Creating Forms

Nemesis

The one that broke my back - almost literally.

My raw is from downtown Toronto, where trees grow bigger, hence grow larger. But like all living things, they sicken and die, eventually.  

One summer morning a hydro crew cut a gigantic hazelnut tree across the road.  I asked for the best cuts, which the crew gratefully  left them for me.  

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Halfway though moving the the pieces to my yard, my back complained bitterly. Nemesis was over 500 lbs and there were 15 or so more still to go.

Like a typical guy, I figured "suck it up, take some Aspirin and do some stretches."

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Two days later I was bed ridden.  Six months later, I was still off work.

Guess I'm not THAT tough...  

Three years of recovery from herniated disks demonstrated that, much to my surprise, I'm not indestructible.  

I persevered to eventually turn the largest form to date.  It took 2 years to dry out! Then it went back on the lathe to be trued up and wait some more.

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After three years, I'm pain-free, in shape, competing in triathlons again and enjoying life.

I may never part with Nemesis: its a reminder to focus on the importance of health, beauty and life.