01/26/2026
*Long post* About a year ago, when the state of the world was turning upside down and new fears were unlocked daily, I thought about the futility of starting some flower seedlings. What was the point? Every day, more news of rights violations, loss of freedom; an oppressive, constant drumbeat of anxiety. And yet. And yet, and yet. I still planted those seeds. I tended the seedlings over weeks, and transplanted them outside with care, and nurtured their growth with soil and water and sunshine. And the flowers grew. Slowly, and then all at once, they bloomed. And over the following months, they accompanied me as I welcomed a new business to Cincy, participated in the City Flea, celebrated happy news with some friends, and brought condolences to others. I found peace in those flowers, in the time tending to the garden and smelling the lavender and enjoying the sunshine. And as the year progressed, we endured tragedies and indignities and norm collapses, all the while finding solace in the flowers planted during an uncertain time. Friends, I challenge you: plant those seeds, grow those flowers, develop those roots, nurture goodness in your life. Hope, friends, hope is not optional. Hope is a verb, a call to action, an obligation. I am once again planning my garden, with more hesitation and uncertainty in my heart. Yet, we must not abandon hope, and through our actions, big and small, inspire hope in others. We are in this together.
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