This past week, with all the (post-election) scariness, noise and confusion, I picked the ocean to stand by. The ocean’s smarter. Here, we are all just happy seabirds, standing, toes in water. And in the mist or the blazing sunshine that shows up, we are all made silhouettes. Indistinguishable.

I’m standing on this little swatch of sand directly around me. It’s the only one I have. In this one tiny body. Also the only one I have (which, by random lottery of a certain color, shape, location, orientation, social and economic fortune, etc., allows me a safe space. I feel grateful, but also deeply sad/scared for others who may have less safe space to stand right now for the same dumb reason).

A simple animal with a stick, I make a spiraling circle in the sand, soothed to have space to play and think. I’ll never be able to know how far out my ripples go, I guess, or how long a shadow I could cast in this world, either. Just that I DO create ripples and shadows, just by being here. And that what I send out, light or dark, is the only bit I can control.

These are troubling times. I’m doubling down on my art right now. Focusing on making the prettiest ripples I know how to make in this little swatch around me -- my home, business, family, friends, neighbors, community -- the people and things right here that I can help to make feel safer, happier, more supported, more beautiful. Deepening roots... face to the light... It’s all I’ve got.

Lots of love to everyone right now. If you need to find me... I'll be at the beach.

P.S. Is there something you're good at? Or never mind good at, just something you like to do? Maybe it's singing a song, being a good listener or friend, making warm food, telling jokes, playing music, knitting, dancing, baking cookies, planting a garden, posting cat videos, making art (or even a few smileys). Whatever it is, right now might be a good time to lean in to it. We could all use your light!