The Mentee

"It is not what we give but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare."

Blacksmiths are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. So willing to share their knowledge and skill. So willing to encourage and support a young boy who shows interest in the craft. Of course I suppose today was a bit of a novelty for them, too. I doubt they normally have droves of middle school age boys knocking at their door wanting to join their club. So the kid caused a little bit of a stir at the blacksmith association meeting today. They were even taking pictures to add to their website.

After four hours of playing with fire and beating a piece of hot metal with a hammer, here he is with his tired and cheesy grin and his first hook.


We're guessing he'll have to eat his breakfast in the morning with his other arm. He's going to be sore. But he thoroughly enjoyed himself and is disappointed he has to wait an entire month for the next meeting. There was a gentleman there who lives much closer to us who volunteered to help mentor as well once he gets his own forge finished. That will be nice.

Now we're looking around at getting him the necessary basics to set up shop in the barn. It's starting to look like we may have to mortgage the house in order to support his new hobby. Have you priced an anvil lately? Good grief! So we're hoping we'll be able to shop Grandpa's tool shed and pick up a few things there at a much more reasonable price!