BBBlog

Our Japanese dealer, Gojuon http://www.bbbag.jp/  asked us to make a very small BBB for their paper and pencils etcetera...  We are still looking for a very tiny magnetic closure of sorts, some kind of understated tick tock double lock.   Then this Micromini 101 will be the perfect fit for a cellphone, plus room for a few extras, with a definite untechy look....good camoflage for those of us who have not quite made the mass migration to cellphone use.  Stay tuned or should I say stay connected.

Well not exactly, but sailing, yes.... and hope to test a few Catcalls on the way.  As a boarding ship BBBlog entry: the sailfish box as I call it, featured above, is a not so socially correct cigarette case crafted in an early bakelite with a lovely cloisonne sailfish on top.  It belonged to my grandfather.  As for the smoking, fashionable in his era the twenties, so the story goes:  he could take a swan dive off the makeshift diving board into Lake Erie with cigarette in mouth and due to a clever horizontal twist of the tongue, roll it back into his mouth and then upon surfacing... continue smoking!!! as if nothing was off course.!!!  Here's to staying on course sailing and a great summer to all.

With the plethora of patterns in today's vast textile offerings - a humbling experience in and of itself -  the simplicity of gingham can be a zen-like experience for my weary designer eyes.... perhaps that is part of its lasting appeal.  The history of the weave is as interesting as the the story of waxed cotton.  Our BBB only uses the real stuff :  100% yarn dyed woven gingham; the back of the fabric  looks like the front as it is woven not silk screened.  We are finicky about our gingham.  Also the right angles of the pattern complement the squareness of the BBB shapes.  Warp and weft cross simply as the lines of longitude and latitude on a nautical chart .... and when lost not at sea but on the indeciperable patterns of an Excel spread sheet and at my wits end .... I choose the simplicity of Gingham! Happy 4th of July!

Niece Sarah in Sarasota Florida  took this photo of high wire artist, Nik Wallenda, on an afternoon stroll.  It's a family tradition of sorts to follow their travels above from below if you will... His most recent feat of bravery and balance was on June 23rd across the Grand Canyon, just a mere 1400 foot jaunt to the other side.  Nothing short of breathtaking to watch on TV....  I could only take a peripheral very momentary peek, way too scary pour moi.   Our BBB motto is Fortes Fortuna Juvat : translate 'may all good fortune favour the brave' celebrates Nik Wallenda's amazing walk and putting his bravest foot forward so to speak...... an auspicious blessing to all in the US and Canada this coming July 1st and 4th of July.  Thank you Nik! ( and Sarah, too for the dramatic pic)