Did you know there is a difference between straw and hay? I didn’t know they weren’t the same. Hay is feed for animals to eat. Straw is what they sleep on. Each comes from a different part of the grain plant. I learned this valuable tidbit in a conversation while working at a local Fiber Festival this past weekend. I watched one of the demonstrations of sheep shearing and struck up a conversation with the farmer/sheep owner. Even though we live in two different environments, wool was our common denominator as we talked.
We all have things in common. It could be a shared activity, skill, passion, age, living circumstance, children, job or even disagreement. The list is endless. And probably common ground can be discovered even in a conversation with a complete stranger. Think ‘six degrees of separation,’ where the deeper you delve into what you share with a person, the closer you seem to get to a connection.
Clay and fiber are two strong common denominators in my life. Sometimes they collide, like this past weekend at the Fiber Festival. Several of my yarn-related clay items were part of The Knot House yarn shop's festival booth. It was an opportunity to meet new people who share my love of yarn (and clay) and reconnect with friends in attendance who also share those passions.
Do you like jewelry? Want to take that passion one step further? Sign up for my wrap bracelet craft party sponsored by The Muse in Frederick, MD! I'd love to see you on Wedesdnay, June 21. I'll bring the supplies (and a batch of my chocolate chip cookies!) and help you make one of these special creations of your own. Click on photo for more details.
It feels good to find common ground. And I was reminded this weekend that what I share in common with people is far stronger than any difference we might have. Clay and yarn are just two subjects that open commonalities for me. What are some of your common denominators?
