My indigenous Northern ancestors believed that the land was alive, that the hills and waters and trees are animated by living spirits who we are always in relationship with. In this way, the land itself taught and shaped my people. As I study more about diversity in cultures, religions and ecosystems I am coming to see how this is true of all people. The land itself has shaped us, informed us, raised us like a Mother. I have come to believe that the trees especially are the G

Mike and I woke up on Saturday morning clearly aware that we had entered the next phase in this world changing event. We were both rattled with anxiety. We had been calm, living our lives, adjusting to the new normal, when all of a sudden it arrived here in the Grove. The gut twisting anguish that turns the blood cold and drops the heart into the stomach. I have encountered this force many times before. When my grandmother died. When our dear friend Mark died in a car acciden