#43: The “Jay Bowl”

44 Things That Spark Joy a.k.a. Sh*t That Makes Me Happy:

#43: The “Jay Bowl”

I decided in my 44th year… and a few days into my 45th… to gather 44 things that spark joy that I’ve found this past year and share them.

If there is one thing that my dad knows, it’s wood. He has been a craftsman his entire adult life. He’s made cabinets, furniture, drawn blueprints, built houses and the list goes on and on. I would venture to say that there’s really nothing he can’t build - especially from wood. I would imagine that this thirst for craftsmanship started at a young age for him. I already see this trait in Larry and have for many years. Even as a toddler, Larry loved to build with magnatiles and legos. I suspect it was the same for my dad. It pleases me to see that Larry may carry on my dad’s legacy in this way.

As a child, I remember my dad was always working on a wood related project. I often equate the smell of sawdust and lacquer thinner with him because those were the two things I would always smell when I went into his workshop or garage. Many of the pieces of furniture in our home growing up were hand crafted by my dad. When we made our move to Washington, I became the proud owner of the cradle that he made for my sisters and I when we were babies. Each spindle on that cradle was hand turned on a lathe one at a time. Brenda, Nancy and I all slept in it as infants and both of my boys did too. I proudly showcase this piece in my home and consider it a family heirloom. Many people including friends and neighbors that knew my dad over the years knew that he was the go to local craftsman. Even for school projects, he was the one to go to for supplies. I remember my bestie and I had a country report in 6th grade to complete. One of the components that was required was to construct a 3D map of our assigned country of Norway. Cue my dad supplying bags and bags of sawdust and wood glue without ever having to purchase anything so we could mold it into a Norwegian mountain range.

Fast forward many years later to Christmas of 2019, a mysterious box arrived. My dad often sends an unmarked gift for holidays and birthdays so this was not unusual but I wasn’t sure what was inside. What I found upon opening it was a beautiful raw edge bowl from a company called Spencer Peterman that my dad had gifted me. I knew that if my dad had picked this wood bowl out, it had to be good. After all, there is no settling when it comes to his taste in wood items! I had not heard of this company but when I thanked him for the bowl he mentioned that it was on one of the “Oprah’s Lists.” (How can you go wrong with a recommendation from Oprah and who knew my dad paid attention to her list! Ha!) That night I was setting my table as I was about to host our annual pj brunch with our dear neighbors. It had slipped my mind in the preparation of this event to purchase flowers or make a centerpiece. Eureka! I decided I would fill the bowl with some seasonal items and incorporate it into my tablescape! And thus, what I call “the Jay Bowl” was born.

After that first holiday, I filled it with something simple that could be used year round. When Covid hit and I was finding more joy in decorating for each holiday and changing things out because we were trapped at home for so long - I started rotating the filler out. As each holiday or season has passed, I found new fillers that sparked joy.

I have found myself sharing this find and gifting items from Spencer Peterman to others. They have a variety of colors, styles, sizes of bowls all made from different types of wood. They also make boards, salad tongs, and a variety of other kitchen products. While their products are food safe, I have opted to use my bowl as show piece in my home.

So today I share the “Jay Bowl” with all of you. Thanks Dad. I love it and will cherish it. Always.

Enjoy!