Hand forged blacksmith knife. 01/50. There are times in my life where the actions of others filled me with awe and humility. I have mentioned in passing my interest in (amongst many things), knife making as a retirement activity and how I was currently a spectator of this craft. Recently, because of this throw-off comment, a friend sent me a message to check my mailbox. Inside was a card wishing me well on fulfilling my future dreams and a date to attend a blacksmith, knife making course with Cracked Anvil Forge in Ipswich along with the generous insistence of driving me there. “What did I want from the day?” asked Wayne Schmidt. I wanted technical skills. I had a couple of days blacksmithing through TAFE 20something years ago and I thought additional skills particularly with bladesmithing, heat treatment and speciality grinders would be helpful. I know there is only a limited amount you can learn on a single day hobby course. All achieved as you can see due to Wayne’s guidance and support. Despite my trade skills I would recommend this to everyone (Yes, including you!). He teaches all types and if you want to feel a sense of real achievement and creation in a single day, including under 10 year old children, don’t be shy. It was a very pleasurable day of smashing red hot steel and grinding it into razor sharp, anvil and hammer beaten, slashing steel, all mixed with storytelling amongst the smoking coke forges. But most importantly it’s the thoughtfulness and the act of this gift, because of a friendship, which most touches me. When we care for each other and act, a friendship can fill others with the genuine knowledge we have a place in their life. Is there anything better than knowing we have meaning to others? Thank-you. #CrackedAnvilForge #KnifeMaking #Blacksmith #Ipswich #Bladesmith #Course (at Ipswich Historical Society Inc.) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cprbf5rvmse/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Yard work now time for 🍕 and 🍺 (at West End) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjPKCeShaEw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

It’s been a long time and I’m a long way from Adelaide but I’ve decided on a home made Pie Floater at long last. (at West End) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjHfnDerO7M/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Amongst a pack of timber I found some nice splattered stock. I have no idea of the species but one day these might make some good #knife handles. #knifemaking https://www.instagram.com/p/ChnkmQWh5sz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Since regularly commuting again these last 8 years I’ve clocked a good few kilometers. Today I clicked over to another milestone on my day ride commuter. There’s a few thousand weekend k’s on my road bike not included. The benefits of cycling are often mentioned but the gratitude I feel to be this healthy as I age is quite simply because a bike has been a part of my life since I was 12. #cycling #bicyclecommute #bicyclelife #aging #healthylifestyle (at West End) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChjmM6Wh8Dx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Seems some CityCycle bikes escaped the the great purge and can still be found roaming the wilderness. Go forth and prosper my little friend, now that the electron driven upstarts have usurped you domain. Be well. (at West End) https://www.instagram.com/p/CgEKJ75rFBq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Lurgie recovery commute. #flu #covid #cycling #train #commute https://www.instagram.com/p/CgAW3RIBLkX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The new $2 coin. (at West End) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfxKqqhhQta/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Oh, that #queenswharf is really coming along. (at South Bank, Brisbane) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfiZbiML4v0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

They still live amongst us. (at Urban Art Projects) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce4YsRZh6if/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Where’s the Vegemite?Found at Mum’s. Unopened. #vegemite #useby (at Toowoomba, Queensland) https://www.instagram.com/p/CemoMnWhEAa/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Got out for a ride on a stunning autumnal morning and decided last minute to check out Kedron Brook after the flood. Still won’t be fully rideable for a long time. I’d also like to thank my aorta 🫀 for serving me well and not rupturing on the Gateway and Kelvin Grove Rd hill climbs when I maxed out at 188bpm. (at Brisbane, Queenland, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb4A3JFLuBt/?utm_medium=tumblr

I made a Thing recently. I needed a spoon for my salt pig and decided to hand beat and shape some copper sheet into what I want. Works a treat. (at West End) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbmYRSpr_Tf/?utm_medium=tumblr

Done ✔️ What a tremendous read. If you’re interested in history, the human condition and some small glimmer of the possible future this will open your eyes. It’s been out for ten years and I’m oh so glad I’ve finally got around to reading this. https://www.instagram.com/p/CbmVVT6ro2P/?utm_medium=tumblr

Seen from the Kurilpa Bridge this afternoon. Should be in the bay by now. Would be a nice spot for some fishing and a beer. #brisbanefloods (at Kurilpa Bridge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CajiXCPBKe5/?utm_medium=tumblr

The Brisbane Tango Scene’s beloved Sailing Club venue at West End seems to have yet again had water flooded through, though it looks like only just? over the floor. Plaques on image 3 shows 1974 & 2011 flood levels. (at South Brisbane Sailing Club) https://www.instagram.com/p/CagsE8KByAR/?utm_medium=tumblr

QED. #climatechange https://www.instagram.com/p/Cagh86ChzpA/?utm_medium=tumblr