I really didn’t need another project.
I used to joke about how I had projects for my next several lives. This facetious idea was the result of a 1980 decision to embark on an ultimate do-it-yourself project – designing and building a house. It was a choice based on youthful energy and naivete. With the wisdom gained from tackling many varied projects over the years, I have learned to carefully consider taking on new ones.
Toward the latter part of our roof replacement by a professional roofing crew this January (that is another story), it was time to replace the old skylights. I had put on the first metal roof on the house, and that Hugo-damaged roof was replaced in 1989. Those 1989 vintage skylights had degraded, and when the first one was pulled out the comparison with the old to the new opening was stark – opaque versus clear.
I anticipated the skylight replacement over our living room would rain dust and debris, and covering the floors and furniture was a good call. Despite these efforts, debris still found its way to the rug. In cleaning up, the moving of an old family marble coffee table led to the piece’s damage, with one of the four legs coming off. The collapse was not unexpected; over the years I had been watching the dowel joints connecting the legs to the central pedestal slowly open up. The heavy marble top had put considerable pressure on the wooden structure of the table.
I didn’t need another project, but this table had considerable sentimental value. It was not a piece to be put aside in my workshop for a future repair job, and I moved it to the head of the project line. And it needed more than just adding the one leg back, but a complete rebuilding: removing all legs, removing some dowels, gluing up and clamping two legs at a time, etc.
The rebuilding process was a reminder of the furniture repair and refinishing my father did over the years. But this table had another powerful family connection, occupying a prominent place in my grandparents home in Fair Haven, New Jersey. In many visits to their home, I would always find this table holding the most current edition of National Geographic. I was drawn to this magazine, and the stimulating stories about the world, covering nature and culture. Reflecting on that avid interest raised several questions. How did those childhood encounters with National Geographic impact my future nature study? Did those readings stimulate my desire for exploration and adventure? Was it a portal to wilderness? Rhetorical questions, I think.
Your ancestors are smiling down on you today, what a great story Bob.
And smiling back, through four new clear skylights.
Had to smile at the story, Bob. You have a great attitude to deal with adversity that comes with remodeling or mending that which needs mending. If my memory hasn’t failed me; today’s my 72nd birthday, your birthday is tomorrow. Have a good one! Keep posting! Don
By the way, attitude varies on the day and the situation. Well, happy birthday to you. Thanks for that reminder, hmmm, wonder when mine comes up?
Very interesting story, Bob. You are talented in many areas, including being a great writer and story teller. Thanks for sharing .
Thanks, and glad you enjoyed the story.
ahhhh. questions to which there are no answers…. the best kind of questions for they produce wonderful memories, promote serious thought, and serious contemplation(s) on a wide variety of topics.
Another question I forgot – Did the inclusion with each new magazine of a new map contribute to becoming a cartophile?
Good story
Such a gift you have to do all that yourself! Beautiful woodwork and table with wonderful memories. I wish more of the younger generation would appreciate those “antiques” and the importance they have in our lives and future generations.
Thank you for sharing!
My daughter Sara coveted this table too, but not ready to let it go yet.
Beautiful table in the style of Eastlake, beautifully restored! You rock Bob and I love 💕 the recollection of National Geographic on your grandparents table in fostering your love of nature.
Thanks for this comment, Julia. I knew nothing about Eastlake until your input. The more I know, the more I want to know.
Great story, Bob, with the many layers and connections (dovetail joint, anyone?). And the ultimate connection to national geographic is perfect. My mother-in-law wallpapered the main bathroom in her house with Nat Geo maps. Gosh, we hated to sell that house.
Wow, what a great idea, papering a room (upstairs bathroom!) with Geographic maps. I have plenty to do it. But alas, that would be a project too far.
Love that story! What a beautiful table made even more special resting on that incredible Carolina blue rug!
It would be you to see Carolina blue in the rug.