Teleidoscope

What began as some self imposed therapy following a heart attack has now become a passion for me. In 1997 while hospitalized for my heart attack and subsequent bypass surgery, some friends brought me a kaleidoscope. I discovered that it brought great joy to those whose work involves caring for the seriously ill as well as to all those who came to visit me. As I often say, "It's really hard not to smile when you're looking through a kaleidoscope." As a part of my rehabilitation, I took up woodworking. There is no such thing as too many tools and eventually, I acquired a lathe. What to make? Why, kaleidoscopes, of course! Along with a few gavels once in a while, I also make spurtles and dibbers, two of the most fun words in the English language. I've found that kaleidoscopes provide a valuable metaphor on life. Just when you think you've encountered the most beautiful image possible in a kaleidoscope, a slight shift will change everything. At first, you may feel very disappointed as theoretically, that image will never ever again appear. However, while different, the new image is also beautiful and you discover that more changes will produce still more beautiful images. Soon you learn to let yourself go and just look forward to what will happen next.