Advent 2020: our work arrives in hope and longings

Mom had some suggested improvements on the desk, from which you will benefit.

 As you can see, the B&T lap desk is perfect for cozily pondering in early winter (and all year.) It pulls together a cup of tea, a book, pen and paper, and gazing out the window.

Some quiet time, during this season of Advent especially, to read, write, ponder, or craft can help you tune your heart, mind and body to the real hope, longings and other energies of life in you. What do you hear, feel, see, otherwise sense?

Char-cola watches

in hopeful expectation

The removable pad on the desk is made of soft linen, filled with whole-kernal maize/corn. It easily heats in the microwave, providing a heating pad as well.

For me, they make a nice complementary side-project while building boats, and a good project to teach for measuring, marking, cutting and planing. I’m working on a couple right now, one made of red alder, the other yellow poplar.

Planing smooth

yellow poplar

that came my way

I finish them with either my own blend of purified linseed oil and beeswax, or with a semi-gloss polyurethane varnish. Both finishes bring out a glow inherent in the wood. A friend says he enjoys just gazing at the wood grain with these plain finishes.

When you order, let me know which you prefer, or ask more about the choice of finishes.

Also, The Boat and Table Workshop Christmas Newsletter will go out later in December. It will tell about present work and plans under discernment. Do sign up at the bottom of the blog page to receive quarterly email newsletter. It’s one way to take part in the direction of B&TW that seems to be unfolding. 

Or, write or call with your thoughts, ideas, questions, and stories in response to the blog and workshop efforts. 

I wish you a healthy, holy and more-whole-making Advent.

O come O come Emmanuel….

thou branch from Jesse’s tree…

thou Wisdom from on high…

Jesse Tree, Lambeth Bible, ca.1150-70