I intended to enter this years "Pretty Wood" contest. I Found three pieces of wood that looked worthy. Different species. Each piece had a special potential. Truth is, discipline to the basics of the wood, tools, the work, and finish doesn't come naturally to me. My instinct for "over the top" design is hard to subdue. I had to quiet the noise in my head that insisted, "more stuff" could make it better. I had to trust restraint. I had to trust the tree. Kits were matched to wood. Visions of competition and victory filled my head. And then....It was not to be. Sudden health issues visited us and time disappeared. Deadline passed. With gratitude, the health crisis did too. We're OK now. Yet....the commitment to working those three pieces of wood remained. So I did the work. This is one of the 3 pieces that was born of that wait. Redwood Burl. "Tapa Traveler" pen style. Natures magic.