12/28/2023

Dec 28, 2023

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            I’m going to write this letter backwards, starting where I usually end, by checking in about Burma. What do you think of the news that the Chinese embassy has told its citizens in the Laukkai district of Kokang to evacuate? According to Homeland Security News Wire,  “it’s time the US should increase the tempo of sanctions & redouble their diplomatic efforts to convince the junta that it cannot prevail.” Please look into it. 

            What’s going on in Saint Croix? The house you are staying in looks lovely. I wonder who will be doing the cooking.

            CNN says that you, Jill & Natalie are there for a “final bout of relaxation before a heated 2024” while the NYT expects work will intrude on your “secluded getaway.”

Balancing work & leisure is such a challenge. I realized this week that I tend to approach every day with the question “what will you accomplish today?” Tich Nhat Hanh would have me ask instead, “how can I water the seeds of joy & happiness in me today?”

Yesterday my joy came from riding my bike on the I St bridge from West Sac to Sac in the pouring rain. It was my new thing for the day. While it was harrowing, I satisfied my curiosity about a route between the Sac train station & WSWC. I was rushing to make my train so the whole thing was exhilarating. I hope you have some exhilaration today.

BYBS,