A Message from Billy 2-shews

[Johanna]

Bill Stockil (aka Billy 2-shews) joined the forum this weekend, and you wonderful people immediately flooded him with hellos and questions via PM. He appreciates all the mail, but asked me to tell you folks what's going on with him, as answering all the mail is rather overwhelming to him at this time.

Billy had a series of cerebral strokes that have left the right side of his body paralyzed and he is now blind in one eye. He hung up "The Assassin" (Billy's famous carpenters hammer) and has been recuperating in Europe, near the home of one of his sons.

He said he is enjoying looking at all the projects and pieces on the board, and reading the posts, but that it's difficult and time-consuming to type responses. I offered to do that part for him, and he accepted. So- if you want to ask him a question or send fan mail, post it here or send it to 2shews@leatherworker.net and he'll read it. You'll get an answer from Billy through my email or PM, but expect to wait a bit, as not all days are optimum for him to respond.

He asked me to tell you all how much it means to know that so many people care, and to thank you all for your good wishes. Your messages of concern and friendship are warmly received. Billy is glad to have so many understanding and caring friends.

Here is a treat:

http://marycombes.com/index.html

Billy's wife, Mary, is an amazing watercolor artist. Her son-in-law did this site to display some of her work. Click the link and be prepared to have your socks knocked off.

Thanks everybody for welcoming Billy back. We've all missed him, and I'm glad he's going to be checking in with us as his time and his health permits.

Johanna

[ClayB]

Johanna,

There are probably some people here that don't know Billy and haven't seen his work. Any chance you could post some pictures of the masterpieces his tools sacrificed their lives for while he was beating them to death with "the assasin"??

Hi Billy It's great to have you here!!!

[Johanna]

Good idea, ClayB!

That one is, of course, my favorite.

Here are some of his pics from the old website. Remember kids, this is all done on leather!

http://leatherworker.net/Gallery/index.htm

~J

[ArtS]

I'm so glad to hear good news about Billy. I've admired his work ever since first seeing it and being amazed!

ArtS

[ClayB]

Thanks for putting those pictures up Johanna. There are some there that I don't even remember seeing before. It would be so hard to pick a favorite, but I think it might have to be one of the big cats (cuz if I said Emma, well that might get me in trouble).

[Johanna]

Ben just uploaded a bunch of pics of Billy's that he saved, so I guess I'll be redoing the gallery. That one I put up today is just left over from the site he used to have, and we never quite finished it.

ArtS- PM me your snail mail addy.

Johanna

[Billy P]

Hey Billy, glad to know that you are back. I/we/everybody who has ever seen your work are grateful that you're here. You will be much in our prayers. Take care of yourself, an if there is ever anything we can do just let us know. Billy P

[Leerwerker]

Johanna,

There are probably some people here that don't know Billy and haven't seen his work. Any chance you could post some pictures of the masterpieces his tools sacrificed their lives for while he was beating them to death with "the assasin"??

I am the very proud owner of this carving by Bill Stockill. It was a gift from him when we left South Africa to move to the USA.

[fleabitpokey]

Mr Billy 2 Shews and Ms MaryCombs,you are both so talented. Words alone aren't enough. Thank you both for sharing.

Sincerely Stephanie

[ClayB]

I am the very proud owner of this carving by Bill Stockill. It was a gift from him when we left South Africa to move to the USA.

What a wonderful gift. I'd be proud of owning a piece of Billy's work too. Maybe someday.....