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Dear Readers,
What I find encouraging is that people care enough to get involved. We join groups, form non-profits,
go to hearings and meetings, write letters and study documents on topics totally outside our personal lives. In the process we see things from the perspective of others that we would never know if we had stayed secure in our own little worlds.
Another year is slipping away. There have certainly been lots of transitions in my personal life. Alan and I got married this year, just slipped it into a pocket of time with our family beside us...not everyone because that gets complicated with family on the East Coast and in Europe. So we kept it tiny and quiet. And now we are husband and wife after 14 years sharing the joys of love and companionship. I wish everyone could feel this kind of contentment.
I find myslef sitting in the middle looking at opposite sides of an argument and finding value in both viewpoints. I’m a Centrist.
I’ve tried to get out to volunteer more - a challenge with this work load - but the mission that drew me out has been Chris Brokate’s Clean River Alliance with the Sorenson’s, Keary and Sally, and their committment
to the Russian River. This river is a huge part of Sonoma County’s water system. The headwaters start north of our border, wend their way through our central valley, then turn toward the sea just north of Santa Rosa. Along the way it picks up trash carelessly thrown by people, and has become home to people without permanent shelter who leave mountains of debris.
Our world is shaken by extremists who push their agenda so hard that they move us off our comfort spot. Some use strong language, others use violence. Their anger and pain screams at us until we pay attention.
Taking care of our home requires time and energy. Here in Sonoma County we are blessed with many people who take on a cause, a mission, a battle, politcal campaign, and social justice...all the parts
My personal wish for 2016 and beyond is that we find a gentler
path for progress. I would like to
see people be FOR something as much - or more than - they are against. When we join forces to work toward a common goal we enjoy the pleasure of good people and a sense of accomplshment. That makes us feel good about ourselves and our abilities to impact change in a positive way.
I wish there were a calmer and more peaceful way to incite change. And perhaps there is, but we do respond
to loud voices. We turn our attention toward conflict. If this is the way our universe energizes movement, then at least we are moving forward.
of our lives and community that connect us. Sometimes we are drawn together through these missions, and sometimes our differences divide us.
Thank you every person who puts effort onto SOLUTIONS.
We cover many topics and keep up with changes all month long on our website: SonomaCountyGazette.com If you want alerts to articles and updates, the easiest way to stay
tuned is to FRIEND the Gazette on Facebook.
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