Recently, I proclaimed to a couple of tractor friends, “I may be too stupid to own antique tractors.” There may be truth to that statement, but I’m willing to take measures to be smarter.

I’m fortunate to have the right people in my inner circle. If not for them, my venture in owning certain tractors would be for not. I admit that I rely greatly on  their expertise. 

I monitor certain Facebook groups. A member of the Shaw Du-all group managed to acquire two N model tractors, an N5 and an N8W. He immediately put the N5 up for resale. I was aware, but I didn’t seriously consider making a bid for it. Not right away.

The N5 was still for sale. The second owner was willing to let it go. Last fall, we came to terms on purchase,and I made arrangements to pick it up. The tractor was in TN.

The previous owner informed me he could only find a forward and reverse gear. He also was having difficulty getting the little tractor to run. He bypassed the original coil and went the modern route. Of course, a more modern coil needed a 12 volt power source. He ingeniously hid the battery well. The man had a good plan. Unfortunately…..well, I’m getting ahead of myself.

The N5 went directly to my friend Steve Farmer. He had a pretty good idea why the transmission had a problem. The shifting forks were out of sinc.

Steve is my go-to mechanic and also my assistant in research. Jerry Rawlings is my go-to fabricator. Jerry was still working on my R8 at the time.

Authors note~ Jerry had a glimpse of the N5 on its way to Steve’s shop. He informed me that the automotive coil and battery needed to go. He wanted an opportunity to look it over.

Steve discovered the problem of why the transmission wasn’t correct. Unfortunately, he was ailing last winter and not up to demands of shop work. Jerry got his wish. After the R8 left to be painted, the N5 replaced it in his shop.

The N5 had been neglected. The paint made it look good, but there were issues and more issues.

The transmission wasn’t a big problem for a fabricator that built three tractors from spare parts. The engine was more of a battle.

The first thing Jerry discovered was that the original coil was so far out of time it was never going to fire properly. It was also weak. Jerry discovered the cylinder walls were lightly scored. He gave me a choice. Overhaul or replace with another engine.

I was actually ready to search out another power plant. I had luck finding an engine for the R8. Jerry wasn’t of the same faith. He wasn’t sure good lighting would strike twice. Under his advice, he overhauled.

Even now, I’m going to proclaim. I am not impressed with the Briggs and Stratton 14FBC engine. That wasn’t the company’s best effort. Maybe I’m mostly disgusted with the unavailability of parts now. I had a difficult time finding a replacement coil. A new friend in RI came through with some help on that.

Jerry managed to get the engine running, and the tractor was moving and stopping as it should. It’s all adjusted correctly, and linkages are right.

Of course, Jerry made a couple of improvements. He made a step

Jerry also spaced the rear wheels for a wider footprint. I’ll reveal why that was necessary when we discuss another tractor project. I also own the N8W now, but that’s a story for another time.

I opened this article with a proclamation. Well, I leave it to your call. It’s not a good idea to overfill the crankcase. That tends to get past the rings and foul the sparkplug.

I actually did my own repair, okay with the advice from Steve. Jerry and another long-time partner in crime, Kevin Periman.

Jerry had warned that the spark plug needed to be replaced. Well, it’s really necessary when an idiot kills it. Maybe I’m being too hard on myself, but I need a harsh critic for positive self-improvement.

The right sparkplug is getting hard to come by. That didn’t surprise me. The fates smiled on me. I found one or two. After a little fumbling on my part, the little machine purred like it did when Jerry sent it home with me. At least for now. The little engine smokes a little, but it’s old, I’ll allow that.

Kevin and I got a little creative. The seat was too low and uncomfortable. Not now! It’s good to have friends that weld and have metal scrap laying around

I also came up with a toolbox for it. Got to have somewhere for the pull rope.

Another frustrating fact, I’m not discovering much in my research about the N models. If the basis for year of manufacture is from the engine. This N5 was built in 1954. Jerry hinted that the engine may not be original. He read that the 14FBC didn’t have a long life expectancy. Is there any truth to his theory? The transmission and rear-end date from the late 30s or 40s  Did Stanley hold off  in creating the N series until the 50s?

My personal opinion is that I like the N model a little better than the R model. The N is more operator friendly. It’s an easier tractor to mount. I think the clutch, transmission, and rear-end are more stout. I also think the tractor’s balance is far better. Both my R8 and R12T have front wheel weight to counter a light front end. The N models don’t seem to need the extra weight. That’s just my opinion. Who am I to judge?

There is a little town in  southeast KS that was founded in 1871. Oklahoma wasn’t even a state yet. The era of gun toting outlaws and native Americans still were at large. Kansas was mostly roving prairie,maybe a little wheat. Galesburg was a young town on a vast land.

Stanley Wilbur Shaw was born on a nearby farm 10 years later. His early years would prove him to be imaginative and an inventor. He decided to build his own tractor after seeing one. His tractor was built of wood and human powered by cranking a handle with one hand and operating it with the other. This may seem pretty crude and simple, but Stanley was 9 at the time.

At age 14, Stanley built his own steam engine. The engine was built from pump parts and odds and ends Shaw found. Stanley was notoriously good at re porpousing. He must have come by that talent early.

Stanley built his bicycle. The wheels were borrowed from his father’s planter. Stanley didn’t ride his bike in the spring. Dad needed his wheels back.

Shaw created his own gas-powered engine in 1902. His engine found one of its first uses to propel his bicycle. He must have gotten tired of pedaling. With the planter wheels, I can’t say I blame him. Stanley was one of the first to have a motorized vehicle in that part of Kansas. Not surprisingly, I’m sure horses were still a major source of transportation. In 1905, his engine found a patent.

At the turn of the century, young Stanley had a watch repair shop. While he repaired and sold watches, he also built his engines. He sold his engines mostly as kits for the do it yourselfers. His bicycle conversion saw production numbers of 13000. Remember, Kansas still wasn’t civilized. Shaw was taking part in helping that.

Shaw built a car the Shaw Mobile in 1908. He improved that making a second version in  1922, the Shaw Speedster. That two seater could reach the high speed of 25mph and was easy on fuel. Was there a fuel concern back then?

In 1923, Shaw created kits converting Model Ts into tractors. This endeavor continued until 1931. Through the time period, the consumer could also purchase the kits for a model A ,Chevrolet, and Dodge brands.

Shaw purchased a motorcycle factory in Kokomo IN during 1911. Instead of relocating,  He expanded the housing of his business on his own property. He had been persuaded to stay in Kansas by his father.

Shaw’s main business remained headquartered in Galesburg until he retired. He sold his manufacturing plant to Bush Hog in 1962 with the stipulation that Bush Hog retained his employees. The terms were agreed on.

In personal life, Stanley was wed twice. He married Mary Jane Byrne (1877-1934) in   1910. The Widower Shaw married Nora Shaw (1886 – 1969). His first wife birthed a son and daughter. Stanley Byrne, 1911 – 1961, passed away at age 50, Margaret,  Stanley’s daughter, lived to a very old age like her father, 1914 -2009. Shaw has heirs, more than likely still with us, from Stanley Byrne. Margaret never married.

Shaw had interests in photography. The pictures in his advertisements were taken by his hand unless he was featured in the photo.

Stanley Wilbur passed away a little past his   100th birthday, of April 12th. He died May 24, 1981.

Photography credit unknown. Thank you Syndney Shaw for sharing to the internet.

I have been approached recently on my insights on tractor values. I won’t claim to be an expert on the topic, but I do have some advice. Maybe that and an added two cents probably wouldn’t buy anything. None the less, here is my story.

I started collecting Shaw Du-alls a few years ago. I went from not even knowing they exist to the point of having four in my collection now. There have been pitfalls on my collection journey. I may have made mistakes. Maybe I have gone too far, spent too much, but that’s just me.

One great take away is I’ve made some great friends.  The advice to me has been a strong asset. I may have not always listened as close to what they told me though. That’s not a complaint. I hold myself accountable to my decisions

My first Shaw was purchased on auction. It was a 1951 R12T. The tractor was probably original paint. It had good tires. I learned later, after my second purchase, it wasn’t complete. I’m embarrassed to admit the adrenaline of bidding pushed me, and I had strong competition. I paid too much for what it was. That was proven on resell. I only got half of my investment back. Lesson learned

The second add was another much nicer R12T.  This one was brought to my attention via Facebook. I was directed to the seller and we agreed on a price. Many prospective bidders wouldn’t match his asking price, but I was willing. I also was willing to travel the distance to bring it home.

There is a couple take away. Know your budget and understand others may have a larger one. Don’t be afraid of a little competition if you are willing to compete. If not, don’t take it personally.

Another take away, be willing to travel. Not everything is right next door.

I had every intention to restore my first Du-all. After my discovery of the second one, I realized that the tractor wasn’t complete. It would take alot to recreate the tractor I have now.  I put the first tractor up for auction.

That’s another consideration. Restoration is expensive and difficult. Finding parts can be a challenge.

I tend to shy away from project tractors. I don’t have the necessary time to dedicate to projects. In a lot of instances, I don’t have the expertise either. I’m fortunate to know the right people, though.

I don’t always follow my imposed rule, My next Du-all was a major project. I also didn’t go searching for it, the tractor found me. The story about this tractor can be read in two recent posts on this blog. The “Barn Find” and The R8 “Barn Find” Revealed.

The recommended readings will explain the challenges in the restoration process. Even a cheap tractor costs money to create a polished jewel.

I picked up two more Du-alls during a holiday trip to Tennessee. My N5 had been purchased on advanced arrangement. The N8 became available right before my trip.

Both sellers made me aware that the tractors had issues. That’s to be expected with old tractors. The N5 had a transmission problem. The former owner also had problems getting the little tractor to run correctly. To be honest, if not for my go-to guys, I would have left the N5 in Tennessee.  The transmission wasn’t a complecated problem. The shift lever needed a little repair to work correctly. At the time of this article, the N5 is currently getting an overhaul.

The N8 can be cantankerous. Its former owner confessed he had problems getting the Wisconsin power to start. My diagnosis was a magneto problem. I don’t know how to fix a magneto, but my friend Jerry Rawlings does. The tractor is still cantankerous, though. Maybe it’s just the nature of a  Wisconsin engine.

There is another consideration besides the amount spent for purchase. I originally only planned to paint the hood and grill on the N8. Doug Edwards, owner of Edwards Tractor Restoration, has helped make up my mind to paint the whole tractor. The work he did on the R8 reinforced it was a good decision.

I bought the tractor at a good enough price that the cost of painting won’t “put me upside down” in value. I have more money in the tractor that I can’t recoupe. Of course, I have no intent to sell.

I used my four Shaw Du-alls as an example for this article. My parting words of advice.

You get what you pay for. Shaw Du-alls are the perfect example of my point. These tractors are a little rare, and they can command a high asking price. If you’re not willing to ante up, maybe owning a Du-all isn’t right for you. Sorry to be harsh!

Do your research! Even good-looking tractors will have issues. There might be a reason if the machine is priced reasonably. Starting cost is only the first factor.

That’s my advice, if you’re looking to buy happy hunting! If you already own one, congratulations! You made a great investment in history. If you’re trying to sell, be honest, and don’t be afraid to hold firm on your asking price. The right buyer will appreciate the tractor’s worth.

It’s sad to see what our society has cone too. Modern technology, although it’s a great convenience, brings on a new stream of cyber criminals. We even have to guard against foul play in our recreational pursuits.

I personally haven’t become a victim to a scammer yet. I have witnessed an intended snare a few times. If a person is careful, doing their research, they should come out safely unscathed.

I am old enough to remember when Craigslist was a very popular outlet for buying and selling. Those days came to a close when the odds of a scam out numbered the chances of a legitimate trade. Many have gravitated to Facebook Marketplace, but sadly the scams grow more everyday.

Early this year, an uncommon Gibson tractor became available on Marketplace. The Model D was under priced. The tractor was immaculately restored and worth far more than the asking price. With that potential, response to the listing should have been fast. My suspension was raised, noting the advertisement was over a week old.

I personally looked closer at the pictures. Clues can be discovered in the background as tells of legitimacy. There were other uncommon tractors in the background. This caused me to question why the tractor was priced so low. What was wrong with it?

Best offer was included in his ask. I made a lower reasonable offer, which the seller ignored. Either the seller was valuing the tractor from others, there was something wrong, or the sale was a scam. At any rate, it was the latter.

The inspiration for this article happened recently. Shaw Du-all tractors are not very common. Nice restorations are even rarer. I belong to a Facebook group of fans, and I dare say we have a good idea of where the nice ones are located and who owns them.

The scammer should have done more research before  making a foolish attempt. Of course, the scammer must have felt more intelligent and thought very little of the public’s thinking. Probably the proper mindset of a scammer.

Supposedly, he was located in Western Illinois and was finally tired of the care and maintenance. He only took the tractor to parades and fairs and he was ready to part with it. The little old lady driving to church on Sunday mentality.

The tractor was priced too low for what it was. The rareness and condition could command a much higher price. The pictures weren’t totally clear. The problem for the scammer was that the pictures were also familiar. I wasn’t the only one to recognize that.

There are several Shaw enthusiasts in Illinois. I don’t have the good fortune to know all of them, but I do have an idea where the tractors are. This particular pictured Du-all was not even in Illinois

Long story short, the scammer was instantly discovered and outed. The moral of the story…Scammers aren’t that good at thievery, but they still try.. As consumers, we all need to beware and extremely careful. What seems too good to be true generally isn’t!

Pronounce me crazy, I’ll own it. If I’m shopping on Facebook Marketplace, you’ll never hear me complain “I wish that was closer.” I’ve traveled to, OH, TN. MO, and even MI during the winter.  Enduring lake affect snow should demonstrate my determination. If I want a tractor I WILL go get it!

Last spring, I found one in the neighborhood. Or rather, maybe it found me. I knew there was another Shaw Du-all close by. The tractor really didn’t cross my mind though. I have my R12T and I’m happy with that.

The two following pictures were my first introduction

The pictures appeared via a text from Digger Dave Kemp, with no explanation.  My phone soon rang. Digger explained the tractor pictured was for sale, but Duane Stone had a particular buyer targeted.

Duane knew of a guy in New Berlin with the last name Shaw. Stoney thought that guy should be the next owner. Evidently, membership to some clubs does have privilege. Since then I’ve bought two more because the sellers think a Shaw should own a Shaw.

I tend to shy away from projects. I don’t have time and the readership knows Im not the most mechanically apt. Me good fortune is I know a guy! Actually more than one, damn my good luck!

Introducing my friend Steve Farmer . Steve is a MAJOR great help. He deserves much credit for helping me do research, hunt down parts, shares his wisdom and advice in discussions. He also has time to turn wrenches when I don’t. The tractor received a bath and spent a few months in his shop.

Besides the tractor being a Du-all we didn’t know what model we had. There was also an issue of year of manufacturer. Shaw tractors are dated by the engine. The barn find had a kobbled together 1971 Briggs & Stratton. Shaw manufacturing went out of business in 1962. See the problem?

After two attempts. The second engine I purchased was the better choice. I had the right era Briggs shipped from Kansas City, MO.

Another problem Steve and I researched was missing parts. A major hunt was for the hood and grill. We had determined the tractor was an R model. We weren’t certain on what size, though. The number is determined by horsepower.  Obviously, a 71 wasn’t original.  Steve and I had discovered the grill was actually cast and totally different from the RT hood and grill.

A R7 came up for auction last fall in IN.

I saw that tractor and knew I had to bid. There was a hood, and the add plus of lift mechanisms. The problem was, it was a live auction occurring during the heat of harvest. The auctioneer was very accommodating. I bid by phone. The adrenaline rush is the same as being there. The auctioneer was gracious enough to hold my win until I could go pick it up. Road trip! My friend  Steve Grant and I made the journey to Lafayette on my next day off.

I almost switched tractors for the restoration. Note, in the pictures, the different frame. Du-all generally has a rounded forward frame. The “A” frame was also a distinct Shaw look. I opted to continue with the Stone tractor since it’s not so far gone.  Kevin Periman and I have plans for the parts tractor, but that will be another story

The project needed a fabricator for completion. Steve Farmer had the wisdom to pass, and I knew the perfect candidate to carry on. A man who has the experience to build tractors from scratch. The R8 was moved to Jerry Rawlings’ shop.

The new engine didn’t marry up to the clutch housing. Jerry designed a adapter. The clutch had issues that were addressed Jerry updated it with adjustable linkage

Jerry had a hood, but had no idea how it fit. There were issues with the oil bath air cleaner. The tube was extended and the intake manfold needed a quarter turn for the carburetor to fit.

The clutch housing covers were built and Jerry added a dash with left over sheet steel. Jerry modified the fuel tank from factory. Jerry fastened the tank to the hood, rather than bracing it to the clutch house. The dash board is non factory improvement.

I have often wondered what Stamley Shaw had thought of Jerry had they met. Stanley lived until 1981. It could have happened.

The brakes were shot! No problem after a holiday wait for needed parts Jerry has the problem solved

Check out the swinging draw bar and the added tool tray.

The tractor’s next destination will be Edwards Tractor Restoration. Doug will handle the final step, shining the little jewel to its restorative glory.

I’m looking forward to the reveal very soon.

Not sure where to explore for a vacation? Cindy Ladage is an experienced traveler and she has composed a guide.

Not only does her ebook discuss great locations of discovery, she helps the traveler find other points of interest.

Cindy gave me the good fortune to preview her work before she submitted it to the public. I highly recommend any farming enthusiasts to obtain their own copy.

Cindy shares the guide in her well-known style. Those that follow her blog Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl will easily become familiar with her presentation.

Her choices, for the book, cover destinations in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana. She tells about great attractions all the way down in Mississippi and Louisiana. Anywhere that the farm culture is present. As well traveled as Cindy has been, I had to imagine she had tough decisions on which points of interest to discuss. Of course, without limitation, the book would have many pages.

Could there be a sequel in the works? Link to purchase follows

Agricultural Treasures Guidebook

I haven’t been really active this year among the tractor crowd. I only participated in one show. Interest in my  Harley won more attention. That doesn’t mean I haven’t clandestinely been on the hunt for interesting new tractors for purchase.

I’ve actually acquired four tractors. I’ve been somewhat secretive, but I have hinted I’ve been up to no good.

All four are Shaw Du-alls. I keep telling myself the reason has nothing to do with vanity.  Yes they were built by a guy named Shaw. Stanley was a lot smarter though. He lived a very productive 100 years.

My fascination with Shaw tractors has more to do with the rareness. They’re not real common. Very little is known about them. Records were destroyed in !962 when Bush Hog bought Shaw’s business.

My first acquisition was a barn find. Digger Dave Kemp discovered the tractor in Duane Stones collection. Dave asked Duane if he was interested in selling. Duane replied that he was, but he heard there was a guy in New Berlin with the same last name as the tractor. Digger chuckled, telling Stoney he knew that guy!

My good friend Steve Farmer got involved. Not sure what I’d do without his expertise. Steve does a lot of mechanical work for me and helps with research.

We discovered the tractor didn’t have the original engine. There were missing parts, but with some attention and money it could be a shiny gem.

We found a Briggs & Straton power plant from the right era for the machine. The unfortunate point is we can’t exactly date the year of manufacture for the tractor, Or can we?

My next one was a parts buy. Although it may be resurrected. We’ll see. There were definitely some great parts for the barn find build.

By the way. Jerry Rawlings has also gotten involved in the barn find project. I may not claim to be adapted to mechanics, but I know the right people. Doug Edwards has been alerted that there will be need of a Krylon overhaul.

I did manage to gain a couple of implements with the parts tractor. That made that auction bid all that much sweeter.

I retrieved one,I bought last fall, while away on my TN vacation, Ironically, this one had been owned by another guy with the last name of Shaw.

Kevin Shaw is a very creative fellow, himself. If I’m not related to Stanley, he definitely is. Kevin admitted to be kindred spirits. Kevin likes to repurpose parts. Stanley was notorious for that.

On a side note ~ Kevin custom builds musical amplifiers. Just an FYI for my musical friends.

Another Shaw came up for sale before Thanksgiving. This N8W Wisconsin powered was homed in Clarksville. Tim Cash had actually bought both the N5 and N8. He only had wanted the 8 though. Tim sold the N5 to Kevin.

No offensive, but you Tennessee Boys don’t hang on to old tractors long! Maybe you two know something I should?

Anyway, Tim and I came to an agreement, and the tractors are together again. Currently, during the writing of this article, they’re snuggled together in a U-haul, Illinois bound.

Well, anyway, I may have been out of sight in the tractor world, but it wasn’t out of my mind. Happy Holidays, and I hope all my fellow collectors have been finding the right ones for their collection

I’ll be sharing further information as research progresses. Stanley Wilbur  has a pretty fascinating story.  As earlier stated, records have been lost and there is much fact and speculation to be sorted through.

Friday Morning ~ Most people who follow both Cindy Ladage and me would expect to hear about a trip from her. I’m sure she is somewhere amazing or preparing to embark.

Surprisingly, I’m the traveler, and Im in Nashville, TN. I am traveling with some friends or adopted family rather. It’s Friday morning, and I’m currently sitting on the front porch of my rented cabin.

So far I’ve discovered Nashville isn’t only the Country Music capital, It’s a great destination if one is a foodie. I can eat!

After our initial arrival, Wednesday, we dined in Paula Dean’s Kitchen. The food was excellent! Dinner was served family style all you can eat. No carry out with the exception of dessert.

No carry out? I completely understand why, but…. Is this rule strictly enforced? Here, hold my sweet tea, I got to try something!

Turns out there is no detector, or they do not police your bags as you leave.  I was successful slipping away with an il gotten chicken breast. Successful in a way, my fellow travelers have been given me  continued shame for my scientific curiosity.

Author’s note ~ I don’t recommend this experiment. If everyone began trying, the establishment WOULD need to search at the door. Let’s not steal the company profits.

Thanksgiving morning, we dinned at the Loveless Cafe. The theme was a fifties style. Rumor has it the stars would stop.now and again. There were pictures as proof.

The southern style food was slightly different from Georgia girl Paula. Of course, the fare was excellent. I had my first chicken and waffles served correctly and in the right region of the country. Egos and a chicken strip does not count. Not even close!

The Loveless Cafe is along the old main route between Memphis and Nashville. This route is lesser traveled now because of I-40. The Loveless is close to an exit, however. Don’t ask me where exactly it is, I wasn’t driving.

Okay so enough about the food!

I’m being guided, in a way. One of us spent six months living in Nashville. This helps! Destination, of interest, are easily found and alternative routes known. “I know a short cut!”

I have seen the Gaylord, Opry Mills mall, two need ladies shopping time, and we have cruised the downtown region. It would seem that most country stars make it big and buy a building.

Nashville has skyscrapers. They are impressive. On a sad note, I witnessed the aftermath of the bombing on 2nd Avenue. Even though the tragedy happened in 2020, the city is still cleaning up.

Later in the day ~  Today found us at the Nashville Farmer’s Market. The site has permanent roof shelters and a building. Everything one expects can be found. Of course, food, such as to be eaten there, but  produce is available. The typical arts and crafts were available. One young lady was weaving on an old time loom. Watching her brought back fond memories.

Another cool discovery was the Marathon factory site. One of the factory buildings has been restored for shopping, but the history of the factory remains. It’s a nice blend of historical equipment and shopping. Famed folks that host the show Ameren Pickers has a shop here

I’m with foodies, so we had to dine somewhere. Chicken must be the weekend theme. We made a stop at Haddie B’s Nashville Hot Chicken. Tennessee Chicken is warmer than Kentucky Fried. KFC may be more famous, but look out! Haddie can give Popeyes a run. Haddie wins….trust me.

I’m ashamed to admit, but it was my fault we didn’t go downtown and explore. It was just way too peoplely for me. I don’t do crowds well, and it was crowded.

The rest of the gang is going to the Grand Ole Opry tonight. Vince Gill is the headliner and they think Garth may sneak in for a surprise appearance. I hope they have that pleasure. I’m going to pass, though.

I’m in my rented cabin with plans of il gotten chicken for my supper. I have a glass of Jameson and Coke to sip, so I’m all set.

Tomorrow is my day of adventure. I’m on a mission to procure my latest acquisition. A 1948 Shaw Du-all model N5 has been in my possession since harvest. I’m also fortunate to be purchasing another Du-all while I’m here in TN. A model N8W this one is a little more rare because of the Wisconsin power.

More about that later. Have a great holiday weekend!

I have been a fan of a local water color artist for several years now. Kate Worman Becker creates amazingly wonderful paintings. She allowed me to commission a work that I’m planning as a Christmas gift. I plan to publish an article focusing on Kate in the near future.

Kate invited me into her current studio recently, when I was allowed my first viewing of Heritage the commissioned work. I must say, I could feel the creative energy the moment I entered her work space. That energy is the inspiration of this discussion.

Kate’s studio brought back fond memories of my mother’s sewing and quilting room. Olson’s room, the name that mom deemed her area, was where I first discovered creative energy.

A modern water color studio was nothing that I expected. The vision of a canvas on an easel, Kate working with brush in one hand a mixing board in the other. Her smock covered in drops of paint. That may be a romantic vision of a painter, but not the most practical.

  Kate’s easel is a drafting table. Water color runs, she works the painting in layers. If Kate worked in the “romantic” concept, her shoes would either be very colorful or the floor would. Again, I plan to share more about Kate in the future.

Doug Edwards is another painter, but his canvas is far different. Maybe it seems a very stretch, but in my thinking, Doug’s restoration shop is a artistic ground zero. It must be admitted that Doug turns out beauties that may even exceed factory specifications.

Maybe I’m just sensitive and more tuned, but I can feel the creative energy when I’m in Doug’s shop.

I mentioned my mom’s work space. “Olson’s Room” was above a oversized two car garage, making the area that large. There was a large long arm quilter, the 4′ × 16′ table the machine was mounted to dominated space. Mom had two sewing machines, a cutting table and shelves and steamer trunks to complete the feel.

Besides quilts and sewing, my mom dabbled in about anything cloth, she knitted, crocheted anything of the matter. Mom also made dolls and painted.

Some artists probably don’t need a fixed space to produce their art. My photography friends would need to go to their subjects. Musicians must go to the people to perform. Musicians probably have rooms where they go to practice, though.

Ryan King has a large room dominated with all his guitars. He can practice anywhere, but he probably  prefers there. I should ask him.

Even as an author, I have my own creative ground zero. I utilize my space more in novelist mode, though. My office has furniture that holds special meaning. That helps to inspire me. The most important tool beyond my computer is my big, too comfortable chair.

I’m more portable, per say, in journalist mode. My needed tools to report or blog is my smartphone. When I write in this discipline, I write anywhere and everywhere! This article is being composed as I sit behind the steering wheel of a semi. Don’t worry, I’m utilizing wasted time sitting in a grain line.

Unlike my best guess about Ryan King, I spoke to another journalist – Blogger. Cindy Ladage is more experienced and more successful. My  incorrect assumption was  that Cindy wrote more “portable”.

Surprisingly, even though Cindy does write wherever is convenient, she does have a favorite place to pen.

Cindy shared that her place of business is her kitchen. This is where her main computer is set up. It also gives her the convenience of looking out the window to view her cherished farm. Even a traveling lady needs the sights of her home.

I focused on a few local more known artists among us. The truth is, there are MANY more in the Antique Iron Mafia circle with wonderful artistic talents

I am thankful for our artists. Without them our world would hold no color