I popped into my “other” job at the YMCA Tuesday, only to be met by a coworker informing me that “Crazy” Patrick had died.  While his demise is sad, sadder still in my mind is that he died alone in his house only to be discovered by his sister, his body already beginning to seep into the threads of a battered easy chair.  I suppose Patrick suffered the euphemism “crazy” attached to his name because he was quite possibly the only person I know who owned a different monochromatic outfit for every day of the week.  From headband down to matching sneakers it might be a blue day or a red day for Patrick, as he’d corner you into a conversation littered with adventurous tales which, when strung together, wove a story to rival that of Forrest Gump.

 

Waiting eagerly for iPhone 6 to release, Mr. PQ and I have traveled to the north shore to work on a new project aimed at introducing a notable piece of the north woods to our product line.  Anyone who believes American manufacturing has gone the way of the clam shell phone, only need travel the side roads and byways where you’ll discover the heart of the country in the small businesses where employees cut, stitch and rivet each product by hand.  Our new bags for your Macbook, Air and other tech gadgets are going to be phenomenal!

 

It’s essential for us to tour our vendor’s factories, meet the people and understand each craftsman's process.  The sheer volume of this factory lead me to think that heavy mechanization was being utilized, so it was rather mesmerizing to to hear the cacophony of sewing machines, the ring of hand hammered rivets and the rasping of shears as each piece is individually cut by hand. The integrity of the entire bag is ensured by the passion of each craftsman.  Guaranteed for life.

 

Even when life takes a precarious turn.  Nothing underscored the vibe of these past days quite like the story relayed to us as we chatted with customer service.  A bag had been returned for repair to a zipper.  The CS rep noted a small hole in the bag and called the customer to ask whether he’d like the hole repaired as well.  The hole was created by a bullet, in Iraq.  The hole stayed.

 

Nothing like the resonant brush of death to create a little sober thinking.   Nothing is certain, so I  value the ability to influence the adjectives attached to my name, hopeful that my actions evoke trust, integrity, passion, love.  Guaranteed for life.

Kari

Mrs PQ