This past week felt like a good reminder of why I started this journey in the first place.
Hercules and I spent some time helping a friend install a window at one of his properties. It wasn’t anything fancy — just honest work, problem-solving, and being useful. Somewhere in the middle of it, I decided to have a little fun and used ChatGPT to create a caricature from the moment.
It made me smile, not because it’s perfect, but because it represents something I’m learning in this chapter of life: it’s okay to mix old-school hands-on work with new tools, as long as they help you stay curious and engaged.
I also had the chance to help a neighbor prepare for the Bayou Art Festival by sanding boards he’ll be selling. It felt good to contribute quietly behind the scenes and be part of someone else’s creative process.
Back in the shop, we kept moving forward on the coasters. We ran into some blowout on the corners — a reminder that poplar can be unforgiving, especially at less than a quarter inch thick. Instead of getting frustrated, we slowed down and started thinking through fixes. A dark walnut finish and a dowel are on hand, and we’ll see what works.
We also ordered food-grade epoxy, both for a new set of coasters and to repair a live-edge piece. Part of the learning for me is accepting that fixing mistakes is just as important as getting things right the first time.
Looking ahead to the coming week, the plan is simple:
- keep working on the coasters
- build a basic epoxy mold out of wood
- fix the router table so the router stays locked in place
- and take a laser cutting class on February 18 to learn something new
Alongside the physical work, I’ve also been using tools like ChatGPT to help organize my thoughts — even taking a fresh look at my investment portfolio. Not to optimize everything, but to stay mentally engaged and open to learning.
Nothing here feels rushed. Nothing feels perfect. But it all feels meaningful.
This journey isn’t about mastering everything — it’s about staying curious, helping when I can, and continuing to learn one small project at a time.
More to come.