Ayudanos

 We had an appointment in Redding so we finally visited the 700 foot suspension bridge over the Sacramento called the Sundial Bridge, created by Spanish artist Calatrava. It was worth seeing. Lovely sweeping angles and simple grandeur.

 Last night we went out to Ann's strawbale home on the Vina Plains--where the brodeia are blooming in the dry vernal pools. Jose and Mira were selling paintings and Guatemalan "tipica" which may be a derogatory term but what it was called in Guatemala... wonderful beading, ikat and other lovely clothing and fabrics.

 Their project, Help me Paint my Future (Ayudame a Pintar mi Futuro) has grown on Chico over time through Mira's persistence, community building and just plain goodness. They carry all this stuff up and we dutifully buy it out of appreciation.

Our friend Mely is from Guatemala too- a different region and different path from Jose. We are all richer for knowing her. I look forward to being part of a delegation to lobby for Immigrant Rights on Monday. Meanwhile, the sun went down on that day as it surely will soon on this one. Tomorrow starts early.