A friend of mine once encouraged me to try something new in a field I already enjoyed.  After a little thought I decided I wanted to make the beautiful things I saw coming off lathes.  My first attempt at a bowl is here chronicled. 

I began turning the bowl by mounting my chunk of log onto a faceplate.

With a roughing gouge I stripped away the bark and outer wood which was wet.

I gave it a rough shape I liked and then began sanding. 

At this point I was loving the look with the sanding and first finish on the outside.

I flipped it around and after hollowing out the inside I re-sanded the outside for a smoother feel.

Here is the final product still on the lathe.  I enjoyed 4 hours of time alone with my head, and a chunk of wood.  Now my wife gets to enjoy a new addition to our coffee table!