iseecerulean

I botched the build a little bit, but thankfully not so much so that it can't be salvaged.  

I was so attentive to gluing the ends of the planks to the stems cleanly that I didn't pay enough attention to the middle of the form.  I realized about four planks later that I was not flush, and the only thing I could think to do to get back on course was to flip the planks on their sides to make loose contact with the form.

Once I got to the relatively flat bottom of the boat I flipped them back to the correct position.

Hopefully once I've finished sanding I'll have a boat shape made of wood, and that's all that counts.

I didn't take a picture before I started sanding the outside, which is going to be insanely more difficult because of the plank flip.  I had to stop sanding because I was making a dust storm in the air in the house; once it warms up outside I'll resume work in the garage.

I dread having to sand the inside.  I suspect I will need to glue additional stripwood or quarter round into the deepest steps so that I don't sand through the hull.  Or perhaps a combination of  sanding the highs and wood filler in the lows would be better.  I'll decide once I get the exterior sanded and can remove it from the form.

There have been many horrific catastrophes throughout my lifetime. None have touched me as I was touched this morning, watching, on the TV news, Notre Dame de Paris in flames. 

 I believe that the me of 10 years ago would have acknowledged  that it is a building of historic and cultural significance, but that it is just a building. However, nine years ago I visited Paris and laid my hands upon her walls. I have stood in the light shining through the rose windows. Today I am in tears.

 I am not a spiritual person. When I visited Notre Dame, which was the most magnificent work of art I think I will ever experience,  I touched my hands to her stones and felt love pour into me. I felt the love of craftsman who toiled with care for centuries to make her beautiful, I felt the love of parishioners, worshipers, visitors. She is truly magnificent.

The only thing I have to ask of you is this, don’t underestimate that which is incomprehensible to you.  Have love in your heart.