Doreen McGettigan

Katie Fehlinger spent 15 years weather anchoring and reporting for tv and radio at both the national and local level. She’s now an author, public speaker, content creator, and will forever be a DIY junkie.

At lunch time I watched her on TV.

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I know its cliché, but the weeks seem to be floating by leaving me feeling like I’m missing something or not living life to the fullest. One of my goals for this year is to slow my days down and to be present and mindful of each, and every minute. Another goal is to find something to be grateful for in each season. Keeping track of my favorites, flops and good food weekly has been a great exercise in consistent blogging, and a way to remember and be grateful.

My first favorite memory of the week is my #5 granddaughter, Adriana Jean turned 10! Everyone says where does the time go but seriously I clearly remember anxiously awaiting my daughters scheduled c-section date. Adriana couldn’t wait and decided to come early creating a chaotic emergency c-section.

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Friday Fragments are bits and pieces of your week that are usually brief; too short for a stand-alone post, but too good to discard. Collect humorous observations, “Heard” items, and other small gems throughout your week and put them together in a Friday Fragments post. Add a recipe or something ‘foodie’ from your week. Leave me a link in the comments so I can read your fragments!

I am really starting to dislike the last week of the month! For some reason I am struggling to accomplish my monthly goals. Saying life gets in the way is the truth but it is a poor excuse for not managing my time effectively.

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Writing Wednesday

On Wednesdays I like to share information, stuff I learned on my journey of writing, being published and marketing two (almost 3) books!

Writing Conferences

It’s that exciting time of year again, the time when writers with a dream and writers that are living the dream come together to network, share and most importantly to learn from and support each other. Many years ago when I was dreaming of becoming a writer I attended the Philadelphia Writers Conference. Back then word processors were the ‘new thing.’

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Friday Fragments are bits and pieces of your week that are usually brief; too short for a stand-alone post, but too good to discard. Collect humorous observations, “Heard” items, and other small gems (hint: a notebook is helpful) and put them together in a Friday Fragments post. Then leave a link to your Friday Fragments post in the comments…

I hate being the person that says, “Wow this week went really fast,” because time really doesn’t move faster or slower, right? Whatever, this week and the short month of February seemed to go by really fast.

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I waited a long time for my prince charming. They say be careful what you wish for. My Prince Charming is kind, supportive and understanding with me. He is also all of those things with everyone who crosses his path. There was no reason for me to be surprised when he came home one night with an elderly homeless woman.

Sophie was eighty-years-old, homeless and mentally ill. I wanted to know how she got to that point in her life where she didn’t have one friend or relative to take her in from the cold and had no choice but to trust us, virtual strangers. Yesterday was her birthday. We miss her.

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Insecure Writers support group

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak.Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

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Its release day for The Stranger In My Recliner! I am overwhelmed and filled with gratitude for all of the kind words about Sophie’s story. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart!

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Traci has taken the reins at Friday Fragments!

Welcome to Friday Fragments. If you haven’t fragged before, Friday Fragments is a place to share those thoughts, quips, and tidbits that don’t quite make a whole post, e.g. fragments or frags. I host every Friday and would love for you to join in. Please link up and visit other Fraggers.

http://www.astarinmyownuniverse.com/2015/10/08/friday-fragments-16-2/

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My week was pretty unremarkable until yesterday.

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I have always been fascinated with woodworkers. Someone that can take a plain piece of wood and create a piece of furniture, a door or even an entire house with their bare hands and the oldest and most basic of tools in my eyes is a true artist.

While scrolling through posts on Instagram a few weeks ago a photo of a gorgeous door caught my eye. I liked the photo and continued looking through Richard Voroscak’s photo’s and then his profile. I was equally surprised to learn that he was from, and still lived in my hometown of Bristol, Pa.

He specializes in historic reproduction and restoration but he can make anything.

I fell in love with his work and I am so excited to introduce you to him and to share his work with you.

The Interview:

Thank you so much Richard for taking the time to introduce us to your work…

Has social media changed the way you do business and if so how?

I do a lot of work here in Bristol Borough and it’s all because people know me or by word of mouth. I started an Instagram account to show the work I am doing to a broader audience and hopefully meet up with more designers or architects that will ask me about doing work. It is also really great to connect with other woodworkers and see what they’re up to and they’re not just in the US, I’ve even connected with a woodworker from the UK.

When did you discover you had a talent for creating with wood?

As a young kid in my parent’s basement I made a wood lathe out of two pieces of wood and a bow and I was actually able to use it for a while!

You started your woodworking/cabinetmaking business twelve years ago. Can you tell us the story of why you started that business, was it something you always wanted to do or out of necessity?

This is something I always wanted to do! I started on a framing crew then moved on to a finishing crew when I was younger. I was fortunate enough to meet a great cabinetmaker who taught me his skills. I worked for 3 cabinetmakers before I decided I wanted to work for myself.

Do you work with reclaimed or recovered wood?

No, I don’t use reclaimed or recovered wood. I do a lot of historic reproduction work though using new materials.

What is your preference, joinery or nails and screws?

I prefer joinery to nails and screws because that’s the way they did it back in the day and the way I feel it still should be done! It’s more authentic.

What is the worst woodworking injury you sustained?

A table saw cut my thumb. Reason: It was sitting on the floor, not a TABLE. Lesson learned!

Do you display your work or is everything custom?

Everything is custom. I have several designers and architects who hire me to do custom work and I do work for a lot of individuals and local businesses as well.

Do you have a website?

No website, but I’m trying to use my Instagram as a web landing page.

What is the most sentimental piece you’ve ever made?

A cradle I made for my daughter and my 7 grandkids. I made it because I knew it would be passed down. It’s made out of cherry wood and hand carved.

What is your favorite thing about Bristol?

I was born and raised here and I know everyone! My entire family lives here too so I see them all the time.

My favorite pieces are the cradle, the custom bunk bed and the custom door.

Please stop over and follow Richard on Instagram and check out some more of his amazing pieces.

https://instagram.com/ravcabinetmaker

 I came across this article and thought it was so important.

Why We Should Bring Back Vocational Training in Schools…

http://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholaswyman/2015/09/01/why-we-desperately-need-to-bring-back-vocational-training-in-schools/

Keep it positive and powerful,

Doreen