the discouraged beginner

Well, knock yourself out. Who am I to contradict Keith Rowley...

-- Chuck *#:^) chaz3913(AT)yahoo(DOT)com Anti-spam sig: please remove "NO SPAM" from e-mail address to reply. <

September 11, 2001 - Never Forget

Or not. I pledge to develop into a hack turner who could never show his face among those of you who live and breathe this stuff, but who is a lot better than people who have never used a lathe before.

I find aiming low leads to a much less stressful life. I'm not Richard Raffan, and who cares? I aim to make myself happy, and don't care whether I'm a "first rate" anything. I have too many varied and competing interests to bother mastering any of them. I feel like my life has been richer for it. My kids' lives too. They've gotten to do some cool stuff that I didn't even dream of as a boy. I'm a lot cooler dad than Dad was is. :)

Where do we send our "candle holder thingie's" !? (I beat you to it Chuck ... and you knew you were going to say something too! HA!)

Congrats, Silvan.

- Andrew

Each to his own. My statement to Gramps was aimed at helping him find the motivation to continue. I fully realize that many people take a much less motivated approach to their endeavors. Society often terms these folks "failures." I tend to believe that's a bit harsh, as many of these same people succeed nicely in other aspects of their lives. I'm sure you have/will too. And of course *success* is relative. If your children love and respect you, you'd be a resounding success in my book, and a rich man to boot. So go for it. Mediocrity hath its own rewards, it would seem.

Max

I just started a little bit ago and you will catch on quick. I read the Keith Rowley book, a couple others and started trying to turn pens. I make some great ones -- just dont ask about the other 50 percent! LOL Grab a turner, ask for help -- and be ready to run for cover because 5 hours later you will still be getting advice!

Well, the biggest one is diversity. I could be a first-rate guitarist if I practiced all the time, but then when would I find time for woodworking, woodturning, or any of a dozen other interests? I'm proud of the variety of things I can do with at least a minimum amount of competence, and feel no need to strive for mastry of anything in particular.

"Jack of all trades, master of none." Yeah, I've been there too. I'm quite a bit older than you and done many, many things. But as I've aged, I've discovered that diversity, while entertaining and amusing, tends to leave one a bit regretful years down the road. What it has done is allow me to be conversant with many people about a great many topics. What it hasn't achieved is any great sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. So I've taken a slightly different approach lately--I don't do anything without giving it my best shot.

As I said before--each to his own. Your way is obviously best for you. I do hope Gramps won't quit out of frustration. With the proper motivation he'll be fine.

Max

It's unfortunate you only got the short version. :-)

Bob, Naugatuck Ct.