Following Muses

Things here are moving fast. I am running *just* fast enough ahead of the pack to not get ran over by it! I have been getting a lot of hours this week as at the Falconry School in Manchester. I'm an archery instructor there (in case you are a new reader and have no idea what I am talking about) and the extra cash has been a great help. I get paid an hourly wage, but the real money comes from tips. Some folks tip, others don't, but every day I drive there it is worth it. To get people from not knowing how to hold a bow to shooting bulls eyes at ten yards (I refuse to teach with sights, too!) is such a great feeling of accomplishment. I love teaching, and love that a passion such as archery can turn into more than targets and deer stalking here at the farm, it has become a solid source of supplemental income. I think this is how I will make a living the rest of my life, sharing my passions. I love the bow, the fiddle, the farm and everything that goes with them. If I can make enough money to pay my bills and sit back with a glass of hard cider every so often I will consider myself a wild success! These things are so special to me, so satisfying, and constantly inspire and teach me. I feel so lucky to share it, and share with you who have the same love of horse hair - be it on fiddle strings or on the mane of a cantering steed.

Speaking of my muse…

The last three nights have been all about the muse! I mean, ahem, MEWS! What started as some posts in the ground now has framing, a metal roof, the beginning of a window and a gravel floor. I picked up a half yard of the gravel in my truck Monday and was not prepared for how much gravel half a yard is…. I shoveled it out, bucket by bucket, and got most of it into the ground of the mews. It's a packing gravel, mostly chalky powder and perfect for keeping mice out and hawk feet comfortable. All that is left to do is put up wall,s the windows, double entry-door and make some roosts. Then I can call the State to come and inspect it. When the game warden says my preparations are worthy of applying for an Apprentice Falconer License I can get serious about learning to trap and train with my mentor. It is turning into quite the adventure. The progress is slow, but once I have jumped through the hoops, build the facilities, and made some more local falconer connections I think it'll all flow smoothly.