The world of politics, especially in the United States, is so filled with dramatic headlines, sudden shifts in direction, and crises that it is hard to maintain focus. The constant stream of new actions tends to dull perceptions. Each shock is greater than the last, but the attention span of leadership at the top is so brief that the news becomes more of a stream of social media outbursts than factual reporting. Sometimes it is impossible to tell the difference between threats and reality.

Inspectors general are removed and fired. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detains U.S. citizens. The president and his family reap huge profits from crypto schemes that appear to be bribes. The east wing of the White House is being demolished to make room for a ballroom that will be bigger than the rest of the official residence. Classified information is disclosed. The House of Representatives ceases all business to prevent the disclosure of the Epstein files. National Guard troops are sent into cities where no crises exist. Funding is cut for agencies authorized by Congress from the Department of Education to FEMA. The president orders the Department of Justice to give him millions of dollars. Tariffs come and go and come back again. Trade talks start and stop. Officials are appointed without qualifications. Universities and law firms are threatened. An aircraft carrier is sent to the coast of South America after strikes against private boats kill dozens in what are called, without evidence, drug smuggling operations. The government shuts down, forcing thousands to work without pay, while Senators refuse to negotiate, and members of the House are not convened. Millions face dramatic increases in health care costs. Millions more face losing health care entirely. The list goes on and on and on.

The largest citizen protests in the nation's history make headlines for a few days and are quickly swept off news feeds by more outrageous actions and more presidential social media blasts.

Heads are spinning. We are left not knowing how to react.

Meanwhile, a Canadian baseball team has won the first game of the World Series. Children prepare to celebrate Halloween in costumes inspired by pop culture. Thieves used a truck-mounted ladder to enter the museum’s second story and steal priceless art without being detected. Judy Collins is on a concert tour.

It might be accurate to say that Judy Collins is still on tour. The 86-year-old singer-songwriter continues to entertain and amaze audiences. I was eight years old when she released her first record album, “A Maid of Constant Sorrow.” It was the same year that Bob Dylan’s first album was released. She has released 55 albums, won awards and tributes, written books, toured worldwide, made films, headed a music label, been a social activist, and a keynote speaker. Tomorrow night she is presenting a concert at the Massey Theatre, less than 30 miles from my home. And I have tickets.

I expect that the nearly sold-out theatre will be filled with folks like me, with thinning hair and widening waistlines. I’m not as old as Judy Collins, but I’ve reached the age when most people refer to me as a senior citizen, and I’m not afraid to use the discounts. I receive Social Security and am enrolled in Medicare. And I know the words to the opening lines and choruses of songs by Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman, and others. I expect to enjoy the concert. I wasn’t tempted to shell out the money for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour when it came to Vancouver, even though it got a lot of attention and caused delays at the border crossings. I don’t think Judy Collins is going to cause a traffic backup in town, but I make no apologies for being drawn to her more gentle folk-style singing.

For most of my life, I have lived far from the venues where big-name musicians perform. And when we lived in Chicago, where there were plenty of star-filled concerts, we often didn’t have the money to purchase tickets. I have been happy listening to music on the radio and have lived through seasons of record albums, 8-track tapes, cassette tapes, CDs, and streaming. I’ve heard songs so sweet that I’m glad to have been alive at the same time as the artist. I’ve read concert tour reviews and listened to podcasts featuring interviews with artists. I’ve strummed my guitar and sang the same songs that have been performed in huge auditoriums, though not before an audience.

Somehow, one elderly musician appearing on a stage near my home has captured my attention enough for me to look forward to the concert. And the concert has provided me a bit of respite from the confusion and chaos of the stories in my newsfeed.

A couple of days ago, Susan returned from an errand with a gorgeous leaf from a big leaf maple tree. The leaf sported green, yellow, orange, and red. As she handed it to me, she said, “It’s hard to stay grumpy when you find a leaf like this.” She is right, of course. The natural world provides a critical balance to the chaos of government and political discourse. Mountains, trees, oceans, and plains operate on a timescale entirely different from our human rush. Seasons come and seasons go with glory beyond expectation. A single leaf can inspire awe.

We thirst for the balance that a song or a leaf can offer for lives that are too often distracted by the latest headline. Finding that balance can be as easy as taking a walk or listening to the radio. Talking that walk and listening to that song with a friend can enhance the experience beyond measure. I’ve got a date for the concert. We haven’t been dating quite as long as Judy Collins has been performing on stage, but we’ve been married for 52 years and still enjoy experiencing life together. I am grateful for the balance in my life.