Creativity is Alive and Well

Boy, I just noticed it has been 2 years since I posted last. Where does time go when one is having fun? Creativity is still alive and well if FL I can tell you. Everyday it seems like a new idea comes to mind to attempt. Most are not doable or just too dorky. But, then there is the spark of light that comes in the middle of the night. Where it comes from, who knows, but it is fun.

The last two years have been fun creating stuff. Am still doing a few stump tables and sculptures, but am now into wood picture frames from reclaimed wood, African bead necklaces, leather bracelets, driftwood adventures. I keep telling myself "focus" but when I try another idea comes to mind and I HAVE to try it. Is this creativity or just being a scatterbrain? It is interesting how the more I do, the more things overlap as to the techniques and being able to apply one creation to another.

I went to an art fair this last year and loved the African bead necklaces, so I thought I would try them. This led me to appreciate the beauty of these colorful handmade beads. Here are some of my pieces:

Then a friend asked me to make him a leather bracelet. So this is the result:

A friend is a wildlife and SW artist.  I offered to make some frames for him, then for other friends and family members. I try to use reclaimed wood from scrap piles and builder's excess specialty wood. Here is what turned out:

A jewelry artist friend of mine also collects Lake Superior driftwood to use in sculptures. She gave me inspiration to try and do a few things with this natural material.

One day I was reading an interior design magazine and I came across an article on shou sugi ban. This is the ancient Japanese technique to waterproof exterior wood for structures. It entails burning the surface of the wood to create a solid black finish. I got sort of hooked on this and made these things:

Sorry, I don't mean to bore you or to brag, only trying to point out how creativity, if approached with an open mind, can open many opportunities to have fun and make cool or dorky stuff. All one has to do is say "sure, let's try it" and close the ears to "WHAT ARE YOU DOING" comments from others.

Happy Happy Creating. Key is to have fun, and maybe make some money along the way.

John or Gabby

Apathy of the Human Spirit

I am going to vary my "wood" blogs for a moment in order to comment on what I feel is the growing apathy of the human spirit. This is a large subject. I am not a professional in this field of psychology, but it is something I become more aware of daily.

By apathy among people, I mean people who are happy in their "comfort zone" of life and do not want to "rattle the cage." Apathy is defined in Wikipedia as: "A lack of feeling, interest, and concern. A state of indifference. A suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation, and/or passion." People who are not interested in speaking out if their beliefs are hindered in any way. "Let your voice be heard" is not acceptable behavior. Who am I to argue against any of this. Each person has a right to his or her own lifestyle and how they want to live it. However, things in life do not change unless there are people who are willing to speak out and fight for their beliefs. The status quo continues and the powerful people have the ability to control a lifestyle according to their desires and motivations.

This is not a modern day occurrence. The Romans were ruled by the few. When there was a revolt, it was slammed down. Corruption and self dealing finally led to the downfall of Rome. The French and the Bolshivic  revolutions happened when the apathetic population finally, after centuries of power control by the elite, let their voices be heard. When the power structure was threatened, they attempted to put it down. The people rose up, apathy went away, and their world was changed for the better. Look what happened to Germany. Hitler rose to power with a powerful few at his side, had an excellent "marketing"program, and there existed a general apathy from the populous. Look what occurred when the world finally realized what was happening. Apathy changed to action and Hitler was defeated.

I mentioned that I am concerned with a "growing" public apathy. Looking at the past, I guess today is no different then history. Humans are human. Nothing changes unless people are determined to change things. Step up, be counted, have conflict if necessary, BUT let your voice be heard if one wants change. I see too many people gripe about issues, but never take the net step to speak out.

America was built by patriots who dared to let their voices and actions be heard. Washington, Hamilton, Hale, and many others. What happened? America severed British control and started the greatest country in the world in 1776. What would have happened if these patriots would have just sat back and accepted the status quo? The United States could have become multiple countries as the British parceled us out to Spain, Mexico, Russia, and others.

Let's look at others who have "let their voices be heard." Gandhi. Churchill. Lincoln. Roosevelt. ML King. Gloria Steinem. Castro. Gabby Gifford.

I understand these people are anomolies. The world will never have many of these super achievers. But, each person can, if determined enough, shed their apathy and make a change in little ways. Ways that will make life better not only for them, but for their neighbors, fellow countrymen, and the world.


***The above was written in Summer 2017. LOOK what has happened since:


The Weinstein sexual abuse scandal has rocked Hollywood and many other entities both public and private. For many years, people kept silent about what they knew was wrong. Finally, Rose McGowan spoke out in a forceful manner about being raped by Weinstein. The flood gates opened with 58 accusers. This protest is spreading to other accusers. This could be the most influential social movement in American history. No longer will sexual abusers get away with their acts.

In order to protest civil rights abuses and racial injustices, NFL players decided to "Let Their Voice Be Heard" by kneeling during the American anthem and flag raising. This was not out of disrespect for the flag, America, or our military. It was a forceful way to protest and demand change in racial relations.

Hard to imagine these issues have been around for years, with a lot of people aware, but by hiding under the rug life was safer.

 Enough said. I will get back to creativity on my next posts.

John (Gabby) Gabrielson

Natural Creations.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD

Reclaimed Cypress Tables #2

I just looked at my first blog on creating stump tables from river reclaimed cypress. It was 4 YEARS ago. No, must be a typo. Have I been at this thing that long? Guess so!! I have survived with no crushed toes, cut off fingers, my hand arthritis is still there but a martini at night helps, made a few bucks, and believe I have made people happy by incorporating my creations into their homes.

The evolution of my work has been interesting and fun. Every piece of cypress turns out differently in color and grain. Here is a stump that has over 800 life rings. When recovered it was covered with 150 years of silt and scum. But, when cleaned and sanded it turned into a great reddish brown, showing all its rings. It seems like the older a log, the more color it has. I have proven my son Eric wrong when, upon asking him for ideas on the piece, said I need to cut it up for firewood. No imagination my little 45 year old son.

Sections from a 800 year old river reclaimed cypress. Before the fun started.

First cypress table from the rough sections

Second cypress table from the rough sections.

Here are four side tables from the same log with over 300 life rings. They do not have the color the 800 year old ones have, but they are still cool. The colors really come out with more coats of clear finish. I usually do 4 coats, with sanding in between.

I had a couple of logs that fell apart and I cut them into smaller pieces. Check the various colors from 2 separate logs. OK, but what should I do with them? Tried getting my interior designer daughter to incorporate them into some of her beach decors. There was a polite, no thank you. What do I know? Met a glass blower artist at an art fair recently. She might try and incorporate glass elements into the voids. Guess this applies to the saying - take the blinders off. You never know when something cool might evolve.

These are cut from the above rough sections.

Recently I had a log that was totally hollow, but solid on the outside. It was filled with silt and had interesting voids. Amazing what a power washer and a Dremel tool can do to open up the beauty of a log that had been submerged since the 1800s. I was very happy to place it with friends for their new house.

I am going to vary my log comments for a minute to talk about other uses for logs. My friend Cara recently had to cut down a lovely, old white pine. She has an old farm house and thought she could salvage boards from the pine for her floor. Here is the result before and after finishing. What a great use of old, beautiful trees, rather then shoving them into a landfill. GREAT job Cara.

One last tidbit on trees. Our community recently removed some magnolias that had become overgrown and a nuisance. Here is an end cut of the base of one of the trees. It shows the growth life rings and how fast a tree grows in this Florida climate. There are 2-3 rings per inch. My reclaimed, original growth cypress logs have 25-30 rings per inch. Each ring is a year of the tree's growth. This slow growth of original timber produces beautifully grained and tight wood.

Well, I have finished my Starbucks coffee and am off to find some new stumps/logs. Or to finish sanding some of my current stock. Often the "search" turns out to be more fun than standing over a table with my orbital sander. Remember, never pass up the opportunity to put that strange looking log into your truck. It might be a treasure, or just a bunch of bug infested fire wood.

Take Care

Spring is here. Watch out for critters in the woods.

Margaritas are wonderful this time of year.

Protest the WH and Trump against destroying our national wildernesses and parks.

Never trust a Swede with a chain saw.

John "Gabby" Gabrielson

www.naturalcreations.me
johngabrielson5@gmail.com

The Decrease of Women Power thru the Ages

Now I am really straying form my blogs on reclaimed wood. This is about what I believe is the decline in women's rights thru the ages. I became interested in this subject as I witnessed the inequality that exists today between women and men. This has been brought to my attention especially as my two super granddadaughters are soon to enter the real world. I want them to have an equal fighting chance with their male counterparts, and be tough enough to challenge them.

Let's look at the importance of women in society thru the ages. Then compare this with today's environment.

American Indians.
Prior to the tribes being destroyed, women were the important element in the tribal structure. There was a clear division of responsibilities. The men were the hunters and the warriors. The women bore the children, raised them, did the cooking, made the clothing, tended the gardens. It is interesting that the women were the force behind all tribal actions. The men were the only ones allowed in the governing pow wows, but they were controlled by the desires of the women being the scenes. Not so today in urbanized Indian communities.

Scandinavian Vikings.
Women were revered. The men were the warriors, but the women ran everything else. Some would even fight beside the men in raids around Europe. If a woman was abused, the abuser would be banished from the settlement. If a man raped a woman, his "manly parts" would be cut off and could be hung at the house of the woman. Then banished. This certainly is a lot different than today when the rapists can get off scot free and the accuser woman is criticized and emotionally hurt for years.

Venezuala.
Prior to the recent downfall of this country, there was a reform movement to reduce poverty. The government actually paid qualified families in cash rather than food stamps and other welfare. In return, the families had to insure their children went to school and a number of other things. This worked. AND the government only paid the cash to the woman of the family. They assumed, rightly so, that the woman would spend the money on needed items of food and clothing. Rather than drinking it up. Now, is this further evidence of the importance of woman? This worked until corruption and the oil crisis blew the country apart.

Italy and other Mediterranean countries.
I recently read: "in Italy when Mama is mad, better watch out, but if Nona is mad, better run." I found this true when we visited Italy a lot a few years ago. There is a constant respect for women, especially as they age. Elderly grandmothers live with their children and are not pushed into nursing homes. They are respected for their wisdom and lifelong family contributions. And they continue to contribute to the family life.

OK, then when did all this change? Maybe the respect for women's rights never did occur in America as in older countries. Maybe we are too new to have established this tradition. Except, look at the pioneer women. They were tough and considered equals. They ran the house and often fought alongside their men. Maybe the urbanization of America was the cause. Who knows.

Maybe it started with religion. the Catholics only had men in their hierarchy until recently. Birth control was an issue - often against women's rights. In certain areas, like Salem, unusual women were sometimes branded as a witch and burned. Maybe it was that few women worked outside the house, vs today when it is 50%. "Women's work" was not as respected as "what the male breadwinner"did. This possibly created a sense of who is more important.

Today we have abuse in the workplace. Unequal pay for equal work. Rapes that were not dealt with like those by Bill Cosby. Rapes on college campuses that were pushed under the rug for years. Gang rapes on the Panama City Beach last year while people stood around and watched. Trump and his response to Megan Kelly and his "fondle" comments on the bus. And on and on. This is a total lack of respect for women.

Finally today, we have an environment where women are not scorned for speaking up, whether it is on campus or in the workplace. Courts are awarding massive settlements as in the FOX News abuse cases. College administrators are finally taking the side of the abused woman and punishing perpetrators. Equal pay for equal work is becoming more common.

This is all great. But we have a lot farther to go for equality for women of all races and backgrounds.
We all need to be aware of this abuse today and let our voices be heard to fight it. Maybe cutting off a rapist's penis and testicles isn't such a bad idea.

Well, I have once again vented on one of the issues very important to me. I apologize for offending anyone. If you disagree, that is your privilege and I respect this. However, those who believe in this issue, must let their voices be heard. That is the only way changes can be made.

LET YOUR VOICES BE HEARD, LOUD AND CLEAR.

Thanks for listening to me.

Have a happy and healthy 2017

John "Gabby" Gabrielson

(they do not call me Gabby for nothing)

johngabrielson5@gmail.com

What is this Aging All About?

OK, as long as this is my blog, I am taking the opportunity to post a totally different thing than my usual wood and creative stuff.

I just turned 75 and am semi retired, or just messing around depending on who you ask. Am I old, over the hill, should be taken care of, or what? As I say "bull shit." That 75 is just a number on my driver's license. Probably look 75 or 80, but feel like I am 55.

If you are bald, grey hair and with a few (or more) wrinkles, often we are put into an
"oh oh, better take care of them" category. When I go grocery shopping at Publix, the bagger always grabs my cart to take to the car,  I suppose assuming I will croak if I do it myself. I "nicely' tell the person that I can handle it and it is good exercise. I know they are just being kind and probably do it to younger people also. Then people will say "pardon me SIR", or "you first SIR." I am not a SIR, I am a happy, healthy 75 year old that could whip many of these kids, well maybe in my dreams. Then when you are trying to help move something heavy, which I could do, people run to take over. I don't need help. Shove off. Boy, do I sound like a grumpy old man.

My name is Gabby. Not good for a 75 year old I guess. People, other then friends, are reluctant to call me by this name. Maybe it should be something more respectable of my age, or not something a kid would be called. Big rip. I am Gabby.

I find "aging" a very interesting and challenging time in our lives. We ache more, fall down more, have memory losses, and look forward to that afternoon nap. I have found a little Aleve helps a lot, and maybe a glass of wine or two. It is interesting because of the perception that we are in the twilight of our years. Sure our time is limited, but this is where the challenge is. What do we want to do for the rest of our lives, whether it is 2 or 20 years. We can either knuckle under and feel sorry for ourselves or "go for the gusto." I go with the Gusto option.

Sometimes I am amazed with my "wisdom." Not that I am smart, but I guess living for 75 years gives me a lot more insight into things. I find it fun to use this wisdom in new ways and with new ideas. I have learned to temper my comments to my children. It is so easy to "tell them the way." I have found that my way often is not the best, especially in the new tech world we live in. So, I now keep my big mouth shut until I am asked for advise.

So, now that I am 75, what do I do now, especially if I feel like I am 55?  Well, that is a good question. I hate to speak out much due to it seeming like I am preaching on how to lead a better life to my peers.. This is not my intention at all. Each to their own desires. I find it a very introspective time. With the free time we have as retirees, the "world can still be our oyster," OR the world can be a depressive prison. I read a lot on what us "Boomers" or older, "should" do in in our later years. Words are fine, but I have found it takes internal motivation to lead a better, more fulfilling life. This can be hard, unless one really wants to change, and often change a lot.

I have found old ways and beliefs often have to be thrown into the dumpster. I have been burdened with "if only I had done this", or "doing this is below my status," or "what will people think of me." I have broken through this barrier by myself and with help. It was not easy for awhile. Fortunately, I am "thru the dark tunnel" and looking at a beautiful sunlit life ahead of me. Sure there are and will be many bumps along the way, but I yell at myself that I will be able to handle them.

I keep telling myself: laugh a lot, DO NOT take life and it's events seriously - things will pass, take the blinders off, eat that extra bagel, take a nap, sleep until 9, love - love- love, bring joy to someone everyday - especially strangers. As a good friend has said: "we are only here for a visit and each passing day makes our time shorter."

OK, that is off my mind. Now back to wood and creating blogs.

Happy New Year everyone. LIFE CAN BE  AND IS GOOD. GRAB THE GUSTO.

JOHN "GABBY" GABRIELSON

www.johngabrielson5@gmail.com

NATURAL CREATIONS.ME

How About Shell Art Therapy

I recently blogged about wood art therapy. How about shell art therapy, especially for those living along coastal areas that have shelling? Blogging about "therapy" makes it sound like I really need help. Well, maybe some people think I do, but I find these things add to my quality of life.

I live in NW Florida where the beaches are wonderful, but typically have no shells. However, several years ago we had beach nourishment due to erosion. The contractor brought in sand to pump onto the shore that contained shells. Well, I and my grandkids had a ball for two years collecting surface shells and digging for others. We came up with hundreds of neat ones. Now what to do with them? We made stuff.

When I talk about shelling for therapy, I mean finding them and creating objects. I love the "finding" phase. I can roam for hours with my head bent over looking for shells. When I go to an area known for shelling, I am up early after a storm checking to see what has washed up. When I am vacationing along a shell shore like SW Florida, I love taking a leisurely walk for exercise AND to look for shells. It is therapeutic for me. I come back to the beach chairs loaded with shells - mostly junk ones. But it is the "hunt" that is fun. After leaving, the junk shells normally go into the trash. The grandkids and I also try to find "shell holes" where shells had been buried under the sand. We found numerous pure treasures holes. Like finding pirate treasure.

We accumulated a lot of shells. Now what to do with them. We bought cheap frames from Michaels , pained them, and glued shells to the edges. Make super beachy frames.

Then we made some shell balls. Taking styrofoam balls and pressing in and gluing the shells. When I saw similar ones for sale at Pier 1 for $8, it did not bother me that we had spent hours working on them. It is the therapy and creating that counted for us. Normally we used small white shells. Sometimes we dyed them pastel, beach colors - fun look.

Then we took shells and filled glass vases, sometimes adding white beach sand on the bottom. Fun beach setting and free if you have the vase.

Then we took some medium shells and drilled a hole to make a necklace pendant. It was not a "Tiffany," but we made it and it had memories. I am sure it made it to the trash early on. We will just make more.


The result of all our efforts were and are numerous. I and my family had loads of fun finding and creating. This time is invaluable for memories. My granddaughter is 19 and we still talk about our shelling adventures. The shell process was and is a great therapeutic experience for me. I can lose myself for hours hunting for shells on the beach or creating. Who cares what the results look like, it is great for me. Sometimes, the result is good or better. We still have shell frames, shell balls, and shell filled vases displayed around the house. Each one has memories.

However, sometimes I found myself not appreciated. I found so many shells that I loved giving them to kids that were looking for them, but had found few. I would "seed" the area around where they were looking so they could find more. Then I started giving them to kids. Once, the mother gave me a very dirty look. I guess part of the "don't talk to strangers issue." From that point on, I always asked the parent before if I could give their kids some shells. Much better.

Mother Nature's products offer many ways to introduce free therapy into your life. I find that the first thing needed is to open my mind and ask myself "now, what can I make out of this." Often it is goofy, but who cares. I want to please myself and do not need approvals. It does help that I am semi retired and my efforts would equate to $.05 per hour or less. The process simply gives me internal pleasure.
Try it you might like it.

Thanks for listening to me. I might bore you, but I am having fun.

Life is great. Let's have fun while we are still able to.

John "Gabby" Gabrielson

Natural Creations

NW Florida, Land of Excitement and Beauty

612-816-5378

Have a great holiday season.

Wood Art Therapy to Calm the Soul

An artist friend recently introduced me to wood art therapy. She was distraught by the election results and other things. She needed something creative to help calm the soul. She chose wood therapy as a form of meditation.

Wood therapy can be a form of mental therapy by losing oneself in the creation of something with wood. In the past, I have seen the benefits of working with wood. I lose myself in trying to create something unique. It does not have to be a masterpiece. It is the mental process of creating something with wood. Wood art is also fun to create with kids.

The easiest way to start is with simple things - random pieces of wood like driftwood or forest scraps, some twine, some glue, some wire, maybe some nails, a saw, maybe some rocks or shells, and paint. You don't need woodworking equipment or expertise for this. Simply an open mind to make something, regardless of how it looks. Take the blinders off.

Here are some examples of wood creativity using driftwood:

A great resource for ideas is Pinterest. Just search for driftwood, wood art, etc.

Ok, now that you might want to try, where do you start. First off, you need the wood pieces. Walk the beach to find driftwood, especially if you live in the NW. Walk thru a forest, picking up different types of scrap pieces. After a storm on large lakes like Superior or Michigan, check out the beaches. Look in your garage for old wood. Visit a saw mill to buy some unique wood scraps.

Then look around your house for odd "things": corks, wire, fabric, utensils. These can be incorporated into sculptures. Again, who cares what it looks like. The funkier the better.

Enjoy this simple form of therapy. It costs nothing, just time. Who knows what will evolve from it.

Have a great time. Mother Nature is awaiting your visit.

John Gabrielson

Natural Creations.

AMERICA THE GREAT.