My first debt in life goes to my loving parents, Fred and Shelly Duneier. The book's dedication records my boundless love for my wife, son, and daughter. I will forever be grateful to my sister, Michelle Duneier Donner, and her husband, Craig Donner; my sister, Allison Duneier Cohen, and her husband, Todd Cohen.

I am also filled with appreciation for my sister and brother‐in‐law, Jackie Ripps Fodiman and Robert Fodiman; my brother‐in‐law, Richie Ripps; my late mother‐in‐law, Ginny Ripps; and my father‐in‐law, Marvin Ripps, and his wife, Gloria Ripps. My nieces and nephews deserve special thanks: Matt, Caitlin, and Garrett Donner; Kendall and Devon Cohen; Sydney, Ray, and Morgan Fodiman.

In each stage of my life I was fortunate to have acquired a true friend: Eric Wesch, Matt Haudenschield, Anders Faergemann, Lynda Kestenbaum, and Warren & Melissa Matthews.

For his expertise, thank you to my cousin Mitchell Duneier. In bringing this book to life against all odds, I thank my esteemed colleague, Jake Vincent. The book could not have been completed without his brilliance. Christina Verigan of John Wiley & Sons encouraged me to pursue this project. Her extraordinary support, wise advice, and editorial touch were indispensable. She was the greatest editor I could ever hope for.

Finally, I wish to thank my fiber arts community, my Bija Advisors clients and subscribers, my faculty colleagues at UCSB, and my students over many years for taking the red pill with me.