Craig Constantine

This we built with our hands →

Published 6 Hours Ago · All posts on May 27

This is a massive wood crib for stacking and drying firewood.

I have two smaller versions of this at my house where I stack up green, split firewood. A friend of mine wanted one as well. This was such a fun project. I started with a pen and paper sketching what I’d built nearly 20 years ago. Then discussions about the size he wanted. I came up with the buy-list and break-down list, and took all my notes on a long car ride. The next day we headed into town and loaded up on lumber. We carried the materials to the spot, and as we considered the exact layout, he asked, “What if we just made one big crib?” Well, I agreed that was an even better idea.

The best part: Midway I said, “I love this project! I’m not doing anything except helping.”

“That’s funny,” he replied, “all I’m doing is helping you!”

Much later it struck me: That might just be the best definition of a good day’s honest labor.

Spectacular Peony blooms →

Published 5 Days Ago · All posts on May 22

These blooms (and the greenery) were snipped by Tracy to create an entry for the American Peony Society’s annual convention. It’s WAY more complicated than I made it sound. Her hobby is hybridizing Peonies, and that means there are more than 100 tree- and herbaceous Peonies around our house. o_O

Volume 25. Inconceivable! →

Published 8 Days Ago · All posts on May 19

I remember when I started journaling. It began as a way to capture memories from trips—classic trip journaling. And then I started trying to bootstrap personal changes… which requires review… which requires something to review… which requires getting in the habit of…

The other day I was starting a new journal. It’s a process of unwrapping, labeling, and making my own pen-holder for the side…

But my favorite part is copying my personal oath into the front. Every one of these volumes feels like a reminder that every day can be a fresh start.

Simply a moment captured →

Published January 2 · All posts on Jan 2

Sometimes I see a moment that’s worth capturing.

Closer. Closer. Close enough. →

Published December 14 · All posts on Dec 14

Sometimes I spot a pollinator in a place where I can get close. Despite it being a chilly day, this guy was very active.

Closer…

—crap, I think that’s a Yellow Jacket? (Which are mean and aggressive this time of year when good food gets scarce.) Too close. Too close!

Just a bit of maintenance required →

Published December 5 · All posts on Dec 5

Astute observers notice that I take a lot of photos of not-people. There’s a lot of blog-post selection bias: I don’t generally post photos of people here because I think it’s simply a kind thing to not do that. Besides, what’s wrong with pretty pictures of not-people?

Chrysanthemums →

Published December 3 · All posts on Dec 3

Snapped during a slow meander through Longwood Gardens on our way to lunch.

Stopped in my tracks! →

Published November 20 · All posts on Nov 20

I was hustling from point A to point B when I rounded the corner and saw this.

Spin Art →

Published October 22 · All posts on Oct 22

And this final one is unlike any Iris I’ve ever seen.

Powwow →