The Occupy ranks have thinned but the issues grow more urgent as the Defense Authorization Bill will pass voiding Constitutional protections for even American citizens. As we move forward I remind myself that none of this Occupy has been easy and to have patience. There's a part of me that is deeply discouraged and wants to run away but really there is nowhere to go. If the Keystone XL goes through this next week our poor planet will suffer even greater temperature changes. This is my community. This is where my life is. For now I will stand up here for for a sustainable future.

 Deepika and Javesh had a big party for his third birthday that was attended by many of their supporters and admirers. Javesh's dad Amit was killed by a drunk driver when he was in utero and then Javesh was premature with a serious heart defect. Now he is a sweet little guy with an incredibly strong mom. Her strength shows the human spirit at its best and most loving.

 Here at Riparia the most beautiful (green) parts of the land are Bruce's. Here he is with his indoor endive, fennel and lettuce.

 We had just a few hours of hiking this week up above Chico. This is below the disc golf course and in the folds of the rising canyons of oak and gray pine on the great swath of Tuscan mud flow which is hard to walk on for the rocks hidden in the pale grasses and burrs. It is a relief to be out there though wandering up and down and around in the ancient terrain.

One week til Christmas and I am in the least festive of moods. The mistletoe shown here feels like my heart rather tight and balled up. I await the solstice. The natural shift. The dark night of the soul where that flicker of light is cherished and revered. Life itself is the gift. If the glass is half full the alchemy is to live from that part which is still full. In the awe and gap of surrender I salute you as we pass through this together.