One of my very favorite music artists is local native (Oakland) Michael Franti.  My girls and I discovered his blend of hip hop, funk, jazz (and more) when we stumbled upon his video Say Hey (I love you) which was filmed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  I was able to share with my daughters the beauty of a country in which I spent part of my childhood.  We talked at length about a country rich with so many resources, yet with staggering poverty.

Last week, I heard a song that made my heart dance!  Michael Franti & Spearhead’s - Once a Day.  In addition to loving music for the rhythms and impact it has on my emotions, the poetry of the lyrics enchant my soul.  This uplifting song is about triumphing over the obstacles that life throws our way.  It’s about getting up after falling down and treasuring small things in life like hugs, kisses (innocent once of course ;-)), and love.  

This joyful song has an exuberant accompanying video.  I do advise that you preview it before you show it to your children because it embraces the beauty of the human body that one might see in Carnival in Brazil.  I did show it to mine and we celebrated the diversity captured.  On this Earth we have amazing variety in the humans which inhabit this planet.  We are colorful.  We have unique shapes and sizes.  We believe in different things.  We have distinct clothing styles.  We love in all sorts of ways.  

Almond is a microcosm of this assortment of magnificence.

By embracing our humanity we can rise up and make this world a remarkable place for years to come.

This is my hope for 2016!  

“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”  - Carl Bard

While as individuals, and a society of people, we cannot change some of what’s transpired in 2015, we can certainly influence the future with our actions.  May each and every one of us find the courage to contribute to a world of peace and love.

Happy Holidays.  See you in 2016.