I work at the Registrar's Office of Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. I keep an insulator display atop a row of filing cabinets that is visible from the front counter. It draws many comments from students and colleagues. One of those colleagues is Ken Royce.

Ken quickly took a bemused interest in my "eccentric" hobby. While Ken has yet to become a hard core collector (give him time), a couple of insulators adorn his office desk. Ken's real passion is professional photography, and the photographic beauty of old glass soon became apparent to him.

I provided some pieces for Ken to photograph, along with some back issues of Crown Jewels for inspiration. Ken worked his magic and photographed some of my insulators "up in the air." The juggler's name is Shu. He is a Japanese student who attended SOU for a time.

From left to right, the three insulators are:

CD 133.1 Homer Brooke's with terrific amber and milk. I acquired this insulator at the 2005 National in San Jose. It came from the collection of Joe and Jeanne Bridges. The Bridge's are venerable old timers in the hobby, and I consider it a privilege to know them personally. This piece holds sentimental value for me.

CD 254 Hemingray No.3, purchased several years ago from the McDougald's Insulator Emporium. While not super rare, this is one impressive piece of glass!

CD 145 Brookfield Beehive in yellow green with milk. I purchased this piece along with a purple Brookfield beehive from Dee Willett in 1979. I really wanted the purple beehive (price $35). As a recent high school graduate with a limited budget, I never intended to buy the yellow green piece. But Dee practically forced it on me. "You won't regret buying both of these beehives," I recall him telling me. "They're sleepers, and one day collectors will recognize their beauty and rarity." How could I resist such persuasion? I shelled out another $15 and bought both pieces from Dee. Today, Dee's words ring true. Both beehives sit at the heart of my collection. I can hear his words each time I enjoy those pieces. Dee was a hobby mentor to me, and he is sorely missed.

So, back to the cover photo. Are you ready to let Shu juggle some of your best glass? Visit Shu's website and decide:

www.jugglershu.net/index_eng.shtml (note: Shu's but check out his video clips!) While you're photography skills at: www.kenroyce.com.