Now that the electoral map comes into full resolution, the full magnitude of the political sea change is in full evidence… the progressives are now the largest caucus in the Democratic Party. We should not engage in naiveté by assuming that that means they are... Continue
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I have learned – the hard way – the importance of speaking up. And I know now that neglect, abandonment or being treated in a rude way is not okay. Respect is a fundamental right. We each deserve it. And it is our own responsibility... Continue
By now, many of us have renewed our annual dues with local nonprofits that are membership-based. Most Sonoma Valley nonprofits are on a fixed-date calendar renewal schedule, with membership starting on the same set date each year. Organizations such as the Sonoma Valley Historical Society,... Continue
The methods and strategies devised by ego to sustain itself are largely primitive and barbaric. They display themselves due to the ways we feel and imagine ourselves and others, and the behavior that flows from that. Ego does not conform well to others; a daemon... Continue
We, the people, want our voices heard. We can’t accomplish change alone but there is power in numbers. We are empowered when we go eyeball to eyeball. We feel a palpable personal power when we gather. As Dana Jack says, in “Silencing the Self”: “depression... Continue
There has been a lot of activity in our District this past year, but our shared fire stories of tragedy and loss are evolving into a focus on rebuilding. It takes all of us grit, patience to learn about insurance coverage, sharing information on builders,... Continue
Put people together and you're sure to find trouble. Families, husbands and wives, siblings, cousins, politicians; no matter how you find them, people always have trouble getting along. Human society reflects just how terribly difficult it is; when large groups of people organize, it often... Continue
Back in the day, it wasn’t possible for kids to grow up without their parents warning: “Be careful of the company you keep!” Cautions abounded that even if we were very good (B+ good), hanging out with The Wrong Crowd -- the Lazy, the Losers... Continue
Char Girl -- I had my four-year-old granddaughter on Saturday. We’re making cookies and she begs to take over mixing the butter and flour. “I do it, I do it! Let me, let me!” After cleaning up, as there was now batter everywhere, we put a... Continue
People like to take care of living things, like plants or pets. Watching plants or animals grow and change stimulates physical and emotional reactions only possible between living things. A pet rock may be attractive and a cute idea, but little more. I've grown exotic... Continue