April 5, 2011

Seven of us for much of the hour, including a visitor from Los Angeles. It was cold, but there were oatmeal raisin cookies for an un- birthday celebration.
A woman stopped to inquire, "What are you doing?"
"We are against the war."
"Which war?"
"We are against all war."
"Well, so am I, but I don't know what else to do."

Monday, April 4

March winds still blowing, holding one of  the wooden signs aloft I was nearly tipped over by a gust of wind; a comic moment.   Laughter is a regular part of our peaceful vigil.  4 when I arrived - 8 for most of the hour. 9 people in all & yummy chocolate brownies.  Occasionally a woman with a sign linking cost of war and our local economic woes stands alone at the corner of Monroe; she says her sign is seen better when the traffic stops there.  She was there this blustery April 4.  And, late in the hour, near to the corner of Jackson a lone man unfurled an Israeli flag.

Sunday April 3

Fourteen people to end the vigil. We had an interesting discussion with two young folks, enrolled in a course Causes of Peace at Western Oregon University in Monmouth. We are always happy for visitors, young or of any age.
One car drove by and yelled, Kill them all. The next encouraging gestures were particularly welcome. I wonder, where do those angry words come from?

Saturday April 2

Lots of people at today's gathering, with a weekend attendee from Albany. Maybe eight people to begin the vigil, thirteen at the end.
We noticed more gestures of disagreement from passersby today, and are wondering what was different.

Friday April 1

Four people to start the vigil, twelve when the hour ended. Yesterday's spring weather was gone, and traffic jams made some drivers impatient.

Thursday March 31

Clif Kenagy passed away this week. Thanks for your work, Clif.

Thursday March 31

It seemed like the first day of spring. We had our gloves off, passing cars had windows rolled down. The trees in front of the courthouse looked completely in bloom.
There was a passionate discussion of the pros and cons of wearing a helmet on a motorcycle. Now if we could just stop the war(s) ...
Four people at the beginning, eleven at the end.