History. Recently I’ve been going through stacks of old photographs and seeing again the faces of the people that make up my genetics, and the land I came from. I feel passionate about saving the stories that we hear from our 90 year grandmothers, 3 of whom are still with us. But along with the stories are the traditions, foods and crafts that have been passed down.

My mother is Canadian, and I actually have copies of the immigration passports that allowed her grandparents to come from the Czech Republic to Canada. It was this grandmother that taught her how to do Pysanka Eggs. And naturally she taught me, and it’s become our Lenten craft every year. I love to imagine my ancestors, in that country I’ve not yet visited, passing the dark of a long winter evening with eggs, candles, beeswax and simple tools.

Every year I take the kids down to the Polish Art Center in Hamtramck to see the vast collection of imported art and to pick up supplies. Joan, the owner of the shop, always spends time with the kids and tries to pass along some piece of history. (This year is was the legend behind the Polish flag.)

It’s become a tradition to invite friends to join us, and then to eat at some new lunch spot there in Hamtramck – this year it was good Bangladeshi food at Reshmi Sweets & Cafe.

If you are interested in learning a new craft, we will be sharing a potluck dinner and making Pysanka on March 30 here at the farm. This has been our most popular event, so please RSVP – it’s almost full. If we have a ton of additional people that want to try, I may open up a second night. There is no charge, we will have all the supplies for you to use – just please bring something for the potluck dinner. Nate & I will have perogies and potato soup to contribute. We’d love to see you!