GGs,

I've enjoyed crafty-type, making-type activities as far back as I can
remember. The happiest days of my youth (1950s) were spent building
woodburning (hobby type, not pyromania), building model cars, setting up my
model railroad, etc. I also spent ten years taking violin and cello lessons.

During my schooling I tried art (no talent), music composition (no talent),
writing (no talent) and girls (no talent). Since I lacked the "gift of the
muse" it was destined that sooner or later I would resort back to my hands
(no smart comments about the girl thing either). Somewhere along the line my
interests hit two extremes - the fine (classical music, high art,
Shakespeare, etc.) and the common (folk music, folk art, etc.).

After getting married and buying a house in 1980, I began with the typical
handyman stuff. But kids and work and life seemed to take up all my time.

In the late 80s the company I worked for moved us to Ohio (south of
Cleveland) where I became enthralled with the Amish (quilts, woodworking,
simplicity). Then came NYW and N*rm's pseudo-Shaker creations. All this
ultimately led to Sears and some Crapsman p*w*r tools as I got Normie. [Side
note: I even have an autographed copy of N*rm's "Mostly Shaker" book. Now
that I've confessed I feel much better and no, Ralph, I won't quit the list.]

After a couple years of crappy tools, lots of noise, always needing another
jig, and never getting anything quite right, I almost chucked the whole
thing. But God took pity and directed me to a copy of Mike Dunbar's book in
early 96 and to this group a few months later. The rest is history.

Now, I can't say I no longer get frustrated since I've still got much to
learn. But I understand the tools, the techniques, and the wood better each
day. Added bonus - I can work in the shop *and* hear Mozart at the same
time... truly Heaven on Earth.

Dennis