Harper uttered the dreaded "B" word the other day. My kids all know that saying they're 'bored' is pretty much one of the worst things they can say to me. It's a curse word around here, of the worst kind. They could utter an actual curse word and get far less of a reaction than if they claim boredom. I mean.....bored? There's just no such thing. Life is too short, our days are too numbered, the world is too beautiful, and the possibilities too endless for such a thing as claiming boredom. Being "stuck" creatively? I get that. I can help with that. Boredom? Nope. Go read a book, or write a story, or climb a tree, or paint a picture, or run in the woods, or hug a sheep or oh my goodness shall I go on? (This is the point at which the kids roll their eyes and say, "I know, Mom...." and ultimately go climb that tree and forget that they were ever 'bored' to begin with.)
But like I said, I get being 'stuck.' That's an entirely different thing, and it's something that I think makes a whole lot of sense in the transition between seasons, when our play and work moves from outside to in and we reacquaint ourselves with what is familiar and good and desirable inside. And for little ones, they're an entirely different person than they were six months ago! Passions and interests change and sometimes it's hard to find our groove once again.
And so after Harper's declaration, we took a stroll into the library together, and dug deep, deep, deep into the craft cabinet as I scanned the shelves for what might be just right for him. There, I found the Pine Needle Basket Kit (can be found here and here), which I am fairly certain I bought for Calvin when he was no more than six. (At which point I said a small prayer of gratitude that I have never - and will never - apply the Marie Kondo method of cleaning to our craft supplies! For that is an entire ten years of that kit just sitting around waiting for this perfect moment!) Something told me that his love of nature and fine details might make this just the right project for him, and, thank heavens, I couldn't have been more right about that. He took to it so quickly, and has been plugging away at his little basket ever since (except for the moments when I kind of steal it because it's SO much fun to do), all while plotting the next one he wants to make though he's contemplating how he can do it with Maine pine needles. Ah, boredom cured. Hallelujah!
