Mitchell Latsch - Blacksmith, Engineer, writer, woodworker, mechanic, gardner, beekeeper, philosopher, soap maker, father, husband, hunter, hiker, camper, fisherman, wood gatherer and campfire cook (you forgot soapmaking and breadmaking - from your NEW editor).  No, I do not watch any TV - I don't have the time. 

I began learning the blacksmith craft over a dozen years ago.    Jane and I are very active in the Appalachian Area Chapter of Blackmsmiths.  She is the webmaster for several websites, including the Appalachian Area Chapter of Blacksmiths, the SBA Conference (Madison, GA) and our local beekeeping group, Houston-Stewart County Beekeepers.  I am currently the President of the organization of about 250 members.  It's a big job, but very gratifying.

It took a while for me to realize that learning and practicing this craft was what I was put on this earth to do, but once realized, I have approached the work with nothing less than wonder and excitement.  Every time I light a fire and build a piece I learn something and every time I design and build an original, I am amazed that the result is a product of my own creative mind.   Many times I just look in wonder at what I have been able to create -  and then I wonder what I might make next.

I am a perfectionist.  It is a flaw, a curse and an obsession.  I have given away pieces that I had intended to throw away, and refused to tell the recipients what was wrong with them so that I wouldn't spoil it for them.  I don't think they believed me that I really intended to discard them - which I did intend.

I enjoy the work and will try to attain new levels of excellence when my new shop is complete, which is in process now - it will allow me to maintain my sanity!!!