Love this. What a great poem! Just finished an audiobook and was looking for another. I’lm excited to check out some Wendell Berry - extra special bonus that it’s read by you. :)
AMEN!!! The best place to start is here and now. This was a great question, and Nick, your response was very inspiring. I've been creating lately and finding it very cathartic as I try to make sense of the world. It helps me feel connected, and folks say it resonates with them. That's the STUFF! Jeff Tweedy's book "How to Write One Song" was a quick and inspiring read on the creative process, not just about songwriting, but putting it (and yourself) out there. Thank you for encouraging others to get their creative juices flowing <3 This is the stuff I hope to saturate the internet with (including ending sentences with a preposition). Thank you again!
A warning, please, good sir. I have just started the audio version of The Unsettling of America and was entirely unprepared for so many dulcet toned racial slurs in quick succession. I believe the usage was warranted in the context and Mr. Berry’s point is well taken. Perhaps shock was his objective.
As an early adopter of this interesting project, I am grudgingly, perhaps sadly, accepting of my metaphorical role as a "cheaper scrap of wood". That's where I live, at the other end of the donkey.
Hi Nick, I'd love some advice about the woodworking business.
I work in startups and have helped build a bunch of companies, but have also decided recently to build my own, on the side, and grow it to a full-time trade. And I'd like to build a workshop, primarily producing wood and leather goods.
I think I've planned the operational aspect well enough to start, since I'm starting small and I'm quite comfortable with building small companies. And I'm also pretty decent at making things. But something I could really use help with is the inventory.
There are a few items I've done some research on that'll be signature items, i.e. unique stuff that will sell slowly but for a higher price, e.g. restored antiques, for which there's a healthy market here in the Netherlands. These are the things I'd like to focus on because they'll fill my heart.
But I'd love to learn more about what fills the wallet. Specifically, I'd like to know whether you feel the main focus should be on small, inexpensive items (say coasters) or larger more elaborate items? And do you feel the inventory mix should be stable and specialised (say, specialise in end tables) or varying/seasonal (e.g. ornaments for xmas, bunnies for easter)?
I know you've mentioned once that your workshop doesn't need to be profitable, but I think your insight into the business would still be very valuable. Thanks in advance!
I couldn't help but be distracted by the painting on the wall behind you today (7/17/22). The painting is lovely and I think the words say something about the color pink (or maybe a pink flower) being the color of joy or happiness? It is such a peaceful scene. What struck me most was the unique framing and I couldn't help but wonder if you had a crafty hand in creating it. Thanks for the introduction to Wendell Berry.
Love this. What a great poem! Just finished an audiobook and was looking for another. I’lm excited to check out some Wendell Berry - extra special bonus that it’s read by you. :)
If you wanna make a podcast go for it, you don't even need to have the finest of equipment.
The first few episodes aren't gonna be perfect, but if you dont start you won't get better.
AMEN!!! The best place to start is here and now. This was a great question, and Nick, your response was very inspiring. I've been creating lately and finding it very cathartic as I try to make sense of the world. It helps me feel connected, and folks say it resonates with them. That's the STUFF! Jeff Tweedy's book "How to Write One Song" was a quick and inspiring read on the creative process, not just about songwriting, but putting it (and yourself) out there. Thank you for encouraging others to get their creative juices flowing <3 This is the stuff I hope to saturate the internet with (including ending sentences with a preposition). Thank you again!
Jessie
Lombard, IL
Your face is entirely lovely, characterful, and has yet to give offence, I assure you. The smiles and occasional giggles are better yet.
On the topic of whiskers, have you ever sported a handlebar?
Chris, from San Leandro, CA.
Great inspirational words here. Thanks for pointing us to your column in Outside Magazine!
A warning, please, good sir. I have just started the audio version of The Unsettling of America and was entirely unprepared for so many dulcet toned racial slurs in quick succession. I believe the usage was warranted in the context and Mr. Berry’s point is well taken. Perhaps shock was his objective.
Fantastic work as always.
Kelly Kincaid
Austin, TX
As an early adopter of this interesting project, I am grudgingly, perhaps sadly, accepting of my metaphorical role as a "cheaper scrap of wood". That's where I live, at the other end of the donkey.
Hi Nick, I'd love some advice about the woodworking business.
I work in startups and have helped build a bunch of companies, but have also decided recently to build my own, on the side, and grow it to a full-time trade. And I'd like to build a workshop, primarily producing wood and leather goods.
I think I've planned the operational aspect well enough to start, since I'm starting small and I'm quite comfortable with building small companies. And I'm also pretty decent at making things. But something I could really use help with is the inventory.
There are a few items I've done some research on that'll be signature items, i.e. unique stuff that will sell slowly but for a higher price, e.g. restored antiques, for which there's a healthy market here in the Netherlands. These are the things I'd like to focus on because they'll fill my heart.
But I'd love to learn more about what fills the wallet. Specifically, I'd like to know whether you feel the main focus should be on small, inexpensive items (say coasters) or larger more elaborate items? And do you feel the inventory mix should be stable and specialised (say, specialise in end tables) or varying/seasonal (e.g. ornaments for xmas, bunnies for easter)?
I know you've mentioned once that your workshop doesn't need to be profitable, but I think your insight into the business would still be very valuable. Thanks in advance!
Karl (from Amsterdam)
I couldn't help but be distracted by the painting on the wall behind you today (7/17/22). The painting is lovely and I think the words say something about the color pink (or maybe a pink flower) being the color of joy or happiness? It is such a peaceful scene. What struck me most was the unique framing and I couldn't help but wonder if you had a crafty hand in creating it. Thanks for the introduction to Wendell Berry.
Wendy
Westlake Village, CA
Awwww how could anyone NOT love that face???