Saturday morning and the first snow of winter lies as a diaphanus sheet upon the ground. Technically winter begins with the solstice of December 21st. No matter– cold, ice, hibernation, rest, reflection is the natural way, the rhythm dictated by Nature. I welcome the coming season. There is no clear-cut beginning and end to…
A Christmas tree is the central feature of house decorations. Many years ago we’d go to a local tree lot, carefully select the “perfect” tree, tie it to the roof of the car— home we’d go. I did enjoy the scent of pine in the house, but decided that the labor-intensive ritual, that always…
The first Tuesday in the first month of winter is demonstrably cold. Patrons arrive at Starbucks with heavy coats, collars turned up. The wind races from the north, some gusts at 30 mph under a gray lowering sky. The temperature is in the low thirties. This feels much colder since — until now, I’ve…
Happened to hear this song on the radio. Like a moth to a flame, the lyric and tune are mesmerizing. I am not the only one so affected. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in 1966, the song became iconic of deeply rooted resistance to the Vietnam War. Fifty one years later we…
What? Surely the title is an anachronism, an absurd term in today’s world. Why, yes it is quite absurd and that is the point. Time’s arrow moves in one direction only. According to the 2nd law of thermodynamics, energy seeks equilibrium. It dissipates, no exceptions. Unless there is a twist of fate. What I…
Full sunlight this morning. A dramatic contrast to the top story on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. Major retailers such as Walmart and Kroger are to start charging suppliers penalty fees on account of late deliveries. With supply chains being extended so far, not just nationwide but as far as assembly…
Sunday was the occasion of a mild 40 degree day. I especially enjoyed the shades of brown and tan illumined by the afternoon sun as we passed a wetland, undeveloped, tall grasses waving in the breeze. White oaks were showing spiky leaves hanging on to face the coming frost. Everything is as it should…
The feast day began with paying homage to Nature. This is it should be, since each of us is a child of Nature, flesh and blood, born of the Earth, sustained by the sun, rain, the recurring force of Gaia’s productive effort. Is it not proper on this day to personify Nature’s dispassionate, life-giving…
I anticipated this day for a while. Fall days come one by one, daylight lessening, leaves falling, my spirit waiting for the coming interlude–a day dedicated to taking stock of the goodness that life serendipitously has offered. Thanksgiving! The benefits that come our way are unaccountable. I did not expect them. Indeed no one…
Our daughter and her partner are expecting a baby girl. Kai is to be born in January. I am awed that the child is to bear my mothers name as her middle name. My mother was a extraordinarily courageous and kind woman. She would have been greatly honored to have her name given to…
