Bottom section sculpted!

It seems with almost every project we think of a new way to do things which will add even more detail than we've done previously. As we start we congratulate ourselves on the brilliant discovery. But as we get into the project it becomes obvious that the new marvellous ways take a lot of time. As we get about three quarters of the way through doubt sets in and we wonder what we got ourselves into and how will we ever get through. We persevere and as we near the end our thoughts change again to isn't this marvellous! The new found detail is always worth this struggle and we never want to go back to the old way of doing things. Then with the next project we raise the bar once again and the whole process begins anew.

Today as I was working on the seemingly endless rock and bracing detail at the bottom of the Sign Invitational Challenge piece I struggled through this exact scenario. But by the afternoon as I finished the section I could once again see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Snowbound progress

Most of our staff was off today, snowbound with unplowed roads. That made things a little quieter in the shop which in turn allowed me a little time to work on the train feature for the Sign Invitational Challenge. I decided to start the bracing on the trestle. I cut strips of plastic and then temporarily screwed them into place as I worked out the placement of the bracing. They will be removed, one by one to be coated with epoxy and then sculpted to look like timbers. I managed to sculpt four pieces before quitting time. It sure changed the look of the trestle in a hurry. There's lots more to go but it is good to make a little progress at last.

The first time.

One of the many things which Phoebe, our first grand daughter taught us and now our second, Juniper reminds us is the wonder of first discoveries. The first snowfall, bright lights, her reflection in the mirror, the moon, the stars and a million other things are wondrous in their eyes, especially as they see them for the first time. Today was a special day for Juniper as she discovered the joys of snow. Eating snow is fun as is walking in it. Sliding (when dad is working up a sweat pulling the sled) is the absolute best!

As adults we often forget to take note of or take joy in these things. We forget to thoroughly enjoy what is all around us each and every day. We forget to make new discoveries as we rush around, simply being far too busy. As we get older fewer and fewer things grab our attention, create a sense of wonder or take our breath away. That's unfortunate.

As designers and creators of fanciful places meant to entertain, our most important job is to create those awesome experiences for a broad audience. We need to take people out of the 'normal' world and transport them to an imaginative place where we can all become childlike once more.