Finding my Tribe
In my research I discovered that in my area, there was a non-profit organization called The North Texas Blacksmithing Association (NTxBA), and in a short time they would have a meet where individuals could come out and learn more about them, the art of blacksmithing and make connections.
Little did I know, walking up to a group of strangers huddled around a forge and an anvil would result in me winning a raffle, and walking away with a chuck of railroad track to use as an anvil. It was as if God rigged the raffle, knowing how much this new craft would become a part of me and an influence in my life.
That day the connections I made would become a foundation for everything I did with blacksmithing going forward.
Finding Balance
My journey was one that I was never surprised I took, but one I found I needed.
As part of my full-time job, I was invited to a week long retreat to reflect on my career to that point and delve deeper into how my priorities aligned with my actions. The take away - I needed to do something for myself - a hobby where I could recharge, create and learn.
One of the final evenings in the hotel room, a relatively new series was playing on the TV - Forged In Fire. As I watched, I began to reflect on my youth, my love of knights, armor, and medieval arms. I decided that night, that I could do what they were doing, and I wanted to take up the art of blacksmithing.
As I returned from that trip, I informed my wife, and dove head first into learning as much as I could.
