37 Comments
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Matty Q's avatar

First of all, I love this, and will always pay for more Nick Offerman. But cannot pay for this podcast until Nick obtains a proper microphone. The sickening sibilance on each word is just not good enough.

Nick Offerman's avatar

noted. sorry to sicken so. with my sibilance.

Matty Q's avatar

Perhaps a little harsh on my part in a desire to use some alliteration. :) Nonetheless your normally mellifluous tones sounded a little tinny to these ears on this recording.

Nick Offerman's avatar

I will aim to do better.

Cordell Roy's avatar

Bravo! Liked the post. Reminded me of a project I made in a summer school woodworking class. Do we all start off with a Mom Project? Being a bit short in the creativity department, the instructor sketched out a pleasing carved bowl design on a pine plank that I subsequently carved, sanded, stained (I agree with you on staining philosophy and practice), and finished. Good enough to pass the course. Pleased Mom. Keep 'em coming, the blogs. At the risk of losing some fan base, us woodworkers would love some woodworky stuff.

Diana Mullins's avatar

I asked Nick Offerman, woodworker~writer~actor, a question and he answered it using threads of thought inspired by the best in his fields: Hermes, the comedian; Arachne, a most creative weaver; and Athena, the warrior Goddess (who also hates bullies). Today, I'm feeling like ANYTHING is possible. Did you see that rain, hail, lightning, and 'thundersnow' on the 15th in the LA basin/Orange County? Zeus is rooting for us all, buddy. Keep a-writin' and I will too.

Philip Lipton's avatar

Like you, I have my own first projects. I thought they were crude but after listening to you, I see them changes into what they were. Part of my imagination and a gift of love to my Mother. Listening to a nice guy like you is the best way to start my day! Thanks from Phil in Tucson, Az

Jessie Hammersmith's avatar

Thank you for reminding us to be kind to our younger selves. Looking back at past work has made me cringe, and I'm trying to be less judgemental of my own growth. I appreciate it! Jessie - Lombard, Illinois

Shane Conroy's avatar

Thank you for a brilliant read, Mr Offerman. It sparked a recollection of sweating over the construction of a timber stepladder in my own high school woodworking class. I too received only a marginal passing grade for my pure-hearted toil. Yet, almost three decades later, my humble stepladder continues its courageous life as a pantry aid in my elderly parent’s home. I imagine that’s an achievement far out of reach of IKEA’s soulless modern-day flat packery, and the like. So damn short-sighted teachers, and the donkeys they ride in on.

Cha Brawner's avatar

I have a big sturdy wooden table and two benches that my dad built back in 1984. I know because he carved his name and the year in the bottom of it. It was our family's dinner table for years. After a while they got another table and - much to his chagrin - dad's creation was relegated to a basement somewhere. Dad passed away two years ago and now I have his old table. It's a family treasure in my opinion. Unfortunately dad wasn't the best at finishing wood. It has a thick, shiny layer of clear varnish/lacquer/whatever it's called and you can see brush marks. I know it's possible to turn this table into something beautiful but I have no idea how. Thoughts?

Boaz Frankel's avatar

I remember my first woodworking project too. In 6th grade, every student made a "recipe holder" which consisted of clothespin (to hold the recipe card) glued to a triangle of wood that was nailed to a square base.

Hermit 1967's avatar

Darn it hate when buttons get pressed before their time to get pressed. Alright .

1) that beautiful clown and saying are classified as decoupage .

2) omfg The bullying thing , you described my childhood from age 10 to beyond. Hated school failed gr11 had to threaten quitting school to go back to my old school . Life sucked then 😭🤣😭 😳 TY for sharing Nick. Love the picture of you and the bottle do share who drew it.

Hermit 1967's avatar

Disregard the quest for artist name his name is underneath the drawing.

Ron Hogan's avatar

Is this a good place to leave questions? Fingers crossed: I know you’re passionate enough about Wendell Berry’s work to have helped bring out a film to tell the world about him. For someone who’d like to go further down the rabbit hole, who would you recommend reading next?

Napwarrior's avatar

Sometimes you come off very Canadian, and I like that.

Aubrey Johnson's avatar

Nick, there’s a guy in my church who looks and sounds JUST LIKE YOU. The day I met him, I shook his hand and I said “Hey - “ then he interrupted me and said “No, I’m not Nick Offerman…” 🤣😂

Danger! Joe the poet's avatar

Ok Princess, I mean Carnival.

I burned my canoe. Sellout.

B1gD4ddy's avatar

I wish I could be Nick Offerman’s carpentry apprentice. It would be the closest thing to a real life Jedi Padawan.