Too many late nights this week. I have to check out early tonight. The next two weeks are going to be stressful, so take a breath while you can. This, too, shall pass... and we'll get through it together. [Photo by Buddy Poland]
That is just what my Stalwart Yankee Grandma Clara always said: This, too, shall pass!” I called it her Methodist
Mantra. After all, having been born in 1898, she had lived through World War I, the Stock Market Crash & Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War, Bay of Pigs crisis, Assassination of JFK, Vietnam, Iran Contra scandal & countless boom & bust cycles. Very aware of the news; always humming a Wesleyan hymn quietly under her breath. Concerned, but serene.
The memory of that calm balance through turbulent & dangerous times sustains me, even as I joke that I’ll be bringing Bourbon, Xanax & Pepto Bismol to an election/night watch party. (We know it won’t be decided that night or for days & possibly weeks later; we just want to be together that night.)
Rest well tonight & thank you for your calm reporting & crisp analysis of facts & events as they unfold. 🌿
Heather: Thank you for walking us all through this period of turmoil and tension. Your letters have been the one thing I’ve relied upon to keep me from losing my mind daily. Time to rest and prepare for what comes next.
Buddy's photos stand as a reminder that beauty surrounds us even amid the ugliness that pervades our politics and culture. Stare at them for just a few seconds and the ugliness disappears. We will need the photos more than ever as we enter The Uncertainty.
After many long days of door knob hanging and post card writing I'm retiring from the active battle. Your insightful commentary has added some interest to this journey. Let's hope for a happy ending.
It always makes me feel better to read all the comments after your letters...reminding me that I'm not the only one exhausted, stressed, angry, anxious, etc...all those negative feelings which leave me with a feeling of hopelessness and emptiness. I can't even find relief in the crafts I usually enjoy (fused glass, sewing, photography)... My mind is not able to focus on happy activities. Sad!
Heather, Thank you for a tranquil end to a tumultuous week. Thank you, Buddy, for sharing your talent and your world. Best wishes to all for a restful night and a peaceful Sunday.
Four years ago we could only imagine. This time we know. We have lived it and now many have even died because of this president's callous negligence, incompetence, cruelty, ignorance, narcissism, stupidity, grifting (etc, etc). We can't stop until we put an end to it. We can't "exhale" until the votes are in and results certified.
Even then, we cannot stop, as it will just be a starting point to repairing the damage we've suffered to our well-being and to our democratic institutions. That is a daunting task awaiting our new president. It must begin with resurrecting from beneath the dark cloud that has covered it the compassion and empathy and decency that was once an American ideal, shown to all people and to the world.
Heather has kept and keeps us well informed and alert. These letters are a wellspring of inspiration and comfort in the midst of the chaos. And the comments from fellow readers always provide an added bulwark of insight, hope and encouragement. It's wonderful to know that so many remain watchful and ready.
What a wonderful way to end today, at the end of a too-long and intense week. Thanks to Buddy for taking the photo and thanks to you for sharing it. It will stand in for my increasingly intense desire to visit the coast. I am glad you are giving yourself time and space. I am too. I am going to finish stacking my firewood, and then I am clearing my work space and will dress my loom to weave something I haven't yet quite decided on. Be well. Rest.
Beautiful photo that gives me a sense of peace. My husband and I sail and moving in the water with the wind gives me a chance to let go and live in the moment. I have an anxiety that will probably get more intense over the next several weeks. Our democracy and future rides on this election and I am very concerned about the voter suppression by Republicans going on in multiple states .
I hope to meet you some day and ... bump elbows! Thank you in person for bearing witness to this incredible era.
That is just what my Stalwart Yankee Grandma Clara always said: This, too, shall pass!” I called it her Methodist
Mantra. After all, having been born in 1898, she had lived through World War I, the Stock Market Crash & Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War, Bay of Pigs crisis, Assassination of JFK, Vietnam, Iran Contra scandal & countless boom & bust cycles. Very aware of the news; always humming a Wesleyan hymn quietly under her breath. Concerned, but serene.
The memory of that calm balance through turbulent & dangerous times sustains me, even as I joke that I’ll be bringing Bourbon, Xanax & Pepto Bismol to an election/night watch party. (We know it won’t be decided that night or for days & possibly weeks later; we just want to be together that night.)
Rest well tonight & thank you for your calm reporting & crisp analysis of facts & events as they unfold. 🌿
Heather: Thank you for walking us all through this period of turmoil and tension. Your letters have been the one thing I’ve relied upon to keep me from losing my mind daily. Time to rest and prepare for what comes next.
Buddy's photos stand as a reminder that beauty surrounds us even amid the ugliness that pervades our politics and culture. Stare at them for just a few seconds and the ugliness disappears. We will need the photos more than ever as we enter The Uncertainty.
After many long days of door knob hanging and post card writing I'm retiring from the active battle. Your insightful commentary has added some interest to this journey. Let's hope for a happy ending.
It always makes me feel better to read all the comments after your letters...reminding me that I'm not the only one exhausted, stressed, angry, anxious, etc...all those negative feelings which leave me with a feeling of hopelessness and emptiness. I can't even find relief in the crafts I usually enjoy (fused glass, sewing, photography)... My mind is not able to focus on happy activities. Sad!
Another great photo by Buddy. Thanks for everything you do, Heather! My go-to first email every morning.
Heather, Thank you for a tranquil end to a tumultuous week. Thank you, Buddy, for sharing your talent and your world. Best wishes to all for a restful night and a peaceful Sunday.
Buddy takes gorgeous photos.
Take care, Heather. You are an essential worker for sure. I appreciate you.
Four years ago we could only imagine. This time we know. We have lived it and now many have even died because of this president's callous negligence, incompetence, cruelty, ignorance, narcissism, stupidity, grifting (etc, etc). We can't stop until we put an end to it. We can't "exhale" until the votes are in and results certified.
Even then, we cannot stop, as it will just be a starting point to repairing the damage we've suffered to our well-being and to our democratic institutions. That is a daunting task awaiting our new president. It must begin with resurrecting from beneath the dark cloud that has covered it the compassion and empathy and decency that was once an American ideal, shown to all people and to the world.
Heather has kept and keeps us well informed and alert. These letters are a wellspring of inspiration and comfort in the midst of the chaos. And the comments from fellow readers always provide an added bulwark of insight, hope and encouragement. It's wonderful to know that so many remain watchful and ready.
Excellent choice! Forgot to mention last night that I loved your recent “kettle of fish” reference, adding New England color to your description.
We’re all steeling our selves to endure/withstand/remain hopeful through the next two weeks, for sure! Thank you for being YOU! Rest well 😴
What a wonderful way to end today, at the end of a too-long and intense week. Thanks to Buddy for taking the photo and thanks to you for sharing it. It will stand in for my increasingly intense desire to visit the coast. I am glad you are giving yourself time and space. I am too. I am going to finish stacking my firewood, and then I am clearing my work space and will dress my loom to weave something I haven't yet quite decided on. Be well. Rest.
I would love for someday your letters of these last 4 years to be published in a collection of books to be studied for generations to come.
Beautiful photo that gives me a sense of peace. My husband and I sail and moving in the water with the wind gives me a chance to let go and live in the moment. I have an anxiety that will probably get more intense over the next several weeks. Our democracy and future rides on this election and I am very concerned about the voter suppression by Republicans going on in multiple states .
Buddy's pictues out to be published in a book. They're gorgeous! And they tell a story, too.