40 Years Old

[Donsexton]

I carved the three when I was 8 years old with just a knife then my Grandfather got me some proper carving tools. My sister had these for 40 years they were in a box that my Mother left her. The bear and squirrel are walnut and the ball and cage is maple. The place I grew up in had a general store with a front porch. In the evening men would gather to play checkers and some would whittle.

[Dicky]

What wonderful souvenirs to have. I have a little bone monkey that my Mother told me was carved by her Father. PS. when I started carving, you had about a 40 yr. head start on me.

[draft51@aol.com]

Don, you were real talented when you were 8,and thats what makes you the caver you are today. What really got to me was the picture you painted of a boy on a general store porch. And the men playing checkers. Thats Norman Rockwell type stuff. What a great way to grow up. What a picture, good for you. fred k

[Midnight Carver]

It's great that you still have these to look back on. Sounds exactly like the situation I picture when I think of whittling. Plus those are impressive first carvings, especially for an 8 year old! Thanks for sharing

Eric

[Shannon]

These are awesome! Maybe someday we can feature them in your First Cuts article!

[jimmy joe]

That is a great story and pretty impressive carving for an 8 year old Don . Thanks for sharing it .

[tnartist05]

Priceless!! Totally!!

[uvawyo]

Yessir! What a wonderful thing to have to jar your memory
and they are pretty nice carvings too.

[Gergie]

It's great that you were able to keep them all these years. It's nice to look back.

[Merle Rice]

Hi Don, you were talented then as you are now, those pieces are priceless. Nice memories. Merle