On Saturday, February 28, I spent the morning writing with poet friends. I did not read the news beforehand. I was taking a little break. And yet, I wrote about ups & downs; I picked up a brilliant children’s book entitled Rise and Fall, illustrated by the brilliant Peter Allen. When I arrived home from writing and walking, I read the book, made this sketch. The quote is from the introduction in the book.

It was fascinating to read about ancient, thriving civilizations that rose–and fell. Sometimes, historians have an idea of why they fell (often wars are involved, as well as disasters/disease)–other times, it remains a mystery to us.

And then my beloved came home and asked had I heard the news.

Sometimes, it feels as if relaxation or living life and NOT consuming news for a few hours might ’cause’ something bad to happen. Despite having that feeling initially, and getting sucked into a small spiral–I can take a breath, pray for peace, and take the action that I can take (calling those reps, again). We should not be in a war, and yet. Here we are.

Breathe into this reality, and respond.

A writing prompt to try: choose an object (or a living thing, I chose the plant)—study what you have selected. Breathe. Notice the colors, textures, form. What comes up for you, as you observe? Write down a word or phrase that comes to mind, and then write for five minutes. If you like to draw, add a sketch!