Return from vacation...

gravertom

gravertom

Joined
Jun 4, 2004
Messages
1,163
hello again,

I have been back from vacation for just over a week now. Sorry for the delay in letting you all know how it went.

I took my wife and children up to my parents house in southern NJ, and then went on to upstate NY to work for a week in a "custom metal and woodworking" shop of some note.

Everything went extremely well, and I received the best job offer I have ever run into,and one of the few that would involve full time engraving, along with the opportunity to continue my own business on the side.

I found the area of western NY very beautiful, and received a warm welcome at a church I had researched ahead of time on the net, that I felt would be compatible with my 17th century mindset! :D

My wife and I have decided that we will attempt to make the move, but a lot must still happen for that to take place. I hope to take the whole family for a visit in the early part of September.

Thanks again for all the prayers and good wishes. This could be an opportunity to really pursue my craft at a higher level, and have a more organized life for my family. We will see how it turns out.

I think it prudent to not mention the company in question until things move along a little further. Just seems proper.

Hope to participate a little more again soon. Have been busy trying to get things moving, and still get work done.


BTW, I brought my BAS from the sale with me, for "company" on the trip. I like it, as it is a mite handier than the similar sized AK. However, I think I will pass it on, as the AK seems a little more to my liking for general use.

It has been tough seeing all these Dui Chirras around lately with no available cash!!! :( Even without handling one yet, I have a feeling that if I could only have one khukuri, that would be the one. Of course if I hadn't already bought many more than one Khukuri, I would have bought one of those in the last few days!

I had no computer access while away. I really missed this place, and the amazing folks and the funny/interesting/profound things you all have to say.

Thanks for being here. Sometimes this place really cheers me up!

Tom
 
Welcome back.
I hope your visit to my state (NJ) was pleasant :)
South Jersey tends to be more hospitable.
 
Great News, Tom!!!

I hope it goes well for you and your family. Western New York is darn-near mid-western in general attitudes: hard work, sincere, only slight cynicism, and a general friendliness.

Keep in mind they have this thing called "Winter" which is unknown in NC. Winter is, uh, different, and often taken quite seriously up there. Check annual snowfall levels. :( (Buy warm clothes: http://www.usatoday.com/weather/resources/askjack/2003-10-01-snowiest-cities_x.htm )
The whole idea must be very exciting for you and yours. Nice feeling, eh?


Kis
 
Need a vacation from your vacation?

I always feel that way when I get back......*sigh*


Lots of fun, but glad to be home too....:D
 
i am happy to hear about your opportunity for pursuing your craft at a higher level.
thats something i really really respect.
 
Thanks very much!

I grew up in SJ, so I feel comfortable visiting there.

Spent one winter with the 4th ID in Colorado back in '87.

I like snow, nothing better than a walk in the woods just after a snowfall, so quiet and still...

It will be an adjustment though. have been in NC for 11 years. Will get to use my Swiss army greatcoat more though! Maybe use the khukuris on some firewood.

Danny, the dedication to craftsmanship is one of the many things I admire about the Japanese culture. I want to be the best I can be for many reasons.
The debt I owe to those before me and after me in the art, excellence for its own sake, as well as for the glory of the one who gave me the talent, such as it may be, and for the joy of it! In the Judeo Christian worldview, I think this hearkens back to Genesis, in the garden. It has to do with the original mandate to exercise dominion over the earth, in a reverant and humble way, revealing the glories that are hidden throughout the creation.

Tolkien also has this thread in his writings, calling it the "sub creative" impulse, I think. That is why I think the Dwarves are so cool. Short guys with beards who make stuff out of metal, carry lots of weapons, and are a bit touchy. I know the Elves made the highest creations in the crafts(Feanor, etc.) but they as a race are too lofty for me to identify with.

Thanks again,

Tom
 
Tom
I dont want to veer too far OT, but I was led to believe that the Lord of the Rings was a metaphor for WW2.

Hobbits=British
Lakemen= USA
Orcs=Germans
Elves=French
Those bad humans on elephants would be the Italians and Vichy

Maybe Im just full of BS, but it all fit so well, I couldnt let go..

In any case, I agree, the dedication to mastery of one skill is a fantastic thing. And make no mistake, it is ART. Just as painting or sculpture.
If you have ever studied swords in depth, you might be interested to look at some of the amazing swords made by the spanish during the Elizabethan period, mostly for nobility.
They rival, despite the claims of the japanese, any sword in the world for quality and beauty.
 
Everything's a metaphor for WWll.


Glad you found a church you like, Tom.




munk
 
Good to hear that you've been offered an engraving job, and will still be able to have your business on the side. Your prayers were obviously answered!
 
Hi Guys
just saw the comment about LOTR and WW2. This connection has been made many times, but the author always denied it. Saw that in one of the better biogrphies written in the last few years. Personally I think it fits like a glove. Auckland University has an English paper on the literature sources and context, hope to take it before my undergraduate years are over. Well back to the History and Anthro.
Phil :)
 
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