My mind wants to start with social commentary, but my heart says this is a chance to focus on joy, the beauty that things that are ugly can create. So much beauty.
Abundant mushrooms are growing right now. All sizes, shapes, forms and colors. They are showing up. It’s the season. The decomposing matter. Amy documents the mountainous varieties in beautiful, spine tingling photography. We can see them in our grass and the yard’s forest floor. They are transmuting the past.
Yesterday, Kayleen and Conner’s Christmas card arrived. An iconic oven front, ready for holiday baking. When you pull on the handle, there is a bun in the oven. The baby is due in May.
Saidi also sent new pictures from Kampala, Africa, pictures of his baby son. A note saying that the delivery was normal, Mom and baby are doing well! Shazal has longer hair than his papa. Adorable. Hope. A new world.
Although I’ve teased about this one being long in coming, Rylie and Joey also announced their engagement last week. It has not been a long time in coming! It just feels like it, given my time lines. And given the obviousness of their paired path.
And so when we sat down to dinner tonight, Shante and Mark puzzled about their year of weddings, six to be scheduled so far. They have hope of staggered plans so that they can attend them all. But it does look precarious, and hopeful. They also have people in their world that will welcome babies.
So much joy! I have this month of focus on joy, and look at the landslide! All of it will be challenging, require a lot of growth, and will move our society forward. I feel so blessed to witness this moment, this stage, the mushrooms spreading across the forest floor. Gratitude.
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Much much love Mom Michele. We wish you health and happiness always. You shine a bright light onto us.
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