Most of my life I’ve valued each day by what I accomplished–usually something built or created. Here’s where I am now: I was asked by a nice man–at 73 still in his vigorous years–to build six captains chairs, modeled after one very comfortable chair he already has. Perhaps foolishly, I agreed. I did tell him, though, that I wouldn’t do all the intricate turnings that are traditional with this type of chair. Not having a lathe, I am carving all those legs and spindles with hand tools–a small plane and a spokeshave. To my surprise, I love this work. The swishing sound of the sharp blade shaping the wood, the mounds of shavings piling up around me. The third picture shows the scraps from sawing out the arm bows. Too interesting to burn.
Beautiful, Karen. My question is…how does one who gets so much done have time to write (and so eloquently) about it???? I barely have time to get anything done, much less to write about it!
Jane