Who is this "Johanna" person?

[Knotnutz]

Johanna

as a simple braider, I am constantly in awe of what I see on the various forum pages - and have only just discovered 'your story'.

All I can say is Thank you. Its not enough, but, is the closest thing I can think of right now.

Beth

[Guest]

I can't believe the longevity of this thread. People have been responding to it for a year and a half.....

I want to add my thanks to Johanna also....for many things....including transporting my "stuff" to the show in Fort Worth, working on a site for me. And encouraging a new guy in leatherwork to keep trying....I'm one of those guys who just has to try to dress up what a customer wants in order to make it the best it can be..... I gotta do something about that.

Dave

Edited December 2, 2007 by David

[Johanna]

Good grief, I'm still blushing. A friend suggested I fill in the rest of the story. Here goes!

After John died, I began going to church every Sunday morning. Moms take turns watching the little ones in the nursery during the service, so it was probably the only hour during the week I was allowed to complete a thought. Every Sunday, a strange scary looking man would sit behind me and stare at me. I was oblivious, my sister was not. Upon investigation, it turns out I used to play with his sister when I'd visit my grandmother as a child. Okay, creep identified, and I still ignored him. Two years go by. Then my 22 year old cat died on a Saturday, and on Sunday they unfurled a banner that said, "Love never ends" and I started to cry. I'm crying because John isn't around to see our kids, I'm exhausted, and I know I am going home to bury my cat. I leave the sanctuary rather late, and bump into this man on my way to the nursery. He is getting his two kids, I get my two, and he's trying his best to comfort me. And he asked why I'm crying, and I answer "My cat died." and I wait. If he laughs, this conversation is over. If he snickers, I'm gonna beat up his sister for old times sake. Wade doesn't miss a beat. "I'm sorry. That's sad." he says, "No wonder you are upset." I decided at that moment to try to like him. We got married in that church about a year later.

He brought over a giant workbench from his house, and helped me round up all the leather shop boxes and unpack them. He reminded me of all the guys that would wander into the Tandy and never want to leave, drooling on the tools and paying with the money folded carefully and tucked behind the kids' pictues in his wallet. (Every Tandy manager has been discreet about the ticket with a customer's Significant Other!) I knew he would be an easy fit, with his experience in wood and metal working. I put the shop together while he hung the lights. I made a couple of belts for family members, turned off the lights and walked out. He spends more time in the shop than I do. I will use it to fix something, or make something if I really really want to, or to entertain the kids, but I'm done in there. I like to go to shows, see old friends, and see all the pics of what people have been up to. There are some neat people in leather land! I wish I could have talked to all you folks when I was learning the ropes. I would have read every post on here, and pestered with questions. I found a bunch of MIWL magazines one time, and read them cover to cover, even though they were already 20+ years old. I remember trying to figure out what a "bosal" was, something that was explained in plain English today. There was no "Google" when I was learning. My daughter is older than Google! The Internet is great for keeping people connected, at their convenience. I'm glad the technology exists to host this forum, and glad you all choose to share some time each day with your teachers, peers and friends. Now everyone get back to work and start pounding something. It's what we do. We're leatherworkers. God bless you all, goodnight.

Johanna

[MatthewD]

Johanne,

You are a very amazing lady and I am very glad everyday that I found this place..

Thanks

[Opagon]

Jonanna,

Thank You!!! for the the community that you are building here. I too was searching high and low for a place to share ideas and learn new things. This site has become an addiction for me and it is one that I hope never to have to give up. The Family feel here is wonderfully warm and receptive. Your post reminds me that everything happens for a reason and I am very grateful that your life story has led you to start this site.

Sincerley,

Heather

[Warren]

From the bottom of my heart, Thank You!

[TwinOaks]

Thank you for starting this site! It's a wealth of knowledge, all for the asking. Keep up the great work.

[Rayban]

Johanna....Singer/song writer Steve Earle sings of a "Fearless Heart", kinda reminds me of you...

Again...THANKS for all you do, and I know you have to feel good knowing how much so many of us appreciate what you do.

[ClayB]

Johanna,

I am glad you continued the story. I hope that when you write the last chapter (in another 50 years or so) that the last line reads, "and they lived happily ever after".

I passed on some thoughts awhile ago that with the growth of the forum, I was worried it would lose it's family feel. I think I was wrong. It's still a great place to hang out. Add me to the list of people that are really thankful for all you do to keep this thing going.

Clay

[cjbleather]

Thanks Johanna for "the rest of the story". You do your self proud with your family and with this Forum. I haven't participated as much as I want, but one of these days..... carlb