Loss, Renewal, Hope

January 28, 2021

“I…I’m a new day rising.
I’m a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight.”
~From “Times Like These” by Foo Fighters (One by One, 2002)

 

Just before 2020 became 2021, a friend of over 25 years passed away due to COVID-19. I had just seen him, along with his wife Sharon, less than a month earlier and both seemed fine.

Marshall McKay was a great man. Instrumental in securing economic independence for the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, he served ten years as Tribal Chairman. He was the first Indigenous chairman on the board of the Autry Museum of the American West, a founding member of the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation and was appointed to the Native American Heritage Commission. He also served as a member of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (I still have the souvenir pencil he was kind enough to bring me from the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris).  You can read more about his many accomplishments and contributions, as well his fascinating personal story in this recent Los Angeles Times article here.

This past year has been a tough one; so much has been lost. Now a new year has arrived. Vaccines are beginning to roll out and hope shines with ever increasing light once again.

Today’s full moon is a reminder that night and light reveal themselves in continuous cycles. Sometimes the darkness seems all-encompassing, but the lack of light is only an appearance. The Sun shines just as brightly, and will always rise again, whether we see the Moon reflecting that light fully, partially or not at all.

“I’m a new day rising…”

The quote that opened this blog post is from a song performed by Foo Fighters during the recent inaugural special Celebrating America. Hosted by Tom Hanks, the program featured some cool musical performances and inspiring appearances by Americans from all walks of life, including former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. The evening ended with a truly spectacular fireworks display. I’m including the YouTube of the entire special here, in case you missed it. It’s worth the 90-minute watch time:

When you look up at the Moon tonight, let her remind you of night’s quiet beauty, and thank her for reflecting the Sun’s light, and reminding us that morning is just over the horizon.

~~~~~~~~~

Scrub off the old and prepare for the new, both figuratively and literally.  This Mediterranean Mint Foot Scrub will help you take care of the latter.

Mediterranean Mint Foot Scrub
This invigorating scrub will leave your feet nicely-scented and softer and help to refresh tired legs. The recipe makes plenty of scrub for one person or for two to share. Be sure to use true essential oil of peppermint, not fragrance oil or extract. Plant essential oils may be found at health food stores, Whole Foods markets or online. Also, since this scrub is for use on your skin, the largest organ of your body, be sure to use a lemon or orange that was grown free of pesticides.

1/2 cup organic sugar
1/2 cups fine sea salt
Zest of one lemon or one orange (yellow/orange part only)
3 drops peppermint essential oil
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients together thoroughly.

Scoop up a small amount of scrub in your hands and rub well into your feet, lower legs and knees. Give extra attention to the heels and any other rough places (avoid cuts, broken skin or blisters). Rinse off under the shower. The dead skin cells will wash away, leaving your skin smooth and lightly scented with lemon, olive oil and mint. Your shower/tub may be a little slippery from the oil, so be mindful when standing up or stepping out.

Store any leftover scrub in an airtight glass or plastic container.

Use within one week.

 

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