My woodworking Hobby
From S Balachandran (Photos from 1964 and 2022)
I was delighted when Bala commented on my "To Blog or Not to Blog Post".
Hi Mahendra,
I am grateful for the presence of the Blog, and I take my hat off to Lucky for having initiated the Blog. I am like one of the comments mentioned about keenly following the blog, but seldom contributed. I think in the twilight hours of our life, we need to keep in touch through the blog, given that travel and face-to-face meetings are becoming ever more difficult. It would be interesting and appropriate to have photo recollection of colleagues. Needless to say Speedy, you are doing a wonderful job of promoting.
I have not been following the blog regularly since losing my lifetime partner, Pat recently. While she was alive a year ago, I started making nearly 20 ‘Keepsake Boxes' for my family and close friends. This is one way to keep myself occupied during these difficult days. I still do some part-time ‘doctoring’. I would like to share some of my recent additions to my woodworking collection.
As we continue to lose many of our colleagues, it reminds me of the saying, ‘Dance before the music is over. Live before your life is over’. Speedy, please do not get discouraged. You are doing a great job, and keep it alive, Bala
Bala followed this up with this email.
Hi Speedy, I try to keep myself active by devoting my spare time to woodworking, some gardening, and chasing the little white ball. My recent loss has certainly made it hard for these activities. But life must go on!
Here are some of my recent indulgences in woodworking. I do not have the luxury of my Old Shop. Now, I am confined to my garage, and it's quite a chore to manipulate some of the heavy machinery.
However, I enjoy dabbling in assorted exotic lumber... Cheers, Bala..
Picture 2
Display cabinet - Made of Birdseye maple, Bloodwood, and cherry trim. By its side is a wine rack.
Picture 3
The third is cherry and curly maple. The arch handles are the difficult part of the trays.
Picture 4
Wooden Lamp Shade - The shade itself was made of maple, delicate and strenuous. The base is made of dark walnut.
Picture 5
Picture 6
I hope you enjoy looking at these works of art from Bala. I have added a "then and now" photo also (which will delight Suri!)- Speedy
