Distinctly Montana Magazine

d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a • s u m m e r 2 0 1 5 36 e blacksmith fills in spare moments making wood and string puzzles with scraps of wood rescued from construction sites. Two small scraps of wood, a length of string, and four holes create a puzzle, which is even more challenging than two nails linked together. Force is not an issue. inking is. e philosophy of this puzzle is, "Pay attention to what you're doing or you'll make the same mistake a hundred times in a row." And people do make the same mistake a hundred times in a row. eir hands and brains need practice working together. Larger scraps of wood and small disks sliced off the handle of a worn-out broom handle become checkerboards in the blacksmith shop. e black squares and the black checkers are colored by the touch of glowing hot iron from the forge fire. Here, at least, young- sters need no direction from the blacksmith. ey seize upon the board as if they were born knowing the game, and are soon playing with a focus and concentration, which might astonish their teachers. Here, too, head and hand work together. As often as not, while the head is deciding on a move, the player's hand will hover over the board, waiting to play its part. e horseshoe nail rings, the blacksmith puzzles, the scraps of wood and string have little monetary value. eir value lies in the connections they make — between grandparent and grandchild, between hand and brain, between youth and age. e blacksmith completes the horseshoe nail ring and hands it to the old man. Even with the circle not quite closed, it barely fits over the gnarled knuckle. ough there are tears in his eyes, the old man smiles, says "ank you," and leaves the shop. It's a small thing, that ring. ere are people who wouldn't understand why it was so important. e blacksmith knew. Author's note: is true story was written by the blacksmith, Lyndel Meikle. In nearly 30 years of demonstrating forge work, she has learned much more than she has taught. 301 N. Higgins Missoula 406.541.0080 www.greenlightmt.com Representing over 35 local artists , designers , and craftspeople , we are a great shop for local souvenirs (but not your typical airport crap). Keeping It Local. MIssouLa , s pReMIeRe eco-boutIque and heaLthy LIvIng depaRtMent stoRe.

• Cover