Rustic Ramblings

Spent some time in my shop today. One project ready to spray and the glue up done on another and a couple of hours cleaning! My shop has been pretty much abandoned these last few years. Some how it became a storage facility. The blades ALL need sharpened! I can’t find anything. I like an orderly shop but I’m not an orderly worker. It is time to do my spring cleaning!!!
This evening I was reading James Krenov’s book again and suprise the chapter is on the workshop. All about neat and orderly. I’m so deeply trained in the commercial aspects or woodworking that Mr Krenovs emotional approach is just strange feeling. I like the idea but when i go to work…I GO TO WORK! There is a spirit in his work I want. I see it alot in my fellow lumberjocks. To be able to quit checking the hours on a job. To quit finding the quickest methods. My Catch-22. Years ago I made a decision to not do kitchens so I could just be a one man shop. To not go after the big bucks. I’d rather be happy than rich but then i got sucked into installing kitchens. Here is a line in the book I loved. “Balancing your environment in a way that gives you harmony is all-important.”
My shop is just part of this balancing act for me. A bit of time with family. Some time reading. Playing with the dog. Going out in nature. My life would be perfect if my blades were sharp and my tools where they belonged…well closer anyway. The importain thing for me was the enjoyment i got cleaning up today. Maybe some day I’ll learn to enjoy sanding!