Tuesday, May 31, 2011 — An afterword regarding my feelings

My brother said to me yesterday that perhaps I'm more centered on my beliefs and rants there about than the government is. You think? Of course I'm sure and I fervently hope that he's right. Given the things that are happening to innocent people these days it's hard not to become a little wary. But please believe me when I say that I'm actually grateful to the policies that require greater care at the airport regarding what's being taken onto the plane I'm about to board. I take off my shoes and put things in the right containers in the right combinations — at least I try to.

I can't help thinking back about a different time when we hadn't offended so many humans on the other side of the globe. There was still hope for eventually understanding each other better some day. But after the Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld era it would be naive to think that such a thing is possible any time soon. Reality now dictates that we walk through one inspection station after another before we join our fellow citizens in flight. It is one of those new "now facts of life" that I accept sadly.

So I hope that only a few of you will misinterpret my yesterday rant and think that I don't concur with anything having to do with the Patriot Act. I'm just sad that we need it at all and I think it has definitely become excessive in its lust to take away all our constitutional rights. I say let's bring on a little common sense and respect for the real rights of all people living here and elsewhere.

The rain has disappeared, the sun is peeking through the clouds and that dirt patch is calling out to me. I also promised I'd bring the Tapestry Weavers West website up to date. But.....

before I go I want to remind people who are within reach of the north coast that Pacific Textile Arts is having its Fair, Silent Auction and Quality Rummage Sale on Saturday, June 11 at 450 Alger Street in Fort Bragg. We are actually in great need of more quality rummage. So if you've been meaning to part with some things but haven't been quite able to do it,,,,,,,please consider our cause. This is our major fundraising event of the year and you all know our needs are currently large. Because of our building project providing library and classroom space, we have exceeded our budgetary limits and need to finish up the project and return to our usual comfort zone of fiscal frugality. You can call me at (707) 964-5279 or email info@pacifictextilearts.org for more information. Or you can drop quality items off at 450 Alger Street on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 over the next two weeks. Thanks so much.