Sometimes it's just good to appreciate the beauty of the early morning light, to see it cascading through the garden during the quiet times before the rest of the world is up and just the birds and insects and the like are out and about. I'm so grateful for having had this time and privilege to focus on creating this peaceful space. I'm grateful for an old friend who I've planted celosia seeds for and watch it prepare to bloom while she finishes her final chapter on this planet. I'm grateful for these things, big and small, that make life all worthwhile.
When I continue to see a virtual tie in the political polls between a serial rapist/bigot/fascist/cheat and a woman of true integrity, experience, and love for country (not to mention who fights for us ALL, dedicating her life to lifting people up rather than shitting all over them like her opponent)? I am sickened.
Personally, I am working to do my small part to support progressive candidates around the country (remember folks, you can donate $5 - or more! - to candidates in local, state and federal races NATIONWIDE, it all adds up!), encourage turnout, promote facts, and defend our democratic process through our elections.
We all must step up...and never make assumptions about the people around us. There are too many who think that staying home is okay, or voting third party - both which are indirect ways of spitting on our country and voting for a dictatorship. For far too long, voter turnout in this country has been fucking pathetic. When the media brags about record-breaking turnout during the 2022 midterms which saw LESS THAN 30% of those under 30 voting (compared to the 25% average), or Democrats celebrating that they didn't lose 'as bad' as they expected to instead of shining a light on voter apathy and holding them accountable for LOSING the House? It's so fucked up, y'all. When turnout for local elections averages around 30% nationwide, yet people bitch about how hard it is to get permits processed or potholes fixed or police to show up and give a shit about their communities? When we literally have postage-paid, mail-in ballots with weeks to send them in here on the West Coast and those turnout numbers are STILL at those shitty levels, and folks can't be bothered to the easiest, most basic task? When folks take for granted a right that millions lack around the world because they are not voting based on one issue and - while not running themselves - complain their choices aren't perfect? Fuuuuuck.
And so I come to my garden, to stop, to breathe, to compose, to release, and to welcome in all that is good in this world. The bees, the spiders, the hummingbirds, and the first spot of geese returning to the Valley...it's what reminds me why I'm on this planet and why it deserves protecting. It's what gives me patience with myself and the faith I need to keep on keeping on, in all the perfection and imperfection of the gardens I've grown and continue to grow...
"When you increase the number of gardens, you increase the number of heavens too!" ~ Mehmet Murat Ildan
Comments