Generally my posts have been pretty politically founded, but this one is different.  I've found things on the internet or heard articles on NPR that didn't quite sit right.  Stories or posts that have allowed me the space to think about what principles I want to be structuring my life around.  The nuances in life that make me feel like i have to conform.  But truly, I'm the author of my own destiny.  No one can take that breath of fresh air for me.  So today, i take my own advice and take a breath, and get involved in a project of my own.

My passion in life is woodworking and I was able to live with it in my life consistently for the past 5 years. Since moving to Richmond that part of my life has taken a back seat to everything else (money, relationships, chores, working out, etc.).  In the past week I've taken the steps of getting back into the workshop and began to create again.  It feels AMAZING!! Initializing sensations that have fallen to the way side that remind me of who I am breeds a sense of confidence I have lost since being here.  The smell of fresh cut wood, the feel of a fine sanded product, the pressure needed to sink a screw, have all been sensations that have been accustom to me that all of a sudden dropped out of my life.  Ultimately, I have been trained to be a carpenter, from apprenticeship to habitat, carpentry has been the most consistent thing in my life, ever.  From girlfriends, jobs, vehicles, friends, homes, possessions. nothing has lasted the test of time besides woodwork.

So here is my promise (to no one but myself).  Until i make enough money to allow carpentry to be my means of income, i will never again go a weekend without a project.  I have 3 more lined up and will go about progressing my passion at each chance i get.  I've again captured a sense of who I am and life's circumstances won't get another chance to strip me of that.  This breath of fresh air is truly needed.

Through out this post are pictures of the new bookshelf I'm making.  Simple yet gratifying.