Year of the rat: Kindest year ever

artwork by B. Giordano

Lunar new year of the rat (1972, my year!) has kicked off super busy. From the Manibos' 50th anniversary celebration to A.'s black belt in Okinawan Shidokan to shaking all that is fierce women of color in the 40-50-year-old range (7yo NB voluntarily shielded her eyes in some superbowl halftime show moments) to NB's upcoming First Penance this weekend. And in the midst of festivity, my heart sinks as I drive by a local cemetery and daytime funeral procession. While I don't know who they mourn, I honor a stranger's life and quietly weep while others publicly mourn the deaths of a basketball legend and his daughter as if they were members of their extended families. 

As much as possible, I try to shut out the world of political insanity and chaos. Instead, I choose to focus on my worlds of immediate family, school community, and tribe of like-minded mommas. For now, my purpose is to be accessible to my second grader as well as serve my local community. Working at home is no easy feat as I frequently think about how to make my way back into the world of work outside of home and balancing family, public service, and self-care. 

At the heart of it all is kindness. When we have lost faith in democracy, when we feel the unsteady future and watch in slow motion as the ice cracks in the lake and we hold our breath, the world can be frighteningly chilling. And we hope, there is saving grace. That moment when someone/someones happen 'round the bend, see you and extend a lifeline. That is the gravity of faith and kindness in the Universe. 

Kindness makes sense when it's all that's left amidst loss, fear, and anger. Before we decide to pick up and exit (yes, we fantasize about living abroad), there's kindness to be done right here, right now in our local communities. For fear of hopelessness in a sea of hateful discord, may we band together, find what feels hopeful, and choose kindness. 

Little Christmas [aka Women's Christmas]

My loves are back to school and back to work today. Having awoke to Little Christmas this morning in celebration of the three Wise Women who likely were the ones supporting Mary at the her son's birth, I took a moment to thank the Universe for a blissful holiday. And yes, after the holidays, women deservedly require their own day of ballyhoo after all the magic they've chosen to orchestrate!

My much welcome 4mi-hike around Lake Royal, every mindful breath is sacred. At one point, I even feel an unexpected blowy touch on the back of my windbreaker. I imagine perhaps it's my Dad with a quick hello. With every just-a-taste dose of red wine during our Christmas in Connecticut, I miss him so. Just when the January breeze picks up through the trees, the ripples in the lake shimmer with such sparkle as seagulls gracefully take flight. And I take it all in (heartful sigh). 

May 2020 bring you Wise Women gifts of everyday peace, treasure and wellness.

love hard, love fierce

our work is 

building community

making love in a world 

without gun violence

without sexual assault

without prejudices

with my imperfect self

i see into this creek

so very clear

a living foundation 

mindful of what matters

connection with others

as our authentic selves

makes for solid friendships 

for our work is listening

truly paying attention

is a most wonderful act of kindness

supporting each other to be our best

nurturing our children to be their best

so that we can tell them, 

yes, simple goodness 

has a natural rhythm 

in our world