There are few experts in life or Skills!

Ken Follett wrote a book called, “Pillars of the Earth”.  If I remember right it was centered on stone sculptors. One man who could carve angels out of stone and he was in demand by cathedrals. I was amazed at the story. As I remembered the large edifices I saw in Europe with the many angels adorning the many holy places.  I often have been in wonder at seeing the results of real craftsmen.

For many years on Highway 27, Mt. Holly, NC there sits ‘Hansel’s front end alignment shop’. I went with my dad once to get his car aligned. Dad said to me, “If you ever need a car aligned, this man is THE professional. His work is as perfect as you can get.”

For years Mr. Hansel aligned my old cars when it was needed. A very pleasant man and easy to know (I THOUGHT). 

Once downtown Mt. Holly, NC was hosting a festival, lots of booths and crafts. I wandered upon some intricate stone sculpts. These were perfect. Forms of many kinds. Interlocking rocks and Busts. Perfect busts of presidents and some I didn’t know. Back in the shed was Mr. Hansel working on something in stone. You could have floored me.

Later I learned his works are famous and in many museums. A humble man, all I had seen was a man in over-hauls working in a pit, aligning cars.  Another lesson in life, to me. Words of my brother rang in my head, “One never knows, does one?”

Most of us are average. We have accomplished as much, some more, than classmates growing up. Some accomplishments at times are mind blowing. But mostly we all are run of the mill folk who put in the extra effort and hours to succeed in whatever area of life we chose. At times that extra effort, maybe a gamble or two and the extra hours have paid off.

In reference to last night’s blog about wood. I didn’t mean to say I was an expert, the love of woodworking doesn’t make you GOOD, but it makes you try to do well.  Just as any other field. Sure I would love to create hand carvings that were world-famous. I would like to have a National Darnell’s Homes Corp. I would like to have a NY Times Best seller. 

But I am comfortable where I sit, I love being here beside my girl in a warm Motor home as she dozes playing games on her computer.  Sure fantasies are great, dreaming (and doing) has made us very comfortable and happy. I love life. I would love to be an expert in life, but I will settle for HAPPY.

Nite Shipslog
PS: I especially enjoyed ALL last night’s comments.

To someone, this is a work of art, but it is just strange to most.