Care

I don't recall Jenny's photo having a glass of pinot noir conspicuously in the foreground.

I am copying my friend Jenny, over at Dinner: A Love Story, who recently put up a photo like this in a post about feeling, after the Paris attacks, like she wanted to be useful. It is such a good idea, to make yourself useful. During this season, we avail ourselves of the opportunity to give money away--to invest in the world we believe in and the one we hope for. That means, for us, stretching to give to the global health organization Partners in Health, but it also means giving smaller amounts to the other causes that matter most to us: Planned Parenthood, public radio, Democrats, and, if paying overdue fines counts, our local library. This year, we will figure out a way to donate that best helps Syrian refugees.

But take care of yourselves too, okay? I know the dark season is upon us, in so many ways. But you can warm and cheer yourself. You should. Make a simple pot of soup, read a perfect novel, stitch a garland from the last of the supple leaves, take a fragrant bath, listen to a beautiful album for free, kiss your pets and friends and family, give what you can, and light a candle instead of cursing the darkness.

Sending love now and always. xo