I have been inspired through certain recent events, conversations, and the passing of one of our own, to reflect on what (who) got us here. I recall a certain college course some 20 years ago where a professor defined "Renaissance man" to me. I thought it was odd because almost every male in my life had been some variation of that stereotypical John Wayne. As I grow older (and the world falls apart around me) I see how small that group truly is.
With my post count nearing 3k and my membership at 8 years, I recognize my contribution to this community is still small but legitimate. In that time, I have seen personalities mature and excel, and I've seen some implode. A fair number of you have been a mentor to me in one way or another and I hope I have done my part to pass it along. I have traveled across this nation and attended many events where I have had the good pleasure to meet scores of you wonderful people. And occasionally, I have been blessed with the opportunity to sit down and glean wisdom from some of our most revered elders. And at the risk of unintentionally offending, I would like to name a few of those men whom we owe so much.
Joe,
I sat down beside him at the classic about 4 years ago and was swept up in the hunt stories being passed back and forth between him and Hawk. The West has always drawn me and I was captivated by their recount of memorable hunts. I sat with my still hands holding rock I couldn't knap while my mind was soaring over mountains I had never seen. Over the last few years I have learned a great deal about what generosity looks like and he has accepted me into his circle without so much as a blink. Each chat with him is another window into the life he's lived and the adventures he's walked. I don't deserve his friendship, but I'm honored to have it.
Tim Ott,
He was a regular here, and he made what I aspired to. His pieces were the epitome of functional art. When I met him at Mojam, he said "pull up a bucket." He galvanized my determination to perfect my craft (I still haven't.) I'm sure I will never get to demonstrate to him the influence he had on my bow building, nor thank him for the help on thinning, but I owe much of my current progress to him. Timo you are an excellent teacher, hope to have you back here someday!
Pappy,
Part Godfather, part grampa, part teddy bear. You are so much to so many and I marvel how you still find time for your wife and family! Most of us never consider the enormous time strain running Twin Oaks must put on your family life, but I'm here to say "Thank You!" You have built a community through your generosity and good will, with a fair sprinkling of leadership and discipline thrown in. You invite us in at the drop of a hat. You open the gates and say "stay the week." You keep us posted on all the latest in "Life is Good." And you still manage to turn out your own plethora of completed projects. For anyone who has had the opportunity to taste a Pappy burger you can attest to the efficiency with which the Classic runs. How you keep members excited and coming back for more is testament enough to your leadership ability.
You gentlemen (and a half dozen others I have in mind) are the reason we are here. May your family be blessed, and your Christmas season be Merry. And May we always have such respectable elders to look up to.
(If you have similar stories feel free to add them here.)
