Friday, March 5, 2021

I Am Enough




I am enough. A simple phrase with so much meaning. But what does it mean for a person to believe that they are enough? I say that it means that we no longer have to struggle with the need to be more likeable, loveable, tolerable, more talented, more acceptable, more worthy … and the list goes on. And how do artists deal with these types of issues? Could it be that this is found at the core of each of them, of each human being with a passion for a good life and what is in it?  We are enough. I am enough. These creations are enough.  Everything is enough in its own unique and beautiful state. 

Can you picture this magnificent board made into a stunning dining room table? Let me tell you about this fine piece of Western Red Cedar. It was bought from a local wood enthusiast who was extremely passionate about where it came from. As he relayed, following a forest fire back in 1550, this wood was part of a remaining stump. The fire ravaged most of the tree but this part was left behind. During that time, Spruce was the favoured tree for forestry.  The stump of the Red Cedar tree was left in place given its strength, acting as a springboard of sorts whilst the fallen trees came down against it. The fire protected the edges of the stump with the edges seared by the fire. Most species and trees are not designed to survive fires, but, as they are no different than people really, trees can be resilient, surviving and thriving during challenging times. 

In the case of this stump, the fired edges actually protected the wood at the core.  If you look closely, you will see these edges. What an amazing display of resilience they reveal! Think about that - people and animals can instinctively run from danger, but a tree is rooted to the ground and yet can still adapt and become resilient to all threats. 

Fires along the coast of Vancouver Island are documented in a research paper entitled, Holcene Fire History Of A Coastal Temperate Rain Forest Based On Soil Charcoal Radiocarbon Dates (2003). This was researched by the Environmental Management departments of Simon Fraser University and the University of Washington and written by Daniel G. Gavin, Linda B Brubaker, and Kenneth P Lertzman. There are maps within it depicting forest fires along the Vancouver Island coastline and 1550 is a confirmed date of a forest fire in this area.  

Stay tuned as this ancient beauty is transformed into a magnificent dining room table. Transformations. There is always time and vision to rebuild into a new purpose, no different than rebuilding ourselves from then to now.  



This is another beauty salvaged from an old mill on Vancouver Island.  This stunning piece was passed over because it was it did not appear to be of any use.  But with a touch of tender loving care and a bit of sweat, along with planers, sanders, chisels, this beauty appeared. What a statement this would make on a front entrance wall!  How about a few decorative hooks? I see a unique coat rack on someone’s wall - do you?


Soft and cozy.  Need I say more?

Here is another shot from our gifted photographer, Iris! Look at these West Coast trees. For those that live here, look out your window, I challenge you. The trees are always standing in pairs … for support. When adversity comes, the trees rely on one another.  And people are no different - we seek support from another person when adversity comes our way. However, while the trees do lean on one another, they will always stand independent of one another.  Our mighty trees on Vancouver Island are standing tall within the forest – they don’t do it alone.  Nature and human nature.  What a paradox.

All items presented in this blog are now available in our Etsy store.

As the blog continues to morph new social media will unfold. Our Etsy shop is new, and we have just started an Instagram page to support it. We will also have a Clvr Vuz Facebook page, and in the not too distant future, Podcasts.  Please help us by following each of these as they appear. To begin, simply click on the link below and follow this new journey with us. Any feedback you wish to provide in the Comments section is welcomed.  

I am enough say all of us this week. What an opportunity we have been given to learn from the trees! What a privilege we have to learn to let go of the need for approval from others and to be our best self each day - even thru adversity - surrounding us with love and passion (especially by those that truly love us), and above all, being grateful.  

And really what are you fearful of? What scares you so much that you have to hurt me to help yourself? I am enough!

The next article will feature a unique outdoor table with live edge benches. We are sure you will be thrilled to see and read all about it. In the meantime, please check our Instagram page for upcoming products. 
 


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