I've been away for about 3 years with life and job changes. I cannot get rid of that feeling one gets every fall in Ohio. You know, the sudden deer flu, deer virus, buck fever? I was cleaning out a dresser and came across an old but never worn t-shirt I bought that says "Traditional Archery Excites the Spirit". It brought me back to 1993 in July when I opened the April 1993 edition of Traditional Bowhunter magazine on a work related trip to Spokane, Washington. On the flight there I read the Rik Hinton interview with JD Berry Archery. As it turned out, I was staying by the airport which was just a few minutes from James and Dan! I arranged a visit to their shop and to chat with them. I was in awe of the shop and the Berry brother's hospitality. It was like meeting a movie star as far as I was concerned. I got shooting tips and insights from James and Dan that has guided me throughout the years since. I ended up with a new snakeskinned Viper and 2 new friends. I left my t-shirt with James. It was the true beginning of my love for longbows and recurves. That one meeting with 2 great guys and fine craftsmen that did it for me. I have owned 7 different Berry bows since, both used and new. I can attribute that one single snakeskin Viper 53# @ 28in. to several JD Berry owners including 2 in this site. Yesterday I spoke to James about building me a new bow for the upcoming year so I can shoot and hunt again. As we spoke, James' excitement as he described the different bows styles and woods also got me excited and I ended up trying to picture what it will be like when it's finished. I'm going to go mail a deposit and a t-shirt to a craftsman and artist. James Berry, my true introduction to traditional archery. It'll be nice catching up with you all in here!