There isn't much we haven't tried, the three of us. Whether individually or as a team, two dads and a boy. And although some things don’t interest me, there is a strong sense of voyeurism. But then my whole life has been one of watch and learn. As a carpenter my skills were well-honed under the tutelage of an old European craftsman. He taught me pride in my work, and. no matter how simple the piece, I left my signature on it. Not with my name always. but certainly with my style... Accomplishment. 

Creativity explored through my hands. It has always been that way-music, art, even leather craft reflects that eternal artistic expression. I can trace my family hack to the early 1600s in Hamburg. Germany. Craftsmen. Tradesmen. All working and living through their hands. Ironic that the first records of the family tree were kept by a cobbler, a leather craftsman. Coincidence that I should find such solace in the feel and texture of the hides I mold into personal pieces of expression... Armor.

So it seems that I have translated all my inherited stiffs into one convenient package. All those generations of creativity narrowed to a fine point. Like standing between two railway tracks and watching them merge into one in the distance. There is strength in the knowledge that each rail, or facet of creativity is part of a whole, and yet somehow strong enough to stand alone. Reminders of backup electrical circuits that fail on. A replaceable supply of alternatives. Creative outlets, each selected and triggered by a different set of responses. My view of the Dungeon Master parallels these thoughts. At once director, psychologist. props manager and script writer. A fully rounded education enabling the bottom to explore a full range of experiences. emotions and fears with total support and confidence. Mentor and student. And maybe that is why I feel that my education as a Top is never complete. There is always some applicable piece of information cropping up to spark new approaches and explanations. Pieces in a very large puzzle, the ability to watch and learn. Voyeurism. Exciting also to watch a skilled Master put a willing bottom through his paces.

Even if I had no interest in exploring that particular craft, the ability to draw parallel meaning from such an exercise is in itself a revelation. I have discovered other interests, that I had never before considered under such circumstances.