15 September 23

Guatemala celebrates its independence on 15 September. I'm wearing one of two ties in my collection made by "Lily" in Guatemala.

17 April 22

Today's tie was handmade by "Lily" in Guatemala, and was bought through Peace Craft, our local Fair Trade store. I'm wearing it because my personal calendar shows 17 April as an important date in the history of Guatemala, but I've learned that the closest event in the very complicated story is 13 April 1839, when Mariano Rivera Paz became Governor. Three years later he became the country's first President. I think these bold, shaded maroon stripes are good to wear more than once a year! Today I got to hold Dana Rose Alicia Kleppinger, born to Jonathan and Courtney earlier this month!

18 April 21

On 17 April 1839, Guatemala formed a republic, lasting through the present day. My tie was handmade in Guatemala by "Lily" and sold through Fair Trade channels.

17 April 20

On this date in 1839, Guatemala became an independent nation. Originally a Spanish colony in 1523, it became part of the Mexican empire in 1821 and then joined with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua in the "United Provinces of Central America" in 1823. As that assemblage came apart, Guatemala became a republic on its own. My beautiful maroon stripes tie was handmade in Guatemala by a woman named Lily (according to its label), and was purchased at the Peace Craft Fair Trade store here in Berea.

3 January 19

Happy Birthday to my brother Mark Wollenweber! Mark manages seafood processing plants in Narragansett, RI, with connections to plants in mainland China and Peru. He chose this tie for me to wear today -- it was handmade in Guatemala -- with these words: "I think I’ve got to go with the Guatemalan maroon stripes. I do love me my Guatemaltecos in Rhode Island. Here’s to hoping they can stay." His company The Town Dock is "America's Leader in Calamari."

14-15 September 17

Tomorrow, 15 September, is Guatemala's Independence Day. I have two personal connections to Guatemala: (1) I have two neckties handmade by "Lily" in Guatemala, purchased through Fair Trade, and (2) our son Ben spent 2-3 weeks in 2008 in the city of Antigua, video-documenting the work of short-term youth teams under the direction of Mission Discovery.

15 September 16

My tie for today was handmade in Guatemala. On this date in 1821, Guatemala (along with several other neighbors) declared independence from Spain.

15 September 15

Today is Independence Day in Guatemala! The country gained independence from Spain 194 years ago today. My Guatemalan tie was handmade by "Lily" and was purchased at our local Fair Trade store, Peace Craft.

12 May 14

Saturday was World Fair Trade Day. My tie for today was handmade in Guatemala and is signed by "Lily." The concept of fair trade marketing is connected most often with international goods like coffee, chocolate, jewelry and cloth. But it extends nicely into the principle of "buying local" too, where you can tell that your money is getting into the hands of those who actually produce the goods.

20 March 14

Today is "Sweater Day" (especially cardigans), honoring the birthday of Mister (Fred) Rogers, 1928-2003. I think he would like this tie made in Guatemala, definitely part of his neighborhood!

3 October 13

October is Fair Trade Month, a time to celebrate the wonderful growth of "fair trade commerce" that aims to pay workers and producers around the world FAIRLY for their labor and resources. My tie was handmade by "Lily" in Guatemala, and purchased at the fair trade shop Peace Craft in Berea. My big button celebrates October as Disabilities Awareness Month and today as EKU's Disabilities Awareness Day, for which I am coordinating outdoor information-table displays by 16 organizations.

5 August 13

Well, 5 - 8 - 13 is another arithmetic date, 5 + 8 = 13. My tie was made by "Lily" in Guatemala and was sold at a "Fair Trade" price in Berea, at Peace Craft. Beth gave it to me as a birthday gift this year!