An Auspicious Dawn / Seattle, Washington, USA

The last week of February 2022, to me, was one of the darkest weeks in our collective world history.

On top of all the existing problems, critical issues, and pressing challenges the world was already facing, a completely unnecessary and avoidable war in Eastern Europe erupted on February 24th. This event and the resulting humanitarian toll are complete anathema to me.

I am angry about the absurdity. I am constantly concerned for my friends and contacts in Europe. I am stressed about the uncertainty of what might or might not occur in the short-term and long-term with the aggressor. I also feel useless and powerless to do anything to counter this...but I am heartened by the resolve and determination of the Ukrainians.

On Saturday morning (February 26th), after all the terrible news that very few of us could ignore, I woke up to this scene from the balcony of my home in Seattle -- an auspicious dawn featuring Mount Rainier on the horizon. I can only hope to take the occurrence as something positive.