In going through some binders of 'stuff' a while back, I 'found' this newspaper clipping. It was from 1997, and I was having a small exhibit of my weaving in a local gallery/shop. One of the things on display was the 3 piece outfit I wove, which won a 'technical excellence' award at the ANWG conference in Victoria, BC that year.
I used this outfit in Magic in the Water - yes, planning for that little 'excursion' was already well underway - and then almost wore the jacket out. I no longer fit into the top and slacks, but oh well.
Having hit a 'significant' birthday this week, I have been doing a lot of thinking about...things.
I have no crystal ball that shows me what the future holds. All I know is that we are living in 'interesting' times. Charles Dickens kind of summed it up. It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.
History is the record of where we have come from - or it was until the current timeline, where you can't count on the 'news' accurately *reporting* what is happening but instead spews lies, misinformation (at best), disinformation (at the worst) and platforming people who wish others actual harm.
In one way, I'm relieved that I have no kids to leave this bit behind to muddle through. In another I feel guilty because I'm not doing enough to prevent the harm I see looming on the horizon. As if the present isn't 'bad' enough, it is poised to get worse...
And what am *I* doing?
Weaving tea towels.
Seriously?
Um, yes.
There is very little I, personally, can do to fix what has gone horribly wrong in society today. I can protest. I can post sarcastic observations to social media. I can vote (although I live in an historically 'conservative' riding, so my liberal vote doesn't do much).
On a personal level, I try to encourage other people. I try to inform them, as best I can. I try to be an example of someone who does not accept the dark reality we find ourselves in, right here, right now.
So, when I stumble across a reminder that I have 'accomplished' a few things, I remember that I tried to help others, I bear down and vow to keep on, keeping on.
To show that being creative is a human thing to do, and is of value *because* it was done by a human. I try to put positive, creative, energy out into the world.
There was a meme on FB the other day that said (I paraphrase) even if your only 'job' is to take hold of one thread in that tangled mess and tug, you might be holding the key to unlocking the tangle - so go ahead - TUG! (my emphasis)
We cannot despair because then 'they' win. Find some little thing you *can* do. Some small act of resistance. Keep on, keeping on.
In the meantime, I continue to write for so long as they will have me My classes continue on School of Sweet Georgia and Longthread Media and my books are still at Blurb.com
And for sarcasm, I'm on Bluesky as weaverlaura