The First Seven

The Tsuru Project officially began in late January 2005 when the first seven cranes were sent to TPTB in Los Angeles. I had taken pictures of the initial package, but for the longest time I was not able to locate them until my Dad found them somewhere in the house. (Thanks, Dad.)

I have scanned a few of these pictures. Unfortunately, I didn't have digital camera at the time and had only a disposal camera. I apologize for the poor quality of the pictures. The project turned out magnificently, and I wish I had a better camera to truly capture the detail of the package. I can't take full credit for the craftmanship of the painted lions that flanked each side of the box. I have to thank my youngest sister for that.

The idea of the package was that of a box which contained hopes and dreams. It was a simple white box with two golden dragons that acted as guardians and were held together a red ribbon which secured the contents of the box. Inside, as you lifted the lid was a different story. There existed a fantastical world of 5 colorful, flying cranes and a lotus flower. Included with the package was as letter which introduced the campaign and its idea. Unfortunately, I don't have the exact transcript of the short letter I had written; it is in another computer. The letter was enclosed in a card with 2 cranes. Thus, the package had a total of 7 cranes. I had chosen seven being that it is a mythical number.

Here are a couple of pictures of the crane package. To see the rest, follow this link.

Soon

I will be sending the first set of cranes to TPTB in Los Angeles real soon. There are a few details that have to be settled. I will take pictures of the package that is being sent and they will be posted on here.

If you are not aware, Smallville had been renewed for a seventh season starting this fall. In addition, the writers/TPTB have already started working on Season 7.

For those who have been watching the final stretch episodes leading to the finale "Phantom" which aired last Thursday, you know what happened. To be honest with you, I don't know where this leaves our project. I won't claim to know whether our project's message will have any kind of impact on the writers, given the note the show left on. BUT, I hope that this doesn't deter anyone from finishing up this project. I would like to finish this project regardless of outcome or impact. At this point, there is nothing to lose. I'll take any chance, no matter how remote.

M.I.A.

I apologize for being M.I.A.

I have been preoccupied with writing papers and preparing for presentations. Nevertheless, I will be finishing up school next Friday, so after that, I'll have more free time to complete the Smallville phase of the Project. As it was stated originally, the deadline for this campaign is around June/July and the campaign is still on track to meet it. I will address some new developments that I've been monitoring, in terms of castmembers (possibly) leaving, and where that leaves the campaign.

Things being quiet on the campaign front does not mean that the campaign is giving up. Not in the least. I do have ideas I want to throw around. Despite what is transpiring onscreen and that sense of doubt on whether this campaign will matter in the end, I hope all of you are still on board and will see this through. More than ever, the Tsuru Project needs your support and participation.

Trisha

In Memoriam

I will dedicate 33 of the peace cranes in memoriam of those killed in Monday's shootings at Virginia Tech. These cranes will be in the school's colors of maroon and orange.

Though not needed, you can offer a message or prayer to attached to these cranes. They can be posted on this thread or via e-mail.

I hope that we begin to move more proactively about improving campus security and preparedness and safety procedures to forestall or mitigate such incidents. And also, how faculty and students can effectively address issues of mental health on campus.

Thanks.

CDRF PSA feat. Erica Durance

The clip of the PSA for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, which features Lois Lane portrayer Erica Durance, is now available online. Visit t.e.m.k.(4)CDRF to view it.

My deepest and utmost condolescences...

To the families and friends of the 33 slain in today's deadly shooting on the Virginia Tech campus and the 37 killed and hundreds wounded by last week's bombing of the Iraqi Parliament.

It is because of these incidents that we start to question whether we will ever find lasting security, stability, and ultimately peace in this world. Peace isn't simply the absence of violence. The causes of violence, conflict, and war involve far more complex issues than just a matter of religious/cultural differences, right or wrong, good vs. evil, north vs. south. It is neither black nor white, but varying shades of grey. We need to look into the dualism of our human natures, into the matrix where the patterns of darkness and light are commingled and entangled. I think there we can begin searching for answers and understanding why it is difficult to find and sustain peace despite the presence of institutions and articulation of political commitments to facilitate security and peace.

Peace is...

How would you describe in one word or phrase, "peace"?

Post your response below.

*****
Make the pledge for peace today. Manifest 2000.