I know that many people do not read this blog and as far as that goes I know that I don't post that often. As the title of my blog suggests sometimes there is not much time for fine woodworking . I would love to write about all the daily jobs that I do from basement and bathroom remodels to fences that I build or siding a house. Those things are nice but I can associate woodworking with happiness and a change in my life so that is what I choose to tell anyone that might read this. Life is about hopes and dreams and maybe some of you who read this will think about following your dream. I know someday that I will be able to practice my passion more often than I can right now. I have recently been spending a little more time in the shop and have begun to breathe that sigh of relief again. This coffee table is one of my projects that I am most proud of. It represents a time in my life that was difficult in many ways. I was experiencing a time when I was not happy with my job. I was not happy with the way that I was approaching life and most importantly my mother was diagnosed with kidney cancer. There are many people who deal with things that are far worse than those that I mentioned especially in a personal manor but my Mothers diagnosis triggered a change in the way that I look at life and the people around me. I initially withdrew from people and friends and became depressed about life. I am lucky to have people around me who believed in me and stood by me even if they didn't always know where I was or didn't return their phone calls. I found myself looking through my favorite publication, Fine Woodworking, when saw a picture of a coffee table and I knew that I had to build it. The table was designed by Seth Barrett from New York. I changed a few things to make it a little more me and I went through the beginning of my new life philosophy with this table as a goal. The only way for me to take the new steps of change was to complete this table. It provided a break from everything that was real and difficult. A couple of hours here and there were often all that I needed to catch a breath between hospital visits. The shop became a sanctuary of sort.
The table fascinated me because of its design. If you look at the top at a certain angle it almost appears to float because it doesn't rest on the legs. I really enjoyed its architectural elements and every piece supports another piece and so on until you have a coffee table. I think that applies to my life a little. I have a great supporting cast around me and they all lift me higher. I would not be who I was if it wasn't for those people. I think of everyone of you when I sit down and look at this table. The day came when finally conquered my goal. I am still working on myself but I am a lot better than I was.
Sadly my mother never got to see this table in its completed form. I dedicate it to her and all the people around me who have made life something to treasure....
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