Contemporary scholars are in the process of applying the lessons of cataclysm from their peers who lived a couple of generations ago. How that will impact each of our lives personally will be revealed in time. Some who have weathered their own traumas even say that joy is a possibility.

In these disturbing times, I am aware of my appreciation for the dark green trees against the pastel coral and lavender sunset, as I meditate at home. At work, I connect with others who feel the same blues as we continue to create the world we want to live in - and out with friends, too.

Swynnerton's story is fascinating. Her portrait work is so unique, but I really find the landscapes captivating. Either way, she really captured mood.

So often reading Brooks over the years, my reaction is "he's sooo close to getting it," and wondering what were the core values or characteristics getting in the way. Because it is clear that he has been studious and reflective.

The place I grew up leaned conservative, but in what seemed a civil sort of way. There were progressive elements too, some issues and values in common. Among my generation, when younger, I definitely witnessed some concerning far-right yearnings...

The state of this country is such that there was much more hope and camaraderie at the outset of a pandemic we knew little about and that was causing huge consequences to health and life.

When I was starting to get into alternative music as a teen, there weren't really any local stations playing it, but there was a college station with a couple-hour program and sometimes I could position my boombox antenna just right to pick up a station further away.

It was wild earlier this week to see the wolf moon with a blood red ring around it -- likely an effect of the clouds and deep cold and what is in the atmosphere from the fires. Beautiful but perhaps an omen, too. Then the next morning seeing the moon minus the ring, showing that conditions change.

Cleaning up the kitchen today after trying a new recipe, I remembered cleaning up in my grandma's kitchen after a holiday meal, as a tween, listening to my Walkman. There was some fun and laughter at times, but there was so much toxicity. Likely generations of suffering that had never been healed.

I'm gladdened that my new neighborhood seems to be resisting adding to light pollution. It is one of the darker places I have lived, but the snow really makes it brighter at night. Everyone who shares my core values really could use a similar brightening in this dark winter...

The sunset created art on my wall

Was too busy to look for Leonid meteors this past weekend; sometimes the stars must remain background speckles of light as we build or reinforce our nests to sustain the anticipated darkness ahead.