Dear Readers, I am sure you’ve noticed my absence. There has been a lot going on behind the scenes at localandbespoke. My partner’s parents have entered a new phase of their lives in which they have required more support.
The long standing upheaval in my workplace that slowed me down a lot outside work in the last 18 months or so has resulted in my taking a voluntary redundancy in order to spend more of my time on climate activism.
A small group of us inspired by activists in the UK have set up Extinction Rebellion in our state. Already, we are a very active and much larger group. Thus far, it’s a wild ride.
My daughter has become a mother and I’ve become a grandmother.
I am sure it’s not stretching your imagination too much to picture this as a time of emotional and practical upheaval in which I’ve been more than usually buffeted by the tides of life. There has been awe and amazement and joy. There has been grief and pain and exhaustion. There have been a lot of mixed feelings–complicated situations give rise to complicated reactions. And I’ve spent some time recently feeling profoundly exhausted and with my friends letting me know of their concern for me.
In situations of difficulty and complexity, I often find myself holding my friends and beloveds in my mind–sometimes asking what they would do; sometimes drawing solace from their love for me, their confidence in me or their preparedness to forgive me; sometimes remembering things they have said or done; mentally sharing an experience that I know they have had before me; drawing on their courage and wisdom or their capacity for integrity and compassion; or simply holding them in my mind as companions in complicated moments. In recent times I’ve found myself mentally writing blog posts and thus holding you in my mind. Thanks for the company. I hope I might write some of those posts, however belatedly.
Local & Bespoke 
Congratulations on becoming a grandmother! I look forward to hearing about your activism.
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Thanks Audrey. How lucky am I?
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I look forward to hearing from you when time and circumstances allow. You are taking on important roles that need attention and three cheers to you for your efforts in all those areas.
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Wow…that’s all a bit much! But good for you with carrying on and expanding on the activism in the midst of so much upheaval. Sending supportive good wishes your way! Look forward to anything you wish to share, it’s always inspiring. Please remember to take care of yourself.
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You are so kind. Thank you so much.
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Whoa! That is a wild ride. Congratulations on your redundancy, the Climate cause couldn’t get a more amazing activist than you. Congratulations also on arrival of the new baby… this is wonderful news. Best wishes for the next chapter of your extraordinary life.
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Thank you for this awesome appreciation! I think it might be all wild ride for quite a while yet…
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Real life always comes before blogging.
Enjoy the grandkid and take care of yourself and your family!
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Thanks so much for this comment of kindness!
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Congratulations on both the grandmotherhood (which is a very splendid thing) and also on your career choice! putting your track record, education, experience and bravery to excellent use.
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Somehow I overlooked this comment, India! Thanks so much for your generous comment and confidence in me. I am trying to take the attitude that my entire life to date has prepared me for this moment.
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