In 2002, I was driving through the Salinas area of central California on my way to Carmel for a conference when I passed a magical village on the side of the road. A couple of days later I stopped for a long visit and entered the world of Steve Blanchard, sculptor in wood. There's no way I can even dream of owning one of his pieces, but from time to time I visit his website to see what's new. This piece has taken my breath away.