This is taking me right back to January 1991. We had all been on edge since Operation Desert Shield, a cooperative effort of 42 countries, began in August 1990. It was clear that it was not a going to remain a protective stance, and would lead to war (despite the fact that it is listed only as “an armed conflict” and not a “war” in US military history).

On January 17, 1991, Operation Desert Storm began, a military action to free Kuwait from the invasion and takeover by Iraq.

My friends and I were calling each other to check in (email was not A Thing then, much less social media or online messaging). “Are you okay?” “Do you have anyone deployed?” “What do you need right now?”

The US attack on Iran today is nothing like that. It is not done in coordination with our allies. It is not to check the ambitions of a would-be tyrant and restore sovereignty to a nation.

It is a blatant attack on a country that was not in violation of its treaty. It is a sop to Trump’s ego and an attempt to further fray the people. It is homage to Putin, and the manifestation of his plans. It is horrifying in every aspect.

My friends and I are checking on each other—mostly text messages. “Are you okay?” “Do you have anyone deployed?” “What do you need right now?”

And this is what we do as we face One More Damn Thing in a year that has brought us Too Many Damn Things already.

We still have to get up each day. Make breakfast, feed our children and keep them healthy and safe, tend to our pets and plants, go to our jobs (or look for a job, which is also a job), do laundry, have the car’s oil changed, pay bills, and also take time for our own self-care, from brushing our teeth, exercising, and taking our meds to meditating and making necessary behavioral changes. Everyday life is a lot, already.

And now we have this work of trying to have a life during a war. All of those things still need to happen, and there’s a war lurking in the backs of our heads, and displayed in large type in the front of the news.

There’s fear, uncertainty, dread, and the frustration and anger at living in circumstances we can’t control, but to which we must adapt.

What do we do?

We protest this war as best we can. Some people can write letters, make phone calls, write speeches. Other people can be in the corridors of government. Others can be out on the streets. And some protest by getting up every day and getting through the day, in spite of it all. What you can do will vary each day, and there is no judgment on you for that—it’s true for all of us.

And we protect each other as best we can.

We check on each other.

We care for each other.

We stay in communication. We stay in community.

We do our best to take care of ourselves, so we can take care of each other.

We make bread. We make art. We make time for what matters.

We make it through, day by day, hour by hour. By the minute, or by the second, if that’s what it takes.

So, I am asking you now: “Are you okay?” “Do you have anyone deployed?” “What do you need right now?”

O You,
Who came upon me once
Stretched under apple-trees just after bathing,
Why did you not strangle me before speaking
Rather than fill me with the wild white honey of your words
And then leave me to the mercy
Of the forest bees.

Little children, never give
Pain to things that feel and live:
Let the gentle robin come
For the crumbs you save at home,—
As his meat you throw along
He’ll repay you with a song;
Never hurt the timid hare
Peeping from her green grass lair,
Let her come and sport and play
On the lawn at close of day;
The little lark goes soaring high
To the bright windows of the sky,
Singing as if ’twere always spring,
And fluttering on an untired wing,—
Oh! let him sing his happy song,
Nor do these gentle creatures wrong.

This poem is in the public domain. It has been around for decades, but no author has ever been identified.

Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever we were to each, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.

Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be the household word it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was;
there is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of your mind
because I am out of your sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near just around the corner…
All is well. Nothing is past, nothing is lost.

One brief moment and all will be as it was before,
only better, infinitely happier
and forever we will be one together.

(Anastasia’s note: I miss you, Rachel. You’ve been gone a year, and I still can’t believe you are not here.)

• Lights Up. Only the lights in the half of the room closest to the screen will be turned off.
• Sound Down. The volume will be lower than at our Monthly Movie Nights. Captions will be on as well.
• Hands Busy. We will provide a basket of fidget toys you are welcome to choose from. We encourage you to bring any sensory aids or comfort items that would enhance your experience.
• Rules Relaxed. Feel free to move, vocalize, dance or sing along! There is no expectation to sit still and remain quiet. Snacks will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own (easy-to-clean-up) options as well.
• Flex Seating. A space will be open at the front with wobble cushions to sit on. You can also bring along a blanket or pillow and make yourself comfortable!

What a great idea! This makes it easier for people in general, and, in particular, people with children who have sensory issues.

Wouldn’t it be great to have this available for adults in regular movie theatres? It could be a special showing, like the “Mommy and Me” that one of our local theatres does—crying infants are not a problem, and if you book tickets for this showing, you know what you are signing up for.

Any California resident can get a free library card at the following city libraries — just fill out the application to access all their digital “stacks”!

Los Angeles: click here

San Diego: click here

San Jose: click here

Oakland: click here

Checking out books and other materials from the library is great for several reasons:

• • Increased use of library services allows libraries to request additional funding from state and local budgets.
  • Authors get royalty payments for library check-outs — another great way to support the writers, musicians, and artists you love!
  • It gives your library a better idea of what’s in demand. If you’re looking for a book, film, or album that your library doesn’t carry, please request it so artists can get their work into more libraries and seen by more people!

First, Angbroda and children:

Next, Saga:

And, last but not least, the Norns:

The Seidhjallr Team of Hrafnar Kindred presents a ritual of Oracular Seidh on Sunday, February 25, 2024.