Semper Fidelis

       Always faithful.  A motto you hear from our US marines.  A motto that will strike a cord in one's very being, no matter what your origin or your past.

        As many of you know, I am not in the business to make it rich in monetary gain.  The starving artist path seems to be my way.  I have chosen my line of profession based upon the souls that I can touch.  Beyond the jobs I may maintain to pay my bills, my true purpose in this life is to help provide a door to a spiritual connection for the right individual.  This idea puts me into many interesting and amazing views of life and connections; and I am extremely blessed to be a part of.   
       
       Building and creating jewelry is not merely different metals placed strategically, soldered, polished, and sold as a shiny and pretty thing.  Jewelry is more than that.  It is a symbol or mark of a memory.  A chosen place in time that holds dear moments to us.

       Meet Roger,  he was a young man that touched many souls.  His selfless acts earned him a kind smile and a warm place in many hearts.  Roger loved Wyoming.  As true to many of us living away from the hustle and bustle, he found himself enjoying the company of his friends and family in the great outdoors.  He loved hunting. 

He served his country proudly as a marine.  He was creative; his hands found ways to build beautiful log furniture.  He loved the rodeo.   Always faithful and true to his heart he would give his last if that meant he could help.  In 2003 a fatal motorcycle accident 

took Roger at an early age of 23.  He is continually loved and missed by his family.  May your memories and lessons left behind ring true in all you touched.  

       Jump forward to the last Farmers Market in Whitehall 

Montana; in which the day found me cold and not making much of a monetary gain for the day; but, regardless of the sales, I am enjoying my day and visit.  I am set up along side my Father and Mother-in-law's booth; their's filled with plenty of yummy homemade breads and fresh produce found from their garden; mine filled with the usual.  As the day drew to a near end, a woman stopped to look at my few things that laid upon my table.  She seemed most interested

in the Elk Ivory work I have done.  My ivory work is a bit different than that of the common found in Jewelry stores across Montana.  There is great delight to be found in changing the expected; and at times, new and beautiful creations are born.  

       Terrie, Roger's mother, 

Three Elk Ivory Pendants set in Sterling and Fine Silver, finished with a 18 inch Sterling Chain.

explained to me that her husband had suggested to stop at the market on their way through; something that was unlike them to do, but something that seemed a good idea.  After mentioning the interesting cuts of ivories and settings she found on my table, Terrie asked if I might be able to set her son's ivories he harvested some time ago.  She told me a bit about her son, and her dream to share with his sisters the ivories set as pendants; one for each of them; ivories which held memories that were obviously so dear to this family.  She asked if I could possibly shape one into a heart and set it in gold for her.  I now know why I was there.  To help build a connection. 

       I am honored to be where I am and who I am; to be able to help others build a symbol of a dream; something that will be cherished for many years to come; an item created to hold as a locket all the moments so preciously attached to a time past.  Thank you Terrie for sharing your story; and thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.  Always faithful and Always remembered.  Roger Lee.  

Bull Elk Ivory shaped as a Heart and set into 14 Karat Yellow Gold, finished with an 18 inch 14 Karat Yellow Gold Chain.