A Long, Cold Winter

It’s been difficult to write these days. I started this space a few months ago with the intention of sharing stories about northern Minnesota, connecting with nature, and the ways that building a slow, intentional life can help us find our path. I had ideas for content all laid out, ready to write and deliver.

And then the federal government launched an occupation of my state with an aggressive, violent, and illegal campaign that led to thousands of people being kidnapped, detained illegally, or disappeared, and the murders of two fellow Minnesotans Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

I was born and raised in St. Paul and lived for many years in Minneapolis. The neighborhoods and places that were targeted most heavily were places I had lived, worked, and built community. The impact was not as direct for us here in the north as it was on my neighbors to the south. We did not have to put our daily lives completely on hold and our bodies directly in the line of fire. But the heartbreak and rage I’ve felt from afar has made it impossible to think of any real thing to say here that feels meaningful.

I don’t generally believe that there are “unimportant” topics to speak about, or skills to bring to the table at any given time in history. In fact, during times like these where authoritarianism continues to escalate, I firmly believe that it’s our responsibility to bring our skills and talents to the table, even if it seems frivolous or small. Because none of it is. Walking toward the things we’re passionate about is walking toward life in direct defiance of the destructive, hateful world the current people in power want to build.

Our collective better world will be built when we all lean into our imaginations and build it together.

So, I’ll be back to write more soon but I felt I couldn’t continue without saying something about what’s happened to my state. And in the meantime, Minnesota still needs help. Please bookmark standwithminnesota.com for the latest places to donate to and voices to amplify.