Between my own mental illness and the general state of the world, I find it quite easy to despair. And then…I look at the world around me, and remember that all life, ALL life, is always hope, and that meaningful action comes from hope, that beauty comes from hope. So here’s to hope, and beauty, and friends, and everything good. Here’s to ends of years, and summers, and long soaks in the ocean. Here’s to dogs, and gardens, and millions of open sky. As hard as it is, here’s to hope.