[RussL.]

I recently posted this paraphrased quote from Nora Hall, third generation European woodcarver, on another thread, but it seems timely to make you mindful of it here as well:

"Woodcarvers do not make mistakes. They make changes is design!" :-)

He looks great to all of us!

Best Regards,

RussL.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Originally Posted by santagibbs

Thank's Tom , that helps me a little.. ! That feeling is just there and it AIN'T going away.. Ashby inspired me to put Curtis' face on there and that failed too..Ha... Hi Ho helped me with the hard wood by spraying alcohol on it. Kenny helped me by sending me a picture of one of his Santa carvings so I could make better fur but nothing could help that big head... Charlotte

You are right Charlotte, its terrible...send it to me immediately and I will hide it! LOL hide it right in front of all my others! geez, I posted this before I saw all the volunteers to get rid of it for you LOL that ought to tell you something.......when you starting another ha ha get with it!

[Just Carving]

Hi Charlotte

I too think you have done a fine job on your carving, and an outstanding job on your painting of the carving--I love the detail work--especially the squirrels! SO, no pond... no hiding your wonderful work...just enjoy it and appreciate the "hidden" joy in it.

I don't think you need to work on your carving--it's the self-confidence that needs the work--I know, I have the same problem. I don't want to even post my stuff here because I don't think it's good enough. But everyone thinks that of their work until some good people like we have here, or family, or friends, are willing to step up and say, "Hey! That's not so bad!" (I never met Curtis, but I bet he'd be fit to be tied hearing you say your work isn't good, and you're not carving anymore!!) But it is wonderful when you do something, and it IS great, and the people here are ecstatic for you because they get to smash your "nightmare" and tell you it's a "dream come true." It not only boosts you, but it makes everyone feel good--just like opening an unexpected Christmas present from Santa himself! So, keep on carving, keep on posting, and keep on smiling! OH!! And now, go have yourself a MERRY CHRISTMAS, too!!!!

Thanks posting your Santa, and for making me smile--it's something I haven't been doing much of lately!

Bob L

[Linda M A B]

Charlotte, 100 years from now some expert on the Antiques Road Show will be telling someone how lucky they are to have a peice of your early work because its worth so much more than your later work. I think he has lots of character. Very nice!
Linda

[jillsy]

Charlotte,

What have you been putting in your eggnog? Well, whatever it is, pass on over here!

He's gorgeous and you've either been sippin' alittle too much nog or are just plain crazy. Maybe that's why we all love you!

Jillsy

[Bartster]

miss charlotte,


that is one pretty santa love the paint job on it, great work you should be very proud.


bart

[santagibbs]

Well, Ya'll , I have been tied up today.. so I really got some good laughs when I came back on this board tonight..
Thomp... I just looked at your site and you do very nice work.. Thank's for your encouragement.

dmatias ... That's great about the dolphins.. I looked at my Santa today and guess what? I felt sorry that I had put him down... Poor thing... I had to apologise to him.. You all have made me see something in him that I care for.. Now I think I love him because I will aways think of this messge board and their encouragement when I look at him.. I will even smile.. Thank's

RussL Thank's for your paraphrase. That's so true.

Hi Ho, you helped me out with this hard wood so I have to thank you for it and I will keep carving now .." If the Lord is willing."

Bob L.. I will keep looking for the hidden Joy..and it's true, everyone has smashed my nightmare and made it into something I will cherish. I am glad I made you smile and pray you will do more of it now..

Linda , now that got an out loud chuckle form me about the " Antiques Road Show." I feel like I am the one that will be auctioned off soon..for they will say.. Hey she is an old antique.. !!! Is that wood or metal ? Sorry but that's not worth anything.. Who brought her in and left her? Ha..

and Jillsy... I think it's more crazy than egg nog.. but I need to get some for this season.. don't I?

Thank's again everyone.. This has meant so much to me and my Santa who is now alive ... say's Thank you Thank you Thank you for making Charlotte like me... Have a wonderful Christmas, to all of you.. Charlotte Now let me check out what I wrote and see how many mistakes I made!