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Oct 29th, 2008
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I
f something is broken I always think I can fix it. My dad was that way too.It seemed to me when I was a kid that he could fix anything. I grew up being taught that it was a waste to discard something that could be mended. I have actually fixed a myriad and odd assortment of things.Antique furniture, bicycles, a Seth Thomas clock, an old farmhouse left in a state of disrepair from many years of neglect, leaky pipes, vintage clothing, a sewing machine, old plaster fr
Sometimes I get paid to fix things. An 1880's papier mache Belsnickle, antique German porcelain dolls, heirloom angels, a collectible Father Christmas that a dog chewed.
If I see someone else trying to fix something, I itch to grab it away from them and do it the right way--my way.
Sometimes I laugh at myself for my audacity to think I can fix anything. But, I continue to attempt to mend the broken, reassemble the fragmented, fix the unfixable.
Almost always, I succeed.
I thank my dad for instilling in me the audacious belief that I can do it, the practical skills needed to make the attempt, knowledge of tools and materials, a common sense approach to step-by-step action, and the freedom to follow intuition as to how it might be done.
His lessons on belief in myself and my abilities, creating an action plan, following intuition, and just plain willingness to give it a try have served me well-- in fixing things and in life in general. I have his tools now, and when I hold his pliers in my hand I feel him with me, saying "You can do it. Just try". It's a wonderful feeling.
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   | Posted Oct 29th, 2008 at 1:03PM You really are an amazing Lady. Broken hearts too? '-) +2 nods   |
 | Posted Oct 29th, 2008 at 1:12PM Thanks, Josie. I don't know about the hearts. I never learned cardiac surgery! But I could try ; ) |
 | Posted Oct 29th, 2008 at 1:19PM Its a beautiful experience and equally beautifully shared. A very well worded piece. I feel like using this in an english class. Too bad i am not an english teacher. Dats you must be a very good person to be with. +2 nods |
| Posted Oct 29th, 2008 at 1:22PM Thank you so much, D1! You could be an English teacher. Your command of the language is perfect. |
| Posted Oct 29th, 2008 at 2:02PM Absolutely, it has it's place! Great for holding together a pair of worn soccer shoes, a ripped 3-ring binder, a cracked sink sprayer...on and on. And I love the prom outfits that are fashioned out of duct tape too! Hope my dad isn't looking down and listening. He had another motto. "If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right". +2 nods |
 Feeling contemplative | Posted Oct 29th, 2008 at 2:05PM "..an old farmhouse left in a state of disrepair from many years of neglect.." NOW you are talkin my language! +2 nods |
| Posted Oct 29th, 2008 at 2:07PM It's my pride and joy, Peace. You would love it here! |
 | Posted Oct 29th, 2008 at 2:39PM I think that there are a few people whose innate abilities were allowed to grow and prosper under the auspices of an individual like your father. I am sure you were a great pleasure to him. My philosophy about trying something new is: If at first you don't succeed, try again. Then quit. Don't make a damn fool of yourself. +3 nods |
| Posted Oct 29th, 2008 at 9:17PM I blame my stubborn German ancestors. I'm too stubborn or too dumb to know when to quit. One or the other. |
Feeling contemplative | Posted Oct 30th, 2008 at 2:04AM Yes...I think I would love it! Are there photos? +2 nods |
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