Pretenders

["Disbrow Consulting" <diz@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz>]

Thank You Taunya,
Since joining this site I have not only enjoyed the really fun banter, but I
have come to consider myself as a novitiate (By this term I mean that I
really do intend to learn at least letter cutting.) learning at the feet of
kind and brilliant masters.  In the warmer weather I work outside on house
projects in the evenings and on weekends.  In the winter I tend to stay
inside and try to learn something new.  Sure.. you can pour crete at 40
below, but why?  This year my study will be beginning letter carving.  I am
learning about general carving in what to me is an exciting atmosphere.  I
am building a bibliography begun by Norm, and am having a friend who owns a
used book store look for what may be out of print books.  Just about after
Thanksgiving, I will start the big read, and set up a few stones in the
basement.  My initial learning strategy is to work on the alphabet, and then
to gain proficiency by carving "wise sayings" for family holiday gifts on
fairly small soapstones say 8" x 10".   I have located a place where I think
I can purchase rejected panels from a soapstone stove manufacturer.  The
next time I am in their area I plan to have a sit down.  If this would be an
assistance to anyone, let me know.  I am hoping to get as sweet a price as I
get with the granite curbing culls.  $50 a 10 wheeler load isn't bad even
though half of the load is rip rap.  Who can't find a place for quality
backfill?  Shipping costs may be outrageous, but I am an old ace at getting
stuff cheap.  I would also love to see what one of the masters could do with
some of the crazy color granite blocks that I have found.   That is perhaps
the best part of this site to me.  Everyone has had things to contribute,
whether it be as a master carver, or in other ways.  We all contribute to
the success of others here.  I am very grateful for that.  I even think I
may have contributed some things that may be of use to someone.. perhaps
not, but I'll keep trying.

Craig Disbrow, MBA, JD.
Disbrow Consulting
603 523 4259 (Voice)
603 523 4574 (Facsimile)