Thank you!
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I attended the Woodworking Show in Columbus, OH today and sat in on three of Paul’s presentations, time constraints prevented me from staying for the fourth. All three were engaging, entertaining and educational. I was able to briefly meet Paul, briefly because I’m a shy man not because he did not make himself accessible. There are a thousand questions I could have asked but in a way I am glad that I didn’t. Here’s why. It wasn’t until the two hour drive home that it hit me, out of the entire arena of displays and demonstrations, Paul was the only one not trying to sell me something. Which led me to the realization that Paul is actually spending his own money to present at these shows in order to have a venue so that he can introduce as many people as possible to hand tool woodworking. Did he mention the New York and North Wales schools? Barely. Did he mention woodworkingmasterclasses.com? Yes, but the focus was on the free aspects of it. How many people do you know that go to these lengths just to give something away? Hats off to you Mr. Sellers!
Over the last few months Paul’s methods have opened up woodworking to me in a way that I did not think that I would ever achieve…and I’m just getting started. Paul has already taught me many things about woodworking and today I think he might have snuck in a life lesson as well.
So this post is to express my heartfelt gratitude to Paul, Joseph and all those that are working to make paulsellers.com and woodworkingmasterclasses.com available.
Thank you!
http://hillbillydaiku.com
Greg – very nice. I think you have captured the true essence of what Paul’s efforts are all about….well done.
Yorktown, Virginia
Well said Greg. It’s obvious from reading Paul’s blogs that you’ve right on the money. I hope Paul does make a lot of money from his efforts to educate and resurect a dying art form, but know that his passion for his mission will always be first.
That’s great Greg, thanks for the testament!
I am really excited about getting to attend the Atlanta show in a few weeks. I feel like a kid waiting on Christmas!
Memphis, Tennessee
Greg that was a great tribute / write up. I have never met Paul nor have I attended any of his class’s except for his on – line course which I am thoroughly enjoying. I love his his approach to Wood Working and sharing his experience to us, and the fact you don’t need the most expensive tool out there and can get by with basic tools. By the way I found the Stanley #10 -049 Stanley folding knife at my local Mom and Pop Hardware store here and used it all day yesterday, what a great marking knife.
I agree thank you Paul , Joseph for all you have done and giving us newbie’s some very valuable and useful help, my Hat is off to you gentlemen.
Steve
Steve Massie, I live in the great State of Florida, US
That’s really nicely put Greg, I am just starting but really happy about using hand tools and spending time making second hand ones work well. It seems like an enjoyable way to work. Jerry
I attended the Somerset, NJ show and was able to stay for all of the presentations on a Saturday. Everything that Gregory said is/was true. After the last session, about a half hour before closing, I say Paul just walking around window shopping. He was very approachable and I am glad that I was able to spend a few minutes alone with him. The man had a huge heart and is all about giving. A very good man…
During that time, he shared some of his up coming plans. I was curious about his Nigeria school; afterall, who would think of starting a school in Nigeria? (When I was stationed in England many, many moons ago, one of the things that struck me was the cultural diversity that is somewhat different from what we take for granted here in America.) As it turns out, he has connections with people from Nigeria. His plan is to apprentice eight people. He will change their lives. A good man with a big heart. And if you ever get a chance to help, do so.
Oftentimes, we do not realize what ramifications our actions will have. In one of his presentations, there was a young boy – maybe 12-14 years old. He was sitting with his mom and next to his chair was a block of wood they had purchased. I’m sure you have heard Paul talk about his thoughts on teaching children. While Paul did not single out the young boy and embarras him, a smile and a glance meant just for him left and indelible impression on that young boy that I am sure he won’t forget and who knows what that smile will lead to.
So, if you ever have a chance to “pass it on” do it even if it is something small because the combined efforts of all of us can make a huge difference in other people’s lives.
I was reading Paul’s blog and came across this under the heading of “Which Smoothing Plane Do I Buy?” from a guy a Thailand:
http://paulsellers.com/page/22/?s&st-cat=17
You’re a truly exceptional human being Paul.
Wow!
Thanks for sharing that Jeff, I missed that in the blog.
Paul really does set the standard high, and seems to be at such peace with it. A remarkable man for this generation!
Memphis, Tennessee
Agreed, Paul is Indeed a great guy, at peace with himself I think……Shhhhh don’t tell him I said that. 😉
Great post Gregory, I wholeheartedly agree. I’ve been like a sponge for the last month, learning this lovely craft, Paul certainly is a great teacher.
That reminds me I have some dovetails to try!
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