Could have sold it 20 times.

[Goody]

While setup for a long day at the Catonsville Arts festival I had an unexpected surprise. One of the Carvers form this forum brought in a walking stick with a whole lot of faces on it. I was facinated with the detail as each face had its own unique character to it. Some had deep set eyes with just enough detail to make you gaze into them. Some had handlebar mustaches that were finely curled at the end and some just looked like someone I swear I know. He had a second stick with him and as I was starting to admire it he announced it was for me. Two old spirit faces and a winged dragon adorn this stick. And the timing couldn't be better. This stick will see a lot of use, it will not be set somewhere as a display piece. I have recently had a total knee replacement that hasn't gone well. This stick will be on display in my hand as my daily walker.
Thanks Ash, its things like this that keep us carving. I am sitting here wondering how many freindships woodcarving and this board has brought together rather it be here on the board that we don't know who one another are to two old farts sitting together hacking on a santa blank telling stories.
Goody
P.S. I had to move the stick to the back of the booth. I had too many people wanting to buy it.

[wade clark]

Good friends are few and far between, and the best of them look out for each other! I kinda thought both you and Ash would be that kind of friends, the kind we'd all like to know better.
I think I've finished carving my Santa. I looked at him today under a magnifying lamp and thought, "Wow! And I thought it was ready to paint!" So I worked on it another couple hours and NOW I think it's ready. We'll see what tomorrow brings. What would you use as a base before painting, or would you just paint each area without any primer or sealer, and what paints --acrylic, oil, water--would you recommend?
Enjoy that staff! May the gentlemen on it help carry you along!
Wade

[Ashbys]

Goody ,

My friend, sometimes we take turns in our lives which leads us to new paths and new directions. Some by choice some just because were forced to change. I have been blessed with such a change, and within this change I found a teacher, a mentor and a friend. It always gives a great pleasure to see a well done on something we do, but when it comes from our teachers, and our friends it always means a lot more. I knew you would never make a staff for yourself, at least not one you would keep. And to make one for you was something I wanted to do from the first time I saw you fighting with your knee.
I am very happy that I was able to give you something that will be a service to you.

The top of the cane is the wizard looking to guide you to where you are going and opening the path to removed the shadows which might darken your spirit.
The Dragon is the protector and the defender, the friend to guard your back and help when you need him.
The last spirit is turned to the left, he is the spirit of the cane, he watches you and guards the dragon .
Two friends each to guard the path of the other.

Thank you my friend for your kindness, and I too look forward to again sitting with a piece of wood in my hand, wondering if we can't find Joe another one .

Ash

[Colin-Partridge]

Wonderful story and you are so right friendship is something to be treasured for ever. There have been many times I have given carvings away only to have someone tell me they would have given me tons of money for it. Money doesnt matter the joy of giving is much more rewarding. As I have said before I would like nothing better than to give everything I carve away of course I wouldnt stay in business too long.
Colin

[Thor]

I must applaud Ash for his generosity, but also for the message in the walking stick. Thank you for telling us the story behind the carvings. Now, I want to see this wizard, dragon, and spirit that guide, protect, and guard the gifted one. What a great story!
Well done Ash!
Thor

[Ashbys]

Thanks Thor, but beleive me , have gooten mcuh more from these than I can express.

I can't show you Goody's staff, he will have to do that , but this is the wizard from the one I am working on. This is the one looking ahead into the shadows.

[Thor]

Very expressive...very cool.
Thor

[Goody]

Originally Posted by colin_partridge

Wonderful story and you are so right friendship is something to be treasured for ever. There have been many times I have given carvings away only to have someone tell me they would have given me tons of money for it. Money doesnt matter the joy of giving is much more rewarding. As I have said before I would like nothing better than to give everything I carve away of course I wouldnt stay in business too long.
Colin

Colin,
I have often said I enjoy the santas that I give away more than the ones the I sell. Seems like more than just carving goes into those carvings, maybe just a little of our hearts.

Ash,
Is it ok for a grown man to shed a tear of joy or does that staff just make my eyes water.

Thor,
Pics as requested!

Goody

[squbrigg]

Beautiful job Ash, well thought out and carved staff. Very considerate of you.

Goody...use it in health, you yourself are a kind and generous gentleman, the staff is just a reflection of the esteem in which you are held.

Bob

[Ashbys]

Very well said Bob,

And thank you.

Ash