After this mornings excitement-read this mornings post- we decided to go for a drive and stopped on the way to see one of Gary's friends. Merlin Stoddard worked with Gary at BYU-Idaho, they have the same birthday and enjoy each others company. He is also an artisan with wood. Several years ago he gave me a small wooden bowl he had made as a birthday present and I love it and have it displayed on a table in my living room with small rocks in it.
Today he showed us one room filled with things he has made which include cedar chests, bowls of all sizes, vases, trucks that are really banks, and tortilla presses and that only begins to tell the story.
Out in his workshop he has a beautiful trunk with lovely sliding trays inside and finished work and locks on the outside. There was also a gorgeous jewelry box he is making for his wife with inlaid eucalyptus in the lid.
He starts with a piece of wood from his large collection, cuts a circle or shape he wants and then turns it on his lathe, seasons the wood and finishes it to a beautiful glow. He gave Gary a small jar and lid to hold consecrated oil, and an amazing cube within a cube. And he gave me a "chain saw" to take home. He does have a sense of humor too!
He does sell pieces, but he did give us some lovely pieces today. If you are interested in purchasing any here is his email address for more pictures and prices.
Merlin StoddardE-mail Address(es): mjstoddard6@msn.com 
The beautiful trunk.
The rough cut bowl
A finished bowl. He does them all sizes and in many different kinds of woods. They are all beautiful, numbered and signed on the bottom with the type of wood.
Making the cube within a cube. He makes it sound easy!!
This is the consecrated oil holder and lid. This one is made from plywood and drilled in the center to hold the small bottle of virgin olive oil which has been dedicated for the special use of priesthood blessings for the sick.
Thank you Merlin, you made our day!!
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