Wooden Transformations

New Beginnings

2007-09-28T19:15:00.000-06:00

September huh? I guess with the changing weather comes a change in attitude and some exciting news.

My friend Michael Anderson and I are in the process of expanding his already successful forestry and natural resources company. As of now I will be representing Iowa Natural Resources Corporation in the western side of Iowa.

We focus primarily on timber stand improvement projects (TSI), prescribed burning plans and applications, reforestation with tree plantings, consultation expertise, and our newly designated niche of utilization of reclaimed material from these projects to create beautiful handcrafted logworks with the possibility of loghome construction in the future.

We combine Mike's expertise in midwestern natural resource work and knowledge with my constructive and creative woodworking backgrounds to form a partnership that is second to none in regards to quality and diligence. It doesn't hurt that we've worked together in the past in professional logging environments before and have a good history of teamwork dating back to forestry classes at ISU.

I believe I bring solid leadership, people management skills, equipment operation, creative problem solving, and a key desire to understand people and know them on a personal basis. I know that we are creating a solid team and look forward to our growth in the near future.

It's certainly a work in progress, hard work at times, but very worthwhile. I am excited to see where we can take this because the sky is definitely not even the limit.

Sleepy Eyes

2007-06-23T06:51:00.000-06:00

So I know this since the last one...there are actually 2-3 confirmed readers of this badboy. I don't know if they really want to or if by some strange reason they feel guilted into it. Either way...Welcome my three readers!!!

I now know what it feels like to constantly be tired. Young Samuel keeps us on our toes and I am gone for work 12 hours for the rest of my days. The rest of my time is spent trying to sleep. I feel horrible for Jill because she is the one at home when he's having a bad day dealing with everything and trying to work and it's just killing her. She does so much and won't take a break and I feel like I'm not accomplishing anything because I can't help her when she really needs it. She's an amazing person and I am lucky and a better man for having her in my life.

New job. Sucks. End of Story. Looking (once again) for employment that doesn't suck.

Heading out to a farm today to check out some walnut stumps. I'm hoping they'll be a nice size I might be able to work with. If I can get the lay of the land mapped out I'll be able to come up with a removal and transportation plan. I'm pretty pumped because it's taken a long time to come across some of this material. I think Dustin is more pumped than I am. If I can ever make this work out how I'd like I'm hiring him as my PR and marketing specialist.

Samuel is really doing great all in all. He's a little fussy from time to time, but we need to remember he's only 6 weeks old and that's how he communicates. He's so beautiful. You might now think so after an episode of devilish wailing, but he really is. He's coming into is own and changing so rapidly. I love that little man like crazy.

Mason is also doing well. He's growing into a responsible young boy who constantly amazes me with how he speaks. I sometimes forget I'm speaking to a freshly aged 8 year old because he comes off twice his age at time. How many kids use the combination of words "rather unlikely" and in the next sentence might ask you to say apple while sticking out your tongue. Great isn't it.

The Good Life

2007-05-19T18:15:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I've pretty much come to grips that no one actually reads these words so it's more for me if nothing else.

First of all we have had our son. He arrived in perfect fashion, was and is very healthy, and is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me in my life. I'm head over heels in love, I'm completely smitten, and I feel overwhelmed with emotions I never knew I had. There is nothing here on earth that can eclipse this wonderful time and sensation.

Secondly, I accepted a new position with a great engineering firm in Omaha and will be a member of the survey department. We'll be doing survey work for much of the commercial development in the metro area, so it should be a good time with a good group of guys.

Third, went for an adventurous mountain bike ride this morning. Without considering the relation of the Lake Manawa MTB trails to the mighty Missouri River I cruised down there for a ride about quarter to eight this morning. It was apparent early that not all the water had receded or dried up. Rideable trails instantly became ponds and huge mudholes, drainage ditches morphed into streams and debris dams, and the deer...well...they just ran beside me. So I biked when I could, traversed giant mudpits by log bridge with bike in hand, and got attacked by swarms of mosquitoes as black as night and large as their great brethren from the Alaskan north lands. Finally after riding through nearly dry stank mud fields I hit Louisiana swamps and decided it was time to head for the truck. I went home, had a nice breakfast of enchiladas, nacho cheesier doritos, Mountain Dew, and yesterdays coffee.

Now it's whiskey coke and chill time at home with the fam. It's cool. A great time in my life. I wouldn't change anything for any reason.

My wood shop ramps up production again as of June 2nd. Let me know what you're interested in...we'll create it. Thanks for your encouragement Dustin...it helps more than you know...the stumps await.

Splendid Friday

2007-04-20T15:31:00.000-06:00

Everything is changing. And...things are good. I've realized how much a positive attitude can have on your everyday life...and...well...it certainly leaves less time to dwell on negative aspects and bring yourself down.

Our family is changing. We're in preparation mode for the arrival of our son. It's an amazing time. It's just as amazing how much one little life can require...and he's not even here yet. I guess you just want to make sure that everything is as perfect as it can be so that things are safe and you know he's going to be just fine once he gets here. It's cool...I've never experienced this before so the whole process is truly mind blowing.

I'm switching careers so to speak. There is nothing concrete but I feel as though things are very close, and it's really exciting. Change is good and necessary sometimes...and now is one of those times. It is refreshing, anxious, and something to look forward to all in the same breath.

Woodworking is going well. I'm under the gun...as I always seem to be. It's not that I love procrastination, but I think sometimes I need the direct pressure of a looming deadline to elevate my focus. I'm just finishing up a beautiful display cabinet for a great looking Belgium Browning shotgun, followed up by a multicolored toy box for one of the sweetest young men I know, and a brand new order for matching hickory end tables to compliment the dining table I created for a Christmas gift. If I could only find those stumps.

Everything is a balancing act. Physically and mentally. It's up to the individual to find that happy medium without losing their mind or becoming exhausted. I know it seems there are never enough hours in a day, and maybe there aren't. And...if you're not trying to please one person there's always another around the corner waiting to be pleased. It's a difficult balancing act...one I'm trying to perfect...one I feel I'm getting better at...but one I also feel I have a long way to go.

In the end you can only do as good as you can do and try to improve upon that. I'm trying to improve without the burnout...nobody likes the burnout.

Winds of Change

2007-03-15T09:41:00.000-06:00

Spring is doing it's best to round the corner...to take winter and shove him back in the crawlspace for the next eight months or so. As spring takes it's stride it brings with it new life. New life...in the form of a budding leaf, a blossoming tulip, even the annoyance of certain flying insects.

I feel this breeze. I feel it trying to pump new life into me. I feel as though I've been slipping in a state of regression over an extended period of time. Now...with the certain responsibilities of life catching up I've realized that this regression must halt...and it must happen immediately.

I love what I'm trying to create. My woodworking business is growing nicely, unfortunately it is not at the point where I or my family can rely on it full time for financial and other securities. I have full confidence it will reach that point over the next year or two...I know it will take time and more projects to get there. I love how it allows me to create my ideas for people and turn visions into reality. It will continue to grow and I will continue to create.

So, along with creating my projects in the spare time I have...and even that which I don't, I am searching now for meaningful employment that will still allow me to take advantage of my education, experiences, and overall talents. I feel I have a great deal to offer...its a matter of finding out exactly what that is. I guess you could call this some kind of a pre-mid-life crisis of sorts. Change is immediate and necessary. It is not bad...I believe sometimes we just need events in our lives to force open our eyes, to awaken us from the funk and quagmire we've somehow settled into.

Creation will continue. Family is most important. They need a tall order of support. One must realize this. With a new life about to enter this world family needs more support than ever. I will provide this support. This warm breeze is encouraging.

Loss of Creativity

2007-02-24T07:35:00.000-06:00

I need wood. Not just any kind of wood. Walnut...maybe some cedar. Not just a few scraps...I need specific parts of the tree. I need the stumps...and I need the root masses. I'll travel...I'll pay...I'll do most anything but sell my soul. Unfortunately these items are not readily available at the local hardware store or farmers market. Leave it up to me to need the bizarre and obscure to create my product. I have clients, good clients, a gallery, and potential clients that don't even know they're out there yet. I have ideas and designs to make for these people, yet I can't do it without material. It's like getting all pumped up to wake up on a Saturday morning to go watch G.I. Joe or He-Man and sit down with a big ol' bowl of Cap'n Crunch and waste a couple hours only to find you've got no milk. The cereal just isn't going to happen brother. You want it bad but you just can't do it because you don't have the right ingredients and it's driving you mad. Your belly wants the cereal and milk...but unless you go find the milk your stomach is screwed. That's how I feel, like a Cap'n Crunch deprived stomach.

I have beautiful ideas flowing through my brain. Smooth lines morphed with rustic elegance...huge masses of solid wood intertwined with transparent curves. Colors and grains twisting and turning and character cracks springing up here and there. It's not just slowly decomposing biomass in the soil. Chip away the rough exterior and there's something amazing inside. It's functional...it's breathtaking...it's so subtle yet at the same time dominating. That's what I love. I love to create...I don't use plans very well...they're someone else's ideas. It's like a Hallmark card. Why do people buy them? Those words are not your own...someone else got paid to think of something sappy or happy that might trip your trigger. Then you buy it and pass it off as your own? Then you might write something in the card. Why??? Why not just write what you wanted on your own piece of paper or make your own card. Are we to the point where it's just easier to let people think for us. For most people it is...and that's our problem...and that's our downfall. So many have lost the ability to think...to truly think on their own. We rely so much now on someone else to take care of it...it's sad.

My mind is it's own...and by creating it does not conform. It's all a matter of personal preference I suppose. What do you do?

I need more wood...

Ramble

2007-01-28T20:09:00.000-06:00

Things have slowed down just a bit. It's nice in one regard...but I'd rather have the stress of a project. I had another table ready to go...but after I got started the buyer backed out until later on in the year. Not much I can do. It did teach me a valuable lesson. I will be requiring a minimum of 1/3 down for future projects. I trust too much...the yin and yang of personal qualities I guess. I can't stick my neck out there anymore...especially to the unknown individual.

Have you ever had the end of your index finger removed? Don't try it. It hurts. Quite bad actually. Makes framing houses in the frigid January temperatures and wind a bit difficult. Another question...tied into the same subject. Ever have problems dropping a few pounds. Frame. Plain and simple. It's a wonderful diet. Physical work all day long, freezing temps burn enormous calories just trying to keep warm, and rarely time to eat can have you fitting back into those work pants you've been spooked to try on for the last half year. I found a quarter in the pocket of a pair. There was no way I could have slid my hand into that pocket six months ago.

I'm looking for marketing ideas. Things have been good and ramping up but I'm looking for more intensity. I'm also looking for stumps and root masses. All difficult ordeals. If you have any credible Intel or ideas I'm always willing to listen. It's all towards the goal of self sufficiency. It's all towards not being tied to the man or his two weeks. Come join my revolution of the mass exodus we know as the rat race and slow it down. I have a good friend that did just that. I commend him and am joyous over his decision. It's a valiant pursuit.

1554

2006-12-19T22:05:00.000-06:00

All right Mr. Q, this one is for you since I have had the chance to consume a few tasty 1554 brewdogs. Yes...the first time since that fatefull morning after the consumption of many such beverages that caused massive internal conlflict on our mountain bike ride.

Conversation...isn't it amazing? How people can interact with one another and have the potential to reach things on so many different levels. For example...people will talk about other people and things in their lives...then people might talk about current events and how they could possible shape our world we live in today...and then finally ideas. People will discuss ideas, theories, and opinions with the expectations that they might actually stimulate one another's brain on a higher level. It's a wonderful way to mine out information deep within our minds. How difficult it is to sometimes find that person or persons that might actually respond to these ideas with ideas of their own. So many people are consumed with the simplicity of everyday life. There is nothing wrong with that. But what about those ideas? What about the possibility of the unknown. What about discovering things you never knew or were perhaps too frightened to actually take that next step to find out? That's what it's all about. And that's where the magic lies.

Sitting in the bar over beers and such. Problems one can relate to or at least empathize with. Maybe not even that. Perhaps it's just a willing ear. At the same time that ear is a release. That ear hears those words, translates them into thoughts and opinions, forms it's own words, and then spews them out in a back and forth match of Pong. If you're from the age of Atari that statement more than makes sense. Problems are solved this way. Crisis averted. Confidence is bolstered and simple ways of thinking are expanded to see the new twist or possibly revert into the retro way of thinking.

Try to actually talk, think, conceptualize, realize the possibilities.

Dumb Pride

2006-12-13T14:20:00.000-06:00

Have you ever been driving somewhere searching for a location, 100% sure you know where it's at but can't for the life of you find it? Then, once you've sucked up your pride you call the place you're trying to find to get directions, listen half-heartedly, act as though what you're hearing makes perfect sense and you'll make it no problem. The only problem is that you really weren't listening at all. You kept on agreeing to not appear like an idiot. But...you are. Thinking you know the directions, you take off once again in search of your destination, but the more you drive, the more things look unfamiliar, and the higher the temperature seems inside your vehicle. You turn on the air, try to not sound even more stupid when you call this time, and actually listen to the directions given on the other end.

After turning around 374 times, cussing like a sailor, having irregular body temperatures, and feeling like everyone on the road actually knows how much you've screwed up and what's running through your mind, you make it to where you were trying to find 45 minutes ago. Probably ought to pay attention and maybe even make use of your education with a pen and paper to actually write something down. And if I'm not mistaken that's nearly the same advice I gave my son last night in regards to figuring out the amount of days between now and Christmas. "That's why you're learning math" I tell him, "For you to make practical use of sometime". And that's exactly the precise moment I realize I could have actually used nearby resources to take notes. That's what they're for, memory backups.

With all of that said an done I did come home with just a hair over 100 board feet of beautiful hickory. I'm excited to get the sawdust flying. With a little bit of luck from Father Time I hope to turn these pieces of wood into a rustic dining table no later than the 23rd of December. Sleep is over-rated...it'll be done. And now with a couple new techniques and tools this table is going to turn out amazing...I just have a good feeling about it. There's a pair of oak cabinet doors having glass cut to fit them as we speak, and I hope a lacewood handled knife has made it's way to Wasilla, Alaska by now.

Hickory in the shop, tools set up to rock and roll, toons crankin' and a deadline approaching rapidly...time to fire it up. No doubt I'm with Dustin. Procrastination certainly does suck, but it's the pressure you thrive on and the results that pressure brings which forces you to accomplish your goals. I know it's not readily understood, it's just the way a few of us work.

2006-12-11T12:44:00.000-06:00

So how do you find the material you're looking for? Head to the store? Look it up in DEX? He knows where everything is at right? No matter what I'm sure someone has what you're looking for or can help you in some way. So tell me this...how do I come up with as many black walnut tree stumps and root masses as I can? I tried Home Depot...they were fresh out. I tried TSC...sold the last one to a newly retired 42 year old investment banker who thought he'd buy himself a little acreage outside of town, get some livestock, buy a little tractor, and try to convince himself and others that he's a good ol' country boy who just loves to get his hands dirty. Tell me that's not the case and I'll call you a liar. Not that some people don't, it's just with everything so nice and shiny new and with a fresh sparkle it makes me wonder what they really do.

How do you come up with stumps and root masses? That's the question of the day. Every day in fact. It's not a dirty hunk of wood in the ground. It's a beautiful piece of furniture in your living room. That's what I do. Take the undesireable and turn it into a desirable piece once again. That's what I love. Sitting among a mountain of wood shavings, breathing through a respirator, finding that hidden treasure within the soil encased mass. But I need more...much more.

Building Momentum

2006-12-10T16:16:00.000-06:00

It's been many years that I've been saying I'd love to do it without really ever doing anything about it. My creations are just that, my creations. My ideas, my tore up hands, my concepts turning into reality. How wonderful would it be to do something that you love and people actually pay you money to do it? It's what we all really want isn't it? So I'm trying it...with goals. Two years by my humble estimations. Two years until I'm swamped. But I'm trying. A person can only talk about things so long. If you want to see if you've even got a chance, you've got to give it a whirl. If you never take the chance you'll never know. I'm taking that chance. I'm gonna stick my neck out there and see who trys to take it off.