For the last few weeks, we've had some new company in our woods. Jonathan, who works at the local Stihl shop, has begun doing forestry work on our land. In exchange for keeping us stocked with split and stacked cordwood, he gets to sell whatever we ask him to cut down. Jonathan is a fantastic woodsman. Every time we go for a walk, we notice new things he's done.
He creates rabbit habitats out of twigs, makes cool stone sculptures, puts twisted, funky-looking branches on display, and has assembled some amazing wood stacks right next to our little house. He's also expanding the wood pile we started last fall!
Without fail, whenever Jonathan goes home for the day, I can see and feel a difference. I am so grateful for the level of care he puts into his work. Also, it's a huge gift having a third pair of hands around here. Though Tyler and I think that we're getting the better end of the deal, Jonathan is thrilled with the arrangement too.
He's pleased as punch to have an extra source of income, as well as the ability to hang out in nature whenever he likes. "Some people like going to the gym," he told us one day with shrug and a smile, "I love playing around in the woods!"
Last week, while he was showing me his latest woodpile, he asked, "Have you ever heard of Andy Goldsworthy?" I love Andy Goldsworthy, and when I told him so, he explained how he tries to get into the zone while stacking wood, making the work as artistic as possible. I'm uncertain what we did to have such a conscientious, artistically-minded guy on our team, but I am so happy he is here!
Finally, part of me is happy because my Grandpa used to do the exact same thing. He never had a "timber" of his own, but he'd work on other people's land, clearing, splitting and stacking. In exchange, he was able to be in the woods every day and create a very successful and well-known firewood business. I think he would be pleased.
Thanks for all of your hard work, Jonathan! You're a god-send!