banjo puppets

Awhile back I was reflecting on my blog about wanting to be the kind of parent that supports my children. I hope I can stand beside them as they discover their passions. I hope my children feel strong and supported in being able to follow those dreams. Well, it wasn't even a week later that I was reconnected with a highschool friend that is doing just that. Following his passion and making it his full time gig - Banjo Puppets. My friend Joel Brubacher has always been a creative guy - in music making and puppetry. I remember his puppets from highschool. I remember going to London with him to see a puppet exhibit at the Children's Museum. It thrills me that he has followed his passion and is striving to make it a success. On Saturday he was performing at the Multicultural Festival in Kitchener, so I brought Abigail and Nathaniel to see his show. It was a wonderful blend of his puppet making and music making talents. My kids were focused on his show the entire time. It was adorable, thought provoking, deep and funny at the same time. (I wish more of my photos turned out but I ended up bringing my crappy camera along.) My kids loved Randy the carrot and his guitar playing. I loved when Ms. Sugar Beet joined Randy in a little duet. After the show, Joel set up some of his puppets. They are so much fun. We brought home 2 for our house and the kids went right to town making up puppet shows.

Nathaniel's first of two shows was about a busy street. The second was about a construction site.

Jesse was happy to make the puppets eat everything in sight...coffeetables, people's heads.

If you are into supporting local artisans and their passion for their craft, check out Joel's shop on Etsy.com here. So worth a look.