How can we sleep at night?

I’m tired of living in a country that exhausts me. Yet, still…

I can’t sleep.

The first couple of weeks of school always kick my ass. Trying to reacclimate to being constantly amongst other people professionally, while attempting to continue all the social activities that I enjoy, takes some time.

Especially when sleep does not come easily.

Friday night, I went to the Opalka Gallery for the first of their September pop-up series. I’ve attended these events before and they’re always a good time – music, food, beer and art all in one place with scads of friendly people. This most recent occasion was particularly fun. The weather was gorgeous, I knew a ton of people and I really enjoyed the music and art, in particular.

Check out this work by my DelSo neighbor, Lori Hansen:

Go see it and others at the Opalka Gallery now through 10/11/25. The show, titled Compass Roses, Maps by Artists – Albany, officially opens Friday, 9/12 and music (Sirsy!) and food (Las Capital Tacos!) will be on hand. The weather forecast looks absolutely perfect.

Saturday was a full day with errands, yoga and, later, my usual evening at the door of Nicole’s. I had gotten drenched in a downpour on my way out of the studio and, for the first time in months, I began thinking about hot baths and my Ugg slippers.

I wanted warm comfort at a time when it felt like the outrageous threats and actions of the POTUS were raining down even harder than the storm I had dashed through to reach my car.

Even after a busy night and a late, post shift, catch up visit with the neighbors, I didn’t sleep well. Sunday morning I awoke at 5:00, feeling hungover despite not having any alcohol the previous day.

My attempt to fall back asleep was a failure.

Instead, I took Jeter for a walk, read the paper and took another yoga class before we met friends for brunch at the Iron Gate. We enjoyed an excellent array of Benedicts (my “Cinderella” version was served on pumpkin risotto cakes with a sage hollandaise) and other indulgent breakfast options, all well prepared and pleasantly served.

Belly full, I lied down with a book and managed to doze off.

When I awoke, I went to the grocery store and prepped a little food for later, before I headed off for a walk. My destination was the Albany Art Room where there was an opening for their new retail space.

While I had strongly considered driving there since my tiredness lingered in spite of the nap I had taken, I knew the walk would do me good.

And – I was right.

The flowers along my route were spectacular – cosmos and zinnias in riotous colors, towering sunflowers, roses that seemed to be dipped in color and a magical fairy garden were all on my path. It was a breathtaking walk in the best way.

But, interspersed with the bountiful beauty of nature, there were signs of something far less pleasant. Despite all of the stunning gorgeousness I observed, I know this country has never been uglier.

Every day there is another example, another situation that occurs, that provides indisputable evidence that this country no longer is beautiful. It is a frightening and menacing place that is threatening to people of color, those seeking refuge, our LGBTQ+ loved ones and women seeking reproductive healthcare.

We now reside in a nation that is lead by a small handed man with a tall list of enemies to punish. His commitment to turning his petty grievances against people into punishing policies, is easily one of the most despicable aspects of his illegitimate regime.

The mobilization of the National Guard for the purpose of menacing and threatening Democratic cities and their residents, has redefined the forces which previously were welcomed at sites of disaster as rescuers. No longer champions, they have become the perpetrators of dangerous situations.

Gazing beyond the borders of this country provides no relief when one looks towards Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan…there’s no limit to the misery being inflicted upon human beings who simply want to live.

And so, to answer the question –

How can we sleep at night?

We I can’t.

You?

The mosaic pictured in the header of this post was sighted on the side steps of the Albany Art Room. I presume it was created by the gifted mosaicist owner, Karen Schupak. It’s magnificent.