Making things.

So I just had my eyes opened. I've been following a Youtuber and fellow allotmenteer for a while now. Steve Richards, and he recently uploaded a video which made me stop and think.

I spent my career writing software. Over 30 years writing for one particular system - Lotus Notes - which to be fair is an extremely powerful and flexible database system, that even before it's hay-day, it encompassed everything that the modern web now strives to meet. Encrypted communications, digital signatures, database flexibility, user authentication, email, and so much more. It's the system I still turn to whenever I need to make things. I've made computer mice. I've worked with other people to make software. I've created more websites than I can shake a stick at (only a few are still standing and in use).

And even at my allotment I'm still making things. Stackable raised beds. Raised Flower Beds. Troughs made from Estate Agents signposts. Replacement windows for the shed. Building greenhouses, and the shelves to go in them. Even fixing up neighbours' dilapidated sheds. I even bought a 3D printer for making stuff at home.

But what really made me stop and think about the latest video, was just the sheer fact than many people consume, not create. They spend their time slumped in front of a TV watching things and not making.

Get out there and make something. And make something of yourself.