When it comes to hobbies, it is hard to beat the relaxing feeling of building something from scratch. There are few things in life that can bring that type of relaxation, but woodworking in your garage or shop with just your tools, your music and your thoughts is the best.

I think I built my first chess board when I was about 12 and have been hooked ever since. It has evolved into a wonderful hobby that has been with me for a long time. When things were stressful at home or things were stressful at work, all I had to do was walk into my wood shop and from the first step through the door, all the tension would go away. Sound familiar?

I often wonder what it is about the woodworking that is so relaxing. I know most people have their own reasons but for me it is magical. I've often tried to put a finger on it but I think it is the anticipation of the build and the final product. And the fact it is built by me and me alone. It starts with thinking about what I am going to build, the excitement, the anticipation of getting all the pieces together for the build. The vision of the final result. And I also believe it is the solitude from being in the shop by yourself on a mission and deep in thought.

I also believe it is the smells of the wood, the sounds of the tools and the whole experience. I have solved many a problem within the wood shop deep in thought. It just happened naturally while cutting a piece of wood or putting some glue on a strip. Like I said, it is hard to put an exact finger on it but I think it is an accumulation of many things. The other great thing is sharing this joy of woodworking with my kids.

Being able to share the joy of woodworking with all my kids has been a real connecting point for our relationships. I can honestly say we are closer today because of the times we spent building something together or just talking in the shop. It has also led them to a hobby that they can enjoy for themselves and for their kids for years to come.

There is only one other hobby that comes close to this and that is being on the ocean with a fishing rod in hand and the smell of the ocean breeze. It is the one thing that will take me away to a place where problems are solved, stress is whisked away and life is put back into perspective. Now if I could only put an ocean in my woodshop, I would never leave it!

I guess the next project will be a wooden beach chair and table so I can put my margarita on it while I have my fishing pole in the sand. Here's to the joy of woodworking and all the wonderful things it can bring to your life!