Recovering drought-resistant succulent by Pascal Giacomini
Sometimes you feel like you can’t bear another day—of the crazy-making combination of hopelessness and outrage over the near-constant “breaking news” stories that feel like hammer blows to every last speck of decency left on this earth; of the universal horror experienced by usually-decent citizens upon learning that a building in their neighborhood will be transformed into permanent housing for the homeless; of watching the poorest among us having to put up with extreme price hikes in fuel (see recent street protests in Haiti, Guinea, and South Africa); and mind-numbing corruption (or love of money) ruling the day in places like Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil and, of course, the United States; and hearing of one more mass shooting; of women having to live in fear of being jailed for dancing (in Iran, most recently); of migrants fleeing terror in their homelands, only to find themselves stuck in inhospitable refugee camps, possibly for years; of the slightest comment giving rise to violent cyberbullying and death threats. Death threats? Really? Go get a job, or something, would you? Anyway, sometimes these depressing issues can really make you feel like a slug—like a wet, slimy, lethargic creature incapable of rising off the living room couch, surviving by virtue of potato chips, double bacon cheeseburgers, and cupcakes while chugging down copious amounts of vodka with orange juice. What? Orange juice is healthy!
And then sometimes you hear about a book called The Hidden Life Of Trees, which offers scientific proof that trees are akin to magical beings that do have feelings and are capable of communicating with other living creatures. Or you see a beautiful painting by an Israeli artist (and Maui resident) of a fisherman in Hawaii, which reminds you of a marvelous painting by an American Jewish artist (and Los Angeles resident) of a fisherman in Haiti, which reminds you that we are all a part of the same, dynamic global community.
Hawaiian fisherman by Avi Kiriaty
Haitian fisherman by Franceska Schifrin
And then, just when you think the business you’ve been slaving over for the past 20 years is going down the tubes, a friend offers to lend you money to get past the rough spot. Suddenly, a multitude of hummingbirds decide to visit your backyard (as opposed to the usual one or two), and the drought-resistant succulents that burned to a crisp after the last two days of extreme heat start coming back to life because you trimmed them and gave them extra water and love (see first pic above). And you notice that protests over one- and five-year-olds being separated from their parents have had an effect. And a piece of music you hear breaks your heart in the best way. A movie with a sad ending makes you cry, which temporarily heals your dry eye syndrome, reminding you that tears can be a really good thing. You go out of your way to help someone, and the gratitude in their eyes makes you feel just a little better about yourself, and about the prospect of a future world roiled by kindness. That in dire times, a bounty of art and books and nature and beauty exists to uplift and provide solace. And the hope you feel makes you get up off the couch to have a celebratory vodka with orange juice cocktail because that zesty-sweet golden nectar is so satisfying and healthy!
Wonderful uplifting words – thank you!
Alyson D
The two paintings are amazing and only go to prove that we live in a world with communal thought.
Despite the unjust issues saturating the news you manage to shine a ray of hope in your writing.
Thank you!!!
Liz
Very nice piece. Embrace the couch…
Very timely and relatable as usual.
Sometimes, when I’m feeling like a slug I am reminded that there are people in the world (many when I take a pause) that always help me to smile and feel my heart beat with love. I am grateful that you’re here on the planet at the same time as I am.
Doing my best to enjoy this summer season in spite of all the current events but that OJ and Vodka sound refreshing.
I wonder if it would make an adult slushy if the OJ is frozen first before adding the vodka? Just a thought
Thanks as usual for penning and sharing your thoughts.
Yes, Carine! Guilty, with variation to most of the above. My current solace from the “orange blob in the WH is attending a women’s retreat this weekend in Temecula Canyon Park! We honor the resilient Queen in all
of us! Give praise to every aspect of God/Goddess presence and express pure joy!!
Breaking news syndrome is slowly taking away our bliss, and I decided to turn it OFF!!
I love ❤️ you!
Johan Beckles
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