The closing of 2020 evokes Toni Morrison’s refrain from the closing chapter of Beloved:

This is not a story to pass on.

And yet, among all the other lessons learned this year by trial and fire, we know that beauty and grace exist in our everyday midst, regardless of any larger turmoil that simmers or rages.

These original photos, all snapped on my phone, serve to remind me of that.

May 2021 be a far sight better for us all.