[Blake Lunsford]

I had the unique opportunity to meet Gene Messer this morning to discuss a little carving over coffee. For those of you who don't know, Gene is from Texas, and that is why I felt like it was a unique opportunity. I live in Tennessee! He and his family were in town to see some friends and he contacted me to see if I would like to get together and meet and share a cup of joe. Needless to say we sat at IHOP for over 3 hours "talking shop" discussing carving methods, tools, this message board, individuals from the board, and just how nice it is to meet new people with similiar interest.

I just wanted to take a second to say a big "Thank you" to Gene for taking a few minutes out of his vacation to share some time with me, and also to Bob and the staff here at WCI for giving us all the opportunity to discuss carving and make new friends in the process. If it were not for this board many of our paths probably would never cross. I have been fortunate enough to meet many of the carvers from this board in person and feel certain that I have made many new friends. Thank you to Bob for keeping it going!

For those of you who get a chance, take up Gene if he ever offers to meet you for a cup of coffee. You will be glad you did! He has a wealth of knowledge to share and is a fantastic carver!

Thanks Gene! I'm sure we will get together the next time you are up this way!

Blake

[Kenny_S]

Glad you was able to Meet Gene and have coffee.

[GeorgiaCarver]

I have meet a couple of the forum members and it is a real privilege, I hope to meet both of you one day! Next week I get to meet Thor, I can't wait.

Glad you were able to get together, I am sure you both learned a bunch.

Greg

[gene messer]

Thank you Blake for the kindness ... but it was a wonderful chance to meet such a wonderful young carver like Blake ... not only is he a talent .. but a great guy to be around .. really enjoyed my short time with him ..

That part of Tenn. is a dream to be in .. so beautiful and I never met anyone who wasn't a great person ... Those tenn. folks are so welcoming and kind up in the mountains .. Even the staff at the local Woodcraft are a bunch of great folks ..


I got to have a quick time with Forrest Holder ( Tn . Artist) the day before and Forrest is a great guy to talk too... beside's being a wonderful carver and artist .


Believe me ...being with these two carvers just proves one thing ,, That you buch of gentleman and ladies on this forum are some of the best there are in this U.S.A


Thanks so much for the visit guy's ''''

God Bless

Gene

[squbrigg]

I am glad to hear that other members are getting to enjoy the unique opportunity of chatting in person with other board members. It is a real pleasure when you get to share some time with people who share your passion for carving, in person, and be able to put a face and voice to the messages. I'm happy for you both having the opportunity.

Gene ...... don't forget that this board crosses many boundries and we have some pretty good carvers up here in Canada. You would be most welcome to come visit anytime!

Bob

[tnartist05]

Gene was such a friendy true gentleman plus so easy to talk with in person! Id ask him things about his carvings,heck he opened his tool box and showed me several different cuts from his great flat plane carvings. HEHEEEEE We had several people that ran to our table to offer to buy some of his carvings while we compared carvings we both brought with us. Customers stopped on thier way out to admire Genes little guys! Friday the 13th was the LUCKIEST day Ive had and just really neat meeting Gene in person,I will always remember. OHhhhhhhhhhhh Yea bud,when you retire please come on back to Tennessee! As they Say,Tennessee is the place for ME! {You too Gene}

Forrest........... P.S. Thanks for everything Gene!

[Thor]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaCarver

I have meet a couple of the forum members and it is a real privilege, I hope to meet both of you one day! Next week I get to meet Thor, I can't wait.

Glad you were able to get together, I am sure you both learned a bunch.

Greg

I'm looking forward to meeting Greg too. Each time I meet someone on this forum, it's putting a face to an old friend.
Greg is coming up to my Woodcarvers Gathering with his chainsaw this Saturday, July 21st from noon until 3:00. Anyone else within driving distance of the north Georgia area is welcome to stop by and meet him as well.
Directions are on my website, (www.funkychickenartproject.com/dir.htm) so if you have an interest, feel free to contact me.
Thor