Remembering Grandparents

Speaking of grandparents, have you ever thought how important they are in the lives of their children and grandchildren, or as role models for the younger generations?

Each year as part of my public wood turning demonstrations, I am fortunate enough to turn spinning tops as children of all ages watch me perform my magic. I am able to transform a shapeless lump of wood into a beautiful, shiny, colorful and useful toy in just a few minutes right before their eyes. The wonderment, the excitement that I see on their faces is its own reward. My role has become very clear; I teach other folks to do the same thing with many different types of turned items. That way, they can create items for their own family which will become treasured heirlooms and may ultimately be passed down for generations. I often hear the echo of someone who is able to say “My dad/mom/uncle made this, or my grandpa/grandma made this.”

In this high–tech world of ours where everything seemingly must first appear on a computer screen, our hobby, our craft, and our avocation offers a tangible alternative. Other than the steel/carbide tools we use to shape our objects, craftsmen have been spinning wood into kitchenware, vessels and jewelry for thousands of years–no computer needed. There is just something especially satisfying we receive from creating beautiful art with our hands. This type of tactile joy is shared by craftspeople across all spectrums including pottery, jewelry makers, silversmiths, those who knit and crochet, work leather, etc.

The demographics of the turning community include members from all walks of life and all ages, however, it is heavily skewed to the 50+ crowd. For most folks life itself just gets in the way. We’re all busy making a living, raising the kids, taking care of the house and so on. For most of us turning is something we look forward to in retirement and I’m okay with that. For as we look back and realize that the truly important things in our life are not things at all but they are people. One day the world will wake up without us, so while we can we must pass along things we have learned to those who will follow after us. I have chosen to do that using the world of Woodturning as my canvas as many of you have.

However you choose to do it, I would encourage you to find ways of passing on life’s most important lessons to those who will follow after you. Here is what I use as my guide:

Philippians 4:8 ASV

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

And now you know why I am always so positive. If you enjoy my little bits of encouragement, I’d love to hear from you at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .