Things That Bring Us Peace

Criticisms are what you make of them. News and views from the DustyNewt Workshop 05/06/2026

May 06, 2026

Today’s “17 Step Commute” Dashboard…

Temp: Currently 86 degrees. High of 90 today 😎
Humidity: 4 on the “Soup” scale. (1=light broth, 5=thick chowder).
Today’s Playlist: Peter Tosh shuffle.
Conditions: Sunshine! 😎
Estimated Travel Time: 16 seconds
Food: Apple and left-over beef stew for blunch. Chicken of some sort tonight.
Coffee Level: 1/2 Tank

Things That Bring Us Peace

We all do the best we can in life. Energy levels and passions are different for everyone. We have our own ideals of how things should be and have the right to pursue these happinesses, if they are legal and don’t hurt anyone.

Our creations and way of life do not have to appeal to everyone. Our collections don’t have to intrigue all visitors. Our livelihoods are not the hottest topic of the next get-together. This is where the internet of things excels.

Forging Ahead

Worldwide, the internet is used by about 6 Billion people on a regular basis. This means, if you are a one-in-a-million kind of maker/collector/enthusiast (of any medium or subject), there are 6000+ people just like you online. They are your audience.

If you enjoy what you make and put yourself out there for inspection, you will likely get more positive responses than negative. Many will politely steer away, but people that are genuinely interested will find you. Your enthusiasm and perseverance will catch the eyes of like-minded folk. Ignore doom-scrollers and trolls the best you can.

Snap Judgments

Criticisms are what you make of them. There are endless opinions out there, but consider their sources before putting any credence in them. Keep an open mind in these judgements. Even the simplest, most ignorant speakers may have something to help you grow.

If a three-year-old makes a face and tells you “You Stink!”, you probably do. They are not inhibited by “feelings”. They tell the truth (unless it is how the cat came to be purple). Take a shower.

“What you do is nothing, compared to what I do.”, is what I was told by a mall walker somewhen in 1980s Nebraska. I remember immediately taking offense with his words as he went into a ten minute spiel about his work, which had nothing to do with what I was making. So, I blocked him out (or thought I had). He was an Indian immigrant and I labeled him as rude. Weeks later, the incident still nagged at me when it dawned on me that he was just thinking in HIS primary language, which didn’t translate well to English. I now believe he was not being derogative about my work, but sharing his experience with what made him happy.

My Happymaking things (not necessarily in order of importance).

Family - A cast of characters that know our history (and we know theirs). As long as you steer away from politics and religion there is always fun to be had. Food is a great unifier.
A stack of wood - Whether rescued from an unfixable antique dresser, a dumpster dive, or from the lumberyard, the anticipation of a new incarnation for it in my products is a driving force.
Finishing a piece. Removing a piece from its oil/beeswax bath and polishing it to an acceptable sheen brings out the wood’s natural beauty.
Time to experiment in the shop. This includes workshop organization, tuning up tools, practice carving and prototypes.
Sales - Hearing that “Ka-Ching” sound on my phone elevates my mood and reminds me that people appreciate our work.
A quiet day - No appointments, no driving and the ability to choose our own distractions… or a nap.
Music - Setting the ambience for the task at hand, our tunes are always on. I am waiting for a new “smart” fabric to emerge that will let your clothes set your musical score through life.
Pets and wildlife - Because of what our road has become, we can sadly no longer keep a dog, but our cats stay away from it and keep our eco-system humming. Our “bird” feeders are visible from the picture window of our living room and are a regular stop for all manner of critters from newts and cardinals to opossums, hawks and raccoons. Painted buntings spend a couple months with us each winter. The money spent to keep them all supplied is like paying for another streaming service on TV (or two).

Growing things - Our live-and-let-live attitude extends to our little rain-forest yard. Happy growth brings harmony and beauty to our days. Julie is a seed-starter, although their identity may be quickly forgotten if they sprout and survive, until they fruit or bloom. This also adds a bit of mystery to things.
Visitors - Friends, neighbors and family are always welcome to stop by.

Things that do NOT bring me peace.

Shopping - A necessary evil that my lovely wife, Julie embraces, thereby balancing us.
Exercise - Knowing that I will feel great afterwards does not make me favorable to it beforehand.
News programs - I feel that sensationalism, opinionated suppositions and the desire to shock us usually end up thwarting real justice from occurring, if and when they finally get to court. Just give me the facts, “Ma’am”.
Hurricanes - Our daily summer storms can get quite violent, but they are generally short. Hurricanes, on the other hand, last for days and the aftermath can last for months. They require a LOT of preparation and tons of unexpected work later.
Religion - Whatever you believe is fine with me, but I do not need to hear about it. I consider myself spiritual, but I abhor judgemental hypocrisy.
The loss of orange blossoms - When we first moved into our home, it was shady oak hammock on the modest rise of the Florida ridge on a two-lane country road. It was surrounded by miles of orange groves. We could see three lakes and and (on a clear day) about twenty miles to the west and north of us, from our perch on our front porch.
Noise - Now our view consists of housing developments, high voltage transmission lines and four-lanes of constant traffic. With their “improvements” the curb seems to get closer to the house every year. The window rattling trucks and POS Honda “rebuilds” regularly hit over 120Db and 100MPH.
Preparing to attend an event, like a family reunion, meeting or appointment. Getting dressed appropriately, planning a route to get there and remembering what NOT to say to Aunt Gladys, turns my brain dyslexic. Once I get there, I am fine. Food and laughter usually more than makes up for the bout of perceived dread beforehand.
Visitors - City inspector types, DOT surveyors, salespeople, realtors and folk with religious or political ambitions make us nervous.

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