All That You Have Is Your Soul

Every day I think about my poor neglected blog, and send out a silent thank-you to my readers who are still stopping by. It's been kind of a crazy month.

A couple of weeks ago, I got the loveliest e-mail ever from a woman named Maria, blogging here, who is living in Switzerland and working with Peruvian Indian textile artisans on a wonderful Slow Cloth project. Her message was extraordinarily kind, and extraordinarily well timed, reminding me that there is value to this blog and the efforts I've made here as a global textile explorer. I've been discouraged this month with my "day job" swallowing my life and possibilities, and I still hit roadblocks related to certain people who know me in real life lurking here--that came up for me big-time earlier this month. But Maria's message, her commitment to her work and her level of achievement, inspired me anew and reminded me of what matters.

A lot of what's mattered this month has been current events. The health care reform ugliness makes me heartsick. Every life decision I make is affected by whether or not I can get health care with my pre-existing condition; I am sure my health habits are as good or better than most Americans, but I'm considered a risk outside of an employer plan. And all of the hope and astonishment and joy of electing a man with intelligence and integrity is being drowned in the reality of our political system and our pathetically anti-intellectual, intolerant, violent and fear-driven culture.

Meanwhile, my brother's farm in California was at the center of the destructive Lockheed fire. There was no loss of life or structure, but the fire and the necessity of bulldozing to cut fire lines did significant damage. And there were some very tense days, not knowing if the incredibly courageous and dedicated firefighters could contain the fire. Everyone is okay, and I'm grateful for that.

Since we talk a lot in this blog about world cultures and their inextricable link to textile traditions, please take a look at the New York Times Magazine's special issue on women and girls this week. Some of this previews a new book by Nicholas Kristof and his wife Sheryl, called Half the Sky, and the accompanying Web site here. I don't always agree with Kristof's position on sweatshops but I do understand his point of view and greatly admire his commitment to giving voice to the silent female majority in the world, whose rights and freedoms are too often limited. Maybe we should start a group to make microloans to women and girls working with textiles. Anyone game?

I think all things are connected, and the article we read about women in Africa can inform every stitch we take or every piece of art we make, so I hope you don't mind these news-focused posts.

Oh, and one more thing! Maiwa has a blog now -- I was so hopeful about going to the symposium this year and it is not to be, but I am glad for all the material they're posting.

So that's about what I've got to say. I'm trying not to let the commute and the cubicle kill my spirit, to be grateful for the chance to work with interesting material and authors, and to believe that there's more for me and it will appear in time.

So don't be tempted by the shiny apple
Don't you eat of a bitter fruit
Hunger only for a taste of justice
Hunger only for a world of truth
'Cause all that you have is your soul
All that you have is your soul.
            Tracy Chapman, All That You Have Is Your Soul

Comments

[Mo'a]

I am very happy that I found you blog. It is always a pleasure to read. I have Google Reader which is a lovely tool, trough which I am alerted when my favorite bloggers post.
I am Scandinavian...from Iceland, living in the US. I agree with you about the health care mess here in the US. Let's hope that our amazing President is able to get this important bill on his desk for his signature.
I belong to http://www.womenforwomen.org/ through which I have sponsored 3 women from Africa. One gives a contribution each month for a year to one woman, with whom one corresponds. There are also classes and direct support for the women. They are a wonderful organization. That is one option.
Count me in if and when you decide to start a micro loan group. I also have heard wonderful things about Kiva.

[Philippa]

I too want to add my voice in support of you and your wonderful blog. I find it a veritable treasure trove that inevitably leads me to something I would not otherwise have found.

It's so easy to be critical of ourselves (a real speciality of women I sometimes think)and think that we should be able to do more. There will never be enough time to do all we want and think we should. I'd like you to be reassured though that what you do on this blog is greatly appreciated and always thought provoking. There is more than enough quality content on here to last us all until you are next able to get to it.

Ease up on yourself and bask in the glow of the enjoyment that I and others get from your efforts.

Take care
Philippa

[Jane]

Would just like to add my support as well. I so much enjoy reading your blog and visiting all the interesting sites you post.

I hope that the day job gets better, and that somehow all the good thoughts from all your friends out here in cyberspace make their way to you.

I'd love to get involved with the Kiva idea as well.
Jane

[KathleenC]

I always enjoy reading when you have a post up, but never feel impatient when you don't. I can wait until you have the time.
I was thinking... might it not be similar to the ideals of slow cloth... give it the sources it needs (time and energy) to develop, respect the demands of your thoughtful process of writing, and you will have a meaningful and intelligent post. It is worth the wait. Truly.
I was going to mention the idea of Kiva as well... I'm glad to see it brought up.

[Susan Elliott]

Yes, I think the Kiva group idea is brilliant and yes, I too , will join and donate. I would love to see more vehicles of women donating to women....

[Kathleen]

Lainie--

Thank you for your post and for sharing your thoughts on textiles and other important matters.

It's very easy to set up a group on Kiva, an organization that makes microloans to people around the world. My daughters gave me a Kiva gift certificate for Mother's Day, and I used it to make a loan to a women selling fabric in Tanzania. It's amazing what even a small amount of money can do.

I'd join a Kiva group if you started one!

Here's hoping that your job improves and your brother's farm sees better days, and that our president is able to accomplish what we elected him to do.

[marja-leena]

Your blog is indeed valuable and inspiring, don't ever think it isn't important, Lainie! How worrying, how awful about your brother's farm, thankfully everyone is okay. Thanks always for the links, especially the Maiwa one today. I hope your job eases a bit, do keep up your spirits!