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Thread: "I like to sit in my shop"

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    116

    "I like to sit in my shop"

    Written by John Bennet from JWB ironworks, I thought I would share.

    I like to sit in my shop.
    I have a favorite chair that I like to sit in when I sit in my shop.
    Sometimes I sit in my shop early in the morning and think of the day ahead.
    Sometimes I sit in my shop at the end of the day and look at the results of the day and what tomorrow’s work will be.
    Sometimes I sit down in the middle of the day and rest my legs.

    I like to sit in my shop.
    I like to look at my tools all around me.
    Some in boxes
    Some on benches, Some under benches
    Some hang on the wall
    Some in racks
    Some stand in corners
    I have store bought tools
    I have homemade tools,
    I have a few that my grandfather used.
    I like to sit with my tools

    I like to sit in my shop
    Over on the shelf is a model my son put together years ago. Please don’t touch it, the glue is old and the parts tend to come off.
    I have several hot wheels cars the grandkids left on the floor long ago, now they lie in the top lid of the tool box on the rolling bench. They have long since forgotten them. One day they’ll get to remember them.
    Up there are the pieces of a bare walnut bowl that I was turning for my bride. It was almost complete and I reached in with the gouge to get that last spot. That bowl exploded and hit me in the chest. I was relieved when I looked down and there wasn’t a gouge sticking out of me.
    Those signs you see hanging high on the wall I picked up here and there over the years. I just like them…..can’t really tell you why.
    I like to sit with my things.

    I like to sit in my shop.
    I like to talk to my friends while sitting in my shop
    I try to answer questions about forges, anvils and steel.
    I try to answer questions about motorcycles, cars and why yes I will have another beer.
    I often ask questions too.
    I like to sit in my shop and talk with my friends

    I like to sit in my shop
    I like to sit with my dogs and talk real low.
    I like to pet them and rub their bellies and ears and tell them how rough they have it.
    I have always thought that nature should have made their life spans longer.
    My dogs (and the neighbors dogs) like to lay in my shop on the cool concrete and watch me work.
    I’m glad the dogs like to sit in my shop

    I like to sit in my shop.
    I remember when I was young I had a neighbor up on the hill.
    He liked to sit in his shop when the day was thru.
    I thought he was old…. If I had only known.
    I liked to sit in his shop and talk of things he knew.
    He shared his knowledge and peanuts too.
    He is gone now but sometimes he comes and sits in my shop too.

    I like to sit in my shop
    Among my things
    With my memories
    People, Pets, Places, songs, stories and things.
    Each day brings more…….

    I like to sit in my shop

    JWB

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Tennant Creek , Northern Territory, Australia.
    Posts
    55
    That is great, thanks for posting.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Northern Oregon
    Posts
    1,820
    Great read, thanks.

    I'll have to try sitting in my shop. I'm always standing. I do love looking around my shop knowing that,in this spot with these tools I can build anything I want. It's comforting and satisfying.
    I never thought of a shop having a spiritual side, but mine does.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    Middle Tennessee
    Posts
    710
    Sitting in the shop is good.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Victoria, BC
    Posts
    2,367
    There are days when my hands hurt too much, and I just go to my shop, and sit. No work, just spending time with my wood and my tools. Sometimes I hold a tool. Does that make me odd?
    Please say yes.
    Paul

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Shenandoah Valley in Virginia
    Posts
    919
    Nope, not odd, just normal....

    A shop is a refuge..... use it all the time as one...

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Toronto Ontario
    Posts
    11,248
    Quote Originally Posted by paul cottingham View Post
    There are days when my hands hurt too much, and I just go to my shop, and sit. No work, just spending time with my wood and my tools. Sometimes I hold a tool. Does that make me odd?
    Please say yes.
    Sorry Paul, seeking comfort in familiar things isn't odd, au contraire, it's odd not to seek comfort in familiar things............At least that's what I tell myself when I do it.....Rod.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Toronto Ontario
    Posts
    11,248
    Salut Jacques, thanks for sharing that, I think it reflects well on tinkerers and pet owners..............Regards, Rod.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    246
    I've got a potbellied stove, five comfortable chairs and a fridge in my shop. No beer allowed I should point out. I've also got a coffee machine. It's the general store for the neighborhood, a port in the storm when male companions are needed and a wonderful spot to watch the snow fall from. I like to sit up there in the winter by myself among my things and dream about the next project or just enjoy the smell and the quiet.
    Teaching grandchildren the hobby is rewarding. Most of the time

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Washington's Coast
    Posts
    1,767
    I could have written that for myself. Now I don't have too! Thanks.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Clinton Township, MI, United States
    Posts
    1,554
    Thank you.
    I have printed it and posted it on my shop wall.
    From the workshop under the staircase, Clinton Township, MI
    Semper Audere!

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Mandalay Shores, CA
    Posts
    2,690
    Blog Entries
    26
    I love the spirit of the poem. I grew up spending time with my grandfather as he worked in his shop. He had a both a metal shop and an electrical shop in the basement. He taught me to forge, use a metal lathe, build a radio or amplifier, but most importantly he taught me how to live. When we were done for the day, we'd sit in front of the basement fireplace. If the weather was nice we would sit outside. He is gone now but I have his rocking chair that was his father's before him.
    Shawn

    "no trees were harmed in the creation of this message, however some electrons were temporarily inconvenienced."

    "I resent having to use my brain to do your thinking"

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