Against the Grain

Woodworking 101: I don't do a lot of this, but I have built decks and worked with 2x4's, 2x6's and 4x4's. I don't ever recall suffering a splinter working against the grain, but I remember some splinters going with the grain. In fact, I don't think you can even get a splinter going against the grain! So how the Hell did that creep into our vernacular anyway?

I understand as well as most the benefits of "going with the flow". For Christ's sake, I've spent my entire professional careeer moving with the flow, but I've never experienced anything meaningful without going against it.

The wounds I've received going with flow; the splinters and irritants, haven't taught me much. What I've learned has been from the resistance I've felt going against the grain. That's right. I knew it all the time.

There is something very satisfying about running your fingers across the ridges of the wood. I feel the push against my fingers. It's an expected and welcome touch, almost a friend. I never know what to expect going with the grain. The next stroke may bring the splinter I never expected. Rather insidious.

Maybe going against the grain is the better part after all.

"I'm looking for love this time, I'm feelin' hopeful, but it's making me cry...."
Jason Mraz, Mr. Curiosity.

He's willing to do it because in spite of the risk, he knows what he's up against. He accepts it. He goes against the grain and if he fails it's not a splinter he gets. It's a mirror. Hell, he knew it all along. His fingers ran across the grain. He welcomes home his familiar, albeit absurd friend.

Thanks to Lisa for the 1st.

Well, Here I am

The shed. Just thinking about how I arrived at that name brings a smile, then a tear. I'll tell you about it later. I'm going to bed. This blogging shit makes me tired.
Michael