Christmas on Bainbridge Island

It's Christmas Day and the soft slushy snow and rain falling on the island were excuse enough to stay by the fire watching the soft grays and whites of fog, clouds, and water float across the bay. YoYo Ma, Kiri Te Kawana, James Taylor, and friends all added a little something to the day's soundtrack. A morning mimosa--all bright yellow and bubbles offered sparkly contrast to the views out the window...a reflective marking of another year gone by... a quiet break before the next one rumbles in....

Meanwhile, print, web, and word of mouth, echo stories of the pain being felt as the financial meltdown continues to infect families, communities, individuals. Will the new year bring a new ethic of sustainability and discipline? Will generosity trump greed? Will creativity and a sense of new possibility propel us to make real change in this the first decade of the 21st century? Or will we retreat in resignation into some old version of the 20th century?  Stay tuned, pain is a great stimulus for change, a positive force for outwitting our limitations. As long as our mantra is 'don't be afraid,' I think it can be an exciting year...At least, that's my plan, as I watch the light change hour to hour...