Much of my youth was spent in the north, and often in remote communities. It was there that I formed a deep sense of admiration for indigenous peoples. Today, I am reminded of the intimate relationship many of these people have with the environment, and the intensional lives they lead. Since making the move to island life, I feel much more connected to our land and the way we live. For nearly two decades now, wood, as well as a source of inspiration, has and continues to be our primary source of heat. This enables us to cook and clean during power outages. Yesterday evening, we had one of those, the third time since moving to Keats Island. After a quiet evening and restful sleep, we awoke to silence. None of the white noises that I am aware of while meditating were there. It was a beautiful way to begin our day. Coffee really does taste better when you have collected the rain water, and built a fire to heat the water.
Keats Island has a reputation for having a limited water table. Ironic perhaps given we live in the Pacific coastal rainforest. While we have been diligent in conserving water since we arrived. Due to the extremely dry summer, we are watching even closer. This fall we will be adding a rain catchment system on our cabin, and the school. In the spring when we begin adding our on site accommodation for our students, each sleeping cabin, will be equipped with a rain catchment system. The intension here, is that combined with a small wood stove the sleeping cabins will be quaint, but very efficient in their purpose, and use the resources readily available to us.
Yesterday, while in town to do our recycling, and pick up groceries and water, we had another beautiful visit with a dear friend. We have known Gary for many years, and he continues to be one of our dearest friends. While I miss our walks together in the creek, I so look forward to each of our weekly visits. A few weeks ago, Gary, delivered the gift of a bench that he made for the entrance to our school. It is made from a plank of figured western maple that Gary said, that he has had with him nearly his entire life as a craftsman, nearly five decades. We are so grateful to have Gary in our lives, and for his evolvement with our small family operated craft school.
We have just completed our third week of the program. James, is making wonderful progress with his chair. The back leg joinery and shaping nearly complete, he will be moving onto the three rear rails this week. Matt, finished the week preparing his two side assemblies for Monday glueup. This is a significant step forward for him, given all the time away from the piece. Having to revisit a few things before moving ahead, can make it challenging to find momentum. He really is doing wonderful work, and it is a pleasure to watch this fine young craftsman develop his skills in the craft. This week, he will be moving onto the centre unit with drawer compartments. Yvonne is sawing her third and fourth set of pins. For someone who says she is not much of a woodworker, I can tell you with very little bias her work is impeccable. Her patience and approach to the work, sets a fine example for all of our students… and me. She has resumed her role with our machines, changing the knives on the Large jointer on Friday afternoon. I have finished hanging the doors, and am nearly complete with their final shaping. I will be moving onto final surfaces and edge treatment this coming week. I have continued to spend my afternoons dialling in our facility and feel that the school is not just a progression from the old school in Roberts Creek, but a refinement of what was a creative and supportive environment. I feel so grateful to be able to work among my students, it really is a dream realized for me to what has been a long term goal of the school. Upon completion of my little cabinet, I will turn my attention to a commission I received a few years back.
Be well, and enjoy your work,
Robert