Weather this time of year in rural Indiana can be fickle... It can't seem make its mind up, hesitant to take the leap into the rebirth of greenery & gold light. But bit by bit sprouts shoot up amidst the glooming drenched muddy landscape and fields. Growing up as a kid spring always had a distinct smell that sent the imagination running wild when the scent of fresh rains and storms rushing through the woods hit your face.
God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars. - Martin Luther
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I find myself trying to stand and take in the scenery a little bit more deliberately these days, attempting to re-attain that easily inspire-able mindset I had years ago.
Andy Davis & I are blessed (for the time being) to have our workshop located in one of the most beautiful parts of all of Indiana.
Working at the fire of the forge or noise and dust of the grinder for hours can take a toll, but always refreshing to take 5 minutes to do nothing but soak in the handiwork of the Creator in all of the damp greenery.
I've been by the forge more than usual lately to make up for lost time during the winter.
More than 10 swords in the works simultaneously at the moment, all very complex, some the most ornate and intimidating projects I've been commissioned to craft to date.
Five of these many swords in the works are composite twisted core early Iron Age and Germanic pattern welded swords. The time invested to achieve this pattern is long, and I am by no means a master at it, but the work is well worth the end result.
Amidst these commissioned projects I'm doing for kind folks around the globe I've snuck in a few projects of my own. My sketchbook and digital design album's fill up with ideas faster than my hands can craft. But many I'm sure will meet their day in due time...
Outside the forge, wedding plans happen for my brothers in life. One of which being none other than Mr. Davis's himself!
Friends from afar flying and driving in for a busy week of fellowship and rest. Ben Potter & his wife, & our brother at arms Jared Stier to name just a few...
In the short work hours I'll try to fit in; a long list of conceptual designs for the Pilgrim's Progress movie I've joined team with needs to get done. An amazing script and the classic book to re-read through once again. Not enough hours in the day.
And plans to finally share another silver screen related project we've worked on will at last arrive at the end of this week. And perfect timing to reveal this finished project amidst the spring thunder storms... ;)
And day by day, continually overwhelmed by the outpouring of grace and love that the Creator has ceaselessly placed my life, and the lives of those around me.
There's never enough time to feel fully accomplished in my own work and the undeserved gifts that have been given to me.
Praise God for a Savior who did the work for me so I dont have to.
