I once had a cab driver tell me that in his culture there’s a proverb;
“If you focus on something for long enough, you will burn a hole in it”
I’m paraphrasing, because he had a pretty thick accent, but was something like that.
Pretty good advice from a man who’s name was Abysmal. Seriously, it was. (Sidenote here: I always have long conversations with my cab drivers. In fact, total strangers talk to me all the time; women in line next to me at Jo Ann’s, the tool rental guys at Home Depot, TSA agents. I can’t help it. I just have one of those faces that says, “Tell me everything about your life….and don’t skimp on any of the intimate details”)
Y’all may have noticed a slight decline in the amount of blog posting/home improvements over the past 8-9 months. (I know that Jamie certainly has.) Well, this is why.
I’ve been focused on burning a hole in a personal goal this past year.
One that I am immensely proud of and can’t wait to share with y’all.
I knew 30 years ago that I wanted to write a book. I thought it would be a collection of my stories. A few of which I occasionally share on this blog. Most however are scribbled in several random notebooks or jotted down in my notes on the “Cloud”.
But now, a couple of them have been published in a genuine book.
DIY Industrial Pipe Furniture & Decor
Along with extremely detailed instructions for 25 of the industrial plumbing pipe projects we’ve done at the Cavender house over the past 6 years.
I know, it’s more that I can handle too.
About a year ago I got am email from an editor at Ulysses Press asking me if I would consider writing a “How To” book on plumbing pipe for them. I immediately replied with a resounding “YES”. Didn’t phase me at all that I’ve never really written a book. When I started to think about the commitment it would take…I panicked. I did.
But I looked at all the things we’ve made from plumbing pipe over the past few years……
Like Harley Davidson’s dog bed…
And this awesome Locker Basket Dresser…
There are a few Industrial Lamps…
This Rolling Clothes Rack…
Some much-needed Garden Tool Storage…
This Industrial Candelabra…
And everybody’s favorite, Plumbing Pipe Shelves…
And I knew that I could document all of it…and even more.
Now, finally, everything you need to know about building furniture, lamps and other assorted necessities with plumbing pipes is contained in handy book form….
DIY Industrial Pipe Furniture & Decor.
Get your copy today.
Just click the link above to be directed to Amazon.
Go on, you know that you want to.
THE CAVENDER DIARY 
Awesome…
Thanks Joyce!!!
It’s not just a “pipe dream” anymore!
Aww shucks Chuck, why is it that everyone else can think up amazing puns for my posts, and I can’t ?????
Congrats!!! Good luck!! I hope it becomes a best seller… You so deserve it!! 😀
Well, you said it…..Let’s hope a few hundred thousand people need pipe building advice….
“I want to…and I did!” Now……how do I get it signed by the author?❤️
I just bought my first Christmas present. Next month it will be winging it’s way to Ohio for my son!
If you have a signing in Dallas, I am sure you will let us know! I will be there!
There’s a signing in the works for Dec 6th…..more info to follow closer to the event. I’d LOVE for you to be there Christine.
Wow!! Might be the first DIY book about pipes I willingly read! ;-D Congratulations on this great achievement. When and where’s the signing?
Lisa, mine is the ONLY diy pipe book. The signing will be Dec 6 th, more info to follow.
Very ingenious! Great luck with your book!
Thanks Terrance!!!!
Wow…Congratulations James. So very awesome!
Awwww thanks Janet!!!
Eeeee! So exciting! Congratulations!
LOL!!!! I’m excited too Carol.
Congratulations! Will definitely be ordering a copy!
Thanks Shae!
Congratulations! That’s fantastic!
Thanks Nikki, we’re pretty excited about it around here too.
I’m so glad. I guess I’ll buy it for myself for Christmas. I can’t seem to visit a Pinterest page that doesn’t feature something from your house. ‘Bout time you got some recompense for your talent.
Awwwww, a friend called me once at 2 am because she found a picture of my bedroom on Instagram! Enjoy the book, it was a labor of love.
well, that is not what i was expecting to see on here today! congratulations, that is so amazing!
Glad to know that it surprises you in a good way. Now…..I hope you have some Pipe projects in your near future.
Yes, yes, YES I DO want to!
And I just did. Your book will arrive on Saturday. Yay!
Congratulations, I’m thrilled for you. I think we’re gonna love it!
Oh … and I made the cinnamon sugar mini-bats last Monday with my two youngest grandkids. Had a ball making them and they turned out great.
Ohhh I’m so glad y’all made them. I usually make small ones….but occasionally….I make great big ones and eat them like cookies. Sooooo good!
James! This is so exciting! Good for you! As soon as i get home I will get a copy! You are fantastic! (BOTH of you!) No really! Fantastic! And you are aol generous sharing so much with all of us! You rock!
Well thanks Erik. Glad that we rock! I never imagined that this blog would bring me a book deal……I just wanted to share our home improvements with family and friends.
So glad you are sharing your talents with the rest of us. I want a signed copy and I live in South Carolina. Let me know if I am able to order this from you, I would not be able to make a signing in Dallas unfortunately. 😩 Next we need a style book… how to achieve your wonderful style in home and fashion!!! 👍🏻
Oh so happy for you! What a great accomplishment. This is right in my son’s wheelhouse and I am going to march right over to Amazon and buy this for him for Christmas. Enjoy the glow of being a published author! Thanks for sharing.
Ohhh I’m so glad, I’m sure that he’s going to love it!
Oh Yes, I would love to know about a signing too…..I will keep watch 🙂
Trust me, I’ll keep you posted.
Fantastic! However – I think you should also make and market some of your items for those of us who don’t want to make our own! I LOVE the candleholder! I def think you could sell those…
I wish I had the free time to make things to sell…..
WOW! Just added it to my ever-growing book Wish List on amazon ; )
Kudos to you, James!!!
I think it’s so inspirational that people can take something their passionate about and share it with others. I don’t write about pipes, but I do write novels/chapter books and I love to share my talent with others. I even started a blog about it!
Some of your creations are quite impressive 🙂 Keep it up!
Thanks Katie.
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