This week we celebrate the coming return of light. After this long, dark fall of encroaching darkness, at the Solstice, the light begins to return. In this time of the deepest darkness, may the dependable earlier sunrises beginning with the Solstice fuel our wavering hope that brighter days lie before us all.

In Arroyo Loco, Sunshine is burning sage and beating her drum, Helen is providing counterpoint with a set of bongos she found at the thrift store, and even Amanita is banging her tambourine. World peace is surely too much to hope for this year, but we can at least make some music and welcome the sunshine back.

In the meantime, here’s a tip that may come in handy during what is for some of you a too-frantic season. Did you know that you can now give the gift of a Kindle ebook to your friends without even getting out of your recliner? First, you’ll need to know that your friend has a Kindle ebook device. Second, you’ll need your own Amazon account. And third, you’ll need your friend’s email address. Ready? Go to the book page on Amazon for the book you want to send. Make sure the Kindle version of the book is highlighted. Slide over to the right sidebar of the screen where you’ll see “Give as a Gift” and click there. You will get a prompt to enter your friend’s email address. Do that and click, and you’re done! Your friend will get an email message announcing your gift and one-click instructions on how to load the gift to their Kindle device. The charge for the book will go on your account. What could be easier?

You can practice this today by sending a Kindle copy of Iced Tee for ninety nine cents to friends near and far. Next week, this promotional price will end forever. Less expensive than sending a holiday card!

And if you are boycotting Amazon for whichever of the many good reasons, please free yourself from any need you feel to remind me of her myriad shortcomings. Peace!

Thank you for your support!