Tabula Rasa

So my back is a little sore.

I went back up to the ancestral homestead this past weekend to spend some time with the family. I got the chance to split wood while I was up, which is something I really enjoy. (I'm honest enough to admit that there is an inverse correlation between my enjoyment of splitting wood and my dependancy on it for light heat and power.) I'm not sure why I get such a kick out of it.

There's simply something calming, peaceful even about being able to focus on something entirely physical. No mental distractions - even, no physical distractions out in the woods - just complete attention on that block of wood, scanning it for knots and subtle cracks. Then the heft and whistle of a 10-pound maul.

Concentration, you see, is a key element of splitting wood with a 10-pound maul. All it takes is one little glance, one slight waver and the best case scenario is that you just chip the block, or thud it into a knot (damn you white oak!). Worst case, of course, is that you bury it in your foot. Concentration is key.

So my back is a little sore. It's worth it.