OK, the curtain is pulled back for a moment...

Saturday, ten degrees, and dark as the bottom of a well. 

I've been trying to live inside a self-imposed bubble for a week, hoping to gain perspective and some rest. In part, this has worked, but the news feed leaks in. There is bombing in Caracas this morning, and I cannot fathom what this is going to bring to our doors, literally and figuratively.

So many people living in fear, confusion, pain, and sorrow-- much of it manufactured by others who are greedy, amoral, and who wield a tremendous amount of financial and social power. 

So many people who are struggling to make sense of things, to make their paychecks stretch, who are trying their level best to keep body and soul together. 

It's hard to even try to care about anything less grave; I'd love to be all wound up about a football game, or some foolishness I overheard, or anything, really, that ranks pretty low on the "I should care" meter. The weight of the world, or rather, the associated weight of these horrifying conditions, is heavy. People will tell me that it's not my stuff to carry-- but how can I not? I am human, and I am here. There's not a lot more that would or should qualify someone to give a damn about other people and their living conditions. About their fears, struggles, and confusion about why on earth so many other people dismiss them as unworthy of notice, of food, shelter, medicine...of life itself. 

I don't have a clue what 2026 has in store for us, but I can tell you that more of the same is not sustainable. I cannot begin to tell you what it feels like when I let down my mental and emotional guard and the rush of so much misery catapults itself into my heart and soul. To whom can we turn for redress? The problems are too large for any one person to solve. I pray a lot, but I have no immediate, practical answers. I have only myself. If enough of us care deeply enough to force a reckoning, to choose what is right and just and not give up on those ideals, we might be able to turn this hell-hound from our collective door. 

I will do as much as I can, as often as I can. Because we are friends, I know you know what I mean. And we can do great things if we do them together. 

C