The Sticks
Exposing my children to real life instances of generosity and kindness is difficult, because in this world people rarely give without expecting to get.
So I loved taking my kids to meet The Stickman.
He's a man who lives near a popular hiking trail in my town and enjoys sharing his time and talent with anyone who happens to be passing by.
What does he do? He makes sticks. Actually, he makes the most beautiful walking sticks, sanded and polished to glassy smoothness, then encrusted with assorted gems.
And then he gives them away.
To anyone who asks.
Like most people, I'm not accustomed to such a generous spirit. When I first heard of him, I was a bit skeptical. But one day a few weeks ago we found ourselves near his home and decided to stop.
The Stickman took the time to show us many of his projects, from the walking sticks made of apple and hemlock to the carefully crafted bullroarer and didgeridoo that he demonstrated for us. He also let my kids look over his special collection of gem stones and rare shells while he patiently explained what they were and how he got them.
In the process, he taught us all an important lesson about selflessness and giving. Generosity can be practiced in many ways. Even a simple walking stick can be a powerful example of how one person can make the world a better place.
Thanks Stickman!
Permalink posted by Phil at 12:49 PM
19 Comments:
Not often that you get people like that anymore. Isn't it sad how we are sceptical of situations like that? WE have all come to expect there to be a catch.
Sadly, my kids have never really met anyone like that.
How cool!
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Rajiv, we don't keep our kids in a bubble... They are influenced by more than just what happens at home. Think of what an uphill parenting battle it would be if the only examples of kindness our kids saw were in the home.
Personally, I love having my lessons reinforced when we go out into the community. It tells my kids that their daddy isn't "full of it."
Plus, sometimes kids just listen better to others, like a coach or a scoutmaster because they've learned to tune their parents out!
What a wonderful person the stickman is. How great for you that you were given this opportunity to show your children what generosity is really about.
rajiv, clearly you are not a regular reader of this blog, otherwise you wouldn't ask Phil about teaching generosity--that is something he is clearly doing every day.
I agree with you Phil, no matter how many times a parent can tell something to a kid, they just tend to listen to others more, at least we can have a 'come back' and say 'told you so' LOL!
What a wonderful guy Mr Stickman.
Totally cool and ya know I think it would be even cooler to go and give the stickman something, hmmmmmmmm what could my children and myself do for him? maybe just some cookies? got any ideas? and where would we find this individual? We are a homeschooling family who also live in North Idaho. I ran across your blog while reading about the poor display of true humanity displayed at Dave Smith Motors. We also experienced the chaos that evening. We will be hosting a private egg hunt for polite non-selfish children on our ten acres next Easter and we will certainly extend the invitation to you and your children
Blessings
Mothereagle
The Stickman can be found near the East Trailhead for Tubbs Hill. I think most weekend afternoons he's out in front of his house whittling and polishing walking sticks.
that just sounds amazing...how generous.....how thoughtful...how fun and cool that is.
- Jon
- Daddy Detective
- www.daddydetective.com
Everyone's comments were very nice, now you will all have to come by for a stick. No catch or no strings, except you have to spend a few moments with me. I have a class from Sorenson School coming by soon, that's about 30 kids standing in front of me wondering what the heck I am doing. It's a simple lesson for them, not everything is for sale in this life, some things are done for the pure love of doing it. I have given up T.V. for the most part, spend very little time on the computer, and have no cell phone. So that gives me quite a bit of time to devote to something I really enjoy doing. I sit outside every single day, year round and work on various sticks I find or that people bring to me. Each can take at least a couple of hours and I have given away over 2000 in the past few years. I have many kids that just come by to talk and to browse, something to do on a boring day. It's mostly a neighborhood thing, but more and more people hear about me and come by. I have never sold one, and started out just wanting to make one for myself, as they were hard to find one to buy and even then way too expensive. I now have over 30 favorites that I wouldn't give away and walk with a different one of those each day. It's a simple pleasure for me and it also let's me meet many people from all walks of life and many from other countries. The weekend afternoons are best, but I am also there most afternoons except Monday and Tuesday, when I work. So please come by and never feel uncomfortable about it, I will make you feel welcome and the kids will love it. Thanks again for all the nice things everyone has said, especially Family Phil. The Stickman
Darn. I missed out on all the fun with Rajiv.
I wish I was in Idaho. The Stickman sounds like a guy I would like to meet.
Mike,
Rajiv and I mutually agreed to delete our snarky posts.
And now he owes me a CD.
I have know Stickman for a few years now and he is not your normal every day person. He walks to the beat of a different drummer, which is refreshing this day & age. His walk is more generous than wordly. Money is not his #1 motivator, he is more motivated by sunsets and sunrises, huckle berries & making walking sticks. He is a special & unique spirit!
Mad Max
Sounds like what Spalding Gray would refer to as a "Perfect Moment"
Good for you Phil and good for you Stickman - for not letting this world spoil the kindness that is in your heart and your honest intentions.
There are some (many) lessons that, to be truly learned and understood and appreciated, must be learned and experienced in reality and not on the page or in the home.
Phil is constantly putting his children in a position to soak in the world (both good and bad - I remember the trash on the beach) and follows up with real-life lessons that hopefully were made more powerfull by living them and not simply hearing them.
Hey Phil:
A CD will, indeed, be coming your way. It is actually from a former student of mine - Justin Roth.
His latest album is "Shine" and I've been really enjoying it. If you want a preview, you can find it at http://www.justinroth.com/
- Rajiv
Stickman Rocks!!
I *heart* the Stickman! So glad you and your kids enjoyed your foray into his world. He's the best!
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