The Desk

A Desk can be a very personal thing. No two people will organize their desk space the same way. The X-brace Desk, below is beautiful in form and in function. The client who purchased this desk has it in a beautiful study as the central, focal point of the room. He has one stack of books on the desk, but otherwise the desktop space is clear to reveal the detailed in-lay and fine finish. Behind his chair is a wall of bookshelves upon which he keeps books, magazines, computer and other necessary items within easy reach. The Desk below is a "Warehouse" or "Stand-Up" Desk. No chair is needed, for this desk is designed to be used standing up. This style is particularly good for the person who does not desire a "desk job" - someone who is active and makes short stops at the desk to write a note, file something or sketch a quick drawing.

This Desk is called a "Ladies Writing Desk" and has simple, clean lines with leather inserts for a softer writing surface.

Most people buy a desk and figure out how to make it work for them. A custom-made desk can be created to your own specifications. The number of drawers, the type of surface, the size, the height can all be determined to meet the client's personal needs, desires and taste. Contact Rex to commission your personal space - your Desk.

Sitting on the Edge

We are in graduation season! This is a time of changes, transitions and new beginnings. Such times are filled with tears as we say good-bye to things past yet also with joy and anticipation as we look to the hope and possibilities before us. We all face transitions throughout our lives. They may initially fill us with fear and anxiety or caution and hesitation. But if we look beyond ourselves and take the risk, we may just find the peace and fulfillment we seek.

SITTING ON THE EDGE

Sitting on the edge of life
I peer in
It looks deep
In fact, so deep I cannot see the bottom
If I slip, I could fall endlessly
But if I stay here, will I miss something
In the illusion of safety?

Sitting on the edge of life
I wonder
Others have been here before me
I have seen their footprints
But here I am in my own shoes
I can learn from others
But I must create my own path.

Sitting on the edge of life
I dive in
Why not?
What do I have to lose
But the illusion of control and safety?
And I find the water warm and welcoming
Soft and silky against my skin
And the depths are stunning
In their beauty and mystery.

Come on in! The water’s fine!

The River

One of my favorite places to go in the summer is the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. My family has had a summer cabin there dating back to when my grandparents were young. The cabin sits along the San Lorenzo River that meanders through the mountains. The family cabin consists of mostly porches. It has a sleeping porch, a dining porch and a side porch. The most peaceful place in the world is the sleeping porch, listening to the babbling of the river below, looking up at the towering redwood trees, and feeling the coolness of the mountain air. Whenever I need a mental retreat, I can return there. I breathe in the freshness of the mountains and the clear water below. I can see the chipmunks and squirrels running along the tree branches. I am soothed by the ever-moving water flowing onward below me. Take a mental retreat now with this poem...my gift to you today...

THE RIVER

There are places in the river where the water pools and spins
Where the fish can cease their striving and rest their tired fins
A peaceful pool, attractive, it can pull and draw life in
To the stillness.

There are places in the river where it rushes over rocks
Where it gurgles and it babbles, flow is thwarted by roadblocks
But it is not complaining, these are joyful sounds, just talk
In the stillness.

There are places in the river where it is deep and wide
Where the current pulls and surges, strength and power in the ride
It pushes ever onward, urgency of moon and tide
Toward the stillness.

There are places in the river where sun’s halo is reflected
Where God mirrors nature’s splendor, His creation is perfected
Life that thrives below the surface, the calm exterior protected
Within the stillness.

The Chair

The Chair

I shift in my chair
The weight of my own thoughts
Press uncomfortably
If I had a pillow behind my back
If I had a footstool to prop up my feet
If…I shift again
Distraction, yes…don’t think
That’s better
But is it?
No, move to a more comfortable chair
And begin again.

Awakening

In honor of the end of National Poetry Month (April) and today, "Poem in your Pocket" Day, (www.poets.org) which suggests that you "select a poem that you love and carry it with you to share with co-workers, family and friends on April 30, 2009," I offer one for your pocket and sharing! Happy Poetry Month, Day, Life!

AWAKENING

Day awakening
Full moon’s glow reflects the promise of the day
The promise of the light, a promise in each ray
That stretch and yawn across the fields,
Across the dawn, a touch that yields
God’s kisses sparkling on the bay.

Life awakening
The blush on the cheek of the dawning sky
The brush of wings and a breathing sigh
As life blood flows and air expands
Into the soul, and from God’s hands
New birth is blessed and lifted high.

Love awakening
The heart beats a rhythm that reveals its desire
First a flutter then a rush, lift the spirits higher
Bright with goodness, burning deep
Warmth of friendship, flame to keep
The old flicker is now blazing, this God’s fire.

There is Beauty

It is all too easy, if we listen to newscasts and read the newspaper, to focus on and see only the pain and suffering, the disasters and destruction, the hurt, disease and death in the world. But take a moment, take a deep breath...okay, take another one...and look out your window at the sky, at a tree, a flower or a bird. Take a moment to really see the beauty that is near you. I know I get caught up in the busy-ness of life, thoughts racing through my head, preoccupation with solving a problem or dwelling on some issue. I can drive (or bicycle) through the most beautiful countryside, but miss it because my mind is distracted elsewhere. Sometimes, the beauty that is near me, is a friend. It may be a smile, a wink, a hug, or a kind word spoken...just for me. That is beautiful. As Georgia O'Keeffe wrote, "Nobody sees a flower, really - it is so small - we haven't time, and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time." Take a moment. Take a deep breath. See the beauty that is near you. And then read on...

There is Beauty

There is beauty in the distance, up a rise, atop that hill.
I can see it if I focus, if I listen, if I’m still.
It is calling out a message, on the wind it calls to me.
But I’m distracted and confused, so much noise, I cannot see.

There is beauty across that meadow, with shades of green and gold, some brown.
There is a story in the shadows but they do not stay around.
The clouds a cover, blocking sun’s light, a quick glimpse and then it’s gone.
Illumination, inspiration, I will wait…light comes at dawn.

There is beauty right in front of me, blades of grass, wild flowers, bold trees.
They are not frightened, nor heartbroken by winds of change or forceful breeze.
They cut through it, wildly dancing, yet stand firm and hold their ground.
Life’s breath surrounds them and it fills them, makes them strong and free and sound.

There is beauty all around me, I can sense it on my skin.
With the lightness of a butterfly, it flutters, beckons, soul to win.
It touches me, but out of reach and it cannot be caught.
I can follow where it leads me with my heart, and step, and thought.

There is beauty in my heart, deep inside it dwells and glows.
I may not think I hear God speaking, but through nature His truth shows.
My anxious striving, frantic doing, won’t cease the longing, fill the void.
I must let go of all that holds me, seek but His glory and His joy.

Tools of the Trade

For every vocation, whether it be in business, the arts or even sports, having the correct/quality tools of the trade are important. No doubt knowledge, through proper education and training, is a critical component in utilizing the tools effectively. One may have knowledge and skill (good tools in themselves), but in order to produce an end product, other tools may be needed. In business, interpersonal skill may be the key component. In a sport, quality equipment can make the difference. In the arts, creativity may require the right environment for the "juices" to flow, but also for the tools (hand tools and machines) to be quality and in good working order. If the tools of the trade are rusty or of poor quality, they can affect the mental attitude toward the task. As Stephen Covey says, it is important to continually "sharpen the saw" to maintain effectiveness.

The tools in Rex's workshop are myriad, varied and mind-boggling. He knows how to use each of them to achieve extraordinary results. He combines his knowledge and expertise with painstaking maintenance and skilled execution to produce those results. Come visit his shop sometime!