Winding down.
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.
