It was an unexpectedly warm day here today, and I spent it— all of it— in a kayak on the water. Am so tired tonight that I can barely lift my arms to type. I have things to say, but they will have to wait. This was the scene shortly before sunset as I rounded the northern end of an island to turn toward home.
It's like you're phoning home to let everyone know you're ok. We get it. And we appreciate your judgment. I know I speak for thousands when I say we we completely understand. Sleep well.
Heather, the balance you model for us all is valuably beautiful and beautifully valuable… You balance intentionally focused productivity with the wisdom of rest and appreciation for the beauty around us. I’m so glad for you and Buddy that you live in an environment that offers such beauty and inspiration, respite and even exercise! Breathing the clean air must invigorate and restore! Rest well. Of course you have plenty to say and of course it can wait. Bless you. Love the photos, always.
Please tell the photographer that a lifetime cloud watcher sees hope in this photograph as the light appears to be chasing the black cloud out of the picture! It’s a joyful cloud scene. Thank you for choosing it.
Virginia, you commented on the hopeful element in the photo: The black cloud may make way for the light. The black clouds we see in our country's pro war habits may or may not be movable, depending on how and where the voices of a crowd as large as this community are applied. I was attracted to finally joining Veterans for Peace and Jewish Voice for Peace for the determination they share, in deflecting and countering the delusional spirit our Military Industrial Complex and the hangers-on (identified by deeply experienced commenter Ray McGovern) promote. Are the divisive issues we're thrown, simply a staged fistfight we are invited into, or are we possibly better than that?
I don’t know if we’re better until the results of the ‘24 election show US with Democrats firmly in control and the current leadership intact. Add to that commitment to Ukraine and the two-state solution underway for Palestinians and Israelis. (Hamas under general opprobrium by all Arab states too.) Then we can demilitarize police and public, feed all hungry American children, plan a decent medical system, and fix SCOTUS!
It’s a tall order, incomplete, will make the billionaires pay and shut up about “socialism,” but give US a jump
start on what the Founding Fathers would’ve liked to see. Think of Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson: the first an inventor, the second a farmer and planner of universities (not job training schools).
Weather in New England is fickle, but our "last day of summer" keeps getting later. The day was beautiful on Cape Cod, just like Maine, and felt like early September. For me it was a time to pick the last of the warm weather crops in my garden put those bed to sleep, readying them for next spring. At 70, that is an act of faith that I hope will be rewarded. Watching the native queen bumble bees fatten up on the last orange marigolds is, likewise, an act of faith. I wish them good health over the winter. Of course, in a couple of weeks, next year's garlic needs to be planted. There is an eternal cycle to growing activities and ground (pun intended) our humanity in Mother Earth. I also had a wonderful morning distributing my bounty crop of leeks to all of my neighbors. Doing this serves as my personal salve to ease the pain caused by all that is not right in our world. Please, take care of yourself and of your neighbors. Stay strong!
Thank you for sharing your garden with words and leeks! I learned leeks in France and have finally, after 12 years, found them here. Living in center city for the first time is becoming painful after years of gardening. Indoor plants are inadequate. It’s hands in real dirt I need, just as I waited as a child for the first day of bare feet outside.
Sounds like a beautiful way to spend one of those final warm days of the season! So glad you could do it. Thank you for all you do to help us navigate these waters. I do not feel so alone in it all! ❤️
Beautiful photo. Thanks for letting us know that you’re okay, merely tired from your hectic schedule. “Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur. Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr, purr, purr.” Sweet dreams.
Thanks, sailor, for the excellent quote from that fabulous book. Matter of fact, having recently enjoyed my re-acquaintance with the gang at Pooh Corner. it may just be a good idea to round up a used Wind in the Willows!
It's like you're phoning home to let everyone know you're ok. We get it. And we appreciate your judgment. I know I speak for thousands when I say we we completely understand. Sleep well.
I agree. It's vital to have peaceful times--especially now. Rest well.
That is for sure.
Emily, perf!
Time on the water in a kayak is balm for the soul. So glad you prioritized yourself today ♥️
Luv de kayaks 😌
Heather, the balance you model for us all is valuably beautiful and beautifully valuable… You balance intentionally focused productivity with the wisdom of rest and appreciation for the beauty around us. I’m so glad for you and Buddy that you live in an environment that offers such beauty and inspiration, respite and even exercise! Breathing the clean air must invigorate and restore! Rest well. Of course you have plenty to say and of course it can wait. Bless you. Love the photos, always.
Please tell the photographer that a lifetime cloud watcher sees hope in this photograph as the light appears to be chasing the black cloud out of the picture! It’s a joyful cloud scene. Thank you for choosing it.
Jerry Markatos
Writes jc’s Substack
4 mins ago
Virginia, you commented on the hopeful element in the photo: The black cloud may make way for the light. The black clouds we see in our country's pro war habits may or may not be movable, depending on how and where the voices of a crowd as large as this community are applied. I was attracted to finally joining Veterans for Peace and Jewish Voice for Peace for the determination they share, in deflecting and countering the delusional spirit our Military Industrial Complex and the hangers-on (identified by deeply experienced commenter Ray McGovern) promote. Are the divisive issues we're thrown, simply a staged fistfight we are invited into, or are we possibly better than that?
I don’t know if we’re better until the results of the ‘24 election show US with Democrats firmly in control and the current leadership intact. Add to that commitment to Ukraine and the two-state solution underway for Palestinians and Israelis. (Hamas under general opprobrium by all Arab states too.) Then we can demilitarize police and public, feed all hungry American children, plan a decent medical system, and fix SCOTUS!
It’s a tall order, incomplete, will make the billionaires pay and shut up about “socialism,” but give US a jump
start on what the Founding Fathers would’ve liked to see. Think of Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson: the first an inventor, the second a farmer and planner of universities (not job training schools).
I absolutely bless you for leavening history with beauty.
Leavening is the perfect word! Thank you
Weather in New England is fickle, but our "last day of summer" keeps getting later. The day was beautiful on Cape Cod, just like Maine, and felt like early September. For me it was a time to pick the last of the warm weather crops in my garden put those bed to sleep, readying them for next spring. At 70, that is an act of faith that I hope will be rewarded. Watching the native queen bumble bees fatten up on the last orange marigolds is, likewise, an act of faith. I wish them good health over the winter. Of course, in a couple of weeks, next year's garlic needs to be planted. There is an eternal cycle to growing activities and ground (pun intended) our humanity in Mother Earth. I also had a wonderful morning distributing my bounty crop of leeks to all of my neighbors. Doing this serves as my personal salve to ease the pain caused by all that is not right in our world. Please, take care of yourself and of your neighbors. Stay strong!
Sharing my bounty with neighbors is integral to me.
Thank you for sharing your garden with words and leeks! I learned leeks in France and have finally, after 12 years, found them here. Living in center city for the first time is becoming painful after years of gardening. Indoor plants are inadequate. It’s hands in real dirt I need, just as I waited as a child for the first day of bare feet outside.
Planting my daffodils today.
Indoors or out?
Ha! Outside.
Thank you. Where are you then? Or are you planting deep?
Alaska....just leaving. They should be ready in spring.
Love this thanks 🙏
Glad you took the day off to recharge. Good night, Heather!
Sounds like a beautiful way to spend one of those final warm days of the season! So glad you could do it. Thank you for all you do to help us navigate these waters. I do not feel so alone in it all! ❤️
In this "community" Heather has brought together, we all feel less alone. What a huge gift to each of us!
Beautiful! King tide today because of the full moon 🌕
Sweet dreams😊
Beautiful photo. Thanks for letting us know that you’re okay, merely tired from your hectic schedule. “Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur. Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr, purr, purr.” Sweet dreams.
TBB :-)
You certainly deserved all that kayak time today!
You needed a day off. Thank you so much for your work.
"There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." -Kenneth Grahame
Thanks, sailor, for the excellent quote from that fabulous book. Matter of fact, having recently enjoyed my re-acquaintance with the gang at Pooh Corner. it may just be a good idea to round up a used Wind in the Willows!
Love this quote....thank you.
So so glad you took advantage of some rest and reflection......this has been a very difficult week for Maine and everywhere....
Well thank GOODNESS you are back home!!!!
You’ve been on the airwaves everywhere talking to everybody who’s anybody about everything that’s really important!!
Thank you!! That takes stamina! You are an amazing public servant! Thank you so so much!!!!
I’m so happy you were able to take respite on the water in such a warm wonderful day. Please rest well.
Bravo for you!