I also cook for my family, though that role predates my wood working. I was fortunate to be raised by a mother that didn’t believe in traditional gender roles (she taught us all how to cook, clean, do laundry, etc at a young age). I also have the mindset of “how hard could it be?” which helps in all manner of things, but definitely helps with furniture making.
I’ve been reflecting on this for a while - so thank you for writing the article I had been meaning to write! There are definitely alot of cross over skills such as attention to detail, planning and concentration - without that focus it is possible to both make things in wood and make things to eat but the outcome will not be great. And of course sharp tools are essential. You can add me to your list of people that like to cook and make things in wood - interestingly I’ve found that as I’ve increased the frequency of when I cook from once every week or two weeks to cooking a couple of times a week I seem to enter a different (better) level of engagement in the process, get more pleasure in what I am doing (less of a chore) and the family tell me my cooking tastes better.
“…but working with your hands is working with your hands. Problem solving is problem solving. Following instructions, recipes, and procedures can be applied to anything being learned.”
Amen to that!
I have done electrical, plumbing and automotive repairs or upgrades. I acted as my own general contractor when building my current house, then designed and built all of the cabinetry and trim.
Cooking has always been in my skillset. Scrambled eggs and toast, up to the Thanksgiving feast, I’m your man.
I'm newer to woodworking but have been the primary cook first for myself then my familny for 20 years now. My grandfather was a machinist who built his own house, fixed his own cars, etc. and cooked as well. To me, the connection is a certain fearlessness you get from figuring things out working with your hands. "Sure I've never done exactly this but I've done similar enough things Soni can figure it out" sort of attitude.
Another interesting observation I just had is that with my increasing my woodworking time and skills this past year, my gift wrapping was much neater this year.
"Or is your role the gracious diner?"
I'm the garrulous drunk clinging to the table with gravy down my shirt.
"Garrulous drunk." I had to look that word up!
We each have roles to play in this movie of life Walter, I'm glad you found yours... Hahaha.
Honestly though, I would rather dine with you than sit in silence just eating.
I also cook for my family, though that role predates my wood working. I was fortunate to be raised by a mother that didn’t believe in traditional gender roles (she taught us all how to cook, clean, do laundry, etc at a young age). I also have the mindset of “how hard could it be?” which helps in all manner of things, but definitely helps with furniture making.
What a great mindset to have!
I’ve been reflecting on this for a while - so thank you for writing the article I had been meaning to write! There are definitely alot of cross over skills such as attention to detail, planning and concentration - without that focus it is possible to both make things in wood and make things to eat but the outcome will not be great. And of course sharp tools are essential. You can add me to your list of people that like to cook and make things in wood - interestingly I’ve found that as I’ve increased the frequency of when I cook from once every week or two weeks to cooking a couple of times a week I seem to enter a different (better) level of engagement in the process, get more pleasure in what I am doing (less of a chore) and the family tell me my cooking tastes better.
Great minds think alike!
Sound observation about frequency! It really does become less of a chore the more we do something.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
“…but working with your hands is working with your hands. Problem solving is problem solving. Following instructions, recipes, and procedures can be applied to anything being learned.”
Amen to that!
I have done electrical, plumbing and automotive repairs or upgrades. I acted as my own general contractor when building my current house, then designed and built all of the cabinetry and trim.
Cooking has always been in my skillset. Scrambled eggs and toast, up to the Thanksgiving feast, I’m your man.
I tell my students all the time that the ability to work with your hands is empowering.
Way to go! I took Thanksgiving off (it was held at my BIL's house) but here I am cooking Christmas dinner!
I’m the cook in my family. Like your dad, I like good food and like knowing how to do things myself. Merry Christmas!
I agree, there's a certain sense of accomplishment when you know how to do things yourself.
I'm newer to woodworking but have been the primary cook first for myself then my familny for 20 years now. My grandfather was a machinist who built his own house, fixed his own cars, etc. and cooked as well. To me, the connection is a certain fearlessness you get from figuring things out working with your hands. "Sure I've never done exactly this but I've done similar enough things Soni can figure it out" sort of attitude.
Another interesting observation I just had is that with my increasing my woodworking time and skills this past year, my gift wrapping was much neater this year.
My Dad was meticulous with his wrapping!
Yes! That attitude that nothing is impossible is very powerful once learned.