Gentle Readers,

In the words of Rodney King, "Why can't we all just get along?"

This summer, while hot on the trail of our first find, my little "herd" and I
came across another group of 'boxers on the trail (you know who you are!).
While we were exchanging stamps, an experienced boxer in the other group asked
me if I was subscribed to the LbNA list. When I told her I had just signed up
that morning, she said cryptically, "That's the angriest group of people I
have ever come across." I thought (silly me!), "What an odd thing to say! What
could people pursuing so a genteel hobby POSSIBLY find to fight about?"

Well, after having spent the past 4 or 5 months watching villagers run to and
fro with pitchforks and blazing torches, I know what she meant. I have kept
silent while 'boxers who have added a great deal to US letterboxing were being
burned at the stake or driven from the list. However, I have come to find the
ever-present smell of smoke in the air tiresome--and waving pitchforks have
often have unfortunate consequences.

My Christmas (or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or winter solstice or whatever!) wishes
for all of the folks on the list:

~May you not take offense where no offense is intended.
~May you not give offense deliberately.
~May you not fan the flames when a spark is struck or when embers are
a-dying.
~May you not continually seek to have the last word--especially in so public
a forum.
~May you channel your pique at other 'boxers into carving lovely stamps or
burn off your irritation in long hikes planting new boxes.

Peace and best wishes to all. 'Nuff said.

~Doughnut


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