Who else wonders what we’re missing by looking at the shiny distractions, and who’s to say what’s a distraction and what’s not. All I know is the sense of dread is real and people are behaving in alarming ways. The pull between wanting to stay safe and take risks is strong. Doing both is preferable.

“If you think this Universe is bad, you should see some of the others.” ― Philip K. Dick

How can we open conversations here about things that really matter? I know of a local woman who was bullied by a MAGA neighbor to the point she went into the woods near her house and shot herself. The media reported her missing and then “found,” with no mention of the state in which she was found.

Earnest post, but: a thing I like here is it’s okay to have moments of happiness in public without being broadly scolded, and I believe that sustaining this kind of humanity will be very important as we resist fascism. We have to sustain each other. Making joy isn’t denial, it’s how we will survive

This idea shared by @hcrichardson.bsky.social in the March 9th letter about political opponents being referred to as “nonplayer characters” (NPCs) is troubling on so many layers. It’s not only dehumanizing to opponents but to the “player” characters, too. We’re not in a game. It’s not a competition.

I remember learning the meaning of woke. The word has been snatched away by people who have no clue about it. Ones who have weaponized it for the purpose of attempting to bludgeon curious, thoughtful people. I know what the word means. I don’t trust most of the people using it now, as a dog whistle.

I forget to come here. Then when I remember and start reading entries, I am relieved by your voice, honest and true. Thank you for writing. Please keep talking. We’re alive, still here. Beauty surrounds us, even as disappointment clouds our view and seems to ruin it. I forget to come here, at times.

This year, I intend to strengthen local connections and become a better communicator. Joining Bluesky is a good start. Along with the excitement of making new friends and reconnecting with others, I also feel increased anxiety and want to protect my time and energy. We all need to be picky this way.

We’re certainly not running out of virtual places to spout off, are we? They’re experimental. Here, I don’t particularly need or want anything from you. So why am I here? Good question, even though you didn’t ask. Blue skies are symbolic of so many things, from absence of clouds to utter desolation.

I had intended to post here more frequently but inadvertently forgot about this place. Talking to an audience without seeing faces, hearing groans, laughter, is a little like talking to yourself then realizing people are eavesdropping on you. Not really unintentional, not exactly intentional either.

You know how one thing leads to another and you find yourself connecting dots that lead somewhere unexpected? Today, the dots are an equation, gambling, auctions, musical chairs with calendar dates, and lawyers. The somewhere is an obituary for a person I knew whose mysterious death came as a shock.

Turn the calendar page, shuffle the cards, swap photos. Give in to the illusion a great change is taking place. Go, even though the novelty wore off a long time ago. Be. Show that you’re still here, even though you know you are. Demonstrate your mettle, continue wondering, find something else to do.

These may be just words and yet someone took the time to write them. Here we are, looking toward a horizon we can’t exactly see. It’s just over there, not right here. Never where we are. We write to create a future worth discovering, once it happens. And it will. I am using all my characters is all.

We are all disappointed so keep being kind because it helps.

Who wants to be influenced by others? Everyone here, apparently.