Martie McNabb welcomed viewers with her signature warmth, beaming into the camera as she introduced her guest, Thomas Beutel. “Today on Things That Matter, Thomas is sharing a story about a very special boxcar—and the powerful memories attached to it.”
Thomas held up a small HO scale boxcar, explaining, “My father gave me this when I was eight or nine. It wasn’t just a toy—it was my introduction to hours of tinkering on model railroads with him, and it sparked my lifelong passion for engineering and creativity.”
Martie nodded, recognizing the depth of such connections. “So this one object represents your journey from curious kid to engineer—and now artist?”
“Exactly,” Thomas replied, showing a shadow box assemblage he’d made featuring the car. “For me, it’s about the memories and what they inspired. The story matters more than the thing itself.”
Martie closed with a reminder: “It’s never just about the things—it’s about the stories behind them. Thanks for sharing yours, Thomas, and inspiring us all to tell our own.”
FYI: As with my guest Judi Varnai Aronson, in order to get ready for this episode of Things That Matter, he spent time looking for, finding & unpacking his boxcar. He had made his shadow box with a short piece of track for the car to ride freely on many months before… What do you have packed away that wants to be unboxed? Judi made a commitment when I invited her to be my guest to wear her grandmother’s engagement ring everyday, instead of keeping it in a safe deposit box.
To learn more about Thomas the tinkering artist, check him out here: https://thomasbeutel.art/blog/ https://www.instagram.com/beutelevision/ & FB
Are you looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com
Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨
If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/
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