It's unfortunate if many fear harsh judgement from others enough to keep them from posting. While it's good to be on top of grammar, I'd rather someone get their posts up without worrying too much about each point being perfectly made......there's a lot to be said for spontaneity and compassion too! And we must remember that English, while it's "our" language here in the U.S., may be someone else's second, third, or fourth language.

Jake, you bring up so many valid points! I remember telling you in Tucson at Marisco's.........Life's a river! There are more beads to see and talk about in the very next day, the very next moment! I feel like I must grasp at the wisdom rolling past me the best I can, but there is ever more to come! And this forum keeps it all for me to reference later. I can't say how much fun I have when I search material from the past and get side-tracked with other "stuff" I hadn't thought about in some time.

And Mel, what fun it is to see the cool beads you're finding and learning about, from chevrons to Ban Chang to Kiffa and now Ojime....congrats, and thanks to everyone for the tips and pointers.

I doubt that I am the only person who finds day to day life getting more demanding all the time. I feel my "straight" job is eating me alive......beads, and this forum, are sometimes the only true pleasure there is in a work day. And I am thankful to you all.

Some people may define themselves as researchers, historians, collectors...some have many decades in this passion for beads, some are newcomers. All are welcome here. I love this bead community, and I love it when people find their place in it.

For now, I must carry on with the week ahead in mind, and get some sleep. Maybe I can make more concise posts in a day or two. Thank you, everyone!