I’m in the middle of making a traditional paddle to document the process for an article I’m writing for the Art of Manliness. Since it’s gorgeous out, there’s no reason to spend any more time inside than necessary. I set up my Schnitzelbank on the lawn and starting making a big pile of shavings.
While hogging out a bunch of wood and starting to shape the throat of the paddle, my two little friends from next door came over to say hi. Since I don’t have young kids and I’m too young to be a Grampa, it’s a delightful thing to have two little ones come running across the lawn to see me. Actually, they’re probably wanting to see Dog 3.0, but they settle for me.
They are interested in everything, the little sponges. If I’m washing a boat, they want to wash the boat. If I’m oiling some gunwales, they want to too. If I’m carving a paddle, they want in. They wanted in.
Catherine wanted to try the patternmaker’s rasp, so up on my lap she went. She actually handled the rasp quite well, using proper technique, concentrating, following direction; she’s a sharp cookie. I mean, check out that angle…a light touch on the front of the file to guide it…not a lot of pressure, letting the file do the work. Margaret didn’t want to climb up as it was a tight squeeze, but she did take a few tentative strokes with the crooked knife. She seemed pleased to see a little curl of cedar come off the top of the blade.
I had the camera taking a shot every 30 seconds in hopes of getting some good pictures for the article, and I got really lucky here…my little friend saying goodbye.
Respectfully submitted,
Canoelover
she is the cutest.