Peace Pole

A couple of years ago, I read an article about Peace Poles. You've probably seen them around at churches, schools, etc. Susan and I got to talking about it and thought it would be very cool to put one in our patio space. So, I went to the world's largest shopping center (the web) and found an organization from which I could order the plates that read "May Peace Prevail on Earth".

There are a lot of languages to choose from, and some poles have 6, 8, even 10 sides. We decided on a 4 sided pole and chose plates with the message in English, Hebrew, Latin and Arabic. We received the plates and then the project sort of stalled.

I couldn't decide how I was going to install the pole. Concrete, dirt, would we leave it when we moved, would we take it, how would we take it if I put it in 36 inches of concrete, etc., etc. Then, there was the question of what kind of post. Cedar, treated, untreated, synthetic, neighbors tree, etc., etc.

We got a little traction going on the project this spring and things just started to come together. I found a metal post holder that could be driven into the ground. It would hold the post, let us rotate it, and then take it with us if we ever leave NAP. Then, at The Home Depot, I came across a stack of Douglas Fir posts. One in particular was straight, no nicks or dings, and sort of called to me.

So, this weekend, the project finally came together. I really think it turned out very well. We want to thank our friends who helped us complete the project: James, Megan, Kent, and Scott. Thanks everyone!!

Now, before you get the idea that Susan and I are sitting around in an unbathed state, hittin' the hooka pipe, playing guitar and wearing peace symbol sunglasses while raging against 'the man', it isn't like that at all. (Well, not the unbathing and guitar anyway.)

We just really like the message and the intention behind the pole. And let's face it, with the state of things in the world, a little extra 'peace intention' can't hurt.