back from the bash, but alas...

not the beach.

we didn't make it to the beach, because it thundered and threatened and even tornados were predicted.

instead we made vessels and laughed and ate and cried and drank. (i stuck to water - i had a long drive.) my friend is a gracious, charming hostess (she did not pay me to write that) and her friends are delightful, intelligent, thoughtful, caring women in whose company i felt honored to be included.

im tired today, but it looks like a good day to be tired... the sky is soft and gray as worn flannel. i changed the sheets yesterday, and my fresh bed beckons. i won't see meg and libby yet for hours. the puppies are snoring in perfect counterpoint to each other, even sighing in synchrony. the bullfrogs bellow and burp. Beloved is romping through PimpWorld like the Joker on crack-cocaine.

for right now, here, in this little corner of the world, as robert burns put it, "god's in his heaven, all's right with the world."

today i'm reminded that such peace has only come at great cost, and i am grateful to all those who have made it - and continue to make it - possible. i understand that the peace and freedom my family and friends and i all enjoy is not, at least under our present conditions, free. may these sacrifices ultimately be for the good of all beings, without exception.

and furthermore, the war will end. blessed be.