Echoes from the Wander
26 January 2026
Grateful.
All week I’ve been preparing for unattractive possibilities, including the very real chance of an extended power outage. We’re not entirely out of the woods yet, but it feels fair to say we dodged something serious.
Yes—it’s snow and ice. But when you live in a large city with fragile infrastructure, and climate change keeps pressing its thumb on the scale, these events stop being abstract. You’re suddenly asking people to weather something they’ve never had to weather before, often without the tools to do so.
That’s sobering.
Still, we were ready. Tired, but ready.
I’m grateful for that.
I’m stronger for the challenge. And that means something.
It doesn’t mean I have my act completely together for the coming week of posts—but there will be a coming week, and that’s no small thing. (ㅅ´ ˘ `)
And there was also a last week. Let’s take a look.
Last week
Last week circled around endings—extinction, weather, and the quiet math beneath language.
I returned to phaiku with Extinction, wandered sideways on Wednesday, and followed with What Poetry and Math Share, before closing on Friday with Winter Weather Advisory.
What lingered was a mix of unease and play—plus a few digital sketches and some very real turnips in Animal Crossing.
What’s ahead
The Muse is still whispering. Did you hear her?
I’m hoping to have an essay on Fibonacci poetry ready for Thursday. Wednesday will, as usual, arrive on Wednesday. Tuesday and Friday are currently in freefall.
You know—I’m always open to your suggestions.
As sleet taps gently at my windows, this feels like the right moment to curl up with a good book—anyone for Popol Vuh?—and a wee dram of apple Solstice whisky.
Still Grateful.
—Jennifer
JL Tooker





Funny how “Tired, but ready” can feel like a small victory flag. I felt the steadiness in that, the kind you don’t announce. Curling up anyway, because the week is still coming and so are you.
I’m glad your fragile infrastructure has not collapsed… yet. May it hold throughout the challenging weather.