Updated June 1, 2025 at Endor Studios
(Want to see what I was doing then?)
Projects
The Labs Audit
I’m in the middle of a soup-to-nuts audit of the MacSparky Labs. I’m looking at everything from marketing, to onboarding, to member features and benefits. Because I’m a nerd, I’m calling it Project Iterum. It will take about six weeks but I hope for the Labs experience to get even better as a result.
Momentum Club
The first outside-facing change from Project Iterum is the Momentum Club, where lab members meet for a few hours for a live co-working session. I did these earlier in the labs, and I’m glad to have them back.
AI Help and Limits
I’ve been working hard to find out where AI can make sense in daily productivity and where it doesn’t. As a result, I’ve discovered several new workflows and tools that I’ve been sharing in the MacSparky Labs and podcasts. I’ve also discovered some hard limits for myself where I very much do not want AI involved. It’s an ongoing experiment, but I’m enjoying it.
In the Woodshop
I’m working on framing my big window in Endor Studios with walnut. I’m using spare lumber and some of it needs work. Before you can get fancy on a woodworking project, you need your lumber square and true. That starts with one straight edge. There is a power tool for this called a “Jointer” for just this job. I have one, but it is loud, dangerous, and it makes a lot of sawdust, which is no good at all for my lungs. It’s also a consumer-grade tool and not very good at long boards. So I prefer to use hand tools. (The other advantage of hand tools is that they are a great workout and really get me sweating.)
I do this by mounting the crooked-edged board on top of a piece of plywood that I know to be straight. I have the crooked edge out over the edge of the plywood so it stands out a bit. (Woodworkers call this being “proud” 😁 ). Then I run a hand plane along the bench and along the crooked board until it flattens to the straight plywood and the plane stops “biting”. Then the board is straight.
It’s a fun process and makes the most beautiful long, curly shavings. (I often keep those shavings and use them when packing gifts.) I’m in the middle of the process now and still have several boards to go, but here is an explanatory image.
They actually make a special hand plane for this. It’s called a “shooting plane”, and I’m lucky enough to have one. So that’s a long explanation that allows me to tell you that in the shop, I’m currently shooting edges.
Tech & Tools
- I used to scoff at SuperHuman’s $30/month email client, but recently I’ve taken back customer support at Sparky Media, and it has been essential. This isn’t for everyone, but if email brings you no joy, you may want to try it out. Use my Affiliate Code and we’ll both get a free month.
- After a few months with DaVinci Resolve, I’m a believer.
- I’m in deep right now with the Apple Productivity Suite, in that it relates to the next big Field Guide, but I’m also enjoying some toe-dipping with NotePlan.
Reading
I’m nearly done with Ron Chernow’s new Mark Twain biography. I’ve been a Mark Twain fan my whole life, but now I have so many thoughts.
State of the Sparky
Things are going pretty good for me right now. I’m not at the grindstone on any Field Guide and am able to take it a bit more easy. I’ll take that, for now.
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Hat tip to Derek Sivers for the idea of this “Now” page. I’m terrible at social media, but this page gives me a place to check in with the world and update you, as Derek recommends, like I would when catching up with an old friend.