A New Year message from Clara the dog

            2020 has begun. The muddle of national and global politics grinds along. Environmental upheavals take their toll on humans and other life forms. Injustice oppresses millions. It can be difficult to sustain optimism in our world’s current atmosphere. But all the wonderful parts of existence are still there; they just don’t get as much press, and we are inundated by press.
            Love and fear, elation and heartbreak, inspiration and apathy, triumph and exasperation, mayhem and serenity – all the trappings of living and dying on Earth remain solidly persistent. Whenever we have a choice, we can try to be like the early sprouts of spring: stretch outward from the chilly darkness, reach, bend towards the light. Embrace the new snowfall of a January morning like Clara, the 12-year-old retriever in this photo. Dance, leap, celebrate the day. 
 
My 60th year in 60,000 words
Day 127: 136 words, TOTAL = 20,895; 39,105 remaining