The Self-Made Carpenter
Posted: Monday, March 16, 2009
by Ronyae
Writings by Ronyae
My uncle has always been the one to build things on our family estate in Frankville, Alabama: picnic tables, banisters, and even a makeshift pool hall has been just a few projects that Uncle B.B. proudly designed. The amazing thing about all of these projects is that B.B. has never been trained to be a builder; he's just a natural at it. I share this information with you to give not only motivation, but a bit of information on how many professionals of certain trades are ‘self-made'.
It may be a stretch to say that some of the greatest professions have started by trial and error, and from being a self-made person. Take for instance, my Uncle B.B. may not have attended a trade school to learn how to build a house, but believe me he can build one. You ask how is he able to do that? Well, the first thing would come from having an eye for what you plan on building; knowing where and how much space is going to be needed. Along with knowing which tools are necessary for building your project, one must also have an eye for what materials will be needed. And guess what? I've learned that by watching him! HA! No, I don't feel that I could build anything nearly as beautiful as my Uncle B.B., but I do believe if I had to build something small like a mailbox, or a one-plank bench to fit between two oak trees, I could be named a ‘halfway' carpenter. lol.
Regardless of my jokes, this can be the start for many self-made professionals. Starting on projects at home, and around your community will soon lead to being the "Mr. Fix-It", or it can lead to a person furthering their education on the trade, then resulting in certification to practice the trade under licenses. And of course, the rest is history.
Being around my uncle, and seeing his dream projects come to life, inspires me to have a mind to do anything that I put my heart to. Since my arrival in Frankville, Alabama, my uncle has been working on his next dream project: a park. Yes, you read it right, a park! Okay, I know we have a nice piece of land on our family estate, but I wouldn't have imagined that we had enough space for a park. But so far, the area he cleaned off for the park is creating enough space for what he has plans for.
After cleaning the area, he has started making foundations for the playhouse area (what he calls it), and he's placed the lighting for the park. I'm laughing as I type this, but it's obvious that my uncle's vision is more vivid than mine! I wish him all the best, and I cannot wait until my next trip down so I can visit the ‘Snowden Park'.
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More commentsRonyae, I don’t know about you, but I am convinced that all of us are born with certain unique skills. I think that if you don’t have it in you, you can’t forge it. I’ve tried -- and 20-some years later I am still as tone deaf as a stone! LOLPeople like Uncle B.B are smart enough to take it to the next level -- trusting only in God and believing in himself. Others hone their born-skills -- as you put it -- through education on the trade.I wish your uncle success in his project, I am sure many will be blessed by it. I do hope that you take this writing thing to the next level... and may success follow you like a shadow...:-)Christine,May you be blessed beyond your goals! Your comment is so encouraging, thanks for sharing it with us.
Wow, I would love to have my own park. Good articleEleanor,Me, too. I would love to have a park to call my own. There seems to be a sign of hope.
Isn't it remarkable how some people are born with a special nak for doing certain things? My son is a remarkably talented artist--I just wish he would put his talents to use, but he's just lazy. My husband, like your uncle has a talent to build things. My brother is a whiz at electricals and has had no professional training.Thanks for a great article, Ronyae. Keep up the good work.SandraThanks Sandra,I giggled a li'l bit at the mention about your son; but, it's a hopeful thing for him to nurture that talent, and share what he has been blessed with ... he never will know, who may be touched by his gift, and who life may be changed by it. Share that mentioning to him, Ms. Sandra and support him all the way!Stay Blessed, and may he change the world with his gift [your son]
Ronyae,I comment again on your article which again brings back fond memories (this time for the Readers' Club!).NancyThanks Nancy,Yes, I understand, and can relate to the 'Club' (smile).
Very good article...I liked it very much..Asmita,Thanks for your comment, and welcome to my blogs.
Amazing! I have much respect for those who can build things. I would love to have that talent. I'd love to see some pics when he is done.Lorrie,I'm waiting on the completion as well. When it's completed, I'll definitely have pics!
Good article Ronyae. He reminds me of my father, only my father latched on to it and made it his career. Lot's of the old timers had no chance at a good education. My father finished the third grade, yet he became better at math than I am today. He could figure angle cuts for rafters an other such, and much of it he could actually do in his head. They are to be admired for their tenacity.Joel,The best comment thus far! I have to agree that a reward is needed. But I believe the finished product may be reward enough for most. Thanks for sharing your comment.
Hi Ronyae! Kudos to you uncle and all the self-made carpenters out there! Way to be an encouragement! Blessings, TeresaTeresa,Thanks for the second ... It helps us both!Stay Blessed
Did you know a carpenter and a joiner are different: a carpenter, by definition works on wood more than 4" and a joiner works on wood less than 4". However people don't stick to this.WOW, Connor,Now, this I didn't know. Thanks for sharing this information with us!
You are lucky to have such a great uncle who is so skilled. Great ArticleLisa,Thanks for reading and sharing a compliment, and, welcome to my blogs.
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