NEW REALIZATIONS

INA'S VACATION


about a week ago I went with Grandma Claus to Trent University's Elder's and Traditional Peoples conference. I have not been somewhere without at least one child since baby Indy was born....actually I think no since my honeymoon a few years ago. (yes we waited until we could afford to get married).

We had a fantastic time and listening to Elders and teachers speak opens your eyes. I think we all learn something different, something we needed to learn. Yes we may gain further understanding of a teaching. Begin to learn a new one but the big things are the personal things you realize.

One thing I realized is that I want to partially homeschool my kids in highschool. This had occured to me, but due to pressure and self doubt I kept saying they would go to highschool. But I realized that there is SO SO much I need to teach my children and homeschooling gives me the oppertunity. I do want they to take some courses and get involved in sports and clubs. But if a child is in school all day they come home, have homework, play, there is not much time left, unlike homeshooling. So bringing more traditional knowledge into our day is one of my decisions. I am not doing feathers and beads, that is traditional crafts, good to know, but there is so much more. Also we are learning my language. French was never gonna happen. Right now we are working on the alphabet. This way we will start speaking with proper pronounciation...very important.

Also we need to travel more. We are taking our first hotel trip next month and going to go to a museum and skating. But we need to visit Aunties and Uncles. Both as a family and one on one. Kids learn so much from Aunties and Uncles because they are not Mom & Dad. Traditional and plain commen sense knowledge is often learned this way. Plus everyone gets a break...kids need a break from us sometimes too.

Also it is time for some of my children to start bringing together their own bundles. I am preparing at this time to help them start. There is much to teach before they grow up and I have to be ready.

I also realized (with Grandma Claus' help) that there is a big market for my sewing skills. Everyone is selling wraps with applique (like what I have made for myself) except they are appliqueing basic designs where mine are more like a picture...a detailed picture. I could definatly corner the market...just ned to have the cash to pull it off...income tax return i guess.