Silver Spoon Ring {Wordless Wednesday}

davis family silver spooncut spoon from handle pound ring into shapesolder into band

yank ring off handfamily silver spoon ringspoon ring

 

The spoon: sterling silver teaspoon that belonged to Alex's grandmother The D: for Davis, her maiden name, my great grandparent's last name, my late grandfather's first name The jeweler: my uncle Mike Tayse The spoon ring: Created Sunday, August 5 in Mike's one-man backyard studio in Painesville Ohio

Aside: Mike is an amazing Ohio certified K-12 art and reading teacher who needs a job. If you know of a school looking for a creative, qualified teacher, please send them to Mike Tayse's resume site.

Fathers

I am surrounded by fantastic fathers. These inspiring, caring men enrich the lives of Lil and I:

child playing harmonica with grandfatherteaching a child to fishgrandfather granddaughter at wedding

l to r - Mitch, my dad; Mike, my uncle; Tom, Alex's dad, click to enlarge

My dad, Mitch, is patient and funny. He encouraged his four girls to be strong curious women, enduring the resulting loud and confusing dinner conversations. I clearly picked up Dad's love for the outdoors, good food and strong drink. Speaking of eats, allow me to add home cook extraordinaire Uncle Mike to this list. While not a biological father, Mike opens his heart and home my cousins and myself with as much generosity and kindness as a father would. He's a fun-loving man, always creating something, always ready for an adventure.

Tom, Alex's father, inspires me to think and question. He has been a father figure in my life as long as I can remember. I admire that he is a life long learner, fearless traveler, and hard-working artist. Most of all I thank Tom for his part in raising his son, my partner.

child and father birdwatchingBecause of the men I grew up with, I expected that Alex would be an engaged dad. He is. Alex includes Lil in his interests, patiently answers her questions about history and language, and is a great friend to her friends. He is a curious cook, keeping us in bread and sausage, and always pushing us to try new things.

I am painfully aware that many, if not most, women never experience such strong and loving fathers. I am thankful for Dad, Uncle Mike, Tom, and Alex every day, but especially this day. Happy Father's Day, y'all!