I lived with my father from the start of third grade through my first year of college, and for almost all of that time he worked in sales. I never had the desire to follow in his footsteps (and he discouraged me from even considering sales as a possible career path), but I always had an eye on one of his most important trade tools: a Cross pen. He had several—some engraved, some with a matching pencil, but all with a smooth roll and a heavy weight. Just borrowing his pen I felt important.

I’ve tempted myself with thoughts of purchasing my own Cross pen, but it’s never made the list of top priorities for my budget. But just when I had given up the dream…I was given one as a “thank you” for my service on the board of a professional association. Not only does it have my name, it has the logo of the organization engraved.

I wish the photos were necessary, but they’re really just from experiments with my camera: