Sharpen your pencils, gather your wits
it's time to get back to work
“All I can do when things begin to feel bleak is look at the people that are around me, that are close to me, that I work with, that I live with —my family, and loved ones, and coworkers — and just try to see the good work that’s available for me to do and get to it.” - Nick Offerman
The fifth of November used to be my favorite day. I used to throw a great party as Effigy Brewing for Bonfire Night on a beautiful property in Corralitos — thanks especially to Santa Cruz Cider.
We used to burn an effigy of Donald Trump, dance to beautiful music, drink free beer made with friends, and eat amazing food made by talented people. Riki and I got engaged in front of our friends at the last Bonfire Night party in 2019. It used to be a beautiful celebration of our little community.
Ever since the events of this past November fifth, I’ve been speechless. I really haven’t been able to put together any combination of words worth saying on the subject. I want to say that I’m at a loss for words because I’m shocked that we would end up here again, but in reality, it’s more of a solemn realization that this is just who we are as a nation.
I’m sure that I know some people who will say that I’m overreacting. All I’ll say to that is this: people I care about deeply were not safe — and definitely not okay — under Trump’s previous administration.. If you believe it’s not a big deal, I highly encourage you to make some new friends outside your usual social circles.
A whole month later, I’ve been inspired to pull myself out of the haze and get back to focusing on what was most important to me about those silly little parties: building a sense of community for the people who need it most.
I’ve been reminded that while the world may not need another opinion from a straight white guy, it does need people to speak up for each other — and people like me are obligated to remind others like us not to be terrible human beings. I’ve also been made to realize that art, or creativity of any form, is especially important in times like these.
It was the main motivation for how we did things at The Slough Brewing Collective: using the privilege that we had to create a space for a community that generally never felt welcome in the craft brewing industry. In many ways, letting go of that space and those circumstances has felt to me like I failed that community in some way, but I’m learning to see it for the good that we did for three years.
I’m hoping I can maintain my inspiration to write and to share my perspective— especially as it pertains to the many issues plaguing the craft brewing industry. I highly encourage anyone in my circle to either keep up the hard work building community and spreading your creativity, or start doing it now. You never really know who needs to see you do it.
p.s. If you’re wondering why I was inspired to quote a straight white guy known to portray a staunch Libertarian, I highly recommend listening to
speak on the topic of being a man, being an ally, his opinion on Donald Trump, or really any topic at all. Also, check out the work he and Offerman Woodshop have done for underrepresented communities in the trades. I especially recommend him if — like me— you’re a straight white guy looking for advice on how to not be an asshole.