The Return

TLDR: I’m back.

Wow – almost 10 years since my last post! So, what have I been up to? Well…

I transferred all of my energy to a different hobby – home brewing. I became completely entrenched in the home brew/craft brew movement that swept the US between 2015 and COVID. I homebrewed competitively (got a few medals) and I became a certified beer judge (sounds more glamorous than it really is), helped run competitions and was the president our out local home brewing club. Got a third job working in a brewery as a beertender (still do, awesome fun job!).

I stopped teaching (my second job at the time), then, my wife and I decided to start a second business (marketing is the first). Firestick Pretzels, a spicy snack pretzel that comes in a matchbox-like package. So, now I’m back to three jobs: Graphic Design/Web Development, Beertender, and Snack Pretzel entrepreneur. Not busy enough, eh?

We then decided to sell our house and move – it was a business decision – our mortgage and warehouse lease combined was higher than if we found a property that could facilitate both living, and our pretzel business. We found 20 acres out in the woods that fit the bill perfectly. It’s gorgeous and I do not miss, for one minute, living in the “city”.

I’ve also become a grandfather 7 times over. I love grandkids. All the stories grandparents tell, they’re true. The oldest is 4, the youngest will be born the end of this month.

Crazy how much can happen in 9 years.

I fell out of WH40K because I just didn’t have the time. I eventually sold my ork army to a collector in Baltimore. Haven’t seen them since. I did keep a few cherished minis though. I also sold most of the plastic/metal, gave my paints to my son-in-law, and donated the rest of the terrain and building material to the local game store. The only things left are the tools, a few models, and the skills I learned.

So why come back?

With so much of my time being taken up between 3 jobs, 20 acres of property to maintain, our increase in traveling (for grandkids and cruises), I realize I don’t have time to do the brewing hobby (basically needs a whole day) which I really haven’t done that either since 2021. I felt the need to not just be creative, but to be creatively “productive”. I read a lot as another hobby, but that’s all internalized. I don’t get to see the products of my “labor” other than seeing the book on the shelf. Mini painting gives me that outlet and I can devote smaller chunks of time, whenever I have the opportunity, and still progress .

So, I’m starting over as far as space and equipment. I know the tools and materials I need and can gather those over time. Back in the day, I was working on an online modeling book/resource and one of the topics was “How to Start”. Well, I’ll be leaning back on those concepts to restart painting minis. I’ll be starting with 2-3 small boxes/containers to hold my tools, paints, and models. A couple of gooseneck table lamps and a cutting mat. Picking up some paints to start (this alone will be the most $$$ investment getting back into it), and just putting brush to model to get my previous Mojo back. Finding space for a dedicated table/desk will come later.

My focus now will be minis I want to paint, not because I need them for an armylist. Yes, I’ll do a few works here and there, but this will be strictly for my own edification. The other focus will be to better my painting skills. I can do many things, but there’s a lot more skills and techniques I plan to add to my painting toolbox.

I look forward to reconnecting with some of the Grognards, meeting new people, and sharing my journey again.

Later!