A red, white, and blue morning from Buddy this week. He says he didn't tweak it at all-- this is exactly how it came from his iPhone when he was headed out to haul. I'm going to go all American Studies on you and say that the colors of this image jumped out at me immediately as a modern reflection of Frederic Church's 1861 painting "Our Banner in the Sky," which Church painted to show how, as the Civil War broke out, the heavens indicated their support for the United States by reflecting the nation's colors in the setting sun.
The sunrise, and your need to recover from the semester, made me recall your saying that you'd probably quit or suspend the newsletter after the Inauguration, since you couldn't imagine doing it along with the demands of your day job. This is to say thanks for keeping on with it. Our mornings would be poorer for the lack of your steady efforts.
It is raining here today. Just grey with big drops blowing down. Sitting here post bilateral mastectomy with drains still in but very little pain or disability I contemplate this beautiful photo. It simply is. The notions we apply, the symbolism, aren't anymore real than our thoughts. Much of my life’s experience has been spent between the influence of thoughts and the hard facts of what is. At times it has seemed that there was a relationship, that there is cause and effect that extends beyond the hard facts of the physical and yet our powerlessness is also strongly represented.
This may be my last morning to comment so perhaps I am using it improperly. There should be a place for hope and for continued commitment to the future. I haven’t found much hope in my short foray into daily politics. The summary of my observation is closer to simply understanding that we haven’t the position in history yet to actually rise out of the place where we find ourselves. We haven’t the actual fortitude to know that even if there was a bipartisan commission honestly trying to uncover the truth of 1-6 through testimony those individuals who were involved and hence don’t want honesty would just lie. Yes, they would, just as they proved with their votes.
So, we will allow the bullies on the playground to run rampant because truthfully there are no teachers. There is just us and we, the majority, will allow it because we just can't bring ourselves to think in any other way. Time will churn on and it will become the past where things are more easily rewritten. This has been the broad course of human history and it is compressed into our present moment unchanged.
I do thank HCR and all of you for my education. It is all so well done regardless of the results.
Sunrises & the work of democracy is never done. When President Obama took office, for eight years, it seemed, Americans took a vacation thinking the country was in good hands, that he would do the work. I hope no one is taking President Biden and our democracy for granted. Certainly everyday with Trump, FOX along with present day Republicans, the US is still in the early days of the American Civil War.
The most beautiful sunrise is still an awakening warning of America's red blood that Conderates are willing to spill for their minority oppressive slave state autocracy over more populace free states.
We need both words and action to preserve our Union. But more importantly, to preserve the truth of democracy for us and the world.
I'd like to echo Pam's comment. My wife and I start our day by reading your daily letter, and it is always interesting, educational, and well thought out. Thank you so much for continuing with it. Our mornings would indeed be poorer but for your steady efforts.
Thank you so much, Dr. Heather, for your Letters, and these images you've shared with us from time to time! Please take as much rest as you need, even if it means Letters less often, because we'd all rather have fewer than none at all. Your time and efforts are so appreciated, as you've helped us keep our sanity over the past year+ but of course we don't want you to burn out. 💜
A beautiful photograph evoking Frederick Church's painting.
I'm going to go all African Studies on you and call it a modern reflection of Thomas Baines's painting of Victoria Falls, between Zambia and Zimbabwe, also from the mid-19C. (The local name is much better: Mosi-wa-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders.")
Since this is a "letter" with no real topic, we in this community can then turn to each other. I did want to let everyone know I am okay. My mom's death this past Tuesday hit me very hard as it really was sudden and unexpected--well, as "unexpected" as it can be when one is 97--and I have been very deeply grieving, but also reflecting on her life and rejoicing in it. The outpouring of sympathy and love from people here in this community has been wonderful and affirming. There was a lovely article in our local paper about her, as being about the last link to the old medical community here that were pioneers in building the medical centre into what it is now, THE central medical institution in this part of the state. Talk about a life of service!! She really "walked the walk"--literally--when it came to helping her fellow human beings. She hardly set foot in a church, but I defy anyone to find a more Christ-like figure in what she did with her life. How many countless lives did she save, help, and comfort! She was a living example of service. Service given out of love. These unnoticed, unnamed "angels" ARE walking among us, quietly, unobtrusively going about their work of helping others. That was my mom. We owe them SO much, and, sadly, often don't know of them until they pass away.
I may be back in fine fettle soon, ready to take on the world again, but right now news/politics/stuff is the furthest thing from my mind. My mom's service is this Wednesday (6/2), and once that is passed and things settle down I'll edge my way back into things. God bless you all on here, and God bless Heather Cox Richardson for her Letters and for creating this little community. Take care and "see" y'all soon.
Heather and Buddy, thanks once again for raising our spirits and giving us evidence that, even though our country is not yet back where we'd like it to be, we have hope that it is on the rise and we have hope. Catch up on your rest. We love you.
This photo is so moving to me, and I'm certain to many, many others. Thank you, and thank Buddy for both your abilities to transcend the (often discouraging if not downright depressing) moments we are all living through and transmogrify these
The sunrise, and your need to recover from the semester, made me recall your saying that you'd probably quit or suspend the newsletter after the Inauguration, since you couldn't imagine doing it along with the demands of your day job. This is to say thanks for keeping on with it. Our mornings would be poorer for the lack of your steady efforts.
This photo is exquisite, as so many of Buddy’s are.
You can go all American Studies on us because that’s where we are too! Thank you for giving me a lift.
It is raining here today. Just grey with big drops blowing down. Sitting here post bilateral mastectomy with drains still in but very little pain or disability I contemplate this beautiful photo. It simply is. The notions we apply, the symbolism, aren't anymore real than our thoughts. Much of my life’s experience has been spent between the influence of thoughts and the hard facts of what is. At times it has seemed that there was a relationship, that there is cause and effect that extends beyond the hard facts of the physical and yet our powerlessness is also strongly represented.
This may be my last morning to comment so perhaps I am using it improperly. There should be a place for hope and for continued commitment to the future. I haven’t found much hope in my short foray into daily politics. The summary of my observation is closer to simply understanding that we haven’t the position in history yet to actually rise out of the place where we find ourselves. We haven’t the actual fortitude to know that even if there was a bipartisan commission honestly trying to uncover the truth of 1-6 through testimony those individuals who were involved and hence don’t want honesty would just lie. Yes, they would, just as they proved with their votes.
So, we will allow the bullies on the playground to run rampant because truthfully there are no teachers. There is just us and we, the majority, will allow it because we just can't bring ourselves to think in any other way. Time will churn on and it will become the past where things are more easily rewritten. This has been the broad course of human history and it is compressed into our present moment unchanged.
I do thank HCR and all of you for my education. It is all so well done regardless of the results.
Sunrises & the work of democracy is never done. When President Obama took office, for eight years, it seemed, Americans took a vacation thinking the country was in good hands, that he would do the work. I hope no one is taking President Biden and our democracy for granted. Certainly everyday with Trump, FOX along with present day Republicans, the US is still in the early days of the American Civil War.
The most beautiful sunrise is still an awakening warning of America's red blood that Conderates are willing to spill for their minority oppressive slave state autocracy over more populace free states.
We need both words and action to preserve our Union. But more importantly, to preserve the truth of democracy for us and the world.
I'd like to echo Pam's comment. My wife and I start our day by reading your daily letter, and it is always interesting, educational, and well thought out. Thank you so much for continuing with it. Our mornings would indeed be poorer but for your steady efforts.
Thank you so much, Dr. Heather, for your Letters, and these images you've shared with us from time to time! Please take as much rest as you need, even if it means Letters less often, because we'd all rather have fewer than none at all. Your time and efforts are so appreciated, as you've helped us keep our sanity over the past year+ but of course we don't want you to burn out. 💜
Have a restful Memorial Day weekend.
You give us all hope. Thank you, HCR!!
A beautiful photograph evoking Frederick Church's painting.
I'm going to go all African Studies on you and call it a modern reflection of Thomas Baines's painting of Victoria Falls, between Zambia and Zimbabwe, also from the mid-19C. (The local name is much better: Mosi-wa-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders.")
https://eclecticlightdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2021/04/bainesfallssunrise.jpg
Wow. Another astoundingly beautiful image from Buddy.
And yes -- we have to think of our colors/country rising against the forces of darkness.
Since this is a "letter" with no real topic, we in this community can then turn to each other. I did want to let everyone know I am okay. My mom's death this past Tuesday hit me very hard as it really was sudden and unexpected--well, as "unexpected" as it can be when one is 97--and I have been very deeply grieving, but also reflecting on her life and rejoicing in it. The outpouring of sympathy and love from people here in this community has been wonderful and affirming. There was a lovely article in our local paper about her, as being about the last link to the old medical community here that were pioneers in building the medical centre into what it is now, THE central medical institution in this part of the state. Talk about a life of service!! She really "walked the walk"--literally--when it came to helping her fellow human beings. She hardly set foot in a church, but I defy anyone to find a more Christ-like figure in what she did with her life. How many countless lives did she save, help, and comfort! She was a living example of service. Service given out of love. These unnoticed, unnamed "angels" ARE walking among us, quietly, unobtrusively going about their work of helping others. That was my mom. We owe them SO much, and, sadly, often don't know of them until they pass away.
I may be back in fine fettle soon, ready to take on the world again, but right now news/politics/stuff is the furthest thing from my mind. My mom's service is this Wednesday (6/2), and once that is passed and things settle down I'll edge my way back into things. God bless you all on here, and God bless Heather Cox Richardson for her Letters and for creating this little community. Take care and "see" y'all soon.
Soli Deo gloria.
Bruce
Heather and Buddy, thanks once again for raising our spirits and giving us evidence that, even though our country is not yet back where we'd like it to be, we have hope that it is on the rise and we have hope. Catch up on your rest. We love you.
Thank you for all that you do, the beautiful photos you post, and have a restful and peaceful weekend!
BEAUTIFUL.. Bravo to Buddy. BTW you have a new reader in Berie, Ontario, Canada. Have a great holiday weekend.
Wonderful photo, once-in-a-lifetime shot--and with an iPhone!
Also grateful for Professor & Patriotic American Richardson; eclipsed Crevecouer's place in American letters in your first year.
We shall overcome!
This photo is so moving to me, and I'm certain to many, many others. Thank you, and thank Buddy for both your abilities to transcend the (often discouraging if not downright depressing) moments we are all living through and transmogrify these
Thanks, Buddy. (I love that Frederick Church Painting.)