How many discussions did you hear in the news this week about Thanksgiving, versus the state of the economy. Black Friday receives more attention than any other these days, and I know it is important. If money flows, people will be back at work more quickly, and breathe more easily. I can’t help thinking, as I’m dealing with the issue myself, how mired we can become in the things that do not bring us much happiness or real peace of mind.
  Safety, I’ve learned, is internal, and not something holiday shopping will bring. The people I know with money are not any happier than anybody else. Quite the opposite. Lost int he angst are the many stories of renewal, change and creativity, not as important to the media as money, but important.
  From the perspective of this odd and beautiful little farm, I find  moments of peace and connection. This morning, I met two hunters on the path in the woods. They were nice and admirable men, one a Vietnam Vet, the other back from Iraq and heading for Afghanistan. I have come to admire the hunters I know. I don’t hunt, but most of them are ethical and conscientious, and just looking for some peace out in the woods. I wish them well.
  After we talked for awhile, they headed back out into the woods, and walking back, I noticed Lenore was missing. Alarmed, I turned and ran back up the bath. There was one of the hunters coming back out of the woods with her. She had happily followed him down the path.
 “Lenore,” I scolded. “Would you go with anybody?” She wagged her tail, surprised.