Awe-Inspiring Talent and Skills with Wood

Summary

The article celebrates the author's father's exceptional woodworking skills, showcasing his ability to construct a home and furniture from raw logs, emphasizing the awe-inspiring nature of his talent and the positive impact of recognizing such skills on one's well-being.

Abstract

The author, K. Barrett, expresses admiration for their father's remarkable woodworking skills, which are demonstrated through the construction of a family home using logs he cut himself. This talent is set against the backdrop of a 46-year marriage and a successful business partnership with the author's mother. The article highlights the extraordinary nature of the father's craftsmanship, from building the house structure to creating intricate details like birch entertainment center cord covers. It underscores the idea that ability-based awe, as described by the Greater Good Science Center, is felt when witnessing exceptional ability, talent, and skill in others. The author reflects on the importance of noticing and appreciating the skills and talents of people around us, as they can be a significant source of awe, contributing to improved physical and mental well-being. The piece concludes with gratitude towards the Woodworkers of the World Unite!!! community and individuals like John Griswold, who have provided insights into forest science and the sustainable aspect of woodworking.

Opinions

The author believes their father's woodworking skills are awe-inspiring and extraordinary, particularly in the context of modern society where such skills are less common.
The article suggests that the father's talent is the result of hard work, practice, and a family tradition of building structures like a hunting cabin and a maple sugar shack.
The author expresses that recognizing and appreciating the talents of others, such as those of their father, can have a positive impact on one's own physical and mental health.
There is an underlying appreciation for the Woodworkers of the World Unite!!! community for fostering a space where such talents are celebrated and shared.
The author values the educational input from John Griswold on sustainable forestry practices, indicating a respect for the balance between utilizing natural resources and preserving the environment.

Parents

Actually, my dad has worked with my mom in her canvas business since he retired. He has skills with canvas too. Their 46-year marriage, successful business relationship, and other skills and talents are awe-inspiring.

In this story, I want to highlight my dad’s skills and talents with wood. Much of the home he is building comes from logs he cut. To me, that seems normal, but it is extraordinary in many ways. Here are some of the details that I find most interesting.

Photo, K.Barrett, author (Back Yard, work in progress)

Photo, K.Barrett, author (upper deck)

Photo, K.Barrett, author (Ceilings, birch entertainment center cord covers, and walls — work in progress.)

Skill Building

This type of skill and talent is often the result of a lot of hard work and practice. In the past, my dad has worked with his family to build a hunting cabin, a working maple sugar shack, and a lot of interesting furnishings. He also attended a log cabin building course with my grandfather. The outcomes are awe-inspiring when I step back and realize this isn’t the norm.

Photos, K.Barrett, author

Photos, K.Barrett, author (stairs, table, chair)

Final Thoughts

Awe is a feeling that can improve physical and mental well-being. Notice the skills and talents of the people around you. They can be a great source of awe.

Thanks for reading! I hope everyone finds awe in the ordinary and in the extraordinary!

Thanks to John Griswold for helping me learn more about forest science from his comments on my last story about cutting trees.

Awe-Inspiring Talent and Skills with Wood

Awe Practice: Awe-inspired by humans

Parents

Skill Building

Final Thoughts