When I was a child, My grandfather influenced my desire to work with wood.  He would do whatever he needed to do, and use nothing but hand tools to accomplish his task.  I later took several woodworking classes in school, and found it very satisfying. 

 

After getting married and owning a home, I began the process of home repair and gathering a collection of tools.  For the last several years I have been buying logs, milling them to my dimensions for lumber, which provides me with total control on the quality of my lumber, to further my woodworking pleasure.

 

So how is this connected to Tourette Syndrome?

 

Through the years, I have learned, that when I concentrate on a task, which requires intense concentration, my tics are at bay for a little while.  I have found that in making furniture, this does require concentration and attention to detail, so everything comes out right.  The added benefit is that I pick and choose what I want to make, and I then design it and make it.  When I am done, I give it to the person who wanted it.  The end result is I can continue to make things without trying to figure out where to put it, and I make someone very happy. 

 

I also find that there are times when my tics are just too much.  It is these times that I stay out of my shop, as working with power tools requires your complete attention, as they can be quite dangerous.  Always try and use good judgement when working with any items that can hurt you.

 

The Cedar chest pictured here was made for a fundraiser for a very young child.  I gave it to the family for a live auction.  It brought twice the amount the auctioneer had predicted.  I had the pleasure of helping someone.  The chest is made from ash and is lined with aromatic cedar.

 

It is important that we remember, while we have certain needs with TS, we also have to return something back to the community.  We do this by becoming a productive member of society, sharing our gifted talents, and remembering, that during our hard times, there were people who helped us. 

 

We all have talents of some kind.  Things we enjoy.  Woodworking is one of the things that I completely enjoy.  What I find works for me, may not work in the same way for the next person with TS.  I simply share what has helped me deal with my TS in a positive way.  I have a belief and that belief is to pursue your dreams and goals and never give up.