Small goals lead to big things

Over the last few weeks I've worked so hard on this blacksmithing journey and yet, I have not forged a single thing.  When jumping in head-first to this journey, I failed to put much thought in where I would set up all the blacksmithing things I've accumulated.  We live in a community that, likely wouldn't enjoy the clanging hammers, and smokey tufts, making it impossible to fire up my forge and hammer on some steel, as much as I've been awaiting it

Luckily, I have a sister and a brother in law who are super supportive,  and said that I could use a spot in their yard where they used to have chickens.  Bev and Steve have always been a great to support to me, and are one of the reasons that I am able to keep this journey going and I thank them and love them for that.

So, the past few weeks have been spent constructing, versus forging.  Over the  weekend, I finished building the lean-to, and while it may not be much to look at, it will serve its purpose and protect my tools from the elements.  I worked really hard on it and in the process, I fell off the ladder, hurt my knee, and have other countless bumps, bruises, aches, and pains, but it was all worth it.  When I went over to work on my lean-to yesterday, I was determined to finish it and when I left there, I felt so accomplished.

Even more than feeling accomplished, my heart felt full.  Full of love and appreciation for my family. They were out there helping me and giving me words of encouragement (making sure I didn't fall off the ladder again) and that meant so much.  I am truly blessed. Having mom, Jess, Bev, Steve, and the kids there being supportive the past few weeks was what put me over the top and pushed me to finish.

My whole day was incredible, but the best thing about today was having my mom sitting there giving me positive feedback every step of the way.  My dad is the reason I wanted to do this, but my mom is such a big part of the journey as well.  She has always been my biggest fan, through every "game" of my life been my biggest cheerleader, and that has not changed in 41 years.  My wife Jess, has also taken on the cheerleader role, and been there with me at each turn and I am so appreciative of her for believing in me. Even if they both, think that you quench knives in water...they're still my best girls.

I am extremely excited that Shorty's Forge has come to fruition and the next time I am there, I will be forging.  Thank you to everyone for your support and my next blog post will have pics of the forges first firing.