Shifting gears.

7 May 2026

A lot has changed in the last three years.

In the aftermath of some life-changing events, I have been rebuilding and reshuffling my life as I prioritise what’s important to me. In doing so, I am aware that more may change and I need to be flexible enough to roll with it. I’ve already proved to myself that it’s easier to start over and build, than it is to repair/retain a doomed kingdom.

As a result of these events, a few things have changed and are still changing.

• Reduced social media involvement, presence, interest groups and over 600 Facebook, “Friends” many of whom have not communicated in years.
• Sold home and observatory in the suburbs and moved to a rural setting in nature and peace.
• Currently on round 5 of bin-and-burn, physical possessions and digital burdens.
• Dumped all but a couple of interest groups.
• Made the decision NOT to pursue ranking with the American Bladesmith Society.
• Dumped some hobbies, reduced intensity of others and taken up a couple of old ones.
• Sold off heavy machinery, advanced telescope equipment and astro-cameras.
• Let go of anything that was weighing me down.
• Changed direction from bladesmithing of knives, to a much reduced pace but more advanced artisan craft of sword-making.
• Focusing on skills that make me feel like a man again and the version of myself that I want to be, without anyone else’s demands/expectations.
• Implementing and building a solid future with a deliberate plan that is well underway.

All of this has tested me painfully and rock bottom was close. Now the only way is up and I am wiser and grateful for the trial-by-fire.

I know what I want and have some very firm boundaries. It’s time to be me.

Photography is one thing among my list that I have taken up again, with some new gear and some stunning subject pursuits of aurora, wildlife and bioluminescence in nature.