In November 2023, I wrapped up a 30-year run in public education—teacher, principal, district administrator. It was a full and meaningful career, but when it came time to shift gears, I knew I wasn’t done working. I just wanted to work differently.

That’s when I leaned into something I’ve always loved—woodworking. What started as a nostalgic pull from those middle and high school shop class days quickly turned into a full-on passion project. I dusted off my older Ryobi table and miter saw, and, like any modern maker, I went straight to the internet. Blogs, YouTube rabbit holes, and maker forums became my teachers, helping me dream up the kinds of projects I wanted to build and the tools I’d need to pull them off.

The budget? Let’s just say it didn’t stretch far at first. But little by little, the shop came together—and pretty fast. I decided to go mostly with Ryobi tools because of their affordability and the fact that I already owned a few. But for the tools that really matter—where accuracy and reliability are key—I chose to upgrade to Dewalt. My table saw and miter saw are now solid, yellow workhorses that anchor the whole space.

And now? A new view from inside my garage.

It’s not fancy, but it’s functional. The pegboard’s organized (most days), the battery wall’s always stocked, and there’s usually a fresh project or two underway. That orange bucket? Yeah, that’s the unofficial shop assistant.

As for inspiration? It comes from everywhere—conversations, memories, something I see while out on a walk. Sometimes it’s a custom gift request, other times it’s just an idea that won’t stop knocking around in my head until I build it. The shop’s become more than a workspace; it’s a place to learn, experiment, and create something lasting.

Whether it’s a game box for a Mother’s Day gift or a cutting board for a neighbor, this new chapter is about building things with heart, one project at a time. It is a new journey to find craftsmanship and joy—one cut, one project, and one orange bucket at a time.