March 9th is the anniversary date of my beloved dad’s suicide and it’s always a hard day for me. I had a 12-day old baby and an almost 3-year-old at the time. Today this date was made better for me because it coincided with the Antique Spinning Wheel Showcase, which is put on the my Aurora Colony’s Handspinners Guild. I went as a relief spinner and Guild photographer.
This year’s event was a tribute to Ron Antoine, who built, restored, and repaired spinning wheels. He had worked on all of the wheels in the exhibit this year.
In one room were the participants of the Sheep to Shawl event. People did the spinning and the yarn was passed on to the person doing the weaving.
We all wore period costumes and looked pretty authentic. The event was being held in the Aurora Colony Museum, which is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year.
There were no two wheels alike.
Ron built the beautiful wheel for this sweet lady.
Ron was an amazing woodcrafter; he made a flyer and bobbins for one of my vintage wheels, and it truly was an honor and privilege to know him.
And yes, there were a couple of adorable alpacas there, too.
Daily hummingbird!
And farewell to McDonald’s in Damascus. We never went there…not fans. The building stays but they took down all the McDonald’s stuff. I don’t know what it’ll become now.
All in all, it ended up being a really good day; I miss my dad like crazy and there will always be a special place in my heart for him…and I’m glad I was able to participate in this event to help ease my hurting heart.
A Mānoa Girl's Bloggie 
I didn’t realize Ron died. I never met him but did talk on the phone with him once; he lived just up the hill from me and I used to ride my horse past his place.
I’m glad you had the chance to talk on the phone with Ron. I used to love taking the Wheatland Ferry out to his place; it was such a lovely drive. I think I made about four trips up there. Beautiful countryside! I love that you used to ride your horse up his way. Did he repair a wheel for you?
I think I called Ron on behalf of a friend after hearing about him for years. Since you basically know the way to my house, you should come sometime!
I’m very glad you had an activity to keep you busy on that sad day. What a legacy Mr. Antoine left behind. Your story about March 9 reminds me of a lesson I learn over and over again–everyone has a special talent and a painful past I probably don’t know anything about. It reminds me to never treat anyone as an inferior (what an awful word) and to treat everyone with compassion because I don’t know what they’re battling.
I love what you wrote and totally agree with you. Yes, “inferior” is an awful word for people, isn’t it? Treating everyone with compassion is so important, even when it’s not easy.
I’m glad the showcase was on the 9th…bittersweet, but good.