There is a program airing tonight on PBS that “explores the growing reach of homeland security, fusion centers, battlefield technologies, and data collecting into the lives of ordinary Americans.” I heard a few snippets this afternoon regarding people who have been put on terrorist watch lists because they took pictures of a ferry, or a bridge, or a landmark building. Why we may think to ourselves, this is crazy, or there is something missing in these stories, in truth this really does happen more often then we think.

The photo above got me put onto a terrorist watch list in New York City in  2004. I love exploring, especially roads that seem less traveled. I ended up down a side road in Staten Island and came across some very large power structures. The clouds that day were beautiful and the juxtaposition of the elements really stood out to me. I snapped a few pictures and we on my way. The next day my father called me and gave me the phone number to a NYPD officer that had called him inquiring about suspicious activity linked to my car. Long story short I had to provide written referrals from my current employer, 3 phone interviews, and provide them of copies of all photos taken that day. I was informed that I was no longer under investigation. I understand that “we can’t take chances” but I also wonder about the lengths we go through to protect America. I look forward to watching this frontline program tonight.

We officialy arrived in Maine a week ago. And while there are a few things we are still working out,  we couldn’t be happier to be here. I started a new job, and have been having a blast exploring our new surroundings. Even Einstein has made some new friends. Our current neighbor has a lovely cat who goes by Clark (I call him Clark W. Griswold) that Ein treats as a fellow dog. So far Clark has been nice enough to allow him into his ragtag group of outdoorsy animals as well greeting me on the front porch when I arrive home. Unfortunately though we will soon have new neighbors as we found out the hard way that Freight Trains do not make good neighbors. Upwards and onwards.

Well it’s actually quite a while until Crafty Bastards (over 2 months away). But I am so excited to be invited to be part of this amazing indie craft show. This will be the farthest I have ever traveled for a craft show, but some awesome people have reminded me that the leaves will be changing and the drive from Maine to Washington D.C. will be beautiful. Hope I will get to see some of you there!

It’s been sort of radio silence around here for the last couple weeks. Matt and I enjoyed our trip to Maine and found a great space that we will be calling home for at least the next year. I’ve been busy getting ready for a wholesale show as well as packing up the peppersprouts shop and all of our belongings. I can’t wait to see where the year takes us, but I can tell you this much, there will be many lobster rolls and beer evenings at the Portland Lobster Company this fall. I love outdor seating, great food, bands and a place where the pup can hang out under the table.