“There were so many reds. I couldn’t hold them all or hold onto their brilliance, as they faded. Only a decades long perspective would want to. Which is where I’m at. While others scramble to stay vigilant against germs, I can only feel gratitude to find myself in surroundings that offer healing, free of charge. The surreal fear echo chamber is not native to Vermont. It’s a construct of electronic media. So I say, go back to your roots. Turn off the telly. Wake up early, before dawn, and watch each morning star light the sky. Wrap wool around your nose, and make your way with a headlamp into the dimly lit world of your out buildings, as the natural world awakens. Gather up your driest logs, and do what you must to rekindle the fire. Put a kettle on for tea. Or grind beans, for a stronger punch, if you’re expecting a particularly grueling regime. We’re all sojourning at different way stations of life’s experience. Take care of yourself, and comfort yourself, then pass it along to those in your care. Don’t recoil from anything. Embrace the simple cadences of everyday existence. Light a candle, burn a twig of cedar, and don’t feel weird. Just enjoy it while no one is judging you. Our place is among the sheltering boughs of fragrant conifer, as well as the maples. You don’t feel worth it, but ravens come around to celebrate your brilliance, as long as you buy in. Just do it. Who cares. Why not believe the creatures are smart, and know about stuff that could lift your spirit. Are you going to gain something by belittling their role? No, listen up, and you yourself will feel better about honoring the things you love. Turn off TVs, turn off stupid friends who keep parroting junk, and endless hours of internet & cable garbage. So much so, you can’t think for yourself anymore. Why did you move to Vermont? To just follow the authoritarian bullshit? No, if you have no heat, or plumbing, and fencing, damn it, those worries are real. If you don’t have your spring hooked up, or if your roof leaks, that’s what’s hard. Vermonters are indestructible, right? A cold or flu is not going to hurt us. I don’t know why you are still listening to ignorant talking heads, whose agenda is to totally control you. Do a little fucking research. I, for one, would rather see you at the next rummage sale, farmer’s market or chicken BBQ. Let’s make sure 2021 is back on track.”
