I’m typically a one and done kinda guy. Because my attention span is equaled only to that of a four year old, my unyielding interests typically swirl around inside the crockpot of life. I trick myself into believing more ingredients only makes life taste better. I’m just grateful I’m not on my third wife.

This is the first and only duck decoy I’ve ever carved from a lifeless and uninspired block of wood. It would be treasonous amongst the master waterfowl carvers of Eastern North Carolina for me to take much credit for the outcome. The hands of whom had already mastered his craft, my instructor guided me through every detail with grace and patience. It was his seasoned experience and contagious enthusiasm that prodded me to complete, what otherwise would’ve lived undone amongst a pile of old love letters and yearbooks at the bottom of my chest of drawers.

Although I abandoned this craft after only one march to the end zone, I’m grateful for the man who quarterbacked my effort. As usual, my crockpot continues to overflow with gently used recreational equipment and other sundry items of minimal interest which I hope will one day find a better home via Craigslist.

Like the master craftsman who gently pulled me through the unfamiliar wood shop full of tools and paints I had not worked with before, I believe having caring and dedicated mentors to help us create beautiful things from lifeless, uninspired blocks of wood, is essential. Otherwise, my chest of drawers would be full of life half done.