Hello

[Ligget]

Hi folks

Thought I better intoduce myself as many may not know me, my name is Mark Ligget and I am a penturner from Bonnybridge in central Scotland. I have been turning pens as a hobby for nearly 5 years now following an accident at my work in 2001, I broke my back and knocked 3 veribrae out of line then came the onset of deep depression, self harming etc etc.. not nice at all.

I make pens mostly as therapy to keep my mind focused on being productive and this lifts my mood, I go to a day centre everyday where the staff keep an eye on me and my state of mind reporting back to my phsyciatrist, I am always being asked to make pens for day centre members and their extended families for birthdays, christmas etc.. so I am always on the go but I don`t charge full price for these pens but keeps me motivated.

My website is http://penmaker.co.uk which I work on myself, when I eventually manage to figure out how to do certain tasks! lol 

Some if not most members in here will know me from the IAP forum where I regularly hang out looking for insperation and new things to try, the IAP is where I first conversed with Eagle and seen some of his wonderful blanks, but truth be known I did not see eye to eye with him on many things and read many of his outbursts online aimed at other penmakers. However, I was saddened when he passed away so suddenly, as some of the blanks he produced were really one of a kinds and will be missed by many penmakers including myself! 

Best wishes
Mark

[Canuck]

Thanks for that Mark!...I spent much of my life in construction and can certainly appreciate the trials and tribulations you go through on a daily basis.  I lost many close friends and relatives during my many years in the 'trade'.  My father fell thirty feet, severely cracking his pelvis (back in '83), and his untimely and abrupt end to his 'working days' is something that I seen him go through on a personal level.  Not being able to do what we love is a tough pill to swallow, I'm glad to hear you have help to cope, all the best my friend!

[Johan Heyns]

Hi Mark

Thanks for giving us a bit of background.  I am gratefull that there is support around you.  Locally I have a friend who also broke his back 3 years ago in a motorbike accident and it is not an easy thing. 

If all else fails, you can always revert to the forum for some humor.  There are quie a few nuts around here.

[VisExp]

Welcome aboard Mark.  It's good to have you here.

[Ligget]

Thanks to all for the warm welcome!