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Friday, December 31, 2010

The End of the Year

I wish that I had the wit and quick come backs of the daughters but guess they take after their mother.

Took the wife to the grocery store this afternoon, dropped her off and I usually go park some place and wait but today-wow! Actually saw two cars touch bumpers over an open parking place (so much for good will to men); intersections in the lot was blocked by cars trying to beat others into potential parking spots.  Pat got yelled at by a man in the store as they almost ran their carts into each other as they turned into the same aisle.  At this time of resolutions I always make the one about losing weight but I think the big one has to be patience and tolerance with everyone.  I have retired, going to have another birthday real soon, and quite frankly don't need the stress of getting upset because you cut me off, or don't signal to change lanes.  I taught driver education and always preached defensive driving and looking out for the other driver to keep them out of trouble too.  I hope that I can convince others that: less might be better, talking softly when you want people to listen and having discussions instead of arguing (no name calling!).  Even though that d back or pitcher gets paid a lot of money to intercept the pass or throw strikes, they didn't do it on purpose to irritate me!  I hope that administrators and leaders will too look to make decisions for the good of the "whole order";  I want us all to have  great year of health and know the difference between those things we can change and those that we can't change.
We are close to bringing in the new year, so Happy New Year!  May "your lines be tight" all year!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

End of the Year

I am a novice at this carving bit and hope that I can "hook up" with others to improve my skills.  I have made progress on the Santa carvings but with the decoys and shorebirds, struggle with eye placement and carving the heads. 
Working with wood is as good as it gets; I read in Biitz's book "How To Carve Wood", that many of our ancestors believed that trees were magical, storing the sun's energy and releasing it as fire.  Many thought that wood was the home to powerful spirits of nature and worshipped trees; others thought that elves and fairies lived in trees.  They believed that is was possible to drive out these spirits by "knocking on the wood"-sound familiar.  Richard Biitz's books are not only great resources but history pieces too and have been a great help to me as I learn this craft.
I have posted a picture of my painting desk-wish it was better organized but then you find more things when you are looking for something else.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The First Day of Blogging

Ok, here we go with a new adventure; since retirement from teaching, I have decided to improve my carving skills and want to share some of my work with others.  I hope to even sell carvings to help support my fly fishing habit.  The 2010 year has been one of change, so hope that you all will travel with me.