A three-day camping trip to eastern Pennsylvania’s? semi-wilderness. August. A bunch of good friends, four tents by the lake,? crackling campfire, invisible woodpeckers, s’mores, zero bars on the cell phone. Rustic picnic table under? a pine tree. An elaborate carving on the surface.

For the Russian-speakers – I’m sorry you had to see that. The rest of you – just enjoy the penmanship (knifemanship?). Admire the technique, the confidence,? the boldness of the stroke, the self-expression squeezed? into just three magic letters.

Sometimes I’m? trying to imagine who that unsung artist might have been. I’m thinking – a thirty-something computer geek (web developer, perhaps). Glasses. Slightly twisted sense of humor. No major mental problems. Mom wanted him to study medicine and become a surgeon? (indeed, he would’ve? done a heck of a? circumcision – judging by how he handles the blade). Somehow always manages to screw up, including? good relationships. Still learning his life lessons.

Wait, I think I’ve just described myself. But this? handywork isn’t mine. I SWEAR!