Composed January 12, 2021
Dear All,
January and February tend to be my most creative time of the year. I think that is because from August to December whenever I sit at the saw I am making puzzles and toys. Now I truly enjoy visiting with the kids at shows but before the first eye is twinkled or smile shared I have spent weeks and weeks banging out product.
And then the last show of the year and I exhale. In the third week of December, I celebrated by going to a sawmill. Visiting with the owner we wander around. I spotted this 28 by 26 inch round. It was warped and heavily striated by his saw. The sun had bleached it white and I knew it was waiting for the first chilly day to be smashed up and tossed on the fire. I asked for it and I placed it in my car.
And then comes January… Old favorites are ignored. The improbable is embraced. Time to stretch and try stuff I have never seen executed before. The board was coarsely cut (it was never meant for sale.) I have to buy new coarser sandpaper to move the board where my standard paper would work. The warp of the board was so severe, I was developing new techniques as I cut. After each session I would report to my wife: “Well, I don’t have to toss it out yet.” And my shoulders ache! The board is 10 pounds and is much wider than the table of the saw. I am forced to suspend half the board with one hand as I guide the blade with the other hand.
And then I apply my finishing oil. During the build I had seen hints of beauty but the warmth and depth surprised me. I grinned for 2 hours.
And so my friends, let me say: Embrace January! Stretch! Struggle! And if you fail, fail magnificently! But if you succeed! Yes, If You Succeed!
Stay safe, Stay Well,
Love to All,
Paul
