Winter Solstice 2020

       Here we are, on the verge of 2021, and on the verge of change.  I find myself quite hungry at this time.  I hunger for open spaces, good friends, music to share, and an awareness of what humanity needs to do to help the wonderful, magical natural world from which we all came.  I hunger for change.  I sense that our political climate is indeed about to change, but I worry about the storm of rich white powerful racist nationalist men who, for some reason, still exist like a cancer on the fine skin of humanity.  And so I'm retiring from 27 years of teaching in order to take time to enjoy the few wild places and spaces, the last remaining wild creatures, and the vestiges of clean air and water.  I also hope to continue writing and promoting my simple works.  I look to the sunlight returning for just one more year, and I look to renewed spring.  And I hope, eternally, for a better future.  Meanwhile, as I prepare for my departure from the all-consuming world of public educator, I step away knowing that I've contributed to positive change.  I step away knowing that I have purchased classroom sets of Aldo Leopold and Rachel Carson for four separate schools.  I step away knowing that even if I never see it, I have made a difference.  I'm ready for the journey into 2021, and I hope that at least a few readers of my work will accompany me on that journey.
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