Carol Reed
In Memoriam
- Messages
- 5,533
- Location
- Coolidge, AZ
Reflections on Family Gatherings.
I have met many new friends as a result of gatherings and personal visits. I have been blessed to put a live face to the name and learned ever so much more about really great people. Family Woodworking Family Gatherings are no exceptions. In fact, they are downright over the top!
The long weekend at Sharon and Brent’s was entirely memorable. I hope I didn’t wear out my welcome. <grin> What a hoot!
Yes, we all enjoyed it very much and did more than our share of ‘neener, neener, neener, you should have been here.’ But we don’t intend to rub anyone’s nose in it. It is so much fun, it is hard to not gloat.
So, two things. If (and when) there is another, make plans to come. The more, the merrier. There are a wide variety of ways to make that happen. Even hitchhiking works!
Second, if you think you might like to host one, we have some ideas.
First, plan at least six months out so folks have plenty of time to plan and make arrangements. Second, consider making it a potluck so meals, their cost, the work and the cleanup can be shared. Consider accepting donations or even set a suggested donation to help cover it. Also, consider asking people to handle one meal, other meal people for another meal, someone for appetizers, etc. You get the idea.
Plan door prizes for a little more fun. If you can’t be there, maybe send or offer to send a lucky winner a bonus from your shop - a no longer needed tool, wood, books, etc. You can be there vicariously! Even bean recipes work!
Maybe plan other activities as well. I DID get to drive Bob! Even with a full bucket! And more than a little lead went flying with a variety of pistolas. I even hit a bullseye! And today there is ammo for the chariot’s armory. Not to mention a certain dining table has gotten past an impasse and the creator learned a few things. Those who could help were more than happy to do so. And then there was the jam sessions. There is no end of talent among our family members. Enjoy all the fun.
How about planning activities in the area for the non-woodworking spouse or SO? Even demos for them would be interesting. How about collaborative projects? These events are not so much about woodworking as they are about camaraderie. Volunteer for a demo. Be the designated photographer and poster of pix and vids. Remember, we are having a blast and its hard to take time to take pix and post them. At least it is for the not-so-great geeks among us.
There was much conversation, about more topics than imaginable. Even confidences were exchanged, for we are friends and it is safe to share. I could go on, but I am sure you get the idea.
Now, having put myself out there, and having no place to host one of these, I would be more than happy to help plan one. Call it payback or selfish, ‘cause this really was a blast! And I wanna come to another!
Just thinking out loud. Certainly not everything that could be said has been said about this. I think it is worthy of conversation.
Thoughts?
I have met many new friends as a result of gatherings and personal visits. I have been blessed to put a live face to the name and learned ever so much more about really great people. Family Woodworking Family Gatherings are no exceptions. In fact, they are downright over the top!
The long weekend at Sharon and Brent’s was entirely memorable. I hope I didn’t wear out my welcome. <grin> What a hoot!
Yes, we all enjoyed it very much and did more than our share of ‘neener, neener, neener, you should have been here.’ But we don’t intend to rub anyone’s nose in it. It is so much fun, it is hard to not gloat.
So, two things. If (and when) there is another, make plans to come. The more, the merrier. There are a wide variety of ways to make that happen. Even hitchhiking works!
Second, if you think you might like to host one, we have some ideas.
First, plan at least six months out so folks have plenty of time to plan and make arrangements. Second, consider making it a potluck so meals, their cost, the work and the cleanup can be shared. Consider accepting donations or even set a suggested donation to help cover it. Also, consider asking people to handle one meal, other meal people for another meal, someone for appetizers, etc. You get the idea.
Plan door prizes for a little more fun. If you can’t be there, maybe send or offer to send a lucky winner a bonus from your shop - a no longer needed tool, wood, books, etc. You can be there vicariously! Even bean recipes work!
Maybe plan other activities as well. I DID get to drive Bob! Even with a full bucket! And more than a little lead went flying with a variety of pistolas. I even hit a bullseye! And today there is ammo for the chariot’s armory. Not to mention a certain dining table has gotten past an impasse and the creator learned a few things. Those who could help were more than happy to do so. And then there was the jam sessions. There is no end of talent among our family members. Enjoy all the fun.
How about planning activities in the area for the non-woodworking spouse or SO? Even demos for them would be interesting. How about collaborative projects? These events are not so much about woodworking as they are about camaraderie. Volunteer for a demo. Be the designated photographer and poster of pix and vids. Remember, we are having a blast and its hard to take time to take pix and post them. At least it is for the not-so-great geeks among us.
There was much conversation, about more topics than imaginable. Even confidences were exchanged, for we are friends and it is safe to share. I could go on, but I am sure you get the idea.
Now, having put myself out there, and having no place to host one of these, I would be more than happy to help plan one. Call it payback or selfish, ‘cause this really was a blast! And I wanna come to another!
Just thinking out loud. Certainly not everything that could be said has been said about this. I think it is worthy of conversation.
Thoughts?