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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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....
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.
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.
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, 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.
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!
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.
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!!