Wise words from my late sister. The implication is that you make sure you are willing and able to commit to what it takes to accomplish what is required for some new task or job. Whether it is short- or long-term.
My dad had something similar. He said it’s easy to decide what you want to do. It’s hard to decide the things you choose not to do.
As the years pass, I understand and try to practice both. Around eight years ago I surprised Cindy by telling her I had ordered a sawmill. It was a basic unit requiring lots of physical labor to operate – manually loading and turning the logs plus handling and stacking the lumber.
Wood from the Arp sawmill
Then after five years, I was convinced that I was going to “hold out.” I went to Cindy using my best pitiful logic. Told her that if I had a saw with hydraulic loader, log turner and lots of bells and whistles my body would hold up better and longer. It worked. New fancy saw.
Had several people who procured wood from me. One person suggested that I add a wood kiln to dry the lumber. Now have two wood kilns.
The temptation was to add a planer and maybe an edging saw. But the little voice in my head reminded me of my sister’s words.
Over the years I have developed a group of woodworkers who obtain wood from me. They are all excellent craftsmen and craftswomen. Cabinet builders, carvers, wood turners and more. It gives me great pleasure to know that I have some participation in the chain of events that result in beautiful creations.
I am grateful to my sister and my dad for reminding me to find a stopping place. I am happy that there are others who are there to carry on where I leave off.
Dan Arp is the other half of Dan Land and Cindyville.