irtmks

Thanks for the thoughts. The local VA hospital has group sessions for crafts, models, etc. Because it is a group setting, the idea is to talk as you build. I am sure good for some, and maybe someday me, but I have not done well in groups. Except the guitars for vets program that i now help teach. I think the difference is that we don't talk while we play. We just focus on playing and that works well with me so far.... maybe someday? Again thank you

Thank you all for the warm reception and suggestions. They are all meaningful and will be useful. Again, thank you

Hello, I am sure many of you all have started this modeling journey for many varied reasons. Mine might be a little different. When I was a young fellow, many years ago, I was in the Coast Guard working Drug Enforcement, Search & Rescue & Recovery in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. I ended up my time with missing body parts and what the VA calls Extreme PTSD. Later in life I worked internationally as an engineer, I am sure that I chose this specific occupation for the solitary lifestyle it afforded. I worked and lived in over 43 countries, I initially retired very early (50) after extended experiences in China relating to many, many prisoner executions (While building factories) all occurring over a few year period. Now retired, I actively search ways to,..... well lets just say adjust and survive! A year or so ago, my wife (who plays Mandolin) thrust a guitar in my hands, and told me to "learn how to play it." I had always been keen on instrument repairs, but had never actually played. I soon found that the complexity, beauty, and peacefulness of this instrument allowed a kind of therapy that I had not known before. Flashbacks, Daymares, did not occur while engaged. We now play everyday. I have started teaching Guitar at ASU, a program for Veterans with Brain Trauma. You see, because of work choices, events, lifestyle, etc. I have never really been "part" of much. Other than my wife, I have worked alone, lived alone, without much in the way of social activities (including Internet Forums, HaHa). I have a background in Guitar and instrument building and repair, I have always enjoyed the micro-world of precession woodworking. I lived onboard our Hunter Sailboat for nearly two years. We have both found the peace of "The Water's solitude." So not sure how it popped up, but, somehow this Forum happened upon my screen? I did not search it, did not request it, did not click on an add for it???? Am not sure, but I think I was searching for miniature slot files for making Guitar nuts, maybe?? Anyway, before I could control myself, I had signed up, and had ordered a Lowell Dory model. So here I am, Just in the hours of reading and planning, I have found possibly a new "Tool" in my PTSD toolbox. My mind has been consumed with modeling and thus the "bad" stuff keeps away. Thank you ALL for what you do here, and know that what you do maybe a bit "more" for some of us, than just a hobby! Thanks