Chuck's Chat-Welcome to July!
For those who don’t know, I own a furniture repair and refinishing business, Chuck’s Country Creations. From time to time I also custom build furniture and craft type items. Someone once asked me which I liked doing best, and I replied “repair and refinishing.” There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of breathing new life into a tired, old, worn out piece of furniture. Not to brag, but I have revived some pretty sad pieces back to the glory they once proudly displayed. I’ve rescued enough pieces that I can envision in my mind how it will look when complete, even if it comes to me in pieces. Sometimes, it’s a matter of stripping away the old paint or finish to reveal just what kind of shape the piece is in. Then, rough spots need to be sanded, holes need to be filled, and patches glued in place. It may require joints broken apart, cleaned, reglued, and clamped into proper placement. A good coat of stain, hand rubbed until dry, can really change the complexion of old, lifeless, wooden furniture. Add a coat of sealer, a couple layers of high quality lacquer, and voila! – a restored piece destined to bring happiness and new life to wherever it will now call home.
I work by myself, so I have lots of time to listen to the radio and think about the events of the day. Today I thought about all the negativity plaguing our country, and how can we get back on track. I think the path back to normalcy is very similar to the work I perform in my shop. First, we must strip away all the hate, the reactionary blemishes, and abusive actions by everyone. We need to smooth out relationships with one another, sand down the rough spots, fill in the gaps, and prepare for a brighter future. There are broken pieces in the system (you pick which system, they all have flaws). Band-Aids won’t work now; it’s time for the clamps to be applied and get things squared up and solid. We are nowhere near ready for the finishing touches, but we must be ready to initiate the rebuilding process with an end goal in mind.
No, I don’t have the answers. I work with furniture, remember? It’s pretty easy to live here in the Midwest where we really don’t see what’s happening in the densely populated areas, except on the news. And I’m wondering how much of that is the truth, and how much is what we are simply led to believe.
Through it all, though, I am thankful. As far as I know, I have no family, friends, or even remote acquaintances that have contracted the corona virus. Nor am I aware of any actively participating in protests, riots, parades, or political gatherings. I am also thankful to live in a flyover state, where most people still respect others’ rights, others’ opinions, and others’ property. Where neighbors still say hi, ask about your family with genuine concern, share your joys, and honestly feel your pain. Where they’ll ask around whose livestock are out, instead of just driving by. Where they’ll herd escaped cattle through a pasture gate, and hope it’s the right one. Where your biggest worry about leaving the garage door open too long is which form of wildlife will wander in. (another story for another time)
Be smart. Be safe. Stay strong.
God Bless America
Until next month,
Chuck Voelker