Linking Past Neglect
It’s a subtle shift I see in wood beneath my plane. Shades between years in times past, where summers came and went and left behind a year’s life recorded in two tones of light and dark, of warmth and the rains that filled the rivers and the soil that bled into them and then into the ocean deeps.
A season comes, the girth increased and left an imprint of damaged years when growth sped faster and the forest canopy came down at the stroke of an ax and a hand-driven saw to preface the advent when men wore orange self protection to remove their prize all the faster with machines they held in two hands.
The canopy destroyed no longer shielded future growth in saplings on the forest floor. And there too the animals fled in dread of men who dropped their lofty platforms from which they once garnered modest ways of life.
A yearn echoing emptiness inside me, asked of me the reason why a man in greed cut down the more rather than the less to leave no inheritance for future generations. Those lost pockets of saneness where life unseen thrived to spread out harmlessly beneath a canopy that filtered harm and caused new growth to reach its arms up from the softness of the forest floor.
The scarred remains of greed and degradation remain as the rings of growth in a stem of wood tell truth of an untold beauty now long gone. The oceans deepen with our greed and consumers fear the future now told not by what once was living but is now gone but by what left its scar and the sad loss of yet another seemingly insignificant bird or beetle or fungi.
And now we waken from our slumber to face a future that tells a story in a single ring of truth that’s laid layer on layer through a century and two of growth and we want to plug our ears with our fingers to the unspoken cries that the very trees cry out with from the poverty and destitution of the long-gone and now lost forest floor.
‘We’ll plant ten trees, no twenty more, for every one we cut!’ the men with the ax and the saw say loudly, and all say, ‘That’s OK then.” And there they stand in rows of neatness but then it’s not the same for the canopy no longer reaches out its umbrellaed spread.
I wonder in the resurrection of life that might yet come whether we could see beyond ourselves a future yet unseen in the planing of trees not planned to destroy or desecrate or then violate or vandalise but one to cover the scarred earth once more in trees of green with outspread arms that touch their very fingertips to one another.
I still want a father, we want to know how to live and thrive. This is why the present situation can have joy for a lot…not me yet but still..— appreciation for people and the life around us and that It will not be around forever and also it’s intricacies and beauty can really give direction and joy.
I find it hard to sustain appreciation for half an hour! Let alone to wake me from my slumber..and so I hope others people with very busy and driven lives can use this time to see light and feel more happiness.
The same leaves over and over again!
They fall from giving shade above
To make one texture of faded brown
And fit the earth like a leather glove.
Before the leaves can mount again
To fill the trees with another shade,
They must go down past things coming up.
They must go down into the dark decayed.
They must be pierced by flowers and put
Beneath the feet of dancing flowers.
However it is in some other world
I know that this is way in ours.
Robert Frost
It’s sad to see what we have done and still do. But that came with a loss of humanity first. First we cut down the high men, the examples of past and present, and now we have many more, but all reforested men, that have not the same height, nor the same strength, that try to serve to the same purpose but do it poorly, and frankly don’t even have the interest to be better. Some still do, but… now that the protection of the tradition is unmade, where do we find the right amount of sun, nutrients from their leaves and pure water?
Loving these more classic monochrome image colours and the style of photography. Such a relief from over sharp, over coloured contemporary digitally. Much like the difference between the human contact with wood using hand tools and the frantic dust and noise of modern power tools…
Your blog is the breath of fresh air we need now and always, stay safe.
The calm blue sky, free of con trails. The quiet chill air, sweet, relieved of much pollution. Empty villages afford a rare, priceless glimpse of long ago. And why? A little virus small beyond imagining. Did it come to foretell a new way of existence more like the old. Shall we grasp it, or relax back into that dirty noisy world driven by feckless men of power?
Waxing so poetic, Paul, it’s almost like a song…great piece of writing, my friend. as if I expected anything other! Thanks for the beauty of your words…
Seems the history of man has been the changing of the earth to benefit ourselves. Also seems it is a dead ended run to the end of us.
Funny how the answer, a one child rule policy, was initiated then dropped due to economic greed, by a country and culture that has unleashed 3 terrible scourges on the world in the last 18 years. CHINA. The next one will probably not be so gentle, and yet the wet markets that morphed this virus ( and the world was long time warned of the SARS viruses in Bats) are already opening up again….
I fear the future as I have been shown by history Man does not learn to put life and quality above monies.
For my duration I will remain isolated now and in the future and work wood, as you have Paul, on my own 2 square foot of the planet.
best to all and a weak offer of luck…..
I live near the Congaree State Park. It is the last refuge of old growth forest on the eastern seaboard of the US. These trees you could drive a car through so wide. It used to be like that until unfettered capitalism with its timber barons bought all the best standing wood and decimated the old trees. If some is good more is better…and right now. Profit$ before people and planet. How was this sane? I walked around the supermarket today. Most wore masks but there were quite a few maskless. They laughed at us. I guess the masks impinged on their freedom fries. Where does freedom end and community begin?
Jeffrey, I think the answer to your question might be the golden rule. Having individual freedom carries equal responsibility. Responsibility not to use one’s freedom to benefit oneself at the expense of others. Responsibility to help others when they need and you are able to provide. Responsibility to understand the consequences of one’s actions. The people in the grocery store who were mocking you were not being champions of ideals, they were just being selfish. Some of them will get away with it, others may lose someone they love. But by then it is too late: the damage is done. We get it right when we equally and thoughtfully balance freedom and community.
It makes me wonder if we should be working wood at all. The planet has 5 billion too many people and with capitalism as the driving force, things will get worse before our species wises up.
Matt…
What would you ‘work’, if not wood ?
Metal, rocks, concrete come from “finite” resources..
Plastics are made from other materials, leaving other wastes and toxins behind..
Using fibres and paper are even more costly envoronmemtally than using solid timber..
Wood is a renewable resource — when managed responsibly..
Timber extraction can be environmentally ‘friendly’ — when done correctly..
Trees are an excellent “carbon sink” — soaking up and trapping excess carbon in the atmosphere..
A lot of timber can be recycled, where people might not want to use ‘new’ timber..
All it takes is a little forethought, and you can still happily work wood to your hearts content — while still being environmentally “friendly” at the same time.
This is very true! I have a small project going to look into just that. I recently felled a huge oak which I have been sawing into lumber (treehuggers relax, it had to go to make room for a barn expansion and a pasture, and would’ve been firewood had it not been for me). I visited the local woodpusher (i.e. building supply store) and cleaned out the lumber rack for stickers. Around 10mm fir stickers, bone dry and straight. I used them to sticker and stack the oak, but some of the stickers – which would’ve ended up as firewood or in a landfill – was traight-grained and knot free.
The former garbage will now be a small tray for my chisels, and it will outlast me if I take a little care of it. That is a wonderful thing!
It’s so wonderful to read these poetic, heartfelt posts, and the readers’ responses. I feel like we are a community of souls linked by our love for wood, for trees, for the Earth, respect for the knowledge of our elders, for the art and craft of making beautiful and useful things. This link nourishes my soul. Thank you from across the miles. I hope all of you stay safe and healthy.
Why did it happen? Well because of the people, too many people!
Too many people, yes too many people!
Everyone wants a little something and there is not enough.
JIM
It used to be that forests were decimated for the wood at least. Now its more likely to be decimated in order for a factory farm to shove 100,000 cows into a pen where the trees once stood.
Thank you for that, Paul. If only our “leaders” and business people would read and take heed of your words. I hope, but do not expect. If there is hope, it is with the young, spurred on by the likes of Greta Thunberg.
Jeez, get over yourself… A bunch of wordy self-righteous waffle by a man who has been more than happy to use the bounty of the forests wrecked by the men in the orange gear for fifty years…Or does it only apply to everyone else?
Sam, That’s silly. I’m the man that makes the pieces built to last 200 years, not the papermill nor the IKEA where the dining tables last but a few years. I didn’t wreck or ever waste one single tree I ever cut, Sam, and neither did anyone else on here either. This is not the place for your ranting, sir.
Paul , I think Sam might be a capitalist. They always blame the worker.
We all know what quality furniture looks like. Of course it will last 200 years; in The Whitehouse, and homes of the rich and famous. Its for anyone who could pay £6,000 for a rocking chair, £12,000 for a dining table…
Everyone else, went to Ikea.
Not sure what your zoning in one here. Can’t work out what you’re saying mr treebeard. Everyone can either make their own furniture or buy it. They can pay a lot or a little. Because one rocker design is worth 6,000 does not mean every rocker a maker makes must sell for that price. I have made many for a fraction of that price and so too the table. I was never so exclusive I didn’t cater to other income streams and several pieces I made through the years I gave to others for free. These are the benefits of the lifestyle woodworker I became. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is fine with me and so too the White House to pay for others is fine as is selling the 6,000 of whatever money you get can subsidise a family of five on less income. These are all choices, my friend. No one can ever, ever accuse me of snobbism or exclusivity, thankfully.
Why do we continue to abuse our home and all it provides for our existence? That’s a complicated question with a very complex answer, but can be boiled down to four very human traits……greed, selfishness, ignorance and stupidity. Looking back on a 30 year career as a conservation biologist and realizing my best efforts were little more than a frictional element slowing a downward trajectory, it can be hard to see a positive future. However, ignorance can be remedied by education and if we refuse to passively accept our fate….. i.e. let those those who employ greed, selfishness and stupidity drive our bus towards and over the cliff edge, there can be a hopeful future for generations to enjoy.
Thank you for that post. It puts the global picture in context and through looking at the time trail in those tree rings. In a complex world [thanks Simon], education and leading by example [thanks to Paul and all who appreciate this thread] is a massive contribution.
I didn’t know that you had a pretty in you too Sir. But how true. Here in India where we have been in a lockdown for the weeks, nature has tried to resurge even in the concrete jungle of Mumbai. We have seen peacocks strutting on the streets, woken up to the lilt of beautiful birds, the chirping of sparrows. Nilgais walking into town. The air so unpolluted, that we can see the stars, the Yamuna following with life, now that the factories on is bank’s are no longer inoculating it with their daily dose of poisons.
Yes sir, nature is alive and kicking. All that it needs is that protective shade that you talk about. And believe me it won’t be long before nature cures itself and offers is its bounty.
And then I hope and pray that we will have learnt from our mistakes and do what is right
To Paul and all. I come from a wood background. As do many of us. My great grandfather came as an Italian 23 year old with a brother to Victoria in 1873. He worked cutting out props for gold mines and yes they were put sawn and his son was the underdog, the one below. He worked into his 70’s. My grandfather on the other side of the family was a stationary steam engine driver who later went on to part own (50) a sawmill in NSW. His family were timber workers and builders from the south coast.
Another distant many times great grandfather was a Quaker carpenter from New York state that found his way to NZ. All of these men and their families saw the big stands that were cut with axe and logs that were moved by horse or Bullock. These were other times. As my grandfather retired in 1948 he was seeing the machinery, the war time bulldozers used and chainsaws. The axemen died out, the bullockies cries were no more, the timber junkers took their place. Old growth is of two types, one original largely untouched, that is rare, but it is the parts where logging is prohibited. The second old growth, more common is regrowth or old plantations.
I am but a splinter to those lives. I work mainly with recycled timber. When I plane or work it I see the years. The beauty of old timber from old demolished houses. A hundred year house with a hundred year timber. The old hardwoods that never give up easy, the exotics usually Oregon (Douglas fir) used for doors and jambs. The odd pieces made for an old pantry long gone, the old drawer made in haste underneath but with a fine front.
This is not neglect but reusing what has been set aside or saved. Yes when I use pine new I see the rings of quickly grown timber and have to remind myself these are what we have now and will continue to have and use.
I don’t yearn for the past, I yearn for what was good and a rewarding life with fresh air, fresh water, life and a chance to explore the world, but since industrialisation started The past was just Now waiting to happen. I just replied here cos me and my good friend who are in early 30’s sometimes romanticise our grandparents way of life but it was pretty skew whiff as well. Maybe with an intervention of some description the future can be better but we would all have to believe in something better and acknowledge all the garbage…and that’s painful. (Maintaining a care for the world from age 25-55 when we have other things)
And that’s where the other Sam may see why we like reading here,,
We all live and consume — but how much, in what way, for what purpose, in acknowledgment of what costs? etc.
If only a new world.
Sadghuru wants India to plant a billion trees to help with land erosion. One billion. That’s almost one per person. I rather go to the local forest than the local shopping mall.
Thanks Paul. Nicely written.
Dear Paul.
I hope you are in good health and taking care of yourself.
I am and I am, thank you Richard!
Oh Paul such feeling, made me cry with your very true words, as you said if only all could see. Even here in Australia we have done the very same thing and as a child of the bush long ago that so hurts.
Please continue with the inspirational messages. In addition to the pushing the buttons for emotions, the prompt reflection for the kind of world we want too live in. And hope for change.
In the midst of this there is hope. To the Northeast of where I live, Rochester NY, is the largest stand of old growth forest east of the Mississippi River and it’s in the Adirondack State Park near Cranberry Lake. The United States has reduced it’s CO2 to 1992 levels. Industrialized nation’s world wide are trying to live in better harmony with the natural world, is there more work to be done, heck yes, much more, the good news is that starts are happening but it’s up to those who want progress need to praise what has been done while pushing for more.
We live much longer on average than those who produced some of the loveliest pieces of furniture ever. We have the choice of how we wish to do this hobby, we can work iron, wood, glass, ceramics and other items. We have the choice to make lovely paintings, music, poetry or works of fiction and to try to match the quality of the masters of old, we just need to do it. Paul has made a choice we all appreciate and he’s willing to teach it to those who would like to learn, gather up all your hope and abilities and take what he is giving you.
Paul-
My name is Jacob Lawrence and I am 20 years old from Alexandria Kentucky. Just this week I crafted my first dovetail box ! My father has been watching your videos for years and he pointed me in your direction. I wanted to express the gratitude my father and I share. The wealth of knowledge you share for free is astounding, we greatly appreciate all you do and have done for the woodworking world. Thank you for instilling an excitement for woodworking within me. I wish you all the best and I hope you are staying safe amid current climate.
Hi Paul,
I like everyone enjoy your woodworking patience and amazing skills.
What I did stop and reflect on is not the way a blade edge is honed or the ability to ‘see grain’. I enjoyed your company sitting by the lake and watching you digging up your potato second crop. Here in New Zealand we, like so many others are in serious lockdown. I have been a fan for many years (ex. Yorkshire) and learned so many skills. At the lake you taught me about time (we are both a similar age) and I learned something very precious. Thank you, God bless you and stay safe. Cheers, Paul
Such wonderful writing in this piece. You are an inspiration Paul.
Paul, you’re much better at teaching woodworking than pouring out eco-weenie piffle.
Give it a rest, will you?
David, Your fruitless comments offer no value or encouragement to others. As your comments serve only your own sadness in attempts to sow seeds of derision and divisiveness, perhaps now is the time to bring things to a close. It saddens me greatly to take such an action as you will be the first in ten years.
Paul, I debated whether or not to answer this, but I think it’s worth explaining why I sometimes write comments critical of your posts, and do so with blunt language.
I am a retired software engineer, exactly your age, who has been a hobbyist woodworker since the 1980s. I retired in 2015. In August 2014 I started subscribing to your Woodworking Masterclasses program, and my hand-tool skills have much improved. I’ve made at least 20 of your projects, many multiple times. Your projects, in case others reading this have never tried them, are sometimes deceptively difficult and challenging, but if one follows your techniques carefully, the end result is a piece of work that many find both functional and beautiful. You are without peer when it comes to woodworking instruction, as I’ve written many times, and that is why I and so many others are loyal paying customers.
Now, as to why I get annoyed at some of your recent postings. As the years have gone by, you’ve strayed more-and-more, in your blog posts, from woodworking instruction to philosophizing. Many of these posts express views that I (and not a few others, I’m sure) find offensive, political-type views regarding both hot-button issues and interpretations of history and politics that have a decided leftward tilt. I hope you appreciate that many thousands of your viewers and customers don’t share these views.
A few times in the past couple of years I’ve decided to bluntly remark on this problem and have done so using sarcastic language designed to make a point briefly and strongly. I am quite sure I’m not the only one who feels this way, and my purpose is simply to express my (and others) annoyance with having to read political and social commentaries in a woodworking forum.
I am not a sad person. I have a full life, a 40 year marriage, children and grandchildren, a 2000 square foot woodworking shop filled with both hand tools and machinery. I am happy, contented, and calm. My purpose is not to sow seeds of derision and divisiveness. My purpose is simply to express both frustration and annoyance, and to do so in as few words as possible.
That’s it, plain and simple.
David,
Being rude is not a virtue.
Kind regards,
Thomas
No, David! As this comment field CLEARLY shows, we are a good amount of people that loves this kind of writing. It clearly is not your cup of tea, which of course is perfectly fine. But why should YOU decide what Paul should write and I get to read? If you do not like it, do not read it and move on. And keep your opinion about it to yourself. You have the freedom of speech. The RIGHT to speak. I will defend that for you, with everything I can offer! But you do not have any OBLIGATION to speak! There is a difference. So shut up already! There is enouth negativity in this world. Do not contribute to it. One day, you too will look back and reminisce. I can promise you that.
I wish you and everybody else a wonderful day. I hope each and every one of you are safe, healthy and will stay that way. You are all wonderful, unique and more valuable than any amount of wealth could possibly match. I really mean that from my heart!
Yes David, that applies to you too. 🙂
In a single word: Permaculture.
No, it’s not some new age religion. It’s a design science for returning degraded land back into a natural ecosystem that benefits all of life.