For the better part of my life, I have unconsciously been looking for wood. Everywhere I go, I’m always looking, checking out trees for burls or trying to spot that potential chunk of tree lying by the side of the road.

If I see a tree crew, the brake lights come on immediately.

I keep track of trees loaded with burls or display other characteristics that promise an interesting figure locked within. I just lost one that was taken down when I wasn’t looking.

I have built projects for people out of wood that came from trees that had some sentimental value for them and these projects have always been the most satisfying. We are in business, yes, but most of us were woodworkers before we were business people.

It’s hard to resist the chance to pick up something special.

D.D.