Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1310029
TEXTILE TALK | EMILY WALZER like a personal mantra as much as the next person, but in a year like 2020, the standard issue "one day at a time" or "this, too, shall pass," just doesn't cut it. So for me, the hunt for a meaningful adage has become part of my coping with the COVID routine. I've tried on a variety of aphorisms from a wide variety of sources over the course of the past several months of the pandemic and found inspiration in phrases and speeches that are well tailored to this moment in time and a good fit for me. Here's a quick review of my new go-tos: Book: Author Erik Larson's "The Splendid and the Vile" is a terrific read about Winston Churchill and his leadership during WWII. Churchill is a compendium of quotables but his "Never let a good crisis go to waste," quip gets a gold star. "If you're going through hell, keep going," and "Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference" are noteworthy runners up. Podcast: Jon Meacham's podcast It Was Said examines impactful speeches from modern American history. All episodes are top notch, but listening to Barbara Jordan's keynote at the 1976 Democratic National Convention and Meghan McCain's eulogy for her father hit several high notes; both speeches serve as eloquent reminders to look for light in dark days. T-Shirt: 2020 has been a field day for t-shirt talking points with catchy statements all the rage, from politics to the pandemic. Keep Calm and Wear a Mask and Keep Calm and Wash Your Hands were instantly popular. But for my money, nothing beats the original Keep Calm and Carry On that hails from a motivational poster produced by the British government in 1939 in preparation for World War II. However, my vintage Allman Brothers Band "Keep on Truckn" t-shirt, in all its 1970s glory, also tops the charts. Daughter: On a day when tasks at hand seemed daunting and getting to the finish line of the COVID pandemic felt overwhelming, Olivia shared what she learned while endurance training for a marathon a few years ago: "Run the mile you're in." Paging through the stories in this issue of the magazine you'll read versions of these mantras. Maybe not word for word, but in spirit. The need to accelerate, innovate and differentiate is repeated often by execs talking about selling textiles when your customers can't touch or feel fabrics. "Re-thinking" and "re-imagining" are also constants in discussions about supply chain strategies for 2021 and beyond. But hands down true inspiration is found in our technology story. Written by Debra Cobb, the report includes her interview with a wildland firefighter with boots on the ground experience. You can check out the story on page 14. l Finding the Inspiration Where We Can I've tried on a variety of aphorisms from a wide variety of sources over the course of the past several months ... I T e x t i l e - B a s e d P r o d u c t S o l u t i o n s conceptiii.com proud partner of The world is unpredictable today, but we want to assure you we're still here for you, sourcing and developing the sustainable textile innovations you demand. No matter what comes next, we have your back.