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Post by Rockindad on Jan 30, 2022 15:11:49 GMT -5
Probably not unlike many before us we have been experiencing a bit of burnout with regards to the hobby. I know there are a number of members here who no longer do much related to the hobby but still enjoy the forum. Also, even a casual reading of past threads will find you many who have gone from 0 to 100 in a short time to only disappear rather quickly. I am actively trying to prevent this burnout as I have experience with completely ruining a hobby by overdoing it.
I used to like to do a bit of woodworking as a hobby. When I was operating my home improvement company I was asked if I could make a custom built-in unit around a fireplace for a customer. I made that first unit with nothing more than a circular saw and a straightedge complete with rabbets, dadoes, etc. This was not a glue and screw affair. Well one thing led to another and it became a major part of that business, it was great at first. Problem is I still had my day job and before I knew it I was working a full-time job and another that took over every other waking moment I had. I began to resent what I used to love. Unfortunately I did not pull the plug on this in time. I have not made anything out of wood, other than some very basic stuff for the house, in nine years. I am determined not to let the same thing happen with this hobby.
Tumbling in particular seems to lend itself to getting burnout. How many start off with one barrel and look to scale up after their first cleanout or batch is done because there is so much down time? Before you know it you are rolling many pounds of rocks and it is becoming a significant CHORE that needs to get done. This is exactly what we did and I don't think we would have listened if someone had tried to warn us.
Recognizing what would be coming if we continued down the path we were on we made some changes. A few things we are doing/ not doing:
1) Not all of the barrels are running all of the time anymore. Right now we have two 15lb. and two 6lb. going, but a couple of weeks ago we only had one of each rolling. Our three smaller barrels are mothballed for now.
2) Three out of the four rotaries have materials that we have never worked with before, trying to keep it interesting.
3) Stretching out the cleanout schedule. Not really looking for the most efficient grind in the barrel any more. Adding extra water to the barrels greatly extends grind time but allows us to still have rocks rolling so when the desire hits we can do a cleanout. A better alternative for us than just stopping the tumblers altogether.
4) In an effort to get as good as possible results as quickly as possible we would spend a lot of time on the saw and grinder. Today was the first time we did this in about a month, and it was for a relatively brief time.
5) The vibes go quiet until we can get to them. This never happened before. I turned off both of them this past Monday and we didn't get to them until Saturday. This has gotten rid of some unneeded stress, particularly on busy weeknights.
6) Saying "So What". Yes our production has taken a hit, but so what. We do this for ourselves. A.J. has not done any kind of a show since before everything shut down for Covid and while we have talked about doing some future shows, we also have quite a stockpile of finished material.
The bottom line is that it is okay to take a step back. It is easier said than done but try to remember that this was started in an effort to have some fun and not be a source of stress.
Interested to hear how others have dealt with this.
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 30, 2022 15:28:42 GMT -5
I was getting burned out when I was selling and just cranking stuff out because it wasn't fun anymore. I know not everyone can quit if they are selling, but I was able to. Now, I do it for me.
Sounds like you have made some good changes to lighten the load and simplify things. I hope you keep on enjoying it.  |
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Post by perkins17 on Jan 30, 2022 15:44:54 GMT -5
I definitely have felt that way before with this hobby. I have more of that feeling during the colder parts of the year especially with tumbling. I don't think I will ever get completely burned out but I do have to limit how much I put into it or it isn't fun. I hope the magic of tumbling comes back for you guys.
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pizzano
Cave Dweller 
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Jan 30, 2022 16:00:16 GMT -5
Probably not unlike many before us we have been experiencing a bit of burnout with regards to the hobby. I know there are a number of members here who no longer do much related to the hobby but still enjoy the forum. Also, even a casual reading of past threads will find you many who have gone from 0 to 100 in a short time to only disappear rather quickly. I am actively trying to prevent this burnout as I have experience with completely ruining a hobby by overdoing it. I used to like to do a bit of woodworking as a hobby. When I was operating my home improvement company I was asked if I could make a custom built-in unit around a fireplace for a customer. I made that first unit with nothing more than a circular saw and a straightedge complete with rabbets, dadoes, etc. This was not a glue and screw affair. Well one thing led to another and it became a major part of that business, it was great at first. Problem is I still had my day job and before I knew it I was working a full-time job and another that took over every other waking moment I had. I began to resent what I used to love. Unfortunately I did not pull the plug on this in time. I have not made anything out of wood, other than some very basic stuff for the house, in nine years. I am determined not to let the same thing happen with this hobby. Tumbling in particular seems to lend itself to getting burnout. How many start off with one barrel and look to scale up after their first cleanout or batch is done because there is so much down time? Before you know it you are rolling many pounds of rocks and it is becoming a significant CHORE that needs to get done. This is exactly what we did and I don't think we would have listened if someone had tried to warn us. Recognizing what would be coming if we continued down the path we were on we made some changes. A few things we are doing/ not doing: 1) Not all of the barrels are running all of the time anymore. Right now we have two 15lb. and two 6lb. going, but a couple of weeks ago we only had one of each rolling. Our three smaller barrels are mothballed for now. 2) Three out of the four rotaries have materials that we have never worked with before, trying to keep it interesting. 3) Stretching out the cleanout schedule. Not really looking for the most efficient grind in the barrel any more. Adding extra water to the barrels greatly extends grind time but allows us to still have rocks rolling so when the desire hits we can do a cleanout. A better alternative for us than just stopping the tumblers altogether. 4) In an effort to get as good as possible results as quickly as possible we would spend a lot of time on the saw and grinder. Today was the first time we did this in about a month, and it was for a relatively brief time. 5) The vibes go quiet until we can get to them. This never happened before. I turned off both of them this past Monday and we didn't get to them until Saturday. This has gotten rid of some unneeded stress, particularly on busy weeknights. 6) Saying "So What". Yes our production has taken a hit, but so what. We do this for ourselves. A.J. has not done any kind of a show since before everything shut down for Covid and while we have talked about doing some future shows, we also have quite a stockpile of finished material. The bottom line is that it is okay to take a step back. It is easier said than done but try to remember that this was started in an effort to have some fun and not be a source of stress. Interested to hear how others have dealt with this. I hear ya.........although, you and your Son have taken this hobby to some very fine limits........and have been very faithful to the process. Life has a way of interrupting some pleasures, especially if the "hobby" is geared to specific goals and limits set to keep the kids entrenched. But, as you know, kids have lives that can be very diverse and filled with many interests as they grow and experience other time consuming adventures......more power to them. Another aspect that I've have observed with this "hobby".......regardless of the concentrated "specific" aspect or determination........every aspect requires a certain level of "personal love".......be it collecting, tumbling/polishing, slabbing, cabbing, wrapping, photographing, displaying, or just organizing the jewels and filing jars of beauty.......At some point and time, space, disposable funds, return of investment (if one intends to trade or sell), and that old "been there, done that" aspect creeps in.....a stone can only be shaped, shined, wrapped and manipulated in so many ways......! Most, who get started in this endeavor, had a plan.........collect, and make shiny like what we see and admire from those who have perfected the science........taking it to the "next' level requires effort, patients, the "correct tools" and knowledge........all of us who have stuck with it for some time, quickly start to realize those requirements and either continue on the adventure or just dabble as time and interest demand........best guess, 85% of those who have been at it for the first 6-12 months, drop-out due to many obvious reasons.........10% of those who remain faithful, have found a comfort zone or niche and continue to excel.......3% left of those either trade, sell as jewelers or provide pre-determined sources to others........the remaining (plus/minus 2%) pursue a business out of it (and that estimate is more than likely less than 1%). This forum is so very unique, friendships are developed initially due to common interests.......rocks. But I can attest to continued friendships unrelated to "rocks" as having been my reason for continued visits and occasional "rock" related input........things like photography, science, politics, faith, and just plain common life togetherness, keeps me coming back to enjoy the relationships........So, here I be......for what it's worth to other's, to share knowledge and comfort as needed to those who care to listen.....! |
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oldschoolrocker
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2019
Posts: 1,578
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Post by oldschoolrocker on Jan 30, 2022 16:07:29 GMT -5
I am still just a cpl years into the hobby so don't have any experience on this other than I spend lot of my free time working on rocks. I tend to get super interested in a certain aspect of the hobby for while and notice I will start to get burnd out and will find myself sitting in garage doing nothing but waiting for something to motivate me. Then il get hooked on another aspect for while and then one day, boom I'm bored of it. Like I will be all into cabbing the best materials I have for few weeks, then go to cabbing landscape rocks, to cutting a bunch of gravel, to making cabinet hardware to carving soapstone to carving marble, to making stone pipes, and now to making calcite lamps, shot glasses and candle holders. Lately I've noticed I'm losing interest quicker and unfinished projects keep piling up. Not to mention the hit my wallet has been taking from all the various tools and bits picked up along the way. Fortunately,my only other hobby, fishing, will be good for next several months so I plan on scaling back on how many hours a week I work with rocks and focus on completing unfinished projects before starting new ones. So yeah, I'd be interested to hear how others handle it also lol.
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brybry
Cave Dweller
Enter your message here...
Member since October 2021
Posts: 1,221
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Post by brybry on Jan 30, 2022 16:32:01 GMT -5
I can't say I'm starting down the barrel of that anytime soon with this hobby, however I have on other hobbies. It sucks and I still pick them up more than a few times a year and enjoy it because I don't go crazy with it.
There is one I won't go back to. I spent most every free moment doing it and it stopped being fun to the point I refuse to have anything to do with it much like you and woodworking. I was almost there with cooking, nothing worse when it's also your full time job. Thankfully the new cooking job has different menus daily and I have a better opportunity for a balanced work/home life now and will probably start playing in the kitchen again.
It sounds like you are taking the right steps to keep from loosing the love for the hobby. I wish you the best on your new path brother!
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Post by Pat on Jan 30, 2022 17:51:37 GMT -5
Thanks for bringing up this very real subject. It's got me thinking, and I'm just happy that the subject is open, ready for a few changes for me.
I love rocks and some of the facets of it. I want to go deeper into the desired facets, and cut back on those that aren't so thrilling.
I neither need nor want another passel of tools, but want to go deeper into the facets that tweak my fancy, and leave the rest. I appreciate all the thoughts already expressed. Thanks.
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,612 
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Post by RWA3006 on Jan 30, 2022 20:12:59 GMT -5
I've noticed some very accomplished and helpful members have not posted for many years and it could be burn out or any number of things. I seem to keep myself fresh by rotating through several hobbies as my whims direct me. I might spend a few days or weeks focusing on a certain interest and then when I come back to one of my other hobbies I feel new enthusiasm for it and away I go again. It's a great feeling to regularly rediscover an old love.
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jan 30, 2022 20:18:43 GMT -5
There are times when I don't pick up a rock to work on it, either cabbing or making jewelry, for weeks. There have been months that go by when I'm just not feeling the inspiration or I'm too busy to sit down and work with them. That's ok with me. This is a hobby and making it into a job takes all the fun out of it. I still am here every day and enjoy talking about all of the aspects of the hobby and helping other folks if I can as well as keeping up with the friends I've made here. It's all good. Enjoyment is the name of the game for me.
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mud
having dreams about rocks
Member since May 2018
Posts: 69
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Post by mud on Jan 30, 2022 20:56:51 GMT -5
Like several others, I find that I'll be pretty active for a few months, then set the hobby aside for a few months and focus on photography, tinkering with old bicycles, fishing, etc.
After looking at my rock pile this week, I realized that I'll need to keep the UV-18 and rotary tumbler going for most of 2022 to get all of my medium/largeish agates ready for display, which is the closest thing I have to a long term goal with this hobby. If I move away from my favorite rockhounding sites in the next year or so (job transfer), I'll probably mothball my equipment for a few years. Of course, if I end up moving to a place with some great rockhounding sites, that will start a whole new round of activity.
Either way, I'll still be dropping by the forum, liking and learning and sharing. I don't always make a great find while rockhounding, but I always make great finds on the forum!
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stuckinohio
starting to shine!
Member since September 2021
Posts: 31
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Post by stuckinohio on Jan 30, 2022 21:51:02 GMT -5
I'm glad this was brought up- I've been rolling it around in my mind for a while now. Like others have mentioned, it's easy to go "all in" until it becomes a chore. I'm still very new at this, and very much in love with it- the only hobby that has come close for me is my lifelong obsession with music. However, there's aspects that have already made me want to throw in the towel. Much like being a musician, being a rock nut seems to come with natural ebbs and flows. Like Pat says, it's beneficial to focus on the parts you like and not worry so much about the aspects that aren't as appealing. Picking is a favorite part of this hobby for me, so planning solo trips around collecting material has been rewarding. Making the "Perfect Cab" is not- I stressed myself out so much trying to force myself to enjoy making cabs the "right way" to the point I wanted to quit. After some encouragement from friends to get back at it, I realized it's not that I don't love making cabs, it's that I want to make them freeform, maintaining a semblance to the original shape of the material, and to embrace that route, traditionalists be damned. I will say I have never met such a nice group of folks than ones on this forum, and it has gone a long way towards keeping me interested and inspired in the hobby- even if most of the time I'm just lurking. I don't have any "real life" rockhound pals- mostly due to location- and I often wonder how much of an influence having a couple non-virtual rockhead pals would go towards keeping the hobby exciting. Sometimes these realizations tell us more about our overarching personality traits, right? I know I tend to go all in right at the beginning and experience burnout as a result- whether it be hobbies, relationships, whatever. Thankfully, rocks are patient. And if the love of the hobby dies completely, the tools of the trade appear to garner a pretty decent return on investment, especially in these times! |
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,492
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Post by Sabre52 on Jan 30, 2022 23:01:19 GMT -5
Yeah, after over 65 years as a rockhound, I finally had to pretty much give it up. It always seems to me that the older I get the faster the days pass and lapidary is one of those super time-consuming hobbies. My two favorite parts of the hobby were sawing open rocks to see the insides and hunting agate and jasper. Cabbing was always lowest on the list, as even with diamond wheels, cabbing friggin takes forever and old hands do not like all the motion cabbing requires. Rock saws are cranky as heck and I just got tired of fiddling with the dang things and having to baby sit the saw in our Texas heat as the drive tends to overheat. That plus the fact every friggin cut takes like 20 minutes. it takes all day to cut a small pile of slabs and it just became too time consuming. Sitting listening to a saw grind away on a hard agate is just friggin boring too.
Then there is the matter of conflicting hobbies. I'm an avid horse lover. I enjoy every minute I spend with horses but they do take a minimum of three hours per day for feeding grooming and cleanup, I swear for every fifty pounds of hay you feed them, they poop out a hundred pounds of horse apples that has to be hauled off. You can't leave them long which eliminates long rockhounding trips. Plus, we love to trail ride which takes hours every week. Just not enough time for rocks left over.
So I guess it's only partly a matter of burn out as I still love to look at other people's rocks and lapidary arts. Still love to hunt when I have time and still like to the squirt rocks in my much-reduced rockpiles but heck, just not enough time in the day anymore. And then being old, every time I ride or stack hay bales or do any other physical stuff I need a gulldarned nap. *L*
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Post by Pat on Jan 30, 2022 23:36:41 GMT -5
Related —- I wonder why new rock hobbiests are usually told to get a tumbler. Gotta have a tumbler.
So we bought a little tumbler at the next federation show. … read the instruction book, set it up, went in for dinner, checked our tumbler, AND THE ROCKS WEREN’T done!!!
Then and there, I knew tumbling was not for me.
Studied the finer details of tumbling, the mind numbing, intricate details. Reminded me of Algebra 1. I’m out!
But I do use it to polish metal findings and such with simple little metal shot, a drop of Dawn, and water almost to the top of the items.
A few minutes later, they are clean and shiny. I recommend it. If you want to maintain their interest, keep it simple.
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Post by stardiamond on Jan 31, 2022 0:21:00 GMT -5
I've taken years off in the past. The reason was thousands of cabs made and no interest in selling. I don't tumble and am most interested in designing cabs. Once I started selling, it became find new and interesting material, make cabs, sell them and repeat the process. If I was only working on existing material, I would get bored quickly.
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Post by Peruano on Jan 31, 2022 7:32:26 GMT -5
Hobbies branch and get extended. Something drew you to the hobby and that may still be operant as you push your interest along a string of related activities.
I like to walk; pick up rocks, shape rocks, saw rocks, bought a motorcycle to get to rocks farther away; learned to fix rock equipment; began to help others fix equipment; taught folks to do all of the above; well you get the point. For a mental exercise try to determine what still gives you the greatest pleasure in the old hobby and try to extend that into future efforts. What it turns out is I like nature, exercise, and people. Those fit within many aspects of my rock hobby; but bikes or photography or ?? could touch the same pleasure zones and not be far from my original rock hobby. I'll never stop hiking even if I give up rocks. But . . . I'll never stop looking at rocks even if I ease my commitment to the hobby.
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Post by Rockindad on Jan 31, 2022 8:42:58 GMT -5
I was getting burned out when I was selling and just cranking stuff out because it wasn't fun anymore. I know not everyone can quit if they are selling, but I was able to. Now, I do it for me.
Sounds like you have made some good changes to lighten the load and simplify things. I hope you keep on enjoying it.  It has already been a positive change. We were going seven days a week for a long time, just too much for what is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby. I think we made the adjustment in time. Probably not unlike many before us we have been experiencing a bit of burnout with regards to the hobby. I know there are a number of members here who no longer do much related to the hobby but still enjoy the forum. Also, even a casual reading of past threads will find you many who have gone from 0 to 100 in a short time to only disappear rather quickly. I am actively trying to prevent this burnout as I have experience with completely ruining a hobby by overdoing it. I hear ya.........although, you and your Son have taken this hobby to some very fine limits........and have been very faithful to the process. Life has a way of interrupting some pleasures, especially if the "hobby" is geared to specific goals and limits set to keep the kids entrenched. But, as you know, kids have lives that can be very diverse and filled with many interests as they grow and experience other time consuming adventures......more power to them. Another aspect that I've have observed with this "hobby".......regardless of the concentrated "specific" aspect or determination........every aspect requires a certain level of "personal love".......be it collecting, tumbling/polishing, slabbing, cabbing, wrapping, photographing, displaying, or just organizing the jewels and filing jars of beauty.......At some point and time, space, disposable funds, return of investment (if one intends to trade or sell), and that old "been there, done that" aspect creeps in.....a stone can only be shaped, shined, wrapped and manipulated in so many ways......! Most, who get started in this endeavor, had a plan.........collect, and make shiny like what we see and admire from those who have perfected the science........taking it to the "next' level requires effort, patients, the "correct tools" and knowledge........all of us who have stuck with it for some time, quickly start to realize those requirements and either continue on the adventure or just dabble as time and interest demand........best guess, 85% of those who have been at it for the first 6-12 months, drop-out due to many obvious reasons.........10% of those who remain faithful, have found a comfort zone or niche and continue to excel.......3% left of those either trade, sell as jewelers or provide pre-determined sources to others........the remaining (plus/minus 2%) pursue a business out of it (and that estimate is more than likely less than 1%). This forum is so very unique, friendships are developed initially due to common interests.......rocks. But I can attest to continued friendships unrelated to "rocks" as having been my reason for continued visits and occasional "rock" related input........things like photography, science, politics, faith, and just plain common life togetherness, keeps me coming back to enjoy the relationships........So, here I be......for what it's worth to other's, to share knowledge and comfort as needed to those who care to listen.....! Your first paragraph hits on another reason a change was needed for us- I am sharing the hobby with someone else. I don't want to ruin it for him either. My father (now in his mid-seventies) still talks about how his father made him take saxophone and clarinet lessons, play gigs, etc. to the point he resented playing music. Growing up I only saw him get out his instruments twice, and he didn't play them. It wasn't until a few months ago that he dusted off his sax and started playing, after a fifty-five year hiatus, with my youngest who had just started lessons. My older two kids are also very musical and even though he talked about playing with them I guess he wasn't ready to do it. So I am trying to keep a longer outlook in mind and not turn him off to the hobby for good. Thanks for bringing up this very real subject. It's got me thinking, and I'm just happy that the subject is open, ready for a few changes for me. I love rocks and some of the facets of it. I want to go deeper into the desired facets, and cut back on those that aren't so thrilling. I neither need nor want another passel of tools, but want to go deeper into the facets that tweak my fancy, and leave the rest. I appreciate all the thoughts already expressed. Thanks. Well said Pat, the lapidary hobby encompasses a wide range of activities, nothing wrong with just focusing on one or two. I've noticed some very accomplished and helpful members have not posted for many years and it could be burn out or any number of things. I seem to keep myself fresh by rotating through several hobbies as my whims direct me. I might spend a few days or weeks focusing on a certain interest and then when I come back to one of my other hobbies I feel new enthusiasm for it and away I go again. It's a great feeling to regularly rediscover an old love. Good point Randy and this was definitely an issue for us. We would spend so much time on the rocks that it came at the expense of getting to do anything else which in turn was making our rock time less enjoyable. There are times when I don't pick up a rock to work on it, either cabbing or making jewelry, for weeks. There have been months that go by when I'm just not feeling the inspiration or I'm too busy to sit down and work with them. That's ok with me. This is a hobby and making it into a job takes all the fun out of it. I still am here every day and enjoy talking about all of the aspects of the hobby and helping other folks if I can as well as keeping up with the friends I've made here. It's all good. Enjoyment is the name of the game for me. That sounds like a sensible approach, might have to look into that  . Seriously though it is important to remember that it is a HOBBY, it is for us anyway. |
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vwfence
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2013
Posts: 566
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Post by vwfence on Jan 31, 2022 9:19:10 GMT -5
I have to put in my nickels worth here , we , meaning my wife and i have been involved in rocks for about 20 yrs and got deeply involved in 2009 when i had cancer the 1rst time and had to quit work . I took early retirement and we moved to Az and i was in heaven for hunting . being on a limited budget i started buying well used equipment and rebuilding it until i had a set of machines that i kept and used for myself includeing 3 24 inch saws and 20s and 4 different old star diamond cabbing machines . my wife and i used to spend 1 day a week for sure in the mountains and sometimes more . than in 2018 i found out i had 2 more types of cancer and the world as i knew it stopped , the shop sat unused and 15 ton of rock in the yard wasnt touched . Finally as of nov 2021 1 cancer is in remission and the other slowing down it appears . with a bit more energy i started slabbing again about that time and as a Christmas present i bought a richardson sphere machine and am teaching myself {with help for a couple great members here } how to make spheres . the best part of this hobby for me was hunting for new rock and places to collect but the doctors say thoughs days are done period , so now my rock hunts are in the yard .
Again I know this is a bit off course , but its great to be back in the shop for small times and learning something new in the lapidary field .
If i bored you with this im sorry and if its considered someting in totally the wrong place tommy or management please remove it Wayne
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jan 31, 2022 9:26:09 GMT -5
I have to put in my nickels worth here , we , meaning my wife and i have been involved in rocks for about 20 yrs and got deeply involved in 2009 when i had cancer the 1rst time and had to quit work . I took early retirement and we moved to Az and i was in heaven for hunting . being on a limited budget i started buying well used equipment and rebuilding it until i had a set of machines that i kept and used for myself includeing 3 24 inch saws and 20s and 4 different old star diamond cabbing machines . my wife and i used to spend 1 day a week for sure in the mountains and sometimes more . than in 2018 i found out i had 2 more types of cancer and the world as i knew it stopped , the shop sat unused and 15 ton of rock in the yard wasnt touched . Finally as of nov 2021 1 cancer is in remission and the other slowing down it appears . with a bit more energy i started slabbing again about that time and as a Christmas present i bought a richardson sphere machine and am teaching myself {with help for a couple great members here } how to make spheres . the best part of this hobby for me was hunting for new rock and places to collect but the doctors say thoughs days are done period , so now my rock hunts are in the yard . Again I know this is a bit off course , but its great to be back in the shop for small times and learning something new in the lapidary field . If i bored you with this im sorry and if its considered someting in totally the wrong place tommy or management please remove it Wayne There's nothing wrong with your post. I'm so glad to hear you're doing better and you're able to do something you enjoy. I'm looking forward to seeing your first sphere when you get it done! |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jan 31, 2022 9:38:26 GMT -5
I have to put in my nickels worth here , we , meaning my wife and i have been involved in rocks for about 20 yrs and got deeply involved in 2009 when i had cancer the 1rst time and had to quit work . I took early retirement and we moved to Az and i was in heaven for hunting . being on a limited budget i started buying well used equipment and rebuilding it until i had a set of machines that i kept and used for myself includeing 3 24 inch saws and 20s and 4 different old star diamond cabbing machines . my wife and i used to spend 1 day a week for sure in the mountains and sometimes more . than in 2018 i found out i had 2 more types of cancer and the world as i knew it stopped , the shop sat unused and 15 ton of rock in the yard wasnt touched . Finally as of nov 2021 1 cancer is in remission and the other slowing down it appears . with a bit more energy i started slabbing again about that time and as a Christmas present i bought a richardson sphere machine and am teaching myself {with help for a couple great members here } how to make spheres . the best part of this hobby for me was hunting for new rock and places to collect but the doctors say thoughs days are done period , so now my rock hunts are in the yard . Again I know this is a bit off course , but its great to be back in the shop for small times and learning something new in the lapidary field . If i bored you with this im sorry and if its considered someting in totally the wrong place tommy or management please remove it Wayne Nothing wrong with that at all. Really glad to hear you are doing better. I think a lot of us here can say that health issues have kept us from our hobbies at one time or another, so - totally relevant. |
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Post by Rockoonz on Jan 31, 2022 9:46:25 GMT -5
vwfence I think you hit the general life gets in the way theme perfectly, and it's good to hear that you are beating that nasty old cancer. Designing, altering, and making stuff has pretty much always been the theme for me. I especially like tools, and tools to make tools, well made older machines being my favorite. I shudder to think what may happen if I ended up with a huge shop building. Being able to build and rebuild has kept the hobby affordable, even a little profitable at times, and allows me and my ADHD to bounce around like a contented busy toddler, listening to the slab saws hiss while puttering at the bench or welder table. Taking on a home that has turned out to be more of a chore to rehab than previously imagined has been an unwanted distraction, and age is starting to slow me down, but it's bringing a new level of patience, and that's good, right?
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. Seriously though it is important to remember that it is a HOBBY, it is for us anyway.
