Herb Wreaths, time & internet anthropology

Herb Wreaths -
This is a wreath that my sister & I made on Monday (I think). It was for an article in her magazine. We photographed and explained all the steps.

Unfortunately, the magazine is not in color, so I thought I'd post the color version here - didn't it turn out beautifully?

I'm thinking of taking a picture each week as it dries. It'll still be nice, just not as colorful.

Time is just flying by. We decided some time ago to attend, as vendors, the Chicago Area Soap & Candlemaker's Conference, August 13 in Tinley Park, IL.

I thought I'd have plenty of time to have a large number of soap beads made and ready to go by then. Life seems to have gotten in the way. Between soap orders and the ensuing soap making, etc., dealing with our son getting ready for college and the other normal day to day stuff, I woke up yesterday and realized it's only a week away! How did this happen??? Looks like there's a lot of torch time in my future.

On top of the Chicago Show, the next weekend is the Gem Miner's Jamboree in Lebanon, PA. I was hoping to get some more regular "art" beads made for that!

Internet anthropology - The other thing I've been wanting to write about is sort of a little anthropology study I've stumbled into online. Have you ever noticed that people say things in some forums that they would never say in person? Or, have you noticed how each forum seems to have its own personality?

There are lists I've been a member of for years. One in particular where I feel pretty comfortable has always been very careful about touching on any subjects that might be controversial. Topics are closed before anything even begins. It kinda bugged me. We were adults after all, but I figured it was the list mom's right to make whatever rules they wanted. In the past few months, I've branched out and joined a number of forums and now I understand the rules of the list!

Each forum seems to have a personality of its own. I learned long ago "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

What I've seen in one forum in particular, reminds me of the "in" crowd in high school or the movie "Mean Girls". There are definitely the old-timers who can, and do, say anything to anyone, counting on their "posse" to back them up. Woe unto the new girl who innocently expresses an opinion contrary to the position of the "in crowd". The wrath of the "Mean Girls" is brought down upon her full force. In this case, even the moderators join in. Saw a card the other day that said. "If you don't have anything nice to say... you'll fit right in here." Seems to fit! I've noticed the postings have definitely slowed on this forum since I've been there and it isn't because it's summer.

Those same "Mean Girls" are on other forums I frequent and are completely different people. I can only guess that they don't have their back up. Remember, the "Mean Girls" in high school were pretty nice until their friends showed up!

Just find it interesting.. I thought we left high school a long time ago.