So many things...

Since my last post, I have remained busy both in creativity and in "adulting". 

I know last time I mentioned the log that I found and began trying to use it to create something. After a couple of days working on it, I stepped back and realized that it just looked like a rough log with a couple lines cut into it. Well, I'm happy to report it is now a "better" shaped rough log with lines cut into it...AND a mouth! At least, the start of a mouth.

I also finally finished the elaborate (also gaudy and ridiculous) Mjolnir (Thor's hammer) pendant. I'm happy to report that my friend really liked it, and it actually looks good on him.

I have also started and failed at a number of other pieces, but that's largely because I either am learning as I go, or I'm trying to perfect new skills. Here is a piece I designed and am currently working on finishing. 

It is etched stainless steel. The design is a black bear paw print with a triskele incorporated. This is going to a friend whose coaching gig is called "Black Bear Boxing". I'm pretty excited about this project. It has about four failed predecessors.

Muay Thai and Boxing

I had a bit of a hiatus last week as I remain a parent, and there were many many things to do (including snaking out a clogged kitchen drain).

However, I did get to go to an exhibition fight, and it was really fun. More importantly, I found myself continuing a conversation about how good it would be to have a Boxing gym in Calvert. Obviously I would want to see it evolve to include Muay Thai, but to start, just Boxing.

The thing is, Boxing teaches and trains a lot of different stuff. It is used in therapy for Parkinson's, it is great for developing coordination and balance--it's also just an amazing work out.

Anyway, in this, and other conversations on the topic, there was some interesting brain storming. What if the gym was able to accommodate people regardless of income? There could be a whole variety of fitness programs, and membership tiers, all with the understanding that some people may not be able to pay anything...

Wouldn't it be cool to have a place that was open regularly for people to drop in and workout --or for young people to hang out? Maybe a coach would be around to help people with their form and movement.

I could see programs that got young people, and anyone else, involved in training and competing. It could be an alternative option for people not interested in the usual sport options.

There's plenty more that got discussed, but too much for a blog post. However it was part of an even more broad contemplation that I've been playing with regarding church. Perhaps it's time to begin trying some bold, creative things that aren't necessarily oriented to Sunday morning...

Maker spaces?

Creative workshops?

I don't know that a list of possibilities is helpful, but perhaps instead thinking about ways that the church becomes a resource to the community.

I know this is a song I've been singing for years now, but I wonder if it might be time to get a little crazy like Seal. Maybe I'll go into some of these thoughts in the next post.

I'm hoping to get some video and/or pictures of me training. Even if it's blurry, it's still proof (like Bigfoot). I should warn you about the ridiculous shorts, though. They're ridiculous, but it's traditional.

Peace ✌️