I know I speak for many when I tell you, Heather, how much I look forward to your daily letter, your extraordinary web of interlocking bits of information, and the wise analysis that ties it all together. Thank you so much and enjoy your well deserved day off!
Thank you Dave and Sheila! I found this while looking for the Doobie Brothers version . I didn't realize that Carly Simon (You're So Vain) had an older sister Lucy and they performed together for a while. Lucy wrote this melody when she was only 14 and she and Carly performed it on the Phil Donahue show in 1991! I think finding anecdotes about favorite performers is one of my greatest pleasures! https://youtu.be/lsAR0Kc2zZs
Thank you for that delicious treat. I didn’t know Carly Simon had an older sister, either, and I enjoyed seeing Phil Donahue again all these years later.
Annnnndddd this is why this group of people who follow Heather are just so extraordinary (me excepted) .. that a delightful poem prompts all sorts of commentary, links and delightful back stories while we wish Heather good sleep and rest. Thanks all. (And grateful thanks of course to Heather)
I just listened to 3 songs of this poem. Thank you for enlightening my world today. Beautiful picture of Buddy, the poem and music. What a nice respite from the crooked trump world.
I sang this to my daughter every night when she was tiny 40 years ago. Later, I sang my Girl Scout troop to sleep with it. Such precious memories! Thanks so much for photo and poem!
Someone else mentioned this children's story in the last few weeks, Kari, and it reminded me that my Aunt Mary Jane knew this by heart and told us that story when she came to visit in the summers. We begged her to tell the story over and over. We were spell bound. Such sweet childhood memories! Thank you! I bought 2 copies of the book and received them last week, beautifully illustrated. One for my anticipated great niece (Feb 2023) and one for me or some other newborn in the family!
I can see a desire for copies of this book ahead! Bookshop.org has several versions. I highly recommend ordering through them - they support local bookstores! (unless you happen to have a local bookstore to order from directly!!)
On this "night off" I want to thank Heather but also want to thank all of you here on HCR's substack. You are all so smart and so generous in sharing information, asking questions, challenging and supporting.
I am so grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you.
I agree with all of you about the absolute need to read Heather’s letter and your responses every morning before I arise to get my day going. Your discussion and links to the different song versions of this poem is a wonderful substitute this early morning (5:20 a.m.) for the anticipated letter. Thank you. May your day be as lovely as the photo here.
Heather I recall, some months after you started your LFAA, that you said that you thought you might continue your brilliant nightly insights at least until Biden was inaugurated president.
We are blessed you have continued through the roller coaster of nearly another two years, including your interview with President Biden the day after Putin launched his ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine.
You have guided us through the bad, the ugly, and in recent weeks, the hope that is reflected in Buddy’s wonderfully serene photo.
May you guide us through more hopeful sailing in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, sleep, perchance to dream. You are in our thankful dreams.
Thank you, Heather! I look as much forward to the solace, peace and photography as I do your extraordinary grasp of history and how you bring it into what is going on today with such context and nuance.
Dear Buddy Poland, you showed me the vastness of space; the beauty of shapes, of colors and features of existence. You showed us how much we can see and feel in a photo that expands beyond the frame.
It has been difficult to stay calm while Trump is still around. Physical and psychic explosions never stop radiating from him. You are a master, Heather Cox Richardson, at holding the reins as America twists and turns from assaults, and insults, loyalty, memory, and the principles of democracy. With admiration, I take some measure of calm from you.
“All Rivers at Once” by Rumi
What is the body? Endurance.
What is love? Gratitude.
What is hidden in our chests? Laughter.
What else? Compassion.
Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, also known as Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Balkhī, Mevlânâ/Mawlānā and Mevlevî/Mawlawī, but more popularly known simply as Rumi, was a 13th-century Persian poet, Hanafi faqih, Islamic scholar, Maturidi theologian and Sufi mystic originally from Greater Khorasan in Greater Iran. Wikipedia
Good for you, Heather. You are a dynamo, but I've worried about the threat of your running out of steam. Despite the wealth of good news this past week, we're becoming more concerned about the threat of Trump crazies being inflamed by his never-ending rhetoric, as well as the failure of right-wing "news" and Republican politicians trying to place blame on Democrats and Merrick Garland for politicizing Trump's latest criminal behavior. Thanks for everything that you do, and thanks to Buddy for yet another gorgeous, uplifting example of his photographic talents. Take care of yourself. We continue to need you.
i am glad you are relaxing,, but i am still in suspense from your Friday message:"
There is more news about the classified material at Mar-a-Lago, but nothing that can’t wait another day so I can catch this anniversary."
so glad you did rest, but perhaps the community can fill me in on the new news on this issue..
i am most unglued by the nuclear info in his hands.. he probably foto copied it11 i was a member of fhe Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy and helped set up a chapter at my college in 1961 i believe. you may recall the Women for Peace protesting strontium 90 in mothers milk at the HUAC Hearing agains them House UnAmerican Activities Committee. best to you all!! Laura X
I know I speak for many when I tell you, Heather, how much I look forward to your daily letter, your extraordinary web of interlocking bits of information, and the wise analysis that ties it all together. Thank you so much and enjoy your well deserved day off!
Well said! I’m so appreciative.
I echo this. Thank you
I 2nd that. Well put!
Moi aussi!
Hear, hear!
And these are my words of gratitude and joy for your nights of respite.
One Transcendent Moment
For one transcendent moment,
grey and pink clouds,
shaped like an awning
hover over a glistening, shale-rolled sea,
capturing glimmers of pink
from the magical carpet above.
For one transcendent moment,
the gold and copper tones of sun
peep over the horizon
with their eternal promise of
another day – a day to cherish,
to feel sea and sky herald bliss.
For one transcendent moment,
ashen wisps of clouds float above
the shimmering waters like a flock of
dusky birds headed for the glow --
as though beckoning a brand new
age of transformation and of becoming.
Relish each transcendent moment –
abide in it.
Boy, do you ever deserve a night off!
Thanks for all you do!
Ditto!
Winkin’, Blinkin’ and Nod, one night sailed off in a wooden shoe....
Have restful night all!
Thought you’d like the full poem…
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod one night
Sailed off in a wooden shoe,—
Sailed on a river of crystal light
Into a sea of dew.
"Where are you going, and what do you wish?"
The old moon asked the three.
"We have come to fish for the herring-fish
That live in this beautiful sea;
Nets of silver and gold have we,"
Said Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
The old moon laughed and sang a song,
As they rocked in the wooden shoe;
And the wind that sped them all night long
Ruffled the waves of dew;
The little stars were the herring-fish
That lived in the beautiful sea.
"Now cast your nets wherever you wish,—
Never afraid are we!"
So cried the stars to the fishermen three,
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
All night long their nets they threw
To the stars in the twinkling foam,—
Then down from the skies came the wooden shoe,
Bringing the fishermen home:
'Twas all so pretty a sail, it seemed
As if it could not be;
And some folk thought 'twas a dream they'd dreamed
Of sailing that beautiful sea;
But I shall name you the fishermen three:
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
Wynken and Blynken are two little eyes,
And Nod is a little head,
And the wooden shoe that sailed the skies
Is a wee one's trundle-bed;
So shut your eyes while Mother sings
Of wonderful sights that be,
And you shall see the beautiful things
As you rock in the misty sea
Where the old shoe rocked the fishermen three:—
Wynken,
Blynken,
And Nod.
-Eugene Field
My mother read that poem to me many a night. Thank you conjuring a loving memory.
Mine too. Made me a poetry reader for life.
Lovely to see that whole lovely poem! Thank you.
One of my favorites…Buddy’s photo brought it to mind ☺️
My mother read that poem to me and I read it to my children. What a lovely memory. Thank you.
And set beautifully to music by the Doobie Brothers.
I much prefer the Carly and Lucy Simon version - look for it in YouTube. (Lucy Simon is Carly’s older sister and wrote the music)
Interesting, I've never heard that one. Thanks Sheila.
Now that I have, I like it too, still prefer the Doobies but this has more English/Irish overtones that are really sweet.
Beautiful, https://youtu.be/lsAR0Kc2zZs
I believe that Lucy set the poem to music when she was 14! Beautiful 😊
Thanks Sheila B! I have never heard that before.
Thank you Dave and Sheila! I found this while looking for the Doobie Brothers version . I didn't realize that Carly Simon (You're So Vain) had an older sister Lucy and they performed together for a while. Lucy wrote this melody when she was only 14 and she and Carly performed it on the Phil Donahue show in 1991! I think finding anecdotes about favorite performers is one of my greatest pleasures! https://youtu.be/lsAR0Kc2zZs
Thank you for that delicious treat. I didn’t know Carly Simon had an older sister, either, and I enjoyed seeing Phil Donahue again all these years later.
Lovely! I enjoyed every minute….thank you Sheila.
Yay, Fern found Dobbie Brothers (see thread)!
Here are Carly and Lucy Simon (forgot Carly had a sister!) on Donahue in 1968:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgmKcbLJVxg
For anyone into the history, here's the 1938 Disney version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kH6S69EE2I
Lovely
Bring years to my eyes , my mother read it to me 80 years ago,thank you all 😊
The Disney studio was and is so wonderful! Great trip down a 1938 lane….Thanks, Ellie. What I learned today….wow!
The Disney version was darling, thanks, Ellie.
Love that version! I tried to copy and paste from YouTube but having some trouble. It was fun listening to it again. 🎶❤️
Here it is Kari.
The Doobie Brothers' Wynken, Blynken and Nod
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq8tXpU9XtY
You always come through, Fern!!😍
🍎🌻🌿
Enjoyed this also. Lovely! Thank you….
Thanks Fern!
Thank you, Kari. A wonderful way to say goodnight.
I do too. I've never had much luck pasting things into Substack.
Take a screenshot
I am learning fabulous things today. There are songs too?
My father read it to my two brothers and me on many nights. I can still hear him. Thank you for posting. A treasured memory.
Perfect. An old favorite. That, and The Owl and the Pussy Cat.
…. Which was the poem we recited every night too (along with ‘Stopping by woods in a snowy evening - bedtimes took a long time in those days)
They did take a long time but weren't those lovely ways to settle down?
Absolutely! For her and foir me.
I posted the Owl on FB after rereading Wynkin....
Annnnndddd this is why this group of people who follow Heather are just so extraordinary (me excepted) .. that a delightful poem prompts all sorts of commentary, links and delightful back stories while we wish Heather good sleep and rest. Thanks all. (And grateful thanks of course to Heather)
Annnndddd do include yourself in this extraordinary group of Heather’s commenters—on frustrating Substack with its intermittent ❤️ like button!
Ha ha... yeah - Substack not my favorite - but alternately it is better than FB....
What a perfect summary!
I just listened to 3 songs of this poem. Thank you for enlightening my world today. Beautiful picture of Buddy, the poem and music. What a nice respite from the crooked trump world.
I sang this to my daughter every night when she was tiny 40 years ago. Later, I sang my Girl Scout troop to sleep with it. Such precious memories! Thanks so much for photo and poem!
I can still sing it - loved this as a child. Perfect background music for this gorgeous photo. Thank you!
How lovely, Kari! Thank you!
Someone else mentioned this children's story in the last few weeks, Kari, and it reminded me that my Aunt Mary Jane knew this by heart and told us that story when she came to visit in the summers. We begged her to tell the story over and over. We were spell bound. Such sweet childhood memories! Thank you! I bought 2 copies of the book and received them last week, beautifully illustrated. One for my anticipated great niece (Feb 2023) and one for me or some other newborn in the family!
I can see a desire for copies of this book ahead! Bookshop.org has several versions. I highly recommend ordering through them - they support local bookstores! (unless you happen to have a local bookstore to order from directly!!)
I never knew this poem, it is so lovely, thank you for sharing the full version. ❤️
Thank you 💜
Thank you! I never heard the whole poem; such a treat!
I think of this poem every time I hear a news story about Antony Blinken.
I called him that when he became Secretary of State; wynkin blinken....I call amy Barrett: Coney Island.
My mother sang that to me. I sang it to my kids and grandkids
On this "night off" I want to thank Heather but also want to thank all of you here on HCR's substack. You are all so smart and so generous in sharing information, asking questions, challenging and supporting.
I am so grateful to each and every one of you. Thank you.
Agreed. This is my daily bread. And I too am grateful for Heather and for this wonderful community.
I agree with all of you about the absolute need to read Heather’s letter and your responses every morning before I arise to get my day going. Your discussion and links to the different song versions of this poem is a wonderful substitute this early morning (5:20 a.m.) for the anticipated letter. Thank you. May your day be as lovely as the photo here.
Where else can one read such thoughtful and intelligent observations while learning from the master?
Take care of yourself! We love you and need you! Thanks to Buddy too!
AMEN, sister. Thanks for taking time for yourself. Who knew watching history unfold in front of our very eyes could be so unrelenting.
Heather I recall, some months after you started your LFAA, that you said that you thought you might continue your brilliant nightly insights at least until Biden was inaugurated president.
We are blessed you have continued through the roller coaster of nearly another two years, including your interview with President Biden the day after Putin launched his ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine.
You have guided us through the bad, the ugly, and in recent weeks, the hope that is reflected in Buddy’s wonderfully serene photo.
May you guide us through more hopeful sailing in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, sleep, perchance to dream. You are in our thankful dreams.
Amen.
Thanks, Dr. R., for being a true American hero.
Thank you for the week of work and the beautiful photo.
Thank you, Heather! I look as much forward to the solace, peace and photography as I do your extraordinary grasp of history and how you bring it into what is going on today with such context and nuance.
Dear Buddy Poland, you showed me the vastness of space; the beauty of shapes, of colors and features of existence. You showed us how much we can see and feel in a photo that expands beyond the frame.
It has been difficult to stay calm while Trump is still around. Physical and psychic explosions never stop radiating from him. You are a master, Heather Cox Richardson, at holding the reins as America twists and turns from assaults, and insults, loyalty, memory, and the principles of democracy. With admiration, I take some measure of calm from you.
“All Rivers at Once” by Rumi
What is the body? Endurance.
What is love? Gratitude.
What is hidden in our chests? Laughter.
What else? Compassion.
Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī, also known as Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Balkhī, Mevlânâ/Mawlānā and Mevlevî/Mawlawī, but more popularly known simply as Rumi, was a 13th-century Persian poet, Hanafi faqih, Islamic scholar, Maturidi theologian and Sufi mystic originally from Greater Khorasan in Greater Iran. Wikipedia
Born: September 30, 1207, Balkh, Afghanistan
Died: December 17, 1273, Konya, Turkey
Gorgeous. Rest well. Many thanks for educating us. I have learned so much in the last two years.
Good for you, Heather. You are a dynamo, but I've worried about the threat of your running out of steam. Despite the wealth of good news this past week, we're becoming more concerned about the threat of Trump crazies being inflamed by his never-ending rhetoric, as well as the failure of right-wing "news" and Republican politicians trying to place blame on Democrats and Merrick Garland for politicizing Trump's latest criminal behavior. Thanks for everything that you do, and thanks to Buddy for yet another gorgeous, uplifting example of his photographic talents. Take care of yourself. We continue to need you.
Thank you Heather.
Kudos to Buddy for a spectacular photo.
I agree, let's take tonight off, its been a long week.
Be safe. Be Well.
Well deserved night off - thank you!!
i am glad you are relaxing,, but i am still in suspense from your Friday message:"
There is more news about the classified material at Mar-a-Lago, but nothing that can’t wait another day so I can catch this anniversary."
so glad you did rest, but perhaps the community can fill me in on the new news on this issue..
i am most unglued by the nuclear info in his hands.. he probably foto copied it11 i was a member of fhe Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy and helped set up a chapter at my college in 1961 i believe. you may recall the Women for Peace protesting strontium 90 in mothers milk at the HUAC Hearing agains them House UnAmerican Activities Committee. best to you all!! Laura X
OMG, I remember