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For those interested in what's been happening with my job situation and the roller coaster ride this year has been for my family, I found out today that I am now what is known as a transitional employee. Meaning that I get to stick around for a short time, provide my expertise on the systems we have and help convert them. At the end I get compensated for my time and effort and walk away with a very good severence package.

I'm forced to say goodbye to people who I have worked intimately with for 6 years, some have become family and I'm sure at some point this week I'll shed a tear or two at the loss. But life moves on and this digital age keeping in touch is easy....

The silver lining in all this is that I have been long thinking if staying in the IS market was a good idea, I can certainly compete there and have the chops to do whatever I want, but it's too political and IS people are usually not treated all that well. So I have some time to think about where I want to go next, I'm already planning for Healdsburg 2007 and will be doing some serious builing and a number of odd shows. Building had come back to me with a fire I haven't felt before...

Despite everything this year has been, I can't but help feel that it's been a two edged sword. I got to show at Healdsburg, I met John Mayes, Brock, Woolson, McKnight, Jason AND I got to talk to Jim Olson who really liked my guitars and had nothing but good things to say. Mike Doolin loved my finishes using KTM, I met almost all my building heros at the show and heard nothing but good things on my work. We moved to Boise and we LOVE IT, the people are nice, the prices are low, there's lots to do and we are working on closing on a house that to us is just about everything we wanted.

Even with unexpected moves, uncertainty at work, family issues, financial setbacks and 6 months of not knowing my fate. I come to this point and my wife and I both feel at peace finally, we can live on eithers salary, we aren't strapped for cash, hell we can even the car payment on my Bimmer (I just HAD to have one)....

To top it all off I am so super excited about getting my shop back, doing it right and starting building again that I get jittery everytime I think about it. I needed some down time, it's given me a chance to reflect, plan and find the passion and fire again and this time I'm going to do some wild things...

Sorry for being so long winded this has been building for a while and I had to let it out, the last thing is I want to say thank you to my friends on the system here, this place has been a refuge from the insanity, sometimes providing it's own brand of looniness. It may sound cheesy and you may not believe this way but I can't help but think that the prayers of those who reached out have shaped the point that I am at today. I may not have a job in 3 months but I have no limit to the number of things I can do, thank you each and every one who took the time to share.

Happy Holidays to all....

-Paul-

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-Paul-

Patriot Guitars

I know you'll be blessed in all your choices Paul, and you know that you and your family will always be welcome at my home should you ever make a trip to Oklahoma.

Much thanks and many blessings.

John

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John Mayes
http://www.mayesluthier.com

It sounds exciting for you Paul.

The very best to you and your family for this merry and festive season. And to all oy the rest of our luthiery family as well!

Shane

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Canada

Paul,
It's good to see you posting again. I know from reading your posts that the last few months have been a trial. But, I believe in the power of prayer, and it looks like you do too. I'll keep them coming.
Hey, you are only a border away from me. If you're ever traveling around the Puget Sound, caome stay with my wife and me for a while. We'd love to have you.

Paul

AS they say, when one door closes another one opens up

The best of luck.

Russell

Paul, best wishes always. It's not in your hands so grab your surfboard and have the ride of a lifetime. He'll provide.

Nice update Paul - Thanks!

Its good to hear that things are going well for you and your family, and as Woolson points out, its not in your hands anyway, so keep on doin what your doin cuz its quite obvious that your on the right path, your enthusiasm is showing through.

Best wishes
Lance

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Lance@LuthiersForum.com

Paul,
Happy Holidays to you and your family. Glad to hear things are working out.

Congratulations, Paul...for showing the self-reliance and confiidence to chase a dream. You're making opportunity work for you. It might have been easier to stay in your familiar surroundings and you could easily have gotten paralyzed by indecision. Instead, you and your wife took the initiative to make your own destiny. I applaud that...that's truly chasing the American dream...being in control and not depending on government or others to become successful.

While I'll be the last one to minimize prayer as the reason for your new opportunity, I'll be the first to recognize your drive, intelligence and skill in making lemonade from lemons.

Best wishes...I'll wear my "Patriot Guitars" shirt with pride and inspiration.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Paul here's wishing you continued success. You and your family have a great holiday season.

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Beautiful and unusual tone woods at a reasonable price.
http://www.rctonewoods.com/RCT_Store
The Zootman
1109 Military Rd.
Kenmore, NY 14217
(716) 874-1498

Paul, Very exciting indead, what a great ride your on, and I realy like the way your looking throught he window. Good on ya.
All the best to you and your family.

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My Facebook Guitar Page

"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

"Generosity is always different in the eye of the person who didn't receive anything, but who wanted some." Waddy Thomson

Good for you, Paul. It's the uncertainty of things that drive us bananas. Sounds like you have a great attitude and are very happy. THAT will make things work out well. I'm anxious to see what you produce in that new "ideal" shop.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......