Several items found their way to my inbox that brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart.
Here's an email I received from Nancy.
"I just thought I would let you know that my chip carved Celtic cross went for $75 at a silent auction. I was thrilled. It was all for charity which was great. Keep on encouraging us. It sure helps me. I am now carving a plate as a wedding gift. Thanks for all you do. Nancy"
After replying to her to see if I could use her words as testimonial, she replied with this.
"You sure can any time. I can get so involved in my chip carving I lose all track of time. I am just so grateful that you came down to Florida just the time I needed to learn how to chip carve. I have fun. Nancy"
Since MyChipCarving first started in 2007, my goal has been to "inspire, instruct and equip chip carvers around the world"
When Nancy lets me know that I'm encouraging her (i.e. inspiring), it helps me know that I'm hitting the "inspiration" goal and it makes me want to continue doing it!
When she says "I am just so grateful that you came down to Florida just the time I needed to learn how to chip carve", I know that my teaching tour many years ago that took me to Florida and several other locations was so worth it.
Last March I heard from Carl with the Subject line, "You were right!", "You’ve said that chip carving takes months not years to learn to make a satisfying product. I started learning about chip carving in early December of 2020. Thanks to your tools and training I carved this!"
Carl discovered the joys of chip carving in just three months! He has every right to be proud of this carving after following my instruction and using some MyChipCarving tools.
In an earlier email in February, after attending a Platinum member webinar, Carl mentioned this.
"I very much appreciate your collaborative style of teaching. I’m a violin teacher by profession working with students one on one. Both my parents were music teachers. A defining characteristic of their teaching was honoring and incorporating students’ input Into the learning process. A true master teacher demonstrates expertise and humility. It’s a tough order but that is what you do! ...What did you do professionally before you started
MyChipCarving in 2007?"
His comments brought me a lot of encouragement. He let me know what was working during our time together.
I'm guilty of it too, but usually I'll only reply to someone if something is wrong and I'd like something to be changed. Thanks, Carl, for letting me know what was right and helpful to you!
My reply to him,
"Your kind and encouraging words mean a lot to me!
As a teacher yourself, you picked out areas that I try to focus on while I teach chip carving. I taught in a day school, overseas and online for 30+ years and then started MyChipCarving while still teaching online. One part of my business goal is to "Inspire, instruct and equip chip carvers around the world"
I'm glad it's coming through from me to you and hopefully to other members.
Have a great day and may your chips be smooth!"
And finally, after I helped Doris solve a computer problem she was having when it came to watching my videos, she graciously replied,
"Thanks for not giving up on me, I can now access the videos on my IPad with no problem. I will recommend “My Chip Carving” to all my fellow carvers at PWCC and relate the attention you gave to solving my problem. It’s so gratifying in this day and age to be dealing with someone who really cares and responds with personal service."
These are just a few examples of how your words encourage me!
Thank you!
And I hope my words and instruction inspire you and help you enjoy our great craft, chip carving!
