As the flakes fall I sit at my computer staring at the screen, then typing a few words, only to erase them because they just don’t feel right. I’ve done this for nearly an hour and rather than continuing my start-stop failed attempts at poetic prose, I will just write from the heart and not worry about how the words flow.

Words cannot express how deeply I feel for Ona Ignacio, her family, the tribe, the town of Aquinnah, the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School class of 2020 and the Island as a whole. As hard as it is, we expect to lose our elders, but no parent should have to bury a child. Riley Ignacio-Cameron is gone too soon but his dimpled smile and soft-spoken nature will always be with me. I don’t believe grief ever goes away but with the help of a community, it will change shape over time. Ona: we are here for you however you may need us.

Sometimes it’s hard to find things to make you smile but the lobster pot tree is back up, nestled in alongside the Texaco on the edge of Menemsha Harbor. Carefully stacked by Wayne Iacono, it twinkles in the night sky, adorned with both colored and white lights. Its simplicity brings a smile so be sure to buzz the Bight after dark one of these evenings. Sometimes we forget, in the hustle and bustle world of bigger is better, that it’s the little things that can truly bring joy. So, I thank you, Wayne, for continuing the tradition.

Speaking of tradition, Santa is making his final preparations to visit the Chilmark kiddos next week. Thank you to Tim Carroll and Dilly DeBlase for getting the invitations printed and to Janet Weidner for her addressing and mailing skills — something she has shared for years and years. I am grateful for the “it takes a village” willingness of friends who help without the need of arm twisting. Make sure your Chilmark littles have an eye on the mailbox. If you are a new town resident or have a 2022 baby and want to confirm Santa is aware of your wee one, please reach out to me.

You may remember the days when Brent and Leslie Bandi lived in town with their two little boys, River and Nico. The family has called northern California home for a while now, but have always kept the bonds of friendship strong with folks here on the Vineyard. The boys are now essentially men and mom and dad flew the coop, bound for a small island off the New England coast. They beach walked, laughed, visited, hugged and jetted back to the west coast after soaking up the love of many and, most notedly, the Richard Greene family of West Tisbury.

Zoe Thompson had a pop-up shop this past weekend where she peddled her wares. She knits the loveliest hats on Martha’s Vineyard and, quite possibly, the planet. She popped up at Salte in Edgartown, so reach out to them to get connected or to Zoe directly if you’ve got her number. She even will allow for custom orders. Their soft and rich colors and textures will keep your head warm for the winter.

Congratulations to El and Wren Christy, high school senior daughters of Jennifer and Todd, who have both earned acceptance in Middlebury College’s class of 2027. How delighted they must be to be admitted on both academic and athletic merit. Be proud.

Qigong is a kind-body-spirit practice that typically involves moving meditation, coordinating slow-flowing movement, deep rhythmic breathing and a calm, meditative state of mind. We all now have the opportunity to find a little balance with the guidance of Nan Doty, who is offering a weekly class Tuesday mornings from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Chilmark Church’s parish hall.

Billie Hancock returns to town this week from her home in sunny Florida. Daughter Buffy and grandson Christian are looking forward to her presence. She will be assisting at the church’s greens and treasures table at the Holiday Flea on Saturday, Dec. 17 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Stop by to say hi to her, Judy Mayhew, Emily Broderick, Claire Ganz, Ann Noyes, Kathie Carroll and more.