It is perhaps unknown to many people that today -- 09 - 09 - 09 -- is World Day of Interconnectedness.

As in the connection one feels toward certain sublime skinnydipping spots, the sense of oneness we feel toward a place, toward something, anything, anyone, translates into the actions we decide upon which actually define our lives. The goal is to be able to say "Yes" to life, to all that life is and all that temporality brings to the embodied self. Of course, this intricate connection inevitably and inexplicably includes days of ice and wind and even the occasional all-consuming wildfire. In the end, even when there might be reason to become angry at life, affirmation always feels better, more healthy, more fulfilling, more wise, less bitter, less aggressive, less grouchy. This sense of interconnectedness also makes good ecological and social sense. It is a relational philosophy that engenders respect and through respect, a stance of protection and care.

So we celebrate because 090909 is as good a day as any to acknowledge and thereby promote the interconnectedness we enjoy or endure and depend upon every split second of our lifelong journey towards death.

If that doesn't work, here's another reason to take a day off in the middle of the week: The schools are back in session, most of the tourists have gone home and the weather is perfect. What better day than today for posting that "Gone Gardening" sign on the door...