Jelly Bean - in his "natural" habitat

The cutest part? His whittle cotton tail.

Da Whittle Cotton Tail

For the knitters:
Pattern: Amy Gaines on Etsy - Jelly Bean Amigurumi
Yarn: Berrocco Comfort
Needles: Size 4 (much of it can be knitted on dpns)

It’s no secret I adore government propaganda. Most of my collection is from communist China, and I dream of creating a museum type display in our living room - complete with translations - to share with all our friends and family. I enjoy seeing the messages that help shape a nation’s culture, especially when the messages are constructive. Many of my works focus on hygiene, equality of women (communist China was surprisingly progressive) or education, all of which are topics that are fairly neutral and important to me. Of course, there are others that take on a obvious nationalist tone. It’s interesting to see how different countries - often enemies - approach the same period of struggle with decidedly similar nationalist messages.

(And also, I’m fascinated with the idea that you can essentially brainwash people by repeating the same message, coupled with a snazzy graphic, again and again. Even if it’s ridiculous and flies in the face of the facts on the ground. Even if it is bereft of any logic. Even, and this is saddest, if it isn’t in best interest of the very people it seeks to indoctrinate.)

“Keep Calm & Carry On” is among my new favorites. It’s a gem of a propaganda poster, from England during WWII when there was concern the Nazis would invade. This simple reminder is especially lovely because it’s a timeless message we could all use every once in awhile. Positive indoctrination we could all use a bit more of from time to time.

The greatest motivational poster ever? (BBC)
What crisis? (Guardian)

Several Etsy sellers have reproductions available, many in a variety of colors.

Friend, there’s a window that opens from heart to heart, and there are ways of closing it completely, not a needle’s eye of access. Open or shut; both ways are sometimes appropriate.

Mevlana Rumi (1207 - 1273)

“Whereas the Greeks gave to will the boundaries of reason, we have come to put the will’s impulse in the very center of reason, which has, as a result, become deadly.”

Albert Camus

It is easier to live through someone else than to become complete yourself.

~ Betty Friedan

~ Rainer Maria Rilke

The highest love a person can have for you is to wish for you to evolve into the best person you can be. No one owns you, no matter what your relationship.

~ David Viscott

SUCCESS

You can use most any measure
When you’re speaking of success.
You can measure it in fancy home,
Expensive car or dress.
But the measure of your real success
Is the one you cannot spend.
It’s the way your kids describe you
When they’re talking to a friend.

-Martin Buxbaum (via Dear Abby)

The leader must aim high, see big, judge widely, thus setting himself apart form the ordinary people who debate in narrow confines.
- Charles de Gaulle

Botanical print with a shamrock. UK, 1864.

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way -
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.

~Author Unknown