First, after turning seriously for only 10 months, let me say it's an honor to be selected for this. I was floored, but very pleased to say the least.

I've always liked woodworking and made a spindle or two back in High School wood shop class. Finally bought a small lathe about 10 years ago (I'm 54 now), but never had the time or space (too much junk piled up in the garage) to use it much. I made a few badly shaped bowls and ash trays and that's about it.

Originally from New Jersey, I've been living in North Carolina for the last 13 years (love it). After I moved to my 2nd house here in NC 3 years ago, I finally had all the space I needed for a proper wood shop. I spent every day and night for 2 months turning the 3 car out- building/garage into the shop I always wanted.

I had my own internet drum business and ran that from half of the shop. Everything was going great, then...BAM!
The economy went south and with it, the drum business. That same week I found out I had stage 3 Lymphoma cancer. Talk about a lousy week! I hate when that happens.

Anyway, I'm single now and without any family here I decided I better come up with something to keep me busy and positive through chemo and radiation. Keep my mind occupied.

BAM #2!!! Idea! Get a good wood lathe and get into turning seriously this time. So, I bought a used Powermatic 3520B with my last bit of cash and I have to say, it was the best money I've ever spent. By far.

This time I took the time to research projects and wood, bought books, magazines and videos and joined up with this website. Whenever I'm able to physically turn something, I did. I know I'd sound corny saying you're a great bunch of guys and gals, but you are. No kidding! Except for the NC AAW Symposium, I've never seen anyone else even turn on the lathe in person, so all this information and support was invaluable to me.

During all the chemo fun, the lathe and the desire to make better and better pieces gave me something to look forward to and I'll tell you, that made a huge difference. My attitude was pretty good to begin with, but with woodturning now in the mix, I felt creative again. It made me feel useful and productive at the end of the day.

We all share those magical moments on the lathe when a raw piece of wood gets turned into something beautiful. Nothing makes me happier. They always say you have to find your true passion in life and go for it! Well, it took me 54 years, but better late than never. Can you fall in love with wood? I'll bypass the wife jokes here....

I hope I don't come across as bragging, because I sure have a lot to learn, but I'm proud of the following accomplishments:

* Being asked to be writing this right now
* Being in the WR calendar
* Having a tool handle I made being in next months (so they say) AAW magazine... a contest win.
* Having some of my pieces accepted into one of the South's best galleries (Cedar Creek Gallery) after turning for only 3 months

When all the bad news hit, everyone said "I'm sooo sorry". I said, you wait, something good will come out of all this. Well, it sure has. I'm enjoying every minute, learning a lot, meeting some fine people and have a feeling of accomplishment that helps me sleep well at night. I'll be joining a woodturning club next month and will meet even more woodturners. Can't wait!!

I'm lucky also in that I get all the wood I could possibly use from neighbors and friends. A lot of it I also cut down myself because a friend of a friend wanted a tree cut down for one reason or another. Being color blind, I can't really see the immediate beauty by looking at the ends of the logs, but the shape of what I want to make is always going through my mind. Shapes are very important to me.

Whenever someone asks me what's my favorite piece I always say "my next one", and I'm serious. So many good things to come. Thanks to all of you and I hope to meet some of you some day. It would be my pleasure!

Take care my friends,
Don L.

PS - All the cancer treatments are over now and they say I'm in remission. Yee ha. The best is yet to come!