[Woodcarver] Today's opinions

[Sylda]

What is the user name on Ray Mighells site?  I tried his name, but that
didn't work.

Ivan, I would certainly like to meet you.  You've been described to me as a
"great carver", "swell man with a swell family", and "just a joy to be
around".  I've really enjoyed your articles, instructions, projects in the
Carving Magazine.  Your explanation of whittling & carving is very good.
I'd even bet your a pretty great "whittler" and wouldn't mind my saying so.
Sylda

Peter, thanks for your detailed answer to my questions.  My husband & I have
carved for about 4 years.  I have carved only in basswood, but Tom has used
butternut & cottonwood bark.  I do a lot of woodburning. I love working with
wood, but am very much a novice & will probably always be, but I have so
much fun both with the wood and the people that I never quit as long as the
Lord sees fit for me to do something with it.  Thanks again for the info --
I'll keep it so I can refer to it when I visit your web site or need
encouragement.
Happy Whittling,
Sylda

Sally, as you can see from what I wrote above I haven't participated in the
artistic world very long, but some things hold true in all parts of our
life.  I was always taught by my parents that I could do whatever I wanted
to and as long as I did the best I could and tried to do it with as much
knowledge and honest effort as possible for me to do I could & should be
proud of what I did.  As you acquire more knowledge & experience your
projects will gradually show progress.  I have been carving & woodburning
for awhile and felt I had come to a standstill instead of continuing to
improve.  In the last month 3 people that I admire a lot for their artistic
abilities told me I was really improving and my pictures looked so much
better than the first ones I had done.  Can you imagine my pleasure?  I'm
sure your work is better than your giving yourself credit for.  Keep working
and keep learning and keep asking questions of the very talented people on
the list.
>From a Happy Whittler,
Sylda

Is the way I do my replying helpful to you, Cynda?  I don't care for all the
repeating either, this is my way of leaving it somewhere else.  I just bring
up a "new" email, address it to the list, then put in messages to whoever I
want as I read my incoming mail.  Help me, people, is this a good way to do
or should I just reply and keep sending the same info back and forth?
Sylda

Cynda, I agree with your theory of inbreed instinct.  Fortunately, as with
animals, we people have instinct/ability/interest for many different things.
Many of us develop our talents late in life, but enjoy it just as much.
    Cynda, your going to think I'm over the edge.  When I first read
messages from you I felt a kindred spirit tingle.  Now I know why -- your a
horse lover -- so am I.  I love all animals, but horses are special.  We
have 6 registered Appaloosas right now.  We have raised them for years and
now only have older ones that are more pets than anything.
Enjoy your talents, my friends.
Sylda

Have a good Labor Day Weekend!!!  Take care & God Bless.