I really appreciate you sharing this perspective. It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless when it seems like harmful policies keep piling up with little visible resistance. Reading about the role that the courts and coalitions of lawyers, public interest groups, and states have played is a grounding reminder that democracy has many layers of defense, even when Congress or the press feels quiet.
It struck me when you said we wouldn’t even know about some of these actions if it weren’t for the lawsuits. That transparency is powerful, and it’s encouraging to remember that exposure itself can slow momentum and shift public opinion.
Thank you for offering us that broader lens Jeanne! It helps to remember that progress often happens in quieter, less visible ways. Even when it feels discouraging, there are people working tirelessly to protect rights and hold those in power accountable.
I think it's wonderful how Queen Camilla and Melania together embodied a quiet yet powerful female wisdom. I find it particularly special that they stood in such a way in the official joint photo before the state banquet that together they formed eaxactly the colors of the Ukrainian flag. I would like to congratulate you both wholeheartedly on this wise feminine behavior, dear ladies! Hats off to you!
Melania and Camilla 'subtly match outfits' on state visit to make 'great statement'
@ana I want to wrap my virtual arms around you. Sending right now to you and to anyone else here who needs it, @rick and @herondreams, love and warmth and healing to get you through the dark times. I am grateful to you for reaching out and feel lucky that you are part of this community.
I fell asleep last night feeling lost and heartbroken over the state of our world. This morning I awoke with this song in my head. I was then led to this magnificently soulful performance. It brought me to tears.
In this period of darkness I don’t claim to know how all of this will play out, but I do know this: the power of our connectedness and the beauty of our souls.
I share this song with all of you.
Keep shining your beautiful light.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kn7E-OauJI
Here's a wonderful article in today's NYT about the sisters of a monastery in Wisconsin who restored 170 acres of land to prairie habitat after it had been used as lawn and for vegetable farming. (The link is to a gift article.)
This quote about the new habitat really resonated with me:
“It’s a place of connection, awe and reverence,” Dr. Alstad said. “You feel both big and little when you’re out in that restored prairie. This healed land is now the healer.”
This particular piece of land was being held back, made smaller somehow, until these women and many other volunteers came along and released it, if you will. And now, being healed, it can help others to flourish and be released.
Jimmy Kimmel is back in a not-to-miss show. It was a long YouTube, and every minute of it was excellent. And funny,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1tjh_ZO_tY
Recently we were sharing especially good news here! I have another one:
BioDeSal, a German research project, works on a biological desalination process of ocean water
https://www.awi.de/en/science/special-groups/aquaculture/aquaculture-research/projects/biodesal.html
In visions years back of the long-term climate future, I've seen desalination, combined with a vast network of water pipes, as a way to provide fresh water. Currently there are a few in the US, but the cost of water has not yet reached levels to make desalination and piping profitable. San Diego has the biggest plant and parts of Texas are also planning.