Welcome to 2026

I began this new year with a bad cold, so I'm kicking it off here midway through January.

I have been struggling all week to write something that doesn't feel flimsy in the face of all that's happening in our country and around the world.

Earlier this week I had my annual physical, and they asked those usual mental health questions:

• "Over the last month how often have you been bothered by little interest or pleasure in doing things?"
• "Over the last month, how often have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?"

I laughed and asked, "How does one even answer those questions right now?!" I don't need to make a list here and dwell on the horrors humans are committing against their neighbors, and I want you to know that all of that is milling about in my psyche often.

And that got me thinking about how none of this is new... maybe it's more televised, more audacious and brazen, more... Ahead of Monday's Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, as I do nearly every year, I have watched a couple videos of his speeches (check out this one from Chicago in 1966) and read some of his writings (Letter from Birmingham Jail is a good one).

And reflecting on that, my question to myself is - How do I personally move human progress forward?

I carry a whistle to alert my neighbors of danger. I volunteer my time to local nonprofits who provide basic necessities to community members. I support groups advocating for the human rights of immigrants and trans folks. I attend local theater and support artists. I create and make art. I share my joy with others. I have the spirit of adventure in all things.

It often doesn't feel like enough.

But then I watch videos of high schoolers walking out in Minnesota, protesting ICE terrorizing and shooting their neighbors. And see my friends teaching photography to the next generation of creatives. And watch neighbors get groceries and toiletries and coats for other neighbors. And see people coming together for good, putting love and care into the world.

And I know there must be more love than hate out there. And I will lean into that.

Favorite things so far this year:
First row - Squirrel eating a tortilla in my backyard. Reading "The El" on the L. The view from my person's recovery room at the hospital (he's fine).
Second row - Playing in the rain with my teenager - his idea! Enjoyed this Chicago lunch of a classic Chicago hot dog and tamale. Beautiful art in a neighborhood storefront window.

Also love seeing my calendar in the wild. Thanks to a customer for sending this photo along.