A better world, one block at a time

Puget Island artist Mike Cullom is building a better world, one block at a time.

Using wood he finds in the waste bin at Elochoman Millwork, Cullom has been creating his miniatures for years. Recently he contacted owner Bob Jungers, proposing to bring his work to the millwork during lunchtime so employees could see what he's been doing.

"I enjoyed meeting the crew there, the conversation, and the opportunity to tour the plant and see the production of their beautiful, high-quality wood doors," Cullom said of his visit on Monday. "The entire experience made my heart feel good."

That's the thing about feelings, good or bad, sometimes they have a way of being transmitted to the people around us. Seeing so much anger and distrust in the world around him these days, Cullom was hoping to spread, as they say, a bit of cheer.

He was thankful to find out his goal was achieved, at least for one person.

"This made my heart feel good," one employee told him, patting her chest as she left.

"The visit to Elochoman Millwork was a success as far as I'm concerned," Cullom said. "It accomplished my objective of having some positive, apolitical interactions with some other good people and enjoying shared interests that unify rather than divide."

"I've realized that, other than riding along, there's not much I can do in this upside-down world other than hanging on, enjoying things that are meaningful and positive and close-in to me," Cullom said. "And when opportunities exist, sharing those positive experiences with others; one's influence beyond that seems limited. I have found that, during better/warmer weather, when I'm working in my shop with the garage door open and the buildings and boats are visible that neighbors and passers-by sometimes like to stop and take a look and chat a bit, and I enjoy that exchange and sharing."

There are many good people in our community, he said, and many events in our community "that provide the opportunity for positive interactions and sharing happiness and positive experiences rather than the enervating environment that seems to me to be too prevalent today."