And just like that, it’s spring again, and the world in this part of the globe, once again, is waking up. There’s a lot of work ahead of us in the next several months, but for now, let’s take a deep breath and take the night off. My very best wishes to those observing Passover, Ramadan, and Easter.
And to Allen, our friend from Ukraine; may he know how much we are thinking of him, his family, and all those in his country who continue to remind us of the highest values and valor in this life.
I thought of the journey of Allen and Tanya tonight listening to the Vigil readings for Easter. The readings are done in the dark but light does come .May they be safe and well even as they grieve for all they have had to leave behind.
Hopefully, they're safe. He did post that they made it to Poland, and earlier commented that they'd eventually go to Barcelona - a lovely reward for all of their trauma.
Thanks, Christine. I knew they were safe, but didn't have the Canada info until yesterday. Great news. It will take a while until they can decompress, I'm sure.
I missed the information about Allen and his family, and I’m so glad to hear other’s concern about Ukraine. We have an American friend who’s been in Ukraine for the last 20yrs, Doug. He married Masha and they have a son ready for college and two daughters. They lived in Lviv. Doug evacuated his family to Krakow, and went back to Lviv to coordinate other evacuations and bring in supplies. His most heartbreaking statement, “I’m amazed at the numbers of bodies I see in the streets, and how I’ve grown used to it.” 💔🙏🇺🇦
There has been no information about Allen and Tanya, at least that I've seen, in several weeks. I know we all hope they are safe. Doug's statement is indeed heartbreaking on any day, but especially so on Easter.
Allen has posted a few things on his FB page. They traveled across Canada visiting family and are now settled in an apartment in western Canada. Most of his FB posts are about what is happening in Ukraine, but he and Tanya are settled for now.
I have friended Allen on Facebook. I hear something even if it is just a "like" most every day. He misses Lucky and has posted a few he has received from his friend. He "like" my campaign signs that I shared on Friday.
Thank you, Suzanne, for posting your concern about Allen and Tanya, and all who commented with updates about them. They have been in my thoughts and prayers constantly. It is good to know they are safely settled in Canada. Slava Ukraini! 💛💙
Thank you for linking the Ukrainian song. It was above and beyond to see the women and girls sing it at this time, with the Ukrainian colors wrapped around them. It's a share, Christine, thanks, again!
“Lyrics: In the meadow a red viburnum has bent down low. Our glorious Ukraine has been troubled so. And we’ll take that red viburnum and we will raise it up' And we, our glorious Ukraine shall, hey – hey, rise up – and rejoice!
The Red Viburnum or Kalyna Berry Referenced in the Song is a National Symbol of Ukraine, Representing the Blood Roots and Connection to the Homeland.”
I asked the other day if anyone had heard from him and received no response. Is there silence from Allen, or has anyone heard? I think he said he had family in Canada. But at the least, I can think of them and others in Ukraine and hope for the best. As Heather says, for now, let's take a deep breath. And be grateful for our own blessings!
Sally, Allen and I communicated a couple of days ago when he and his wife, Tanya' were settling in to their apartment in Alberta, Canada.. They are happy to be warm and have a bed to sleep on. There is no escape from their worry about Ukraine. Allen keeps up-to-date concerning the country, and I believe continues to be in touch with friends and, perhaps, family who are there. He checks in here and on LFAA's forum. I'll leave a message on this blog next time we communicate, so that you can post him. In any event, I will let him know that we all think about him and the family
Thank you, Fern, for this information. Were they able to get Lucky out too? I know there are so many in his situation, but he touched me with his courage in being honest about his fear. I wish them well and hope they can return to Ukraine some day. It's good to know they are safe, thank you again!
Hi Sally. Allen is in touch with the person who is taking care of Lucky and the cats. Allen didn't mention whether he was going to try to get them to Canada. I will remember to ask next time. Allen is a terrific guy, a lot of strength, smarts and humor.
Thanks, Fern. Allen's writings made the terrible situation so vivid for me, not just "oh, those poor people over there". I've made lots of donations and am very willing to pay higher prices in order to boycott Putin. Thanks for sending messages of support to Allen and Tanya.
Hi Fern. I communicate with Allen on FB. Yes, they are settled after a long trip across Canada. Last I knew, he was not going to try to bring Lucky and Cats to Canada. You're right....he's a fine man with a great sense of humor.
Thanks, Pam, Fern and all who have kept us informed about Allen and Tanya. In his February postings here, Allen did more to make the war real, to make the Ukrainian people and their suffering real and personal, than any other source I read. I don't do FB, so if you have a chance, will you please let him know I'm still thinking of them?
I just contacted Allen writing about the outpouring of appreciation, concern, affection and questions from his friends here. Perhaps, he’ll check in and or respond to my post. I’ll post with the forum if I hear from him. 🌻
Linda, Whether Allen sees the love emanating from this newsletter, I believe that he feels it and I will share your love with him, too. Wishing you and your family a beautiful and caring Holiday.
The last i saw they had made it to his people in Calgary. He was great to keep us updated as they made their way from Ukraine to Warsaw and finally on to Calgary. I hope they are ok.
Oh thank you. One of my very favorites! And a wise reminder of how to begin today's various celebrations of light and life and, tomorrow, and the day after, to do the same. We have nothing but this day and, if it should come, the next. Each one a miracle of the oldest of mythologies on this earth--the story of death and rebirth.
“Let the beauty we love be what we do” Balm for this artist’s soul this morning. Just as I finished reading it, I heard loud honking outside and looked out in time to see a pair of Trumpeter swans flying by. Big, beautiful, raucous and seemingly joyful! Good start to my morning.
Thank you from an American whose people came from Cork.
When I think of the Nazarene Carpenter I am always back in one of my favorite passages in the gospels. Magdalene has come to the tomb with herbs to anoint Jesus' body, but the tomb is open and the body is gone. There is a man there and Mary mistakes him for thee gardener. She asks if he knows where they have taken the body. The exchange that follows is two words. Jesus looks at this faithful woman and says, only, "Mary." She recognizes him then and replies, "Rabbi." I have always felt that it's possible that is all we need in this life--a rabbi to call us by our name.
In whatever way I can understand (or be at peace with not understanding), Hallelujah! He is risen indeed. Thank you, Gus.
I want to think the hope embodied in the resurrection today carries us forward and lifts us up as we face the many challenges ahead of us, both here and abroad.
And I do think it will. That hope of resurrection is, quite literally, buried in this earth that brings flowers out of frozen ground, over and over, and--if we are mindful--light out of darkness every single day. There is no day that isn't a day of resurrection. Hallelujah.
Thank You Dean. I think that it really is as simple as that—the Rabbi who knows our name. Why is there so much contention, so much confusion and consternation over that? Why do we complicate and codify the simplest things? It is built in to human nature I guess.
I believe that, in Christ, Creator was telling us that humanity is ‘worth it.’ That Creator is not giving up on us. “ The kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21).
If we could just see each other as Worth It! I trust that someday we will. That capacity is also built into human nature....
😂😂😂😂😂😂 ! Those Monsters ! I saw them eating Baby Chicks ! They have ‘ Peeps ‘ in Chocolate flavor now . OMG Gus way to late to be this silly. To funny !
And to you Fern, my ‘Flutterbuddy ‘. I saw my first Butterfly yesterday.They are the most amazing little creatures. It’s no easy task to become one. And such hard work they do for us in their short life span .Their colors/ markings to camouflage/survive, all so beautiful. What I look forward to most in Spring. However, Spring was only about a week here. It’s in the ‘90’s ‘ today.So you Northerners enjoy it while you can. 🦋❤️
Thanks, Marcia. I could post a link if I could figure out if this even has/is a link, so you will see I'm not a tech either. I wonder if I put it into a word document I could somehow attach that? I'm pretty sure that isn't the answer. Sigh
I'm operating on what I now think is a reasonable assumption--that Substack, or at least Heather, doesn't want these pages cluttered up with images. Can you imagine the visual chaos and the loss of focus in comments? The meme I got. this morning shows the Pillsbury Doughboy on the left with the caption above him "He is Risen." On his right, the Pillsbury Doughboy, textured like matzo and the caption above him "He is Not." I can't tell you why it struck me as so hilarious but it's one of those that just starts me laughing. As for Heather's FB page, I finally closed my FB account permanently and haven't been even tempted to return. There are a few things I sort of miss, but honestly I almost never even think about it.
Beyond glorious, is the photo in oranges of sky and on the water by Buddy Poland. Thank you, Buddy.
In America, on an almost daily basis a Letter is delivered to LFAA subscribers containing a distinct portrayal of the advances and retreats of autocracy; the criminality, treacherousness and treason of a cast of detestable horribles -- dangerous and darkly comical up against a kind and tougher than imagined, elderly president; the persistent January 6th Commission and the rest of us. Then there is the murderous Putin with his army of invaders. Most of all there are the courageous, war-torn, suffering, brutalized Ukrainian grandmas, grandpas, fighters, mothers and children beating off the Russian military. It is as though the bare hands of civilization gain strength to defeat the force of evil. Heather Cox Richardson steadfastly absorbs this darkness and light to translate it with a clear understanding of what we are all up against. With deep gratitude to Heather.
May this be a Holiday of blessings, rest, community and renewal.
Blessings, Fern, and to all who read this. I'm off soon to usher at All Saints-Pasadena, a place of beauty, activism and inclusivity that nourishes my soul -- and has many HCR readers! I carry your words with me as well as Christopher's inspirational poem.
Oh, I believe you! I just have yet to meet any of them. So far, to me, everyone here in Heather’s forum of correspondence exists only in my imagination.
You might like my Pasadena church. To synthesize our rector’s unorthodox message this morning:”I don’t know if I believe Jesus actually physically rose from the dead, and it doesn’t really matter.”
Passover began April 15 and lasts eight nights. Many Ukrainian Jews will be celebrating Passover away from home, the story of Exodus so meaningful. From NPR: “At many Seders, these traditional symbols will be joined by new ones, to draw clear parallels between pharaoh's army and Russian forces: olive branches for peace, beets and sunflowers for Ukraine itself.”
https://www.npr.org/2022/04/15/1092877952/ukrainian-jews-displaced-by-war-find-passover-especially-poignant-this-year My friends and I sit down to the Passover table, as a World sociopolitical celebration. Fair trade, stories of slavery, freedom and exodus and connections of today , history and “the beginning.” Especially today, with so many countries uniting with Ukraine. And we hope the Jews in Russia and all countries that are not “free” will someday sit down to their table with freedom and not fear. For our Passover, Our book, the Haggadah, has been created by all of us as a recognition that freedom and equality are for ALL, here in America and the world over. Next year at home.
Have some dinner with family and friends. Give to those who need help. Practice the religion of your choice, if you have one you favor. Say hello to neighbors. Color some eggs. Easter baskets for the kids. Eat a bunch of jellybeans, marshmallow eggs, or chocolate rabbits.
Thank you, HRC and Buddy, for your very lovely peaceful picture. I want to wish everyone happiness during which you are celebrating your perspective holidays. Please keep the poor, people of color, the disabled, and the Ukrainians in your heart. Together, we can conquer.
Thank you for the beautiful photo, and for your words of wisdom, knowledge and inclusion in all your letters. To Yuri, Katarina and their dog, who made it safely to France (my country of origin) after driving for four days from Ukraine, may your lives get better and safer; To Kenny, who hosted them when they arrived, and helped them with his whole heart, thank you, and happy Passover; and to Ksenia and Yelena, my friends in Siberia who are appalled and outraged by what is happening, please stay safe, I love you!
dominique, thank you so much for this post. The personal is always so moving and special. In particular I want to send my love to Yelena and Ksenia. Every Russian is being vilified and scapegoated by the world for the actions of a heartless, corrupt and criminal leadership. May we remember that the Russian people are not behind this atrocity, and may we have compassion for all those Russians who oppose this war but who are now being hated by Ukraine and all the world through no fault of their own.
May you have a beautiful and peaceful day tomorrow. Enjoy the day, rest, relax, listen to the waves, watch the birds and dance. Oh yes, stop saying you are old, kiddo. I’m 71 and still going strong. You are just a youngster.
Good morning, Linda. I have just turned 76, spine collapsing, lungs not far behind. And I'm thrilled to say I'm still fit enough to make "good trouble."
And to Allen, our friend from Ukraine; may he know how much we are thinking of him, his family, and all those in his country who continue to remind us of the highest values and valor in this life.
I thought of the journey of Allen and Tanya tonight listening to the Vigil readings for Easter. The readings are done in the dark but light does come .May they be safe and well even as they grieve for all they have had to leave behind.
And, even worse, may no longer exist.
Hopefully, they're safe. He did post that they made it to Poland, and earlier commented that they'd eventually go to Barcelona - a lovely reward for all of their trauma.
They are in Canada at this time.
Thanks, Christine. I knew they were safe, but didn't have the Canada info until yesterday. Great news. It will take a while until they can decompress, I'm sure.
I missed the information about Allen and his family, and I’m so glad to hear other’s concern about Ukraine. We have an American friend who’s been in Ukraine for the last 20yrs, Doug. He married Masha and they have a son ready for college and two daughters. They lived in Lviv. Doug evacuated his family to Krakow, and went back to Lviv to coordinate other evacuations and bring in supplies. His most heartbreaking statement, “I’m amazed at the numbers of bodies I see in the streets, and how I’ve grown used to it.” 💔🙏🇺🇦
There has been no information about Allen and Tanya, at least that I've seen, in several weeks. I know we all hope they are safe. Doug's statement is indeed heartbreaking on any day, but especially so on Easter.
Allen has posted a few things on his FB page. They traveled across Canada visiting family and are now settled in an apartment in western Canada. Most of his FB posts are about what is happening in Ukraine, but he and Tanya are settled for now.
Thank you, Pam. I've been worried about Allen & Tanya and am pleased to know that they are safe in Canada.
Good to know. The last I read was that they'd made it to Poland.
Allen has posted a couple of comments in the last week but is otherwise and understandably quiet.
Thank you. Glad to know.
He has "Liked" a couple of things I've written, so I know he's out there and reading.
Allen ❤️‘ed a post of mine on Lucian Truscott’s site yesterday.
Lucian K. Truscott IV: “Putin Can’t Take Much More of This”
https://luciantruscott.substack.com/p/putin-cant-take-much-more-of-this/comments?s=r#comment-6083758
The post begins: “What I notice about spin and disinformation in this case: the Russian version never lied.” (referring to the Moskva incident)
I have friended Allen on Facebook. I hear something even if it is just a "like" most every day. He misses Lucky and has posted a few he has received from his friend. He "like" my campaign signs that I shared on Friday.
They were in Poland last time I saw his post.
We need a sad button too!
Thank you, Suzanne, for posting your concern about Allen and Tanya, and all who commented with updates about them. They have been in my thoughts and prayers constantly. It is good to know they are safely settled in Canada. Slava Ukraini! 💛💙
Heróyam sláva!
Thank you Laura for reaching out to Allen, Tanya and their families. They share the spirit of Ukraine with us.
Enjoy this song for Ukraine!
https://twitter.com/carlbildt/status/1515294443175387139?s=20&t=kp8nuraWVBzalf5r3jL8QQ
Morning dear Ellie. Here is link on YouTube if Twitter’s song egg does not crack open for you. https://youtu.be/LIUoFuSuvTM
I’ll be humming it all day. Thank you.
Thank you - slava Ukraini 🌻🇺🇦
It didn't, so thank you so much for this Christine!
Thank you for linking the Ukrainian song. It was above and beyond to see the women and girls sing it at this time, with the Ukrainian colors wrapped around them. It's a share, Christine, thanks, again!
“Lyrics: In the meadow a red viburnum has bent down low. Our glorious Ukraine has been troubled so. And we’ll take that red viburnum and we will raise it up' And we, our glorious Ukraine shall, hey – hey, rise up – and rejoice!
The Red Viburnum or Kalyna Berry Referenced in the Song is a National Symbol of Ukraine, Representing the Blood Roots and Connection to the Homeland.”
https://twitter.com/tuesdayadams111/status/1515389296710193152?s=21&t=XViiKrY_UWXCJw9PZwz-YQ
Rise up. It’s all so fabulous.
I have picked colors of Ukraine's flag for my campaign signs with added sunflowers! It is a constant reminder for of Allen, his family and country!
Sharon, Thank you for your loving and creative campaign. Wishing you and your family a beautiful and caring Holiday.
And to you too, Fern and thank you for your lovely comment on my post!
That sounds wonderful!
I asked the other day if anyone had heard from him and received no response. Is there silence from Allen, or has anyone heard? I think he said he had family in Canada. But at the least, I can think of them and others in Ukraine and hope for the best. As Heather says, for now, let's take a deep breath. And be grateful for our own blessings!
Sally, Allen and I communicated a couple of days ago when he and his wife, Tanya' were settling in to their apartment in Alberta, Canada.. They are happy to be warm and have a bed to sleep on. There is no escape from their worry about Ukraine. Allen keeps up-to-date concerning the country, and I believe continues to be in touch with friends and, perhaps, family who are there. He checks in here and on LFAA's forum. I'll leave a message on this blog next time we communicate, so that you can post him. In any event, I will let him know that we all think about him and the family
Thank you, Fern, for this information. Were they able to get Lucky out too? I know there are so many in his situation, but he touched me with his courage in being honest about his fear. I wish them well and hope they can return to Ukraine some day. It's good to know they are safe, thank you again!
Hi Sally. Allen is in touch with the person who is taking care of Lucky and the cats. Allen didn't mention whether he was going to try to get them to Canada. I will remember to ask next time. Allen is a terrific guy, a lot of strength, smarts and humor.
Thanks, Fern. Allen's writings made the terrible situation so vivid for me, not just "oh, those poor people over there". I've made lots of donations and am very willing to pay higher prices in order to boycott Putin. Thanks for sending messages of support to Allen and Tanya.
He'll be happy to know about you Sally. You make me happy, tool Wishing you a good Holiday.
Thanks Fern.
Linda, Wishing you and the family a beautiful and caring Holiday.
Hi Fern. I communicate with Allen on FB. Yes, they are settled after a long trip across Canada. Last I knew, he was not going to try to bring Lucky and Cats to Canada. You're right....he's a fine man with a great sense of humor.
Thanks, Pam, Fern and all who have kept us informed about Allen and Tanya. In his February postings here, Allen did more to make the war real, to make the Ukrainian people and their suffering real and personal, than any other source I read. I don't do FB, so if you have a chance, will you please let him know I'm still thinking of them?
I just contacted Allen writing about the outpouring of appreciation, concern, affection and questions from his friends here. Perhaps, he’ll check in and or respond to my post. I’ll post with the forum if I hear from him. 🌻
Thanks, Fern.
Ruth, may I copy and paste on Allen's FB page?
Yes. Thank you.
Thanks for the update Fern.
Happy to see your face, MaryPat. Wishing you and the family a beautiful and joyous Easter Holiday.
And to you and yours as well, Fern!
Thank you so very much Fern—I’m so relieved that they are safe.
Linda, Whether Allen sees the love emanating from this newsletter, I believe that he feels it and I will share your love with him, too. Wishing you and your family a beautiful and caring Holiday.
The last i saw they had made it to his people in Calgary. He was great to keep us updated as they made their way from Ukraine to Warsaw and finally on to Calgary. I hope they are ok.
Love you Allen ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️
Aho! Blessings to all humanity. As Jelalludin Rumi wrote:
Today, like every other day, we wake up empty
and frightened. Don’t open the door to the study
and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don’t go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don’t go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill
where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open.
Don’t go back to sleep.
Happy Easter from the West of Ireland.
oh, thank you for this reminder! It is the "sweet" I need now tonight. Bless you!
Thank you for this lovely poem. "Let the beauty of love be what we do." Happy Easter.
Oh thank you. One of my very favorites! And a wise reminder of how to begin today's various celebrations of light and life and, tomorrow, and the day after, to do the same. We have nothing but this day and, if it should come, the next. Each one a miracle of the oldest of mythologies on this earth--the story of death and rebirth.
Ahhhh. Beautiful Rumi words, Christopher. May all open their Easter egg on this Sunday and feel the Light.
Happy Easter!
🙏
“Let the beauty we love be what we do” Balm for this artist’s soul this morning. Just as I finished reading it, I heard loud honking outside and looked out in time to see a pair of Trumpeter swans flying by. Big, beautiful, raucous and seemingly joyful! Good start to my morning.
Thank you from an American whose people came from Cork.
Thank you so much 🙏🏼🦋
This caught my breath and raced my heart.
Beautiful! Thank you Christopher and Rumi.
Thank you for sharing the whole poem! I am having difficulty finding more than the first half!
Blessed be.
Always a few delicious gifts to be found herein. Thank you for one of them!!!
Thank you so much for these powerful, poetic words from Rumi!
Happy Spring Everyone!
For followers of the Nazarene Carpenter, Happy Resurrection Sunday! "He is Risen!"
And, Blessings to all who worship in other religious faiths, or not, Peace between us--and all Creation!
What? I just saw a rabbit eating a chocolate human....
When I think of the Nazarene Carpenter I am always back in one of my favorite passages in the gospels. Magdalene has come to the tomb with herbs to anoint Jesus' body, but the tomb is open and the body is gone. There is a man there and Mary mistakes him for thee gardener. She asks if he knows where they have taken the body. The exchange that follows is two words. Jesus looks at this faithful woman and says, only, "Mary." She recognizes him then and replies, "Rabbi." I have always felt that it's possible that is all we need in this life--a rabbi to call us by our name.
In whatever way I can understand (or be at peace with not understanding), Hallelujah! He is risen indeed. Thank you, Gus.
I want to think the hope embodied in the resurrection today carries us forward and lifts us up as we face the many challenges ahead of us, both here and abroad.
And I do think it will. That hope of resurrection is, quite literally, buried in this earth that brings flowers out of frozen ground, over and over, and--if we are mindful--light out of darkness every single day. There is no day that isn't a day of resurrection. Hallelujah.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_NpxTWbovE
“Light out of darkness”
A beautiful rendition I had not heard by him. Thanks Dean.
Thank You Dean. I think that it really is as simple as that—the Rabbi who knows our name. Why is there so much contention, so much confusion and consternation over that? Why do we complicate and codify the simplest things? It is built in to human nature I guess.
I believe that, in Christ, Creator was telling us that humanity is ‘worth it.’ That Creator is not giving up on us. “ The kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21).
If we could just see each other as Worth It! I trust that someday we will. That capacity is also built into human nature....
Amen, Gus!
😂😂😂😂😂😂 ! Those Monsters ! I saw them eating Baby Chicks ! They have ‘ Peeps ‘ in Chocolate flavor now . OMG Gus way to late to be this silly. To funny !
To it all Marcia: laughter, love, silly and funny🌿
And to you Fern, my ‘Flutterbuddy ‘. I saw my first Butterfly yesterday.They are the most amazing little creatures. It’s no easy task to become one. And such hard work they do for us in their short life span .Their colors/ markings to camouflage/survive, all so beautiful. What I look forward to most in Spring. However, Spring was only about a week here. It’s in the ‘90’s ‘ today.So you Northerners enjoy it while you can. 🦋❤️
🐛🦋🐞🦋🐝🦋🕷🦋💗❤️🌿
‘Take that flutter, Mom’, said the fern.
Go to u tube type in caterpillar caterpillar
Chomp on this one, Pat, and let me know what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-gNaNOWdg8
I didn't feel a thing, but my ears hurt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5_z_IQoiAs
Thank You !🦋
😂 🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿!
Never too late or too early to be silly. A question: Is there a way for me to post a "meme" that a former student just sent?
I have no idea. What I see is people using a link from their browser ? Think Substack has an app. I don’t have it. I’m not Techy sorry.
Thanks, Marcia. I could post a link if I could figure out if this even has/is a link, so you will see I'm not a tech either. I wonder if I put it into a word document I could somehow attach that? I'm pretty sure that isn't the answer. Sigh
Dean, if you ever figure out how to post memes or photos, let me know. You could try posting the meme on Heather's FB page.
I'm operating on what I now think is a reasonable assumption--that Substack, or at least Heather, doesn't want these pages cluttered up with images. Can you imagine the visual chaos and the loss of focus in comments? The meme I got. this morning shows the Pillsbury Doughboy on the left with the caption above him "He is Risen." On his right, the Pillsbury Doughboy, textured like matzo and the caption above him "He is Not." I can't tell you why it struck me as so hilarious but it's one of those that just starts me laughing. As for Heather's FB page, I finally closed my FB account permanently and haven't been even tempted to return. There are a few things I sort of miss, but honestly I almost never even think about it.
That's very funny. And, I agree that if we all could post pics or whatever, LFAA would lose it's appeal.
Thanks, Pam, that's the best way of saying it I've run across. It would lose its appeal because its appeal is that it is not FB!!
Ah but the jelly beans will get ‘em!!
And all this mayhem because ‘Why ‘ ? There is No Chocolate Carrots ! 😂
And in about an hour, we will be heading off for sunrise services followed by a huge family breakfast. Peace. 🙏
You're priceless, Gus. Happy Easter and peace to you.
Beyond glorious, is the photo in oranges of sky and on the water by Buddy Poland. Thank you, Buddy.
In America, on an almost daily basis a Letter is delivered to LFAA subscribers containing a distinct portrayal of the advances and retreats of autocracy; the criminality, treacherousness and treason of a cast of detestable horribles -- dangerous and darkly comical up against a kind and tougher than imagined, elderly president; the persistent January 6th Commission and the rest of us. Then there is the murderous Putin with his army of invaders. Most of all there are the courageous, war-torn, suffering, brutalized Ukrainian grandmas, grandpas, fighters, mothers and children beating off the Russian military. It is as though the bare hands of civilization gain strength to defeat the force of evil. Heather Cox Richardson steadfastly absorbs this darkness and light to translate it with a clear understanding of what we are all up against. With deep gratitude to Heather.
May this be a Holiday of blessings, rest, community and renewal.
Salud, dear Fern! United.
Salud and blessings to you, dear Christine and to the family. 🌿💗
Blessings, Fern, and to all who read this. I'm off soon to usher at All Saints-Pasadena, a place of beauty, activism and inclusivity that nourishes my soul -- and has many HCR readers! I carry your words with me as well as Christopher's inspirational poem.
Cool! I’ve never met an HCR commenter.
I have several friends I've "turned on" to LFAA, so believe me, they're out there!
Oh, I believe you! I just have yet to meet any of them. So far, to me, everyone here in Heather’s forum of correspondence exists only in my imagination.
You might like my Pasadena church. To synthesize our rector’s unorthodox message this morning:”I don’t know if I believe Jesus actually physically rose from the dead, and it doesn’t really matter.”
Thank you, MaryB. Your kindness brings smiles. Wishing you and your family a beautiful and caring Easter Holiday.
SO beautifully said Fern. Thank you!
Hello on this Sunday, smv 1540. Wishing you and your family Joy and Care on this Holiday.
Passover began April 15 and lasts eight nights. Many Ukrainian Jews will be celebrating Passover away from home, the story of Exodus so meaningful. From NPR: “At many Seders, these traditional symbols will be joined by new ones, to draw clear parallels between pharaoh's army and Russian forces: olive branches for peace, beets and sunflowers for Ukraine itself.”
https://www.npr.org/2022/04/15/1092877952/ukrainian-jews-displaced-by-war-find-passover-especially-poignant-this-year My friends and I sit down to the Passover table, as a World sociopolitical celebration. Fair trade, stories of slavery, freedom and exodus and connections of today , history and “the beginning.” Especially today, with so many countries uniting with Ukraine. And we hope the Jews in Russia and all countries that are not “free” will someday sit down to their table with freedom and not fear. For our Passover, Our book, the Haggadah, has been created by all of us as a recognition that freedom and equality are for ALL, here in America and the world over. Next year at home.
Shalom Irenie . May it be so. It must be so.
Shalom and thank you to you too, Gus. We are always working for World Peace and Justice. And yes, it must be so.
Letters Commenters and Prof. Heather
A Happy Easter & Hello Spring
Have some dinner with family and friends. Give to those who need help. Practice the religion of your choice, if you have one you favor. Say hello to neighbors. Color some eggs. Easter baskets for the kids. Eat a bunch of jellybeans, marshmallow eggs, or chocolate rabbits.
And above all, be safe.
Thank you Bill. Anything but chocolate humans....
Welcome . . .
Thank you, HRC and Buddy, for your very lovely peaceful picture. I want to wish everyone happiness during which you are celebrating your perspective holidays. Please keep the poor, people of color, the disabled, and the Ukrainians in your heart. Together, we can conquer.
For everything there is a season, grateful for your letters and photos!
And may we be blessed.
Dr. Richardson, you and Buddy are beautifully generous and highly perspicacious! Peace be yours. Take in the spring! Rest, restore and renew.
Perspicacious. I’m going to have to look that up. 🤔
It’s very weird that the word came into my mind and I checked too, to confirm… Bingo! So I used it because it was a fit! 😊
Me too.
Here’s what it means:
“ having a ready insight into and understanding of things.”
No wonder I didn’t know what that word means‼️🤣😂
You make up for it with your wry wit!
Thank you, Nancy, for mentioning my “dry wit.” You made my day. 💋💋💋
💋😁Back atcha! When you're not around, you're missed.
Thank you for the beautiful photo, and for your words of wisdom, knowledge and inclusion in all your letters. To Yuri, Katarina and their dog, who made it safely to France (my country of origin) after driving for four days from Ukraine, may your lives get better and safer; To Kenny, who hosted them when they arrived, and helped them with his whole heart, thank you, and happy Passover; and to Ksenia and Yelena, my friends in Siberia who are appalled and outraged by what is happening, please stay safe, I love you!
dominique, thank you so much for this post. The personal is always so moving and special. In particular I want to send my love to Yelena and Ksenia. Every Russian is being vilified and scapegoated by the world for the actions of a heartless, corrupt and criminal leadership. May we remember that the Russian people are not behind this atrocity, and may we have compassion for all those Russians who oppose this war but who are now being hated by Ukraine and all the world through no fault of their own.
Thank you for this deeply personal reminder of what’s at stake. My most heartfelt best wishes for peace and safety for all mentioned here.
May you have a beautiful and peaceful day tomorrow. Enjoy the day, rest, relax, listen to the waves, watch the birds and dance. Oh yes, stop saying you are old, kiddo. I’m 71 and still going strong. You are just a youngster.
Good morning, Linda. I have just turned 76, spine collapsing, lungs not far behind. And I'm thrilled to say I'm still fit enough to make "good trouble."
I've appreciated your posts this morning, Dean. Take care, and keep on keeping on!
Yes spring, and these holidays, all having to do with renewal. It makes me wonder how nature may drive the human spirit.
Wonderful photo❣️
Beautiful thought and beautiful photograph. Thank you.
Beautiful!!