Positively Puzzled

Eating my linner on West Cliff in Santa Cruz just now I was blessed to watch a porpoise leisurely playing among the slow, low rolling waves. It reminded me of the times I've watched from a lawn chair a slightly younger Gabriel entertaining himself quietly and contentedly at a corner of the pool, engaged with pool toys and hydrodynamics, a moment of solitary peace between the raucous splashy times he'd have with other kids.

As someone who appreciates the joys of alcohol, but also recognizes its sundry deleterious effects, I have found it useful to take a break from consuming it. Santa Cruz columnist Bruce Bratton proposed this idea of a booze-free January decades ago, and most Januarys I like to observe it. It gives me a chance to reflect on whether the joys of imbibing outweigh the negatives. The jury always seems to be perpetually out on this. If you're a moderate to immoderate drinker, I hope you will consider this proposal. It's always nice to know others are doing this with me. I should have posted this earlier...if you start a few days late, just finish a few day's later. Those of you who have quit alcohol for good, I very much honor your success.

shadows on a puddle , originally uploaded by I, Puzzled . We're getting some rain finally! The earth rejoices.