First of all, I hope everyone is having a great year so far. This update is overdue and everyone is wondering about what happened to their order. Yes, we have finished the production on time and we have the handsome neckties in our possession (see photos below), however, an important thing prevents me from sending the neckties right away. Read on.
One of the neat things about having a small business is that I can make decisions on the fly and implement it on impulse without having to go through a lot of red tape. For this collection, I planned to ditch the usual generic necktie box and surprise you with a fully customized decorative and protective box at no added cost to you. The photo below is the blueprint of this box which I designed myself.
Embedded on the design itself, but hidden from plain sight, are choice immortal words from Freemasons who came before us to inspire us in our daily lives. These messages are hidden from outside view to convey that the real Work happens from within.
When I said "fully customized", that's exactly what I meant. The FraternalTies box is not "stock size"- it's dimensions are based on the dimensions of our neckties. In terms of design, as you can see on the blueprint above, I did not spare even the bottom part of the box- a black and white mosaic pattern familiar to all Freemasons to remind us of the nature of life.
I already mentioned this on my last email but in case anyone missed it, you will also receive this signed limited edition mini poster featuring words from Brother Mark Twain.
At the beginning of this letter, I talked about making impulsive business decisions. It has it's obvious positive side, but there's also a downside and that is I did not fully anticipate the time involved in producing a fully customized box. I have miscalculated and now I have to ask for your patience once more.
Would you be able to wait perhaps a couple of weeks for this box? If not I will fully understand. If you wish that I send you the tie ASAP without the customized protective and decorative box, please let me know by responding this this email and I will personally ship out your necktie right away. Please let me know your thoughts.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
John Paul Gomez
Designer | Doric Lodge No. 316 AF&AM Toronto
The content of this blog post was taken from my latest newsletter.
I read somewhere that in ancient Babylon, the days between the Winter Solstice and the New Year were seen as the time of a struggle between Chaos and Order, with Chaos trying to take over the world. With a new year comes new opportunities- a chance to better ourselves. The following are select quotes by our late Brothers that will hopefully help bring Order out of Chaos and make us a better man in the process.
This is a follow up to the "10 Famous Men You Didn't Know Were Freemasons" blog that I wrote about 5 years ago.
I present to you well-known US / Canada brands (alphabetically arranged) that were founded by a Freemason. Some on this list have local popularity and some are known on a global scale. Got something to comment or add? Please leave a comment below.
Note: Content below is an excerpt from our latest newsletter.
--Pre-order now and enjoy Free Shipping to USA / Canada--
It took us about two years to perfect the Masonic Paisley design and the resulting Jacquard woven silk fabric. It took us a while to get to its final form but it turned out to be one of our best designed, softest, densest, and shiniest necktie that we have ever produced. It makes handsome knots with beautiful drapes- with or without dimples. The choice is yours.
For a limited time only, the FraternalTies® Exclusive Masonic Paisley fabric will be available for pre-order in an all-black and all-white necktie versions.
We personally design the pattern with love right here at our home, and we also personally hand-pick the silk material that goes in our neckties. We strive to give our neck ties the perfect weave, the right density, and an interesting ombre effect that is pleasing to the eyes.
Putting those 3 characteristics in a fabric is not an easy task, but like anything in life- achievable by going through and learning from trial and error. Like its predecessors, the Black and White Masonic Paisley neckties perfectly embodies all 3 desirable traits that we want in a fabric. Check out the photos and videos below to see the fabric shift "From Darkness to Light".
The black "Darkness" Masonic Paisley goes from from a subtle textured black appearance to alternating shades of grey as the light hit it from different angles.
The white "Light" Masonic Paisley goes from from a subtle textured white appearance to metallic shades of silver and pure white as the light hits it from different angles.
Submitted by John Paul Gomez
Comment: I find that Instagram is better at filtering hashtags, Facebook- not so much. A day have passed already and I still get zero results in FB for #hiramstrinkets despite several Brothers including myself using it. If you want to see your photo in this page, let me know and I'll include it.
Submitted by instagram.com/mr_ketterman
Submitted by Bro. Daniel Di Natale
Submitted by Bro. Angelo Cares Rios
Submitted by Bro. Kenneth Lottman
Submitted by instagram.com/ethan._.meh15
Submitted by instagram.com/bro.mike
Submitted by instagram.com/nebreyob
Submitted by Bro. Kenneth Lottman Jr.
Submitted by instagram.com/nebreyob
First thing I gave up was smoking (still not 100% but I'm now down to about 1-2 sticks per week); and then diet was next (remembering my previous FB post, I ate nothing but sardines with rice every day for the entire month of November 2015). I also applied more Philosophy and Freemasonry for the mind; and, as per my doctor- exercise for the body. Healthy mind, healthy body. As above, so below. As within, so without. It makes sense to me now.
For exercise, since my kids were already doing Muaythai, I decided (or should I say my wife decided for me) that I must join as well. At 34 years old, it was my first ever sport. It was grueling to put it mildly, but the clarity of mind that I get during and after the workout / torture simply cannot be matched by any of the prescriptions and psychotherapy sessions that I've ever had. I was instantly hooked.
I am now sitting at 179 pounds and still burning fat at the rate of 1-3 pounds per week. I feel light. I feel great. And my wife is very happy that I no longer snore like I used to. I feel a lot more confident and I feel no longer depressed, I think I still have the social anxiety and I still get the occasional panic attacks but have since learned to contain and manage it.
I'm really surprised to find out that I have a heart for sports. My only regret was I allowed my #introvert self to believe that I wasn't good enough to try it when I was younger. Like what my 'Kru' and personal trainer would say, "You will not win if in you're mind you're defeated already." Remember, it's never too late and you will never know if you don't try.
This cool project- a wood and leather Square and Compasses bowtie for Freemasons- have been simmering in the backburner for too long now (for more than a year now if I'm not mistaken). I know that a number of you have been patiently waiting for its release. The reason for the delay is that we cannot find a good way to produce it locally without being too costly. We did try to make a batch last May but I am not very happy with how it turned out (see last photo below).
This year we will try to make another batch but our production funds are low and we need your help. If you like our work and would like to see us produce more of our original Masonic creations, you may help by supporting our business fundraising efforts such as this Making Good Men Better Since Time Immemorial teespring t-shirt campaign.
-1 Chronicles 22:15
I was imbued at an early age with love and earnest appreciation of art and crafts. My father was a public teacher and electrician by trade, starving artist by nature. My dad was a man who would rather share and give away his creations and gain friendship than profit. The way he would see it, he'd rather have a laugh with a stranger than bear the burden of having to collect money. This along with his other eccentricities was reason enough for my mom to leave him. He was heartbroken, but his love for art and his craft only intensified. What was once a source of joy also became a source of solace. As a kid, I was completely immersed.
Looking back, life as a youngster living with a temperamental artist for a single parent was tough, but I do have many fond memories of growing up with him. I remember the early morning beach walks looking for see glasses, odd shaped rocks, and driftwood. I remember the annual gathering of local artist and meeting all sorts of wonderful people who make a living doing what they love. I remember the World War II anti-aircraft artillery shell that he and his buddies dug up from the dock and, using a bench vice and a hacksaw, managed to remove the projectile and the propellant charge without getting blown to kingdom come. It was an accomplishment. What was left of it, the brass cartridge case, became the exhaust pipe of his Suzuki B120. It was bold, it was fun, it was loud- just like my dad.
My creative dad met his Creator not too long ago but he still lives in me. I have his eyes to appreciate beauty, his hands to create, and even some of his temperament to liven things up. Like him I also find solace in the act of creating art and in supporting others who create.
Allow me to show you some of the exciting crafts that we have been developing here at FraternalTies in partnership with craftsmen from all over the world. Everything that we do is designed by a Freemason (yours truly), for Freemasons.
Hand made in Dallas, Texas USA by a local artist and grandmother. Her grandfather was a Shriner Mason.
Hand carved in Uttar Pradesh, India by local artisans.
Made with ebony wood and genuine Canadian leather.
Hand carved in Karnataka, India by local artisans.
Hand carved in Uttar Pradesh, India by local artisans.
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in USA
That all for now my friends. We really appreciate the support that you have generously given us through the years. Thank you.
If you would like to know when any of these products will become available, please follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or join our mailing list.
It took almost a year to get this one right! Only 200 units ever made. I was shocked to discover that some of the letter G on the fabric was woven in reverse!
At least one buyer requested for a refund while others seem to be delighted with the thought that the error will make it even more desirable to collectors in the future. Not sure if what you have is the 1st Edition? Look for the letter G between the S&C. If some of them are reversed, jackpot!
This one is not easy to make. It took me many design tweaks to get the fabric right. The photos below show the evolution of the Masonic paisley tie.
For your enjoyment!
As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Canada's Maple Leaf flag, I think about how being here have changed me.
It has been more than a decade ago when my foot landed on Canadian soil yet I still get a strong mix of feelings of gratitude, extreme humility, and pride each time it comes to mind that I am now a part of this great nation that I have come to deeply and truly admire.
As an immigrant from a third world country, I am still in absolute awe of how everything seems to work well here in Canada. Being here is like being a part of an efficient and well-oiled machine where each part is as important as the whole- and the machinist (the government) really do care about the well being of the parts. I hate to compare but back when I was in my native land, I hear about Equal Rights and Equal opportunity all the time and I thought that I get it- but landing here made me realize that you don't know the meaning of equal rights and equal opportunity until you experience it- I had my first taste of that right here.
It is here where you can get free education and have access to world-class healthcare without breaking the bank (all six of us in my family have experienced this first hand); the politicians here do not distribute instant noodles to the poor and needy with their faces printed on the packaging in hopes of a better election results; journalists don't get killed en masse; the media is not polluted with stories of killings, useless trivia, and corruption; the color of your skin is not a topic; women have their voice; and there is a refreshing religious tolerance.
Some Torontonians like to complain about the traffic on 401 and the DVP- as someone who lives literally right next to the DVP, I just laugh at them and carry on with my quiet meditation amidst the gentle hum of hundreds of engines passing by- the loud horns and people yelling, typical cacophony of third world traffic, noticeably absent.
Ohm...
I am very happy to report that we hit and surpassed the initial production requirements! We only needed 7 to get it rolling but we were very fortunate to secure 10 pre-orders! These awesome checkered-floor inspired Italian-made leather low top sneakers are coming to life!
I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the 10 brave and generous souls who, despite FraternalTies being on somewhat troubled waters lately, decided that it would be wise to trust us with their hard earned money and spend it towards the production of our very latest premium merchandise (our very first Italian made footwear!). You ought to know that your untiring support helps keep our business and our family afloat. The first batch of 10 pairs is now currently being handcrafted in Italy and will be shipped to you directly from the factory. They will be ready for shipping by the first week of March. I trust that everyone is just as excited as I am!
Now that the initial requirement was met, our manufacturer in Le Marche, Italy, through the new creative startup AliveShoes, will begin the production of the first batch and will lock down this particular design configuration exclusively for FraternalTies. It is ours and will never be reproduced again. You have until April 5, 2015 or 54 days from the time of this writing to reserve a pair of these elegant looking sneakers. Please click this link to pre-order https://www.aliveshoes.com/FraternalTies
I intended to write this piece two days ago in support of Bell #letstalk day, a program that is close to my heart. LetsTalk primary objective is to end the stigma surrounding mental health. Not too long ago, I opened up and talked about my own battle with depression, in return, our Masonic Brothers from all over the world shared their stories and their own struggles with me. I learned that I was not alone- many of our Brethren are also fighting similar battles- a lot of them in silence. I thought that it would be a good idea to share with you a few slices of wisdom, seven to make it perfect, that I picked up from those learned Brethren who came before us. May these words enlighten your path as they illuminated mine.
7. “My brain is the key that sets my mind free.”
- Harry Houdini, St. Cecile Lodge No. 568
Your brain can process 70,000 thoughts per day. Push out the negative frequencies, or at least learn to turn their volume down, and focus on what is good and positive. If you haven't yet, try memorizing certain parts from the ritual. Surprise yourself with what you may discover.
6. “The things which hurt, instruct.”
- Benjamin Franklin, Tun Tavern Lodge
You cannot have a perfect ashlar without repeatedly striking a rough ashlar first with tools of violent force- the Gavel and the Chisel.
5. “Illusion is the first of all pleasures.”
- Voltaire, Lodge of Nine Sisters
Like all pleasures in life, learn to take this in moderation. You cannot be the change that you want to be if you're living vicariously through your favorite characters on TV.
4. “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”
- Winston Churchill, Studholme Lodge No. 1591
Take it from the Brother who went through years and years of failure before holding office and later to emerge as one of the greatest iconic figures of the twentieth century.
3. “It is better to be alone than in bad company.”
- George Washinton, Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4
Solitude can trigger depression. But it can also be your best ally in your quest to find yourself. Remember number 4, "an opportunity in every difficulty."
2. “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.”
- Oscar Wilde, Apollo University Lodge No. 357
Choose your friends wisely.
1. “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
- Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain, Polar Star Masonic Lodge No. 79
The one with the most heart always wins.
The right mental attitude is key but it's also worth mentioning that nutrition and exercise play a big part. Health experts suggest at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. As for nutrition, keep it simple by staying away clear of junk food. A big plus if you know, or willing to learn, how to cook. The process of planning, preparing, cooking, and finally sharing and consuming home-meal is good for the mind, body, and soul. One ingredient that I highly recommend you look into is turmeric. The healing properties of turmeric have been known to humans since time immemorial.
