September 12, 2001

I cannot express how saddened I am to write this article. My heart is going out to all of those who perished in this horrible tragedy, as well as to the family member who remain. My emotions are very close to the surface, and I find myself in tears all too often.

Beaders are nurturing people, and during this tragedy it has been demonstrated (once again) what a special community we are. I have read and heard many messages of love and healing from many beaders. I have seen artists and designers posing beautiful patterns for us to bead; in the spirit of love and mercy. It makes me proud to be a beader. And it makes me proud to be an American.

I read something yesterday on one of the beading community groups that touched me very deeply, and I would like to share that with you here. This was written by Rosa Meyer, the Programs Director of the Bead Society of San Diego County. I quote here with her permission:

"We should ALL close our eyes, every hour, on the hour, for at least a couple minutes.......and just concentrate on sending healing thoughts and energy to all those who are right in the heart of all the tragedies right now.....whether they be innocent victims inside the buildings or planes, on the ground, or whether they be all of the incredible people that are trying to help in this horrendous tragedy !! Let's get the air buzzing with some kind of GOOD ENERGY, to reinforce and help all those who need it NOW !!! Everytime I hear my grandfather clock chime.....that is exactly what I will be doing.....for the next few days AT LEAST !!!"

I have been doing just this by stopping and visualizing myself lighting a white candle, just as often as I can. It has helped me to settle and concentrate my energy. I hope all of you may be able to do the same.

Also in the sprit of love and sharing, which she is know for worldwide, Suzanne Cooper has posted a free pattern on at Bead-Patterns.com titled "Our Country Mourns", and Arleen Hardin has posted her tribute titled "United We Stand".

This pattern, the 91101 Ribbon was created by Deborah Pflanz of dpflanz designs, and sent to me with the following message:

"This my 91101 memory ribbon pattern done in brick stitch. I would like to submit this to the site as a freebie - just to remember and remind us and help us heal. It is 40 beads wide x 80 beads long. Colors are basic:

Red - for the blood of the victims (430 bead count)

Navy Blue - for healing (458 bead count)

White - that lights of justice & freedom still light our lives (432 bead count)

Black - for the grief & horror we all have been feeling (1710 bead count)

Yellow - to remember (76 bead count)

I will be adding links to any relevant patterns or fundraising efforts. It will be a very long time before the shock, pain and loss are fully realized from this horrific tragedy. It is my hope that we beaders can work up these patterns in the spirit of peace and love. Perhaps as we add each bead to these pieces, we can say a little prayer for one person whose life has been irrevocably altered.