this has been a doozie of a year.
so many losses.
so much sadness.
a terrible election process and a worse result.
more evidence of global warming.
and yet...
and yet...there remains
the generosity of plants
the kindnesses of human beings
the love of our animal companions
brave people
art, and the joy of using tools.
so.
recently my son ian went public
asking for financial help via gofundme.
he is hoping to pay his counseling bills.
ian's campaign came online just after amanda degener started
one for bridget o'malley (these two are Cave Paper).
bridget has had a health crisis.
these two remind me of amanda palmer
who has made a case that asking
is ok to do.
yesterday i went out to my meadow
and harvested milkweed in the mild winter weather
sharpened by wind.
(i remember harvesting milkweed one year on skis
the snow was knee high or so.)
the snow was knee high or so.)
last night,
unfinished though i worked seven hours stripping the bast,
i had time to ponder asking
giving, receiving,
and realize i have to rethink all of this.
on ian's gofundme one woman donated the cost of a pack of cigarettes.
this strikes me as generous
and sacrificial.
some friends of mine have contributed, too.
abundance shared is beautiful.
here's a photo taken out the kitchen window at the new place
i call HOME.
and our old barn at my old place,
so loved by my kids and me continues
returning to earth.
returning to earth.
one stalk of milkweed,
waiting for me, perhaps,
or a songbird next spring might
harvest the fibers for nest making.
or a songbird next spring might
harvest the fibers for nest making.
the generosity of plants
continues.
and i ponder gratitude.
and i ponder gratitude.