Comments from our Patrons

November 19, 2004

Gary,

I apologize for not letting you know that my rocker arrived safe and sound. I was immediately impressed with the quality — both your craftsmenship and the wood. Wow! It's a beautiful chair, artwork really. I have the chair next to a cherry wood bookcase, that I loved when I first received it, but it does not stand up to the chair (I am thinking of painting it — the bookcase, not the chair!)

It took me awhile to get used to the chair and be sure I was going to love rocking in it. I was surprised by how much I leaned back in it. I'm one of those people who is most comfortable sitting up straight. I rarely lean my seat back on an airplane. I love the look of Windsor chairs, but feel like I am sitting in a lounge chair when in one. I like to read in my rocking chairs and have a little trouble doing that in the rocker. But I did finally break down the crate last weekend. I do love sitting in it relaxing at night watching tv or chatting with my husband. We'll see how the reading goes. I think paper backs have some potential!

Thank you for the wonderful service and for checking in.

L.F.

[ I very much appreciate these detailed comments from L.F. Of course I love to hear that the pitch of the chair is pleasing and that reading is effortless. But I want to hear when the ideal is not attained for an individual. The more information I have to publish about the chair, the more thoroughly one can consider a purchase. — G.W. ]

Oakland, California

November 17, 2004

Do I like it?

Oh yes! It made me so happy I felt silly and self conscious at the effusive email I began writing to you soon after it arrived. I decided to wait until I cooled off a bit.

It's everything you said it would be. My husband, seven year old son and I all agree it's incredibly comfortable and beautiful. A true heirloom piece. Wow. We love it! We touch it all the time. My son accuses me of sitting in it too much. I had to agree to take turns.

I am so happy and grateful that you and your people came through. I've dealt with a lot of different dealers and contractors recently. Most have been very disappointing to work with . . . problems with communication, integrity, quality and other issues have clouded the interaction. It's strangely life affirming to deal with you and have everything happen as promised. Whew! What a relief! THANK YOU!

Oh yeah, the box it came in is a perfect hideout/playhouse for the kid. He's decorated it inside and out and plays in it every day. Thanks for the bonus!

I hope it pleases you to know that you have made this family in San Diego so happy. Please keep your high standards. The world needs more like you!

Sincerely,
S.U.

San Diego, California

October 18, 2004

Gary,

R. was awed! A gorgeous work of art. She eyed the rocker from across the room, then closed the distance slowly circling, taking in the beautiful lines and outstanding craftsmanship. She moved the rocker into a shaft of sunlight and slowly rocked the chair watching the grain and finish of the seat — the walnut shimmered like a highly polished tiger eye gemstone. Carefully she checked the underside of the chair and was delighted to find it signed and numbered. Then, she eased into the chair, slowly she relaxed, and a smile crossed her face — ear to ear. The seat was wide and full, the headrest perfect, the arms were just right for her, the edge of the seat didn't cut into her legs, and her feet were comfortably on the floor. The chair is just her size!

Gary, you made her very happy, thank you!

I'm not sure how you figured everything out, but you did . . . the chair fits me like a glove! R. is 5'6" and I'm 6'1". All I can say is "It's magic"!

We love our rocker!

Thanks for everything,

D. and R. W.

Budd Lake, New Jersey

October 18, 2004

Gary,

Thank you for following up on our order, which was delivered on Friday 10/15 (there was a brief, untroubling delay at the terminal since Overnight wanted to send a smaller truck to negotiate the streets in our residential neighborhood). The chair was very well crated and delivered in perfect condition.

Needless to say, we are delighted. It is truly lovely, a sculptural, warm, and glowing presence in our soon-to-be baby's room. And as to comfort: well, let's just say your rocker exceeded our already-high expectations! After many "trial sits" this weekend, I am still amazed at how my back, head, and neck are so well supported. A good friend recently pointed out that once the baby is born and nursing begins, we'll be spending an enormous portion of our waking hours sitting in that chair. I can't imagine a better spot. Thank you.

E. E.

Crompond, New York

October 12, 2004

Hi Gary,

I AM rocking, and I am SO pleased! Your chair fits my extra-long legs and tilts my body back to a comfortably balanced angle — something which was missing in the (considerably more expensive) rocker I tried first. The arms are delightfully sculptured for resting my hands outstretched or for crossing them in toward the body for knitting or reading. Not an uncomfortable edge to be found. The finish is beautiful to eye and hand alike. I am looking forward to showing it off and (occasionally) sharing its comfort. Thank you so much, Gary. And thank you for delivering it exactly as committed, without a hitch.

B.F.

Cape Elizabeth, Maine​

September 08, 2004

Gary:

The rocker arrived safely, and it's beautiful. It has joined our family of chairs in the living room, and I must say that it looks quite happy to be there. I've put it so that its wonderful curly patterns are visible from the doorway, and will draw the eyes of people as they walk in. My kids will fight over this, for sure! Thanks — you are a lovely man to work with.

I want to let you know what surprised me about the rocker: its heft. Somehow that does not come across in your photos, or didn't to me. I knew its dimensions, and at some point I actually got out my tape measure and figured out how high it would stand, but I didn't realize, until it arrived, how strong and substantial it would be. I really, really like that about it.

(maybe someday I'll get a second one, for the family room!)

A.S.

Phoenix, Arizona​

September 06, 2004

Gary,

The rocker has arrived and is beautiful. How fortunate you are to have the gift of creating such beautiful things. And I am fortunate to get to share in your talents.

I think it will "rock on" in my family for many generations.

B.P.

St. Louis Park, Minnesota

September 02, 2004

Dear Gary:

The chair has arrived and is beautiful, and in fine shape. Yes, it feels wonderful and is very comfortable. Clearly the most comfortable chair in the house.

Thank you so much for your craft, your artistry, and the nice time we had getting to know you.

Sincerely,

J.B.

Houston, Texas​

September 02, 2004

Dear Gary,

The walnut rocker arrived today, in perfect condition, although the top of the box got smashed in and the flaps separated, letting some shipping grime in. (It might be worthwhile to use an extra piece of cardboard to help guard against this in future shipments.)

Anyway, on to the chair! As we anticipated, the rocker is well-proportioned and graceful, but we were surprised and impressed at how large and substantial it is! The craftsmanship appears to be top-notch, and the attention to detail is evident, down to the careful matching and placement of pieces for grain and color. I'm also pleased with the deep tones of the walnut.

As I told you, we had not seen the OS Clear Oil before, but the finish on the chair is beautiful. The Hardwax Oil gives off a strong "waxy" smell for quite a while after application, but the rocker has only the faintest odor, so that's a nice surprise.

Of course, the point of the rocker is to use it, which we did immediately. I found it very comfortable, and my 17-month old daughter was quite taken with it, wanting to rock on mommy's lap, and then stand in front of the chair and rock it with me in it. At nap time, we found that it fits a breastfeeding mom & toddler great! My daughter's legs easily fit under the arm of the chair, with her feet supported by the edge of the seat, and the central placement of the back slats allowed her to tuck her arm behind me. Maybe it was just all the excitement of finally receiving our "special chair", but she was asleep in minutes.

So, thank you for making us this beautiful piece of furniture with the special finish, and for the excellent service. In this era of high-hassle, low-quality goods, it's a treat to have my expectations exceeded.

Best regards,

E.D.

Kirkland, Washington​

August 16, 2004

Gary,

My husband is delighted with the chair. He and I both taught in the College of Architecture at Tech for many years retiring in 1997. We appreciate the design and craftsmanship that you put into your art.

Sincerely,

V.T.

Lubbock, Texas​