It's been a beautiful day here in Texas as well. Please put "How We Win - A Guide to Nonviolent Direct Action Campaigns" by George Lakey on your summer reading list while you're sitting by the water. It is brilliant and timely for this group and the moment of history we're living in. It is triggering so many thoughts about how we can turn all this around and have a more perfect democracy as a result. And, the people reading Heather's Letters are the people who can make it happen.
Thank you for expressing, every day, the American values taught to me by my two non-college-educated, Depression-era parents: their simple gifts to me.
Morning, all!! Morning, Dr. R!! We in Virginia are having great weather as well the past few days. It goes along with this great news sent to me from the Sierra Club:
"We just got word that the Biden Administration is fully restoring protections to Alaska's Tongass National Forest1 -- reversing the Trump administration’s attempt to open it to mining and logging. Even better, the administration is adding new safeguards, like an end to old-growth logging across all 16 million acres of the forest, and a $25 million investment in sustainable development.
"If you've been following this issue, you probably already know that the Tongass is "North America's lungs" -- one of the largest carbon sinks in the world. This news is a huge victory for wildlife, the climate, and local Tribes who fought to protect their ancestral lands2. It's also an important step towards our goal of protecting 30% of our lands and waters by 2030.
"Later this year, there will be more chances for the public to weigh in on the future of the Tongass. We'll be in touch then, but in the meantime, we hope you can take a moment to celebrate this victory.
"Thanks for your activism,"
Alex Craven
Campaign Representative, Forests
Our Wild America Campaign
Sierra Club
[1] Davenport, Coral, "Biden to Restore Protections for Tongass National Forest in Alaska," The New York Times, July 14, 2021.
[2] Smith, Anna V., "Eleven Tribes Offer New Way Forward on Managing the Tongass," High Country News, October 1, 2020.
Well, I have to add my thanks to everyone else's. And thanks for taking tonight off. We all need a sabbath, including you, our prime informer, especially. I often worry about you, knowing that this was not planned as a permanent gig. But hey, you have Maine! What a place to charge the old spiritual batteries. Rest, with our thanks....
In the comment thread here, even though less extensive than most because the letter is on Ms. Richardson's day off, I am struck by the many different ways her admiring readers (admiring for a reason) refer to her, the varying references ("Heather," "HCR" "Professor Richardson," "Dr. Richardson," "Ms. Richardson" ([as here]] appearing along a spectrum that includes metrics such as friendship, loving admiration, respect, awe, and political comfort. Each admiring reader gets to choose what is right for him or her. I suspect that Ms. Richardson embraces all the references.
Thanks for a quiet night. The news will keep. One blessing of a reasonably normal administration - we can take a moment to breathe before beginning a new day's work!
Your state is going to get a lot more crowded if you keep posting pictures like this!!! :) Absolutely beautiful. I can smell the salt air and seaweed from here!
In 1971, I spent the winter in Carrabassett Valley, Maine…between Kingfield and Stratton. I was young enough to endure the relentless snow and find a seasonal winter job on Sugarloaf Mountain. Skiing every day in early morning sub-zero temperatures was memorable. And in the Spring snow melt, kayaking in the Carrabassett River was unforgettable. The ruggedness and beauty of mountains of Maine were unforgettable. Quoting Paul Theroux…Maine is a joy in the summer. But the soul of Maine is more apparent in the winter.
What a restful scene -- thank you. It's very refreshing after a long day in the garden. Thank you for sharing the beauty of the Maine coast with us, and thank you for sharing your knowledge and understanding of past and present.
July 18, 2021
It's been a beautiful day here in Texas as well. Please put "How We Win - A Guide to Nonviolent Direct Action Campaigns" by George Lakey on your summer reading list while you're sitting by the water. It is brilliant and timely for this group and the moment of history we're living in. It is triggering so many thoughts about how we can turn all this around and have a more perfect democracy as a result. And, the people reading Heather's Letters are the people who can make it happen.
Thank you for expressing, every day, the American values taught to me by my two non-college-educated, Depression-era parents: their simple gifts to me.
Morning, all!! Morning, Dr. R!! We in Virginia are having great weather as well the past few days. It goes along with this great news sent to me from the Sierra Club:
"We just got word that the Biden Administration is fully restoring protections to Alaska's Tongass National Forest1 -- reversing the Trump administration’s attempt to open it to mining and logging. Even better, the administration is adding new safeguards, like an end to old-growth logging across all 16 million acres of the forest, and a $25 million investment in sustainable development.
"If you've been following this issue, you probably already know that the Tongass is "North America's lungs" -- one of the largest carbon sinks in the world. This news is a huge victory for wildlife, the climate, and local Tribes who fought to protect their ancestral lands2. It's also an important step towards our goal of protecting 30% of our lands and waters by 2030.
"Later this year, there will be more chances for the public to weigh in on the future of the Tongass. We'll be in touch then, but in the meantime, we hope you can take a moment to celebrate this victory.
"Thanks for your activism,"
Alex Craven
Campaign Representative, Forests
Our Wild America Campaign
Sierra Club
[1] Davenport, Coral, "Biden to Restore Protections for Tongass National Forest in Alaska," The New York Times, July 14, 2021.
[2] Smith, Anna V., "Eleven Tribes Offer New Way Forward on Managing the Tongass," High Country News, October 1, 2020.
Well, I have to add my thanks to everyone else's. And thanks for taking tonight off. We all need a sabbath, including you, our prime informer, especially. I often worry about you, knowing that this was not planned as a permanent gig. But hey, you have Maine! What a place to charge the old spiritual batteries. Rest, with our thanks....
Thank you for all you do for us Heather.
It is appreciated more than you know.
Be safe, be well.
In the comment thread here, even though less extensive than most because the letter is on Ms. Richardson's day off, I am struck by the many different ways her admiring readers (admiring for a reason) refer to her, the varying references ("Heather," "HCR" "Professor Richardson," "Dr. Richardson," "Ms. Richardson" ([as here]] appearing along a spectrum that includes metrics such as friendship, loving admiration, respect, awe, and political comfort. Each admiring reader gets to choose what is right for him or her. I suspect that Ms. Richardson embraces all the references.
Thanks for a quiet night. The news will keep. One blessing of a reasonably normal administration - we can take a moment to breathe before beginning a new day's work!
Your state is going to get a lot more crowded if you keep posting pictures like this!!! :) Absolutely beautiful. I can smell the salt air and seaweed from here!
Maine Tourism should underwrite Buddy’s photos. ;)
In Arizona, February makes up for July. Thank you for your highly valued insight.
“Now people see what’s happening. Thank God!” https://www.facebook.com/1135165144/posts/10224685675986036/
Thank you Professor!
Reading all your posts and replies gives me such a feeling of connectedness.
In 1971, I spent the winter in Carrabassett Valley, Maine…between Kingfield and Stratton. I was young enough to endure the relentless snow and find a seasonal winter job on Sugarloaf Mountain. Skiing every day in early morning sub-zero temperatures was memorable. And in the Spring snow melt, kayaking in the Carrabassett River was unforgettable. The ruggedness and beauty of mountains of Maine were unforgettable. Quoting Paul Theroux…Maine is a joy in the summer. But the soul of Maine is more apparent in the winter.
You live in a beautiful part of the country. I grew up near the water in Massachusetts, and later in NH. Water soothes the soul.
Thank you for your amazing teaching and for keeping us informed.
Wow, just beautiful. My phone just got yet another gorgeous Maine background.
What a restful scene -- thank you. It's very refreshing after a long day in the garden. Thank you for sharing the beauty of the Maine coast with us, and thank you for sharing your knowledge and understanding of past and present.