Doesn't it feel like somebody shook up the big Homer snow globe? It's not just the weather, which has been so wonky not even newcomers expect sunshine — well, sunshine lasting more than five minutes. No, no, the Betster — who minored in philosophy in college — means like in the great cosmic sense.

You know, the third longest serving Pope dies. Beluga Slough fails to empty on a low tide. Voters support a tax increase. Everybody from principals to troopers seem to be shifting jobs. As the great Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, Yo, the world is like so in flux, dudes.

In other words, it's April. The cruelest month? Maybe. Chaotic? Big time. People seem to be on edge, uncertain about what the future will bring.

Well, take solace in the natural turning of events. Soon enough spring will come. That first varied thrush trilling? It can't be too far away. And one morning you'll drive by the Beluga Slough, restored to its natural flow, and see two snow bright swans basking in the sunshine. What? They're already here? See?

While you're absorbing all that deep philosophy, think about more mundane matters, like some of these Best Bets:

BEST TANGLED UP IN BLUE BET: The Bluestones, that is. He plays guitar, she weaves tapestries, and together Robert and Rebecca Bluestone create, well, "Woven Harmony." At 7 p.m. Friday they perform at the Mariner Theatre. Tickets are on sale at the Homer Council on the Arts, the Homer Bookstore and Etude Studio.

BEST GOOFY CLEAN FUN BET: Self esteem. Making good choices. Staying off drugs. Heavy stuff, but at 7 p.m. Monday at the Mariner Theatre Cary Trivanovich tackles these subjects and more with a little light humor. Presented by the Homer High PTA, the performance is free.

BEST ONE MO' TIME BET: Today and Friday you can see the Homer High School and Nikiski High School Drama, Debate and Forensics teams in action. At 7 p.m. today at the Mariner Theatre, catch their lighter side with "Encore! Encore!," a showcase of humorous and dramatic skits. Then at 6 p.m. Friday at the Kachemak Bay East Campus, watch them debate the issue of Homer seceding — from the borough, that is, not the nation.

BEST SHE'S BACK BET: Erin McKeown wowed Homer when she played at the old Alice's Champagne Palace (now in mothballs). She's back for another appearance in the more intimate Amped Café at 7 p.m. today. Tickets are on sale at Solstice Music, the Homer Bookstore, KBBI and Amped — and going fast.

BEST DRIFTING WITH THE TIDES: Artists and poets have been peeking in the microscope since last summer, boning up on their copepods and chain diatoms and getting inspired. You can see the results from 5-7 p.m. Friday when "Ocean Art and Nature" opens at the Pratt Museum. Oh, and don't miss the Plankton Parade.