Observations #8: Summer Challenge - Why? - Just Because

Russell,

It is wonderful to know you have progressed – and the good feeling that goes with it. Neil Lamens, of Furnitology Productions fame, believes that the BEST thing we can do to get better is to ”...build, build, build…” I think you are saying the same thing!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com

doesn’t it feel great to complete a project for the challenges presented here?

Entering says, “See? I took up the challenge and I did it.”

Soon after I first joined I was challenged to enter the Thorsen Table Challenge.. Yah, me.. build a table .. when I was just learning about.. well—everything!! But I did take the challenge. And I did make a table. And I do love my table. Did I “win”? You bet I did—I won my own personal challenge to try, to do, to learn and to participate.
At that point I decided that I would participate in all the challenges because it would force me to try something new, and to do better than “good enough”.

Nice blog Russel. Thank you :)

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Russel!

Its like that old saying.

Winning isn’t everything!

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Russel, I couldn’t have said it better. I still don’t know what the prizes are. I may have to go back to the front page and just find out though. Like you, it is not about winning for me as much as participating.

-- Kevin, Wichita, Kansas

Right on, Russel. I’ve entered the contest, but not to win. To be honest, I don’t even have any idea what the prizes are – I was just pumped to have an entry!

-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com

I am putting the finishing touches on a serving tray for the contest. The reason I will be entering, is because I needed to challeng myself. I would not have been motivated enough on my own to make something like that and I think I had to call Greg 15-20 times, down from my usual 30-40 times….LOL.

I truely hope that I win, however, I didn’t enter for the prizes (god knows that I’ll never use them for thier intended use) but for the self-gratification that “I DID IT”.

-- Adrian ..... The 11th Commandment...."Thou Shalt Not Buy A Wobble Dado"

The agreement here validates my appreciation of this site and the people here. The goal is not superiority of one over another, but accomplishment of all. The fact that the people here want to better themselves and others makes this place truly unique.

-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.

I too enjoy the challenge to build something a little out of my reach thereby building my skill set.

However . . . I would also love to have the router bit set to help build my selection.

Good observation Russel.

-- The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them

Well, I certainly wouldn’t refuse a prize. ;-)

-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.

I have been here 400 days as of today. I have seen people’s skills growing as time goes by, myself included.

As Zuki says “I too enjoy the challenge to build something a little out of my reach”. That’s what I try to do.
I do that by trying things that I have never done before.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

I think it an opportunity for people to show ideas of similar subjects , kinda like mingling the ideas and sharing our work with others who can appreciate it more then the average joe could.

oh yeah … and dont forget to vote for me ;) lol

But most than all it’s the PARTICIPATION that counts. Being a part of something with everyone. Keeping this community alive and rockin’!

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

Thanks Russel. Well put.
I totally agree. Almost all of my woodworking is just because. It’s a love, a hobby, a fun way to spend time. Thanks again for putting it in writing.

Steve

-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon

The Olympics will be on in a few days. It’s nice to see that the olympic spirit has not died down. At least here in Lumberjocks.

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

I am still having goose bumps whenever I read that paragraph. I think I should throw in my junk into that contest. LOL

-- "Real jocks do it on a bench"

LumberJocks Olympics Spirit – that’s exactly what you can feel here, manilaboy.
Well said everybody.. and nice encouragement to keep improving the Awards!

-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://profile.to/msojka

Russell: A fitting series of staements that show the true spirit of LumberJocks. Not that I can do something better than you but that I can do something better than I’ve ever done it before.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †