Monday, March 14, 2011

On Building

Whatever good things we build end up building us. So, maybe by the time I finish this place I'm building I will be a halfway decent person. I think building is good for one's being. For one thing, it's amazing how much a wooden post can humble a person. Think you're pretty smart, eh? Try to get them all plumb and in line... Or, build that box but make sure it's square. Seems pretty simple right? Well, it is fairly, after years of doing it. After explaining my procedure for running a line of posts, it dawned on me that I have, in essence, spent the last 17 years learning how to plumb a post and build a square box. It basically boils down to that. Ah, but once you learn those two items, oh the things you can build.

I think many of the ills of people today are the result of not getting their hands dirty anymore. To build builds you up. Few people have any desire or confidence to get out and try to make something. Is it just coincidence that depression, insecurity, ill health, obesity, and apathy are rampant in our country? As an occasional teacher of the crafts I have often been amazed at how happy it has made some people just to build a little flower box or learn to cut a board correctly (and to the exact measurement you were intending). To build gives so much confidence. You say, I can do this! Look! If I did that, I might could build something bigger.

I have often written here about how timid and insecure I was before I began working construction. I also held many arrogant and narrow-minded opinions regarding those who chose to work blue collar rather than get a college education. When I look back now to my much younger days I am somewhat amused at that girl and those attitudes. What rough but exciting roads she went down and found herself learning so much more standing in mud and scorching sun, rather than in a classroom. It is only fitting I did not receive this land at an earlier time. I was not ready back then. I could not have built these things I build now, even halfway through my construction career. Not that I didn't know how to put pieces of wood together but because I didn't know how to put a life together. Building taught me what was important in life. When you have to do it yourself you begin to get very picky about what really matters. I have to pour this concrete myself, so do I really need 100 more square feet of house? Do I really need a dining room that will only be used on holidays? Isn't someone who will help me dig holes all day long more of a treasure than someone who would just pay someone else to do it? And to be safe and warm and dry in my little house with that person is worth more than all the McMansions and Hollywood 'pads' in the world.

I will explain what I am building in these photos in the next post. The big box in the last 2 photos will be finished and then all torn down again!

10 comments:

newcracker52 said...

I have to agree with you 100%. Working with someone on projects make them alot closer. I have found that you reallyu get to know someone when you work together. People don't how to get there hands dirty anymore. Todays society doesn't want to get dirty. From all that I have read from you, you are a very decent lady.

Jen said...

Good post and you have done really great. I have learned sooooo much by building my own itty bitty house. And yer right about not attaining the land any earlier...it wasnt time because you weren't ready. It amazes me how these things just fall into place at the right times. Such a true statement even with me. There really is a time for everything! Keep up the good work. You rock!

Jeff Vandiver said...

Setting posts in line with each other can be such a pain at times...especially when one warps on ya. UGH! Being a builder myself, I truly appreciate your efforts and skills. :-)

Ed said...

I see more concrete in your future?

MamaHen said...

Hey New! thank you! yes, You can really tell a lot about a person by how they build.

Hey Jen! thanks so much! If we have the right attitude things will work out.

Hey EG! thank you!

Hey Ed! yup! you guessed it!

HermitJim said...

You, my friend, are a woman driven! A long way removed from the "girl" that was you...to the "woman" that you are now!

Amazing what some focus, some luck, and a whole lot of hard work can accomplish, isn't it? In your case, mostly hard work, I think!

You're my hero and inspiration, without a doubt!

Anonymous said...

Annie,

It seems to me that your most recent posts contain a level of contentment that you seem to have been searching for quite awhile now. It is so true that the good Lord holds off giving us some things until we are wise,or old, enough to appreciate them.

In that vain, be sure to check out website alafarmnews.com (coop website) and read article on Ronnie's village.

Take care and enjoy life, you've earned it.


Barry

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Its not just about building something, but just working outdoors doing gardening, yard work, etc. that lways make me feel the best. Andbeing tired at the end of the day feeing that something has been accomplished is the best feeling. Your post was very well put, Annie.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy your work so much. Thanks.

MamaHen said...

Hey Jim! Aaawww, you make me blush! thank you so much!

Hey Barry! thanks! yes, I do feel much more content as of late. ;)
Thanks for sending the link to Ronnie's article! I will definitely check it out!

Hey Beatrice! thanks! yeah, any outside work makes me feel good too.

Hey Backwater! thank you and thanks for commenting! good to have you here.