I received a couple of inquiries about my conspicuous absence from the creek - and particularly expressing concerns about my health. I appreciate very much those concerns, and thought it might be appropriate to comment.
As you all now know, Kathy Marshall is one of our new moderators, recruited at my request, as I really want to curtail further my online activities. While I have been checking in a couple times a day, or more, my intent is to pull back – a lot. As some of you know, several months ago, I quit visiting other sites entirely.
When I started turning in October 2009, my retirement plans included building furniture – both for family and on commission. As has been noted (repeatedly, actually!), my purchase of a lathe was to turn legs for the furniture.
Well, life and the good Lord have a way of developing other plans, and woodturning is now my passion. I have been very blessed – in many ways, but particularly with the rapidity with which turning has enveloped me. My work is in several galleries, and I was most recently contacted by another that wants 20 pieces for a two month featured artist exhibit and they want me to do a weekend workshop later this fall.
Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on one’s perspective, I have only 7 pieces in my possession. The exhibit starts July 13, and I have been working feverishly to complete at least 7 more. That won’t be the 20 they want, but the director indicated she would take what she could get. This gallery is reported to produce good sales, and while my work is much different from what they have, the director is excited about the possibilities. That means I am, too!
When this all started, I had no idea I would be where I am today with it. I will be 64 this year. About a year ago, I decided that at 66 I would retire from practicing law and until then, I would concentrate on refining my turning and trying to develop markets for my art. I also need to work on my website, and just generally, be free of some other time sinks so that I can take a refreshed approach to my turning – and life itself. Having had a close brush with death changes one’s perspective in a major way!
I enjoy the participation here on the creek, and I intend to continue with some Moderator functions – including editing David D’s occasional expletive that he slips in just to see if I am watching! With Kathy, Steve, Ken and Dennis, I have no doubt this rowdy crowd can be controlled!
There are a bunch of other creekers that do marvelous work so there will be no shortage of postings. I will be around, but just not very visible! So, there you have it - I am alive and well!