First let me apologize for not being here as much as I should. Life intrudes, and I should not let it, especially to those of the castle that mean so much to me.

Now:
Something near and dear to my heart. A special stick for an organization that means so much to me. That has helped me when nothing else did. When no one could understand the pain, those that live with it did understand. So for their annual convention I will make them the best dang stick I can for their auction to help support them. Pictures tomorrow of it in a semi rough state of being. More to come later. To check out a wonderful organization:
http://www.ouch-us.org/index.shtml

Blessings
Sundown

Hi Sundown,

You never have to apologize... We all have lives, and unfortunately that can mean less time here at the castle....we missed you, but know your energy and thoughts are forever with us.

It's all good....

I love the idea of the stick for the auction! They will love it!! Can't wait for pictures!

Sundown,

You generosity as a brother on the Path, and a Brother in Pain is humbleing.  You have been a dear friend to me through the years.  What a lovely heart you have.  

Blessed Be to you and yours.  

Got a few pictures, they didn't come out well since the wood is so white, kind of washed out.
This is American Elm (I am pretty sure), hard close grained used in years past for wagon hubs, axe and hammer handles etc.

Elm
A slightly fibrous, tan-colored wood with a slight sheen. Elm is often associated with Mother and Earth Goddesses, and was said to be the abode of faeries, explaining Kipling's injunction; "Ailim be the lady's tree; burn it not or cursed ye'll be". Elm wood is valued for it's resistance to splitting, and the inner bark was used for cordage and chair caning.
MAGICKAL ASPECTS: Elm adds stability and grounding to a spell.
or

Elm
Feminine energy. Often referred to as the home of the fairies. It is known to for its ability to ward away lightening. Associated with the Great Goddess in crone stage. Relative to the elements of both Earth and Air.
Magical Properties: Use of the Elm wands is strong in magic used concerning endurance, fertility, horticulture, passage thru death and phases of life, rebirth, and invocation of the Goddess. Elm adds stability, grounding, and focus to spell working.

A strong useful wood anyway you look at it. It speaks strongly also.

Still a long way to go but I have time.

Blessings
Sundown

Hey there Fella!! Never alpologize to family for we know in your heart you aren't never far away, nor are you from us.

They look awesome and I hope those who bid on them appreciate all the love and energies you will surely put into them. I'll have a peeksy at the site a bit later,as alas, I too am one who hasn't been around much lately!

and here I thuoght Elm was a a pain in the butt come a wind or ice storm! (Got 5 of the buggers in the yard!)

Guess befor e we get them taken out I'm gonna have to do some goddess butt kissing, LOL, cause alas, they are gonna have to come out. (Rotted centers, guess the fairies likem a bit too much round here!)

Coming along nicely  
And decided to send 2 sticks. Sweet Gum will be another nice one.
I need a life LOL

Sundown

Pics soon I think

They look so Stoic & Centered     and they aren't even finished ???
They will Be Beautiful !!! What a Great Gift  and for such a Worthy Organization!!! ...you are a True Gentleman 098))  
I can't wait to see the finished product... keep up the Good Works  

Bri

Luv, you do ahve a life, ya just gotta decide to like it!!!  

I know I've been beating that into my own head with a stick or two of mine, LOL.

sounds awesme I hope they really appreciate what you've given them!

They're purty!  

What a powerful gift!

The earlier pics are of the Elm, here is the Elm and Sweetgum. Getting close but they will be finished on time.

Blessings

Sundown

Wow!  That looks fabulous!  I like the effect of the lettering!

Looking very good there my friend.  

Ok Gotta ask..

Why OUCH?

Are these gonna be butt whackers? Kinda long for the though.

Maybe noggin knockers? � �Def got the distance for that!

Hummmmmmmm I wonder � �

Ok never mind, I see now, in the link. (Leaving the comments though just to let you konw how oblivious I can be at times,   !)

Gorgeous Sundown! Love the way you work with wood! And it's great to see you too! Hope all is going well in your neck of the woods, and say hi to that wife of yours for me as well!

Message passed LE,
Novia, the link explains it all, I guess you could use them for noggin knockers, lol. Whatever works  

Sundown