How important is a belt?

[Ryan Ross]

Oh. I sure don't mean to sound snarky. Or snooty.

I just mean to say that we all have reasons why we ascend to an objective. In dress, work, even play. Or in spirituality.

Most people want to express themselves, and find meaning in the process.

Of course not, Mark, but you know how some folks can take offence from anything.

But yes indeed, assention to an objective is an important part of the human experience, as is self expression.

I found that if I was going to own a buckle that I really liked, I was going to have to make one because there wasn't one for me out there. At least, I didn't find one.

And I wound up learning a lot in the process.

I was in the same spot with what I ended up making. If you can't find what you want out there, you gotta' make it yourself- Beats the heck out of wandering around shabby, moping over a buckle or some headgear that never was.

Here is what I mean:



It isn't Scottish. It is Celtic. And it is a fish (I love fish). And I got a real charge out of creating it. Check out my cone-head rivets! Oh man, I love them too much!

We all know what that buckle means, Mark. It means that you only catch a fish once in a blue moon!

See the photographer's reflection in the glass? I shot this picture on the hood of my Dodge diesel truck.

That's a fantastic photo, sir, and a fantastic buckle. As good as the picture is, the buckle looks better in person, though.

Here it is in action:



Everything that I am wearing was made by somebody that I met, and asked them to make the thing for me.

That's what I love the most about hand craftsmanship- the craftsman. Real people, real creativity, real skill, real honor in accomplishment, and real friends. At the end of the day, nothing can beat that.

So the moral here is, I guess, that if you're not friends with someone that can make a first-rate vest or sweater (or as is more likely the case with me, if it's just too hot to wear one), a belt is a great way to display an additional piece of craftsmanship, while also balancing out the look of your outfit.