Embracing the Beauty of Nature
Fall is my absolute favorite season here in Wisconsin. I absolutely adore hiking, but I particularly love taking in the crisp autumn air and strolling through the trees as they transform from vibrant green to stunning shades of orange and red. The best part? I live right off the Ice Age Trail, so I can be on a hike in minutes! This past weekend, I could finally enjoy my first hike in quite a while. All the stress of moving buildings, recruiting new members, and organizing classes for the fall had taken a toll on me, and just getting into nature and walking was precisely what I needed.
I think there’s a deep connection between my love for nature and my passion for woodworking. Many of the woodworkers I know are also avid outdoors enthusiasts. In an age where we have access to a vast array of manufactured materials, something about natural wood products draws many of us in. Wood can be tricky to work with, but I find that challenging aspect part of its charm. It’s like the wood has a mind of its own, and I love the sense of accomplishment I get when I build something and take into account its natural movement over time. It’s almost like it’s alive!
I also find the feel of wood incredibly satisfying. I’m not a big fan of plastic finishes because they take away the beauty of the natural wood. Give me a classic oil or shellac finish any day.
Woodworking has always been a meditation for me, just like hiking in the woods. Sure, it can be challenging, and sometimes I don’t get as far as I’d like. Still, for a few hours, I’m completely alone with my thoughts, pushing through the obstacles, whether a steep hill or a tricky joint. And when I finally reach the other side, it’s like a burst of bliss.
I truly hope that The Joinery becomes a haven for you, where you can find joy and delight in creating something beautiful from nature. I know it can be challenging to get started, just like finding time for a hike can be difficult. But we all need that time away from stress, the job, and sometimes even from family. We must disconnect from our computers and phones and create or experience something. So, I encourage you to pick a project, any project, and just begin. If you can’t think of anything, maybe go for a hike. I’m sure something will come to you!
“The pleasure we take from things made from natural materials is an extension of the pleasure we take from nature itself.”
The Man Who Made Things Out of Trees: Robert Penn
