Folks, it's been too many years since I've been active here, and too many years since of not letting myself do things that make me happy. This past year has been one of working to pursue those neglected passions--I've started drawing again, began writing and illustrating a children's book, started work on a webcomic, had a solid garden with the misses, began steps towards having chickens on the property... Then, Dad gave me some hand-split hickory ceiling boards from a 230-year-old stone house. They've got character, and a nice spring, and seemed the perfect opportunity to start back at something else I love doing. They looked like they'd make a damnn fine bow.
Initial inspection showed great promise. The history soaked into each, dating potentially back to the Revolutionary War, from a house built by a miller for his son when he was returned from the Shawnee. Simon Kenton himself may have gazed up at those boards upon a time...
After trimming down the ends to remove ages of gunk and prep two choice boards for splicing, the grain runs straight and true--in the wrong direction. Damn. But what's a new year without trials? And what's a new bow without character and experimentation? Instead of ditching the boards for a hedgeapple stave in the stack, this bow will be lovingly tillered and carved for a cordage and/or sinew backing. With luck, it won't explode immediately, and dad and I can shoot a few arrows along the creek where the miller's son's stone house still stands.
Soon as I can get a picture to the right size, I'll add to the post.
Happy new year, everyone, and happy tillering.
Steve
