Folding Paper Cranes...

Several months ago, I began folding paper cranes in anticipation of our wedding. I'm dreaming of folding a full thousand. Currently I'm at 213, and I have about 9 weeks left before our wedding. (!!!! how did that happen?) Lots of dear friends are pitching in, (Erin in particular, who started folding cranes as a suprise for my wedding months before I even had the idea myself. Gretchen, who folds them with me over our post-waitressing shift beers. Andrea, who folds them when she comes over to our house.)

I have a vision of them hanging on ribbons from the trees around Lake Crescent, which is where we're getting married. Not only are they beautiful, they have tremendous significance.

Most folks are familiar with the story of "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes....

"Shortly after the end of World War II, the folded origami cranes came to symbolize a hope for peace through Sadako Sasaki and her story of perseverance. Diagnosed with leukemia after being exposed to radiation after the bombing of Hiroshima, Sadako became determined to reach a goal of folding 1,000 cranes in hopes of being rewarded with health, happiness, and a world of eternal peace. Although she died before reaching her goal, the tradition of sending origami cranes to the Hiroshima memorial has endured as a symbol of the Japan's ongoing wish for nuclear disarmament and world peace."

The crane has added significance in Japan, where many folks believe it to be a "symbol of good fortune and longevity because of its fabled life span of a thousand years. It also represents fidelity, as Japanese cranes are known to mate for life."

It seemed like an auspicious project to undertake prior to our wedding.

Ryan and I both feel strongly that our wedding is an opportunity to celebrate our shared commitment to peace, joy, and justice, not only for ourselves, our friends and family, and those we know---but across the planet. We would be honored, and deeply touched, if you would help us to celebrate by taking the time to fold a few paper cranes. You can hand-deliver them, mail them, or even keep them yourself or give them as a gift to someone you love.

Like so many symbols of the desire for peace, they are just that... symbols. But I've discovered that each crane I fold creates a series of moments in which I am attentive, focused, mindful, and creative... and when others who are watching see what emerges from the folding, they are inevitably pleased and excited. Many want to learn, and while it takes patience (I had to watch about seven different youtube videos, and then several of the better ones 5 times more), it is deeply satisfying. So, what began as a symbol is in fact a peaceful act. Repeating that act a thousand times is more than an art project.... it is an act of faith, that a more beautiful and gentle world is possible, a world in which art flourishes and Ryan and I get to grow old together.

Those that cranes that make it to the wedding and survive the weather and the celebrating will be taken to the Sadako statue in the Seattle Peace Park after our ceremony.