● Gathering

Gathering with fellow woodworkers for tool events, lectures, and demonstrations has a dynamic, up-to-date sensibility. To put it simply, they actively enhance shop life. It opens the door to learning about woodworking and gaining more knowledge. When I want to know something, I use any available resource. The best way is personal instruction from someone who has been doing this for a long time. That privilege is not always immediately available.

Books and magazines provide a classic approach. The proverbial oyster comes open via the world wide web. I perform a bit of research, then critically observe and note what I need to fill my knowledge gaps. A little self-help is employed through experimentation, trial, and error. Or – no shame – I ask someone.

At times it’s a stretch and a reach to get what I need. Before dismissing any idea or place, I give it a chance. It may result in a most pleasant surprise.

Sometimes.

I believe that getting out among people is a good thing. Attendance at woodworking gatherings is important for a number of reasons.

Once I enter the gathering place, it envelops me in the spirit of camaraderie and attention. All of us are taking in the moment, the lesson, and the unique opportunity of community. Old acquaintances pop up here and there. It truly is good to see them. Believe if you will, we have a chance to greet each other and reminisce, if only for a moment.

I learn more about the good people and grounding places that are a part of me through woodworking, whether I accept it or not. Often I gain a bit more understanding about them. I learn a lot more about myself. Of course, I keep my mind open to the teaching.

Prepping for the Gathering

From the moment I make up my mind to go anywhere, the learning begins. I plan the trip and make a budget. Also, I develop my own syllabus. If I drive, I take out the maps and trace the route. I learn about the place and research to see if there are museums, antique shops, or historical markers along the way.

Finding a safe, hospitable place to lay my head and rest my feet is a priority. And sometimes, if I can find a well-known eatery, I stop and eat there.

Learning about the places I visit is generated by a long view. It helps fill in the gaps remaining after time served in the educational system.

A little learning, indeed, may be a dangerous thing, but the want of learning is a calamity to any people.
– Frederick Douglass

When I had time and felt adventurous, I backpacked on Greyhound and Amtrak to an event.

From the station or depot, I walked or took public transportation to get to my final destination. All these things serve as a ramp-up to the actual event. To be truthful, one of them may reveal itself as a failsafe that I might enjoy if the intended object of the trip is a bust.

That Familiar Fire

There is one more thing that I note before leaving on my trip. It parallels my and my people’s experience living in this country for over 400 years. This is a familiar fire. One which requires acceptance that the trip may be an isolating, stressful, and disheartening odyssey. It may even be personally dangerous.

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In real time, my intuition is my guide. It helps dampen the noise created by anticipation and trepidation. I have had my share of unpleasant, but not unexpected, encounters that occurred at any stage of a trip.

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Wary optimism describes my journey from the moment I leave my shop until I return. Although this is not something that I care to take on so far from home, I must. During the journey, I don’t always feel good and I don’t always feel safe.

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I have found that like touching a hot stove, my disturbance is the result of oh-so momentarily forgetting the true nature of people who commit these pernicious acts. In spite of my knowing and remembering who and what they are, I forgot that they would.

Yet, I move out of my comfort zone to confirm that it is not an isolating chamber of fear. The world is full of grief and sorrow. I know that. But it is full of counter-balancing light and music. Unless I step out, I cannot experience that. I obligate (in the best meaning of the word) myself to look outside the door and to step out of my wood-filled world.

I want to be there when the band starts playing. One step, then another, gets me closer to the light and the music.

That Wrong Feeling May be Right

Totally aware of the truth and realities that I meet each day, I make my own path and sometimes, the door. When I need to, I go find my people…

I am not surprised that people act without shame or humanity. That is their nature which shall be rewarded accordingly. I have no control over that. There are no exceptions for good or evil; it takes all kinds.

That knowledge and my experience, however, clear up any questions in my head. Yes, I give it a minute to make sure I understand the situation. If respect for me simply as a human being is not evident, I vote with my feet – dollars and support – and “leave the room”.

… because, these are not my people.

Sifting Dust

Too many times, distorted portrayals of people and places made by news resources to draw fearful reactions influence where people go. Often, these portraits are disproven by the truth that I see with my own eyes. A little fact-checking doesn’t hurt!

I view these trips as an opportunity to see things for myself and put my imaginings in the proper perspective. Yes, there is disappointment. My expectations get dwarfed by reality. I gather those external expectations, accordingly, and tone them down.

Occasionally, a sprinkle of “gathering dust” or something pleasantly unexpected lands on me. It could be the people I meet or the place itself. Before that euphoric feeling passes, I accept it as a balancing credit in my own book of life. The very next moment, however, could threaten to put a damper on an otherwise first-rate experience.

A Gathering of Many

Gatherings are like family reunions. They are held regularly so the members of the family or organization can get reacquainted. There is discussion. There may be a shared meal and music. Importantly the older or experienced attendees impress upon the younger ones the traditions, successes, strength and longevity of the “family”. There is respect and appreciation for them and those who are not here.

Each of us comes to this place seeking something. We set our boundaries and take out of it – if we even know – what we need.

I think that a lot of people, especially as technology began to speed up and we became more distant, we kind of started to lose our appreciation for human contact and gathering and friendships and a lot of the things that we really took for granted.
– Jemele Hill

A Gathering of One

I am far too familiar with the ways of the world. For most of us a bigger world – that oyster – needs cracking open. It’s shockingly wondrous and potentially messy. That is life.

I hold authority over no one or no thing but myself. I use my experiences to shape my responses. My obligation is to stand in integrity, not live in fear, and not be foolish. The aim, always, is to make meaningful choices and to live a good life. I intend to live my life.

I want to be there when the band starts playing. And when the band stops, the music rooted in my memory will continue to sound.

The thought:

We only live once. No one wants to be left out. No one wants to miss all the good people, places, and things that implies.

The irony:

We repeat – once, twice, too many times – difficult life lessons that should already be learned. Our lives, in turn, become difficult and we miss some very beautiful music.

Now, think about it, is that truly living?

Baadaye.

Shirley ♥️

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More fact checking sources:

Saint Xavier University, Newspapers and Other News Resources