Getting ready for a retreat last summer, our leader assigned some pre-reading that included, to my jaded mind, yet another nature book. Some of you know what I mean. We’ve read Annie Dillard, and Mary Oliver, and (the recently deceased) Sally McFague. We’ve loved these tender, observant writings; they’re inspiring. But, “Really, another one?” I thought, rolling my eyes. My cynicism seemed justified when I opened to the first chapter and found it focused on—of all things—snakes! I settled in, scowling. Seems like I’ve been doing more than my share of scowling. At the weather. At politics. … [Read more...] about Reading the Air