The End of the World is Just the Beginning

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I know of a few people who are probably staked out in bunkers right now surrounded by cans of food in preparation for the end of the world. What started out as a joke in the 1960s book The Maya has turned into a doomsday hoax of cosmic proportions.

Scientists have repeated debunked myths about today’s supposed galactic alignment, sudden shifts in the magnetic field, and even the timing of the Mayan calendar itself. It’s not the end of anything, but it may indeed be the beginning of something new. And with this new era coinciding with the winter solstice and the coming new year, we have plenty of reasons to look to the future.

When you emerge tomorrow from your cozy bed or bomb shelter, you’ll probably notice that not much is different. (Whoops!)

The good news is that you will have survived the shortest day of the year with only 8 hours, 25 minutes, and 23 seconds of sunlight. As Seattlites are notoriously deficient in Vitamin D, we can rest easy knowing that the days will only get longer and eventually (eventually!) the clouds will roll away. From here it only gets better. And while this new era might not allow humans to become telepathic or levitate objects with our minds, as some New Age types hope, we’re looking forward to a lot of new adventures.

A Few Things to Look Forward To

Nature Consortium has hit a big milestone as an organization. Our 15th year is in full swing (our fiscal years run October – September instead of by calendar year), and it’s shaping up to be our best year yet. We’re looking forward to a year of celebration, new partnerships, and expanded programming. 

1. To celebrate our 15th year, we’re throwing a birthday bash to remember. Keep your eyes peeled for all the details in our big announcement next month.
2. In the meantime, check out our 15 Years, 15 Stories blog series to read personal stories and reflections from our community. The first 6 stories are already online, and we’ll be posting many more throughout the year. 
3. We’re also working on a new volunteer program to give you new ways to to connect with Nature Consortium throughout the year thanks to our new Volunteer Coordinator Oleana Perry.
4. Internally, we’re building new infrastructure that will allow us to be more efficient and effective, as well as offering fresh perspectives on the work that we do.
5. But of course, we’re most excited for the return of the Arts in Nature Festival next August! We took a year off to re-vision the festival and are excited to bring you a new and unique Arts in Nature experience. 

This “new era” has been energizing and transformative for Nature Consortium in many ways. As artists and changemakers, we are thankful for the flow of creativity and inspiration that drives our work. And most of all we’re thankful for you, dear readers, art lovers, youth supporters, and champions of nature. Without you, this would not be possible.