core values

Yesterday, I spent time in my woodshop planing and cutting parts for 27 boxes to fill spaces in my inventory. When finished they'll be sold to galleries, and then find places in the lives of others. 

I also finished a table that will be given as a gift to the Eureka Springs School of the Arts. It is made of white oak and a wide plank of spalted sycamore.

Woodworking for me has never been a disconnected arm hanging useless in space. It is deeply entwined in the rest of reality. It is a connecting point, that leads to greater things. And if it did not, what would be the point? 

Yes, it can be used to isolate oneself from the world, hanging out safely and alone in one's own wood shop. Or it can be a practice through which one attempts to be of greater service to family and humanity. It can go one way or the other. It has been a way to learn and practice core values. Craftsmanship, Creativity, Compassion, Connectivity and Forgiveness. I suggest some time in the wood shop. Attempting to make beautiful and lasting things from real wood is a great way to practice core values. 

Make, fix and create...