Our Lady of Compassion, acrylic on canvas, (c) a.r.r.  Cat Charissage

Dear Friends,

On this Canadian Thanksgiving and new moon, I am deeply grateful that I personally know so many deeply good women and men who stand for justice, kindness, and compassion.  I’m also deeply grateful that I am among some of the richest people who have ever lived on this planet, including kings and queens of only a few centuries ago:  I have clean water, indoor plumbing, hot water on tap, and central heating.  (Not to mention the medicines I need to keep alive and well enough.)  And, I am fortunate that, even though I have very little “disposable” income, that I can go into a grocery store and buy whatever we need —- not even having to add it all up before I reach the cashier to make sure I have enough money to pay for it.

This has been a rough couple of weeks for many women and men.  I’m remembering way too much:  the Anita Hill testimony, all the stories I heard when I worked at the sexual assault center (and since), all my own stories.  I have two quotes that are giving me great strength today.  May they strengthen you, too:

“My heart is moved by all I cannot save:  so much has been destroyed.  I have to cast my lot with those who age after age, perversely, with no extraordinary power, reconstitute the world.”             —–  Adrienne Rich

“Within your reach, be what you wish to see in others.  Focus on actions and prayer/your spiritual practice whatever it might be.  Join like-kind with a plan, and especially illigitimus not carborundum, don’t let the bastards grind you down.  Mockery and lies are not new.  They are old.  The difference is we can see them very very clearly now.  Plan accordingly.  Turn anger to fierce action.  Swords to plow blades to plant a new land.  With love.”                —- Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, in comments on her FB post yesterday

May we all be blessed as we plant a new land,

With love,

Cat