RONAN - In today's pressurized world of smart phones, smart cars and hundreds of little devices that are smarter than you, it's refreshing to know there are still ways to connect with the natural world.

Take a step back in time by visiting Ronan's Red Poppy on the third Thursday of every month from 11 to 2 p.m. There, you will find a lovely group of ladies sitting and chatting, each with one foot rhythmically pressing the pedal of a spinning wheel and fingers slowly guiding long, soft fibers into a swirling thread of yarn.

Avid spinner Donna Peck sees the hobby as a reaction to the technology boom.

"This is something that you can create with your hands," said Peck. "You sit down and start to spin and you just immediately relax."

For full story, see the Leader on May 27.