winter sparkly days, no wonder your worries fled.
Very best,
Natalie in KY