My first blog post:

I created my website, Keel Fine Woodwork, because I'm passionate about woodworking.  Anyone who has a passion can probably understand the desire to share that with others.  You may have used Facebook, Twitter, or Pintrest to explore and develop your passions.  Me?...I created a website.

     When I fist published my site, I was excited abut the initial burst of interest from friends and family. But quickly I realized that people aren't going to come back to Keel Fine Woodwork unless they have a particular reason to.  (After all, how many coasters made from figured walnut and maple can one family ooh and ah over?)   Something inside of me wanted people to keep coming back and I soon happened upon the concept of starting a blog.  I've debated doing this for some time.  I've never done a blog before and have misapprehensions about keeping one.  First and foremost, is this something I want to maintain on a regular basis?  But that leads to the bigger question, "why do I want people to visit my site?" This question and the reason I'm starting this blog boils down to 5 simple concepts.

1. I want to share my passion
  Websters says that passion is "a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything".  I can relate to the term extravagant because, as Hollee is fond of pointing out, I am often incapable of doing anything half-way.  Woodworking is a major part of my life and I very simply want to talk about it.  But instead of subjecting Hollee to my daily musings on the topic, I think I can create this site for anyone to see.  Then you have the option of subjecting yourself to it (or not) at your time and on your terms.  


2. A blog is another creative outlet
     I've been creative my entire life.  In middle school I was into photography and was inspired by the special effects I saw in various images.  I spent the better part of a week staging a photograph of Cheerios floating out of a box into a bowl by individually suspending hundreds of them from the basement rafters with string.  The resulting image was less than impressive but this is among the first memories I have of taking a creative urge to the Nth power.  Since then I've explored photography, acting, writing, drawing and even macrame.  Working with wood is an extremely satisfying creative outlet but perhaps by writing about it too, I can curb the urge to go to the workshop immediately upon getting home from the day job.


3. Personal Journal
     Writing has always been an interest to me and I find that creative introspection helps me to grow as a person.  I'm often surprised though when I look at old texts and realize just how much has changed over the years.  I think it's healthy to see that growth in ourselves and it helps me to remind myself that "this too will change".  With regard to woodworking, I hope that this blog helps me to focus my creative energy as well as provide a touchstone to past ideas as I move from project to project.  


4. Support my community 
     I've got a Facebook page and may (or may not) decide to Tweet.  I use that to post local happenings and support events and people in the area.  I hope that this page creates just one more means for people outside of Metamora to discover the wonderful place I live.   


5. Generate Feedback
     AKA: blow my own horn.  I admit it, I like positive feedback and I like to brag about stuff I'm doing.  Does that make me a self centered, Machiavellian Megalomaniac?  possibly...but I'm OK with that.  :-)  
In all honesty, I hope that stuff I'm doing inspires you.  I hope  that you challenge and inspire me.  And I hope that we all have some fun in the process.


Now go do something to make today special for yourself and someone you love.
Kevin.