I have been a professional woodworker since 1976 and have written fifteen books and over 100 articles in woodworking magazines and educational journals. My special concerns are hands-on learning for all, and the respectful use of our forest resources. People and trees have important things in common. We tell our stories. They are important to us. And the craftsman's story is best told, when he or she uses his or her own voice to give voice to the forests. Where there's a knot, there had been a branch. The beauty of wood must be cherished, shared and preserved if future generations are to understand the importance of preserving our natural environment.