There is so much that I need to catalog, to process, I need to WRITE. I love, love, love paper journals, but at the end of the day, I am also lazy and it’s easier to type.
Sheesh, since November of last year?! Now, it seems, the way to catalog is open my phone to the pictures I took and go from there.
Since November 6, 2024, so much has happened. Democracy is gone. That’s another rant for another day, I am not giving that any more energy than I have to right now, and it’s hard enough merely to make it through curated content for about 15 minutes a day. I stay active where I can, give money where I can, and try to preserve my well-being KNOWING the motto is “The cruelty is the point.” SMDH.November last year began trying to find beauty where it was possible. There is a Chinese lantern exhibit that’s come to my town the last few years, called “Dragon Lights” and they seem to have finally figured out that holding this event in July where temps are often over 100, and it doesn’t get dark until after 9pm, is not ideal for this market =) That said, the lanterns are beautiful and it’s just what’s needed to soothe a battered soul
When the kids were leaving, we thought about things, and decided to take on a roomie. That roomie is wonderful in so many ways, and we now have chickens. I never knew chickens could be both so entertaining and also so infuriating. Being a part of chicken groups is great, because in some sense, you have to laugh at yourself, anthropomorphizing these small-ish dinosaurs who absolutely have their own personalities.
Behold, Tapatio. This sassy bitch ran away for like six weeks, apparently being a chicken is hard and she needed both a lark and a vacation, so she literally flew the coup and went on a walk-about. That she even came back is so amusing and I will never be able to look at this picture and not think of her saying, with this expression, “What?! I do what I want!”
We went on a long weekend to Napa for a Burning Man camp “Friendsgiving” and it was good. Got to see some peeps we hadn’t in awhile, but also the sadness of the passing of time and the lessening of some bonds and shared experiences while other bonds strengthen or are established for the first time. Picture is near the farmers market near where we were staying in Napa.
On the 17th, I got to realize a dream of getting to see Suzy (Eddie) Izzard. Good goddess, what an epic queen! LEGEND! So much admiration!
Later in November, my heart got to grow at least THREE SIZES! Dan and I went to Kentucky to visit the kids. Looking back at it now, it was a wonderful visit! While we were there, their dogs had puppies, so we got to witness the birth of more Doodles being brought to the world! Pics of the fam:
Actually at the end of October, for the first time in my life, I did a professional photo shoot. It was a highlight of women over 50, and we were to give advice to our younger selves. It was a fundraising project for partner violence survivors and I was proud to participate. The photographer and make-up artist were amazing and I felt seen and like she helped me see the beauty in me. Here’s just one, but I will cherish these photos always:
Early-ish December is for a tradition in my town where you drive around and look at Holiday lights. It’s fun, it’s even more fun to do with friends.
For Christmas, we went to see Dan’s sister in Vegas. We got to exorcise some ghosts of Christmas past. Dan’s sister really gets over-the-top, I think she now has 9 Christmas trees, that’s a little much, even for me.
We haven’t done anything for “New Years” in years. It seems almost like a lie in this dystopian timeline.
This brings us to the end of 2024! Onward…..peace.
