There is lots of stuff out there, continue to be creative is a good recommendation. Building smaller is not a bad idea, either. I am now playing with clay infill systems in and around my regular work which consists of sawing a lot of pine for the future, it has put me in a hole but the more sawdust I put behind me the shallower the hole gets. I saw 3 or 4 logs and play with clay for an hour finish a couple more logs them my day is over. Just keep at something. Now, the GM guys are looking at some tough times, I hope everything runs right with your dad, Mike.
Tim