74 Comments

Lupine was one of the very first plants to grow in the wasteland around Mt. St. Helens following the eruption in 1980. They came back way sooner than anyone expected; little bombs of seeds wrapped in bird poop all set to grow. Since they're legumes, they improved the soil very quickly. Coast to coast, they're gifts to us all. Thank you, Lupine Lady!

Expand full comment

They grow wild under my hedge in Provence too.

Expand full comment

We all appreciate your exhaustive diligence to bring us the core of the day's news. However, I think you should take every Sunday and maybe even Saturday off to rest and enjoy your family. If a catastrophic event would occur, you could always weigh in. Rest - necessary for the body and soul.

Expand full comment

Just when I think I can't love Prof. Richardson any more, I realize she knows Miss Rumphius! Of course she does, because she's beyond cool. Sorry, just a history nerd & fan gushing on a Sunday evening..... Sleep well, all! I fear we're all in for a bumpy ride this week.....

Expand full comment

Audre Lorde said, “The care I take of my body is part of my political work.”

Expand full comment

Thank goodness you are taking care of yourself. We need you to be healthy. You are a breath of sanity to start my day!

Expand full comment

We all are learning how to enjoy the wonderful things around us that we ignored before...blooms in our yard and poetry. Reflections on lakes and rivers,. Bird sounds we never have had the time to hear before. Rainbows after storms. A time to think and ponder. I appreciate you Heather Cox Richardson and feel grateful that you are sharing your time with me. Thank you.

Expand full comment

Well deserved time off, you should take more, you are a national treasure.

Expand full comment

What a lovely post! And good to remember the call to bring beauty into the world. I love Barbara Cooney's books and her message. I love Maine in the summer and I certainly appreciate these daily posts that help us sort through the chaos of our time.

Expand full comment

Glad you took a break!! Everyone needs them. You have been going at breakneck speed.

Expand full comment

To quote Miss Rumphius talking to her neice "You must do something to make the world more beautiful"

Expand full comment

Recognizing that all-nighter buzzing brain syndrome, I for one would be happy to read your letters 2-3-4 times a week, rather than what seems to be every day in terms of your production. Don’t burn out on us! Walks and smelling the roses facilitate creativity. The world needs your lupine seeds!

Expand full comment

I love Miss Rumphius. I raise Monarch butterflies in the summer here in Minnesota. My tiny, tiny way of leaving the world a little more beautiful. Thank you for this lovely photo and for all you are and do.

Expand full comment

One of my favorite children’s books of all time!

Expand full comment

I miss June in Maine. Glad you can enjoy it. Please take care of yourself! I have a constant battle with woodchucks over my lupines. Fortunately they ignore my peonies.

Expand full comment

My first peony of the season bloomed today!

Expand full comment

The word "Peony," I grew up on the East Coast. We pronounce it pee-O-nee. The Midwesterners pronounce it pee-in-ee. So here I am back on the East Coast, using the Midwest pronunciation. smh lol

Expand full comment

The English pronunciation would be like the East Coast. I have fond memories of growing peonies in my garden in Montreal with it's even shorter growing season

Expand full comment

Thank you for your lovely photo; I hope you had a restful day. _Miss Rumphius_ has been one of our favorite picture books for decades; when my daughters were very young, they wrote and illustrated their own little stories, and we sent copies to Barbara Cooney, who answered them graciously. Your touch of beauty lupine beauty helps ease the existential dread I feel as so many destructive forces challenge the nation. I appreciate your insight and clarity.

Expand full comment