Project Raceway

So, we had these fat dowel rods, I can’t remember why, in the closet, and my kids found them.

They were running around the house with the sticks between their legs, in one of those sweet sweet moments when you just can’t believe how truly rich it is to mother boys. Speeding through the kitchen, they were squealing, “Giddyup, Thunder!” “C’mon Firestorm!”

I said, “You know guys, we could make heads for your horses….”

They thought that this was a fantastic idea. They ransacked my wool felt and yarn stash. Dredged up some eyes that had been hiding among my buttons, and we were off.

I felt a little like I’d landed on some wild spin off of Project Runway though. It was like kamikaze crafting… no time for patterns or fussing with details, just, “Is it done now? How ’bout now? Mama how long is this going to take? Mama pleeeeeeeeease….”

There were botched seams, one horse has only one eyeball, and one was so rushed (he was the last and his rider was SO done with waiting) that he didn’t even get turned inside out, so he has exposed edges and seams.

As fast as they were constructed however, it’s no match for how fast they are on their feet.

Like the wind.

You know, we learned while studying Native Americans, that some warriors painted thier horses with things that they hoped to impart into the beasts during battle.

Lightening painted on their legs gave them speed. Circles around their eyes sharpened their vision. eagles painted on their breasts gave them courage. So maybe, just maybe, those hurried stitches are bringing something similar to our steeds… wild abandon, passion and grit.

Good enough.