My First Pen
Seven years ago, I embarked on a new journey that would rekindle a long-forgotten passion. This pen, my very first hand-crafted piece, symbolizes that journey. As a software developer for 38 years, my world was dominated by logic and structure. Woodworking offered a stark contrast—an opportunity to create something tangible and real. Decades ago, I had dabbled in woodworking, but life took me down a different path, a different but no less creative passion. But the urge to create with my hands never truly left me, and this pen marks my return to that forgotten love.
None of this would have been possible without the encouragement of my wife. She saw the potential in my idle musings about woodworking and urged me to give it a try. Her belief in me was the catalyst I needed. The Tampa Woodworking Show in that year became the official starting point. Walking through the aisles, mesmerized by the tools and craftsmanship on display, I felt a mix of intimidation and inspiration. Surrounded by enthusiasts and experts, I decided to buy my first pen kit and lathe, and with that, my woodworking journey started anew.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about working with wood—the texture, the grain, the smell. Every piece of wood has a story, and crafting this pen allowed me to connect with that story. The process is meditative, a stark departure from the digital realm of software development. The feel and art inherent in woodworking brought a new kind of fulfillment into my life. It's an art form that demands precision, patience, and a deep understanding of the materials, much like coding, but with a tangible, beautiful outcome.
As I hold this pen, I reflect on how far I’ve come. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, a symbol of a significant shift in my life. This simple creation is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a new passion. With encouragement, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, we can create something truly meaningful. Here’s to many more years of woodworking, exploring the art of wood, and finding joy in the process.
Life is a series of unexpected journeys, and sometimes, all it takes is a little push to discover a new passion. This pen, my first creation, is a testament to that journey. Here's to embracing new adventures and the beauty of creating something with our own hands.
None of this would have been possible without the encouragement of my wife. She saw the potential in my idle musings about woodworking and urged me to give it a try. Her belief in me was the catalyst I needed. The Tampa Woodworking Show in that year became the official starting point. Walking through the aisles, mesmerized by the tools and craftsmanship on display, I felt a mix of intimidation and inspiration. Surrounded by enthusiasts and experts, I decided to buy my first pen kit and lathe, and with that, my woodworking journey started anew.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about working with wood—the texture, the grain, the smell. Every piece of wood has a story, and crafting this pen allowed me to connect with that story. The process is meditative, a stark departure from the digital realm of software development. The feel and art inherent in woodworking brought a new kind of fulfillment into my life. It's an art form that demands precision, patience, and a deep understanding of the materials, much like coding, but with a tangible, beautiful outcome.
As I hold this pen, I reflect on how far I’ve come. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, a symbol of a significant shift in my life. This simple creation is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a new passion. With encouragement, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, we can create something truly meaningful. Here’s to many more years of woodworking, exploring the art of wood, and finding joy in the process.
Life is a series of unexpected journeys, and sometimes, all it takes is a little push to discover a new passion. This pen, my first creation, is a testament to that journey. Here's to embracing new adventures and the beauty of creating something with our own hands.