Mailbag: Woman teaches them more than just English

In a beautiful town in Southern California, Costa Mesa, there is a clean and gorgeous Elder School. The manager, teachers and staff are working hard to help the students improve their English for a bright future. Now we students are here to show appreciation for their favors and kindness.

In my religion, Islam, we believe that everyone who teaches us only one word makes us a slave and servant. That’s the importance of education and knowledge in my culture. No religion is different, and all prophets are teachers who have committed to guide humans to peace, liberty and justice.

But now I want to talk about an angel — a capable teacher, a nice sister, and an excellent mother with a great soul and fine senses. We have seen her cry several times about some human problems.

In addition to English, she taught us friendship, equality, manners and how to respect others.

So as a representative of students, I’ll bow to her and kiss her hand, and all of us wish the best in the world for her. Students of class 114 prepared a very little gift for her that whenever she looks at it she’ll understand that all students have love for her and won’t forget her.

Ali Rezai

Costa Mesa

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‘Yarn bombing’ a delight at Sawdust

I just came from my annual token visit to the Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach. I say “token” because I do it in honor of the artists and their effort, but usually do not find anything new and exciting there.

This year, however, was different. This year, there were wonderful new yarn and fiber pieces hanging in the trees!

What a surprise! And how fitting for the festival to honor some more local artists by displaying their works. It had me smiling all the way through the festival, watching for more pieces and looking at the other artists with a new, fresh eye. The weavers, clothing artists and, yes, even the painters and jewelers, seemed more appealing after seeing the wonderful way these “Twisted Stitchers” embellished things — trees, posts and bridges.

I often tell visitors about how the Sawdust began as a venue for the artists who were not deemed “worthy” of the Festival of Arts. How fitting that they are now including “not-for sale” artists who just want to join the fun.

I have already invited several friends to join me for a visit to the Sawdust this year, telling them that there is something new, current and exciting there. I came home and did some research on “yarn bombing” or “knit graffiti,” and it certainly is new and popular. I went out and bought myself a season pass to the Sawdust.

Sue Lieberman

Dana Point