Automobiles of Art
Today:
Son Jack drove down from Belmont, NC. We have a car there we sorta expected him to drive down. But he said he had to drive his van to bring my Birthday present. So he got me to thinking what could he possibly be bringing that he could not bring in a CRV?
Well he arrived a couple days ago. Said I could not look in the van until later. So he says, handing me a gift bag, “This is not the gift, this is symbolic.” Inside the bag concealed with red tissue paper was a nice card and a pocket knife.
“The knife is symbolic dad. We all know you are an artist. You have proven it in oil, chalk, pen and pencil. Painting on saws, and wood. You have never sculpt. I thought of a block of granite, nah. Then 100 lbs of clay,that you could use to express yourself….Nah. So come on out to the van and see what I chose.”
In the back of the van Wrapped in plastic, was a good part of that walnut tree. Pieces that weigh up to 300 lbs. All wrapped in plastic. “There you are dad, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, if you don’t have a chain saw I will get you one, you can carve to your hearts content!” He said as I am standing there with my mouth open. Who woulda thunk it?
He is saying "Happy Birthday to you!"
This came from a huge Black Walnut Tree. Its age is approx. 107 years. A Birthday present older than I!
Hey, I have watched men carve with a chain saw. I have even thought of it, but I have never said I wanted to. “Hey dad, you can carve me a chess set out of walnut.”
I asked, “How about just a checker board?”
Without missing a beat he countered, “I like checkers!”
So now that I have thought of it, I have never received 1000+lbs of walnut wood as a Birthday present before, why not?
Secretly I am thinking maybe Sherry dropped him on his head whilst I was at work 60 years ago!!!! (Just kidding), but it is the most interesting present I ever received, what do you think?
Nite Shipslog
PS: I have several gas powered chain saws. My first concern is the neighbors and the noise. So I have ordered an electric chain saw. Yep I am crazy too.
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11 comments:
Methinks that is the best birthday present EVER! You've a darn thoughtful son, there. Imaginative, too. I'm looking forward to seeing what that old tree becomes!
I can't wait to see what you carve with all that wood! Should be a fun project for you to plan and then do!
betty
What a great and thoughtful gift!
We have black walnut trees on our farm. They are old...majestically tall....and beautiful.
I’m so happy that your son gave you such a wonderful gift. Very thoughtful!
can't wait to see what you do with it.
Ok, seriously, This is actually cool! I think you should give it a shot. I think you can do anything. I used to sit and carve sticks with daddys pocket knife. Never made a sculpture though. A wood carver once said....”Just cut off anything that does not look like the subject”.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK!
Lisa
Oh my, I am smiling, maybe even laughing! What a very unusual present. I know as we get older, it's hard to think up things that are new and different for presents, but your son did a great job in his choice of gifts! I don't know exactly how you are going to transport all that wood, but I'm sure you'll find a way. It's a gift that will keep on giving for many days to come.
The "nuts don't fall far from the tree", haha! That is truly an inspired Birthday gift Jack, Jr. Your Dad has the skill set for sculptures, so looking forward to seeing more works of art!!! Love to y'all from Chobee, have a wonderful celebration!
Happy Birthday again, Jack. Gotta love a kid like that. He is not going to let you get old before your time. I'd say you have quite a bit of work ahead of you. Can't wait to see what you carve out of that gift! It will be the gift that keeps on giving!
Hugs- Diana
Oh My! What an unexpected but thoughtful gift! Hardwood is harder to carve so do be careful. Hang on tight to the chainsaw and sharpen the chain at the least resistance. It'll keep you safer as you chip away....and wear a helmet and safety glasses, just sayin'! Now I'm anxious to see what you come up with. Maybe start with the jackknife and a checker. You have big dreams and you seem to accomplish them. If you need bigger chunks cut away, you could always bring that ol' log to our sawmill. Have a blast, Birthday Boy.
loven'hugs from up north. Cheers!!!!!
OH, You could carve a ' DARNELL ' sign.......:p
Nice Present !!! I like WOOD !!!! Best Electric Chain Saw I ever owned was a "Sears Craftsman", 16 inch Bar. Loved that saw better than my 21 inch Stihl. Glad you had Family around on your Birthday! We are getting bundled down for a pretty bad storm coming in !
Take Care and behave yourself ! Gary and Anna Mae !
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