I’ve joined to simply support your wonderful work. The more off the rails the Trump administration goes, the more I have to limit how much I read about it. Your blogs are wonderfully concise and tend to bring the events of the day into a broader perspective. So I’ll keep reading your blog and try not to read as much of the tsunami of articles Thank you so very much. Peter
Well, I’m going to picture you propped against the stern of that sweet little lobster boat, with a cold local brew in hand. You deserve it. So grateful for you. Your compassion, your insight, your directness and your ability to make sense of these times. Cheers Heather!
Not a chance! :) Buddy was in the boat behind this one, and in any case, he goes out at 3:30 am when I am (with luck) in my toasty warm bed! You can picture me propped at the dock in the afternoon with a BFF, waiting for him to come in. Indeed, if you follow me on IG, that's exactly what the beer and dock pics are of!
LOL. I hear ya re the office hours. We are normally in Stonehurst NS at this time of year. Tucked into that amazing coastline among our 20 neighbors, most of whom are 5th generation fishermen. I only see Ricky’s stern light if I happen to be up to pee in the wee hours. Fingers crossed we will behave well enough down here to facilitate the opening of the New Brunswick border later this summer...but it’s a tough bet to take right now!
I have been more hopeful this weekend since I noticed the collection of kindred minds you have gathered who can seriously discuss where we are as a people in this country. I don’t think a place like this has existed for many of us since the days of being in a good class where debate was encouraged. Everything social media does is surface and short lived bits. Finding a room full of smart caring passionate folks who are trying everything to improve our place in the world is so encouraging. It wasn’t until later in life that I learned that I didn’t get enough history education. Now I can’t get enough! Thank you for bringing so much together thru your passion.
You have read my mind! I have all but given up on replying to “friends” posts on FB and other sites. No matter what topic, or rational explanation I give, attacks come in droves. Having this group of serious, sensible and well informed people for a real discussion has meant so much to me. Thanks to Heather and to all of you.
You have helped me so much through all this crap. It’s weirdly reassuring to understand the historical context. It puts things into some kind of perspective. Plus it’s very interesting and you are so generous to give us so much in these hard times. ❤️
It really does help to have your feet under you, doesn't it. FWIW, it helps me, too. I mean, like, who ever thought we would need to know the rules for appointing and removing an interim USAtty? I had to look it up, too, but once I did, I was all: "Oh. Ok. I get this...." and it helps.
So thankful that I have your company and wisdom on this journey. It has been quite a ride, but you smooth it down with your reasoned letters. Hope you were able to enjoy the first full day of summer. You deserve it!
We're all grateful you're taking a bit of a break. You do so much of the work for the rest of us, allowing us to preserve some sanity while not missing key developments (which aren't necessarily the most apparent developments). Given that you're in Maine, I think it's fitting that you're our lighthouse in a dark and stormy time.
As a retired middle school teacher, I dearly appreciate your succinct and fluid language which makes understanding history and its context in today's perspective more tangible. I listened to you narrate your recent book and could feel as if I were there throughout each chapter. Brava, brava Heather.
Yes. But it's a tough gig, because you have to put your heart on the line every day, and for all the ones you reach, there are always a few who not just beyond your reach-- which is fine; maybe they have different priorities-- but are scornful and mean.
Yes, and often multiple times per day. But those kids, they are surprising, resilient, smart, insightful. Even those precious middle schoolers that I spent 37 years learning from! If I were still in the classroom, I might even use your work with them.
What can we do to support you? it's important to me, and all on this thread I suspect, that you have everything you need to keep at the incredible work you're doing, and the service that it is.
Honestly, Curt, it is wonderful just to know there are so many curious, smart, caring people out there who feel the same way I do about our democracy. I'm not being facile. I have seen this disaster coming since Reagan was elected (although the lines have become clearer over time) and it was horrible to warn people and have them think I was overreacting. Not being one of the few voices in the wilderness any longer is incredible. So keep reading, writing and... speaking up. That will do wonders. :)
yup. Probably since Nixon, right? In any case, I for sure will keep reading, writing and speaking up....all while doing what I need to do to keep sane and grounded. The outrage can get the best of us!
Wow. Thank you for saying this. I was opposed to Reagan since he ran for president in 1976 when I was 10! Not that I was a precocious political observer, but felt he was a warmonger.
I don't have much fondness for the 80's generally, under the political climate of the time. It's reassuring to hear you note the through line from then to now being responsible for some of the messes on our hands now.
I totally live in paradise, it's true. I wonder if covid's revelation that many of us can work from rural areas will prompt people to leave urban areas.
I miss people and being with them however online music lessons have also become quite the thing since going increasingly distanced. My autoharp teacher, who lives in Mpls, now gives worldwide workshops and lessons.
I think it will be necessary to ensure lines are run to the countryside first so people have adequate WiFi and internet accessibility. There are rural areas in TN and KY without it.
Good, I’m so glad...you Must take good care of yourself and not physically “burn out”....we so value your clear and just voice and want the Best for you!!!
As many have said, your brilliant blog is helping us stay sane and informed in these bizarrely troubling times. Thank you for everything you do and we definitely want you to take care of yourself! You are a precious gift to all of us.
I’ve joined to simply support your wonderful work. The more off the rails the Trump administration goes, the more I have to limit how much I read about it. Your blogs are wonderfully concise and tend to bring the events of the day into a broader perspective. So I’ll keep reading your blog and try not to read as much of the tsunami of articles Thank you so very much. Peter
Ten hours, folks. I'm dangerously awake today!!! :)
Well, I’m going to picture you propped against the stern of that sweet little lobster boat, with a cold local brew in hand. You deserve it. So grateful for you. Your compassion, your insight, your directness and your ability to make sense of these times. Cheers Heather!
Not a chance! :) Buddy was in the boat behind this one, and in any case, he goes out at 3:30 am when I am (with luck) in my toasty warm bed! You can picture me propped at the dock in the afternoon with a BFF, waiting for him to come in. Indeed, if you follow me on IG, that's exactly what the beer and dock pics are of!
LOL. I hear ya re the office hours. We are normally in Stonehurst NS at this time of year. Tucked into that amazing coastline among our 20 neighbors, most of whom are 5th generation fishermen. I only see Ricky’s stern light if I happen to be up to pee in the wee hours. Fingers crossed we will behave well enough down here to facilitate the opening of the New Brunswick border later this summer...but it’s a tough bet to take right now!
We are grateful to you for leading the pack - educating us - and keeping the truth at the forefront! The journey is better with others!
I have been more hopeful this weekend since I noticed the collection of kindred minds you have gathered who can seriously discuss where we are as a people in this country. I don’t think a place like this has existed for many of us since the days of being in a good class where debate was encouraged. Everything social media does is surface and short lived bits. Finding a room full of smart caring passionate folks who are trying everything to improve our place in the world is so encouraging. It wasn’t until later in life that I learned that I didn’t get enough history education. Now I can’t get enough! Thank you for bringing so much together thru your passion.
You have read my mind! I have all but given up on replying to “friends” posts on FB and other sites. No matter what topic, or rational explanation I give, attacks come in droves. Having this group of serious, sensible and well informed people for a real discussion has meant so much to me. Thanks to Heather and to all of you.
Isn't it spectacular?! This is why I keep saying it's a collaborative effort!
I dumped my FB account after I found out it’s been supporting Trump’s endeavors.
The people who follow HCR’s page is one of the very few things I miss about FB. I’m hoping they all sign up here.
You have helped me so much through all this crap. It’s weirdly reassuring to understand the historical context. It puts things into some kind of perspective. Plus it’s very interesting and you are so generous to give us so much in these hard times. ❤️
It really does help to have your feet under you, doesn't it. FWIW, it helps me, too. I mean, like, who ever thought we would need to know the rules for appointing and removing an interim USAtty? I had to look it up, too, but once I did, I was all: "Oh. Ok. I get this...." and it helps.
So thankful that I have your company and wisdom on this journey. It has been quite a ride, but you smooth it down with your reasoned letters. Hope you were able to enjoy the first full day of summer. You deserve it!
Two days of hard exercise and hard sleep. I feel like a million bucks.
We're all grateful you're taking a bit of a break. You do so much of the work for the rest of us, allowing us to preserve some sanity while not missing key developments (which aren't necessarily the most apparent developments). Given that you're in Maine, I think it's fitting that you're our lighthouse in a dark and stormy time.
As a retired middle school teacher, I dearly appreciate your succinct and fluid language which makes understanding history and its context in today's perspective more tangible. I listened to you narrate your recent book and could feel as if I were there throughout each chapter. Brava, brava Heather.
Thank you! And as a teacher, you will know that that simplicity took decades of hard work! :)
Exactly, and as a teacher you know the passion comes directly from the heart to our students.
Yes. But it's a tough gig, because you have to put your heart on the line every day, and for all the ones you reach, there are always a few who not just beyond your reach-- which is fine; maybe they have different priorities-- but are scornful and mean.
Yes, and often multiple times per day. But those kids, they are surprising, resilient, smart, insightful. Even those precious middle schoolers that I spent 37 years learning from! If I were still in the classroom, I might even use your work with them.
What can we do to support you? it's important to me, and all on this thread I suspect, that you have everything you need to keep at the incredible work you're doing, and the service that it is.
Honestly, Curt, it is wonderful just to know there are so many curious, smart, caring people out there who feel the same way I do about our democracy. I'm not being facile. I have seen this disaster coming since Reagan was elected (although the lines have become clearer over time) and it was horrible to warn people and have them think I was overreacting. Not being one of the few voices in the wilderness any longer is incredible. So keep reading, writing and... speaking up. That will do wonders. :)
yup. Probably since Nixon, right? In any case, I for sure will keep reading, writing and speaking up....all while doing what I need to do to keep sane and grounded. The outrage can get the best of us!
Me too! I could never believe my ears when people spoke about Regan in glowing terms! I used to think I lived in an alternate universe.
Wow. Thank you for saying this. I was opposed to Reagan since he ran for president in 1976 when I was 10! Not that I was a precocious political observer, but felt he was a warmonger.
I don't have much fondness for the 80's generally, under the political climate of the time. It's reassuring to hear you note the through line from then to now being responsible for some of the messes on our hands now.
If this all goes to hell, can We come live with you? 🙄
I totally live in paradise, it's true. I wonder if covid's revelation that many of us can work from rural areas will prompt people to leave urban areas.
I miss people and being with them however online music lessons have also become quite the thing since going increasingly distanced. My autoharp teacher, who lives in Mpls, now gives worldwide workshops and lessons.
I’ve taken online free college classes!
I think it will be necessary to ensure lines are run to the countryside first so people have adequate WiFi and internet accessibility. There are rural areas in TN and KY without it.
The first thing I read when I open my eyes is your letter. Hope you had a good night’s sleep and thank you for your insights.
I did. Ten hours. I feel great!
Good, I’m so glad...you Must take good care of yourself and not physically “burn out”....we so value your clear and just voice and want the Best for you!!!
Please enjoy your family 💕
And we are ever so grateful for our guide!
As many have said, your brilliant blog is helping us stay sane and informed in these bizarrely troubling times. Thank you for everything you do and we definitely want you to take care of yourself! You are a precious gift to all of us.
Thank you.
Grateful for you! Have a restful evening, thank you so much!