That makes me sad that you're not writing. Hopefully this is temporary. I am sick about what is happening to this country. I go about my day to day, calling my MOC's, writing postcards for elections in other states. Gives me a feeling of doing something. But it's f+++ing scary. And I live in a Blue state! Hang in there Randy. You're such a lovely man, I don't want you to be sad.
Yes, "f***ing scary!" And I need to follow your example and DO something - instead of mostly just stewing. I will! Tomorrow. Or maybe the next day. Or the next ... But even with procrastination (and stewing), knowing that I'm not alone is a help. Thank you.
It’s reinforced our decision to move - that happens Monday - so we have something to look forward to, living in a diverse neighborhood and not feeling as isolated. The price of staying would be even more depression and angst. Some people who know us can’t quite understand the rationale, and therein lies their lack of awareness of what it means to be different - which around here means not straight, not white. JD had a lengthy conversation recently with an old high school friend about that very topic. Many of our current neighbors are likewise unaware. I wonder if I’ve been in denial all these years, thinking I could simply be who I was in a covertly hostile environment. No matter, the season of life here is ending, and I’m feeling less pain about it than I thought I would.
Thanks so much for sharing. Wishing you a smooth move and a VERY HAPPY new home and neighborhood. I know you'll miss your garden - but you'll be near the Missouri Botanical Garden - Shaw's Garden, as I used to know it. I have many happy memories of beautiful visits there (from a few decades ago!). Best, rkt
Dear Randy, I share your dismay, angst, fear and sense of disbelief at what is so quickly and tragically happening in our country, and that so many elected officials are enabling it. I am sorry you are struggling with writing, but I know your gift will burst forth again, in brilliant prose. I try to cope by calling my Senators and representative with one or two topics every couple of days; getting together with like-minded friends; going to a church workshop on how to talk with others who have different beliefs about what is happening (but I have not attempted this yet); listening to music--Alexa played some mighty fine Wynton Marsalis and Willie Nelson jazz music, including a rousing version of "Down by the Riverside"; eating chocolate; sending checks to two Florida Democrats running for empty House seats in a special April 1 election, and long naps on rainy days like today.
Thanks, Kathleen - I've got the "eating chocolate" and "long naps" down pretty well. I suppose it's time to move on to "listening to music" as a next step toward the other empowering things you mention. I was actually in a not too bad mental condition until just the last week or two - probably in denial, as they say. then it hit me hard. But maybe it prove to be one of those things that "make me stronger." (What's the other part of that saying - I can't quite remember.) What I do remember - and think of often - is that "we'll always have Paris" - (and wouldn't it be nice to be there NOW!?)
Oh Randy, I’m so sorry because I don’t want to lose your stories or your gift. I feel a similar despondency and despair which I awake with every morning and the other night I dreamed of the orange monster and felt totally befouled when I woke up and realized he was also in my nightmares. Since I have two sons and four grandkids, it gets into that maternal protective emotion as well and I feel so helpless.
You wanted to know what others were doing and I will say go read the poem “The Peace of Wild Things “ by Wendell Berry. It can help for a time. Also, I went to a retreat at the Krishnamurti center for three days recently. It was contemplation, discussion, and yoga, and helped to escape for a while.
Escaping is one thing, but I am optimistic enough to want to be ready when the time comes to act because I believe it will, and I believe we will all be called upon to do something. My belief is that there are enough in this country who don’t want his coup to happen.
I had never read the Berry poem - and it is helping - even it's only for a while, that's a help. And thinking back to all the laughter we shared in the all too brief time we were together in person is always a comfort. So glad that we're still connected, even at a distance. Thank you.
That makes me sad that you're not writing. Hopefully this is temporary. I am sick about what is happening to this country. I go about my day to day, calling my MOC's, writing postcards for elections in other states. Gives me a feeling of doing something. But it's f+++ing scary. And I live in a Blue state! Hang in there Randy. You're such a lovely man, I don't want you to be sad.
Yes, "f***ing scary!" And I need to follow your example and DO something - instead of mostly just stewing. I will! Tomorrow. Or maybe the next day. Or the next ... But even with procrastination (and stewing), knowing that I'm not alone is a help. Thank you.
It’s reinforced our decision to move - that happens Monday - so we have something to look forward to, living in a diverse neighborhood and not feeling as isolated. The price of staying would be even more depression and angst. Some people who know us can’t quite understand the rationale, and therein lies their lack of awareness of what it means to be different - which around here means not straight, not white. JD had a lengthy conversation recently with an old high school friend about that very topic. Many of our current neighbors are likewise unaware. I wonder if I’ve been in denial all these years, thinking I could simply be who I was in a covertly hostile environment. No matter, the season of life here is ending, and I’m feeling less pain about it than I thought I would.
Thanks so much for sharing. Wishing you a smooth move and a VERY HAPPY new home and neighborhood. I know you'll miss your garden - but you'll be near the Missouri Botanical Garden - Shaw's Garden, as I used to know it. I have many happy memories of beautiful visits there (from a few decades ago!). Best, rkt
Dear Randy, I share your dismay, angst, fear and sense of disbelief at what is so quickly and tragically happening in our country, and that so many elected officials are enabling it. I am sorry you are struggling with writing, but I know your gift will burst forth again, in brilliant prose. I try to cope by calling my Senators and representative with one or two topics every couple of days; getting together with like-minded friends; going to a church workshop on how to talk with others who have different beliefs about what is happening (but I have not attempted this yet); listening to music--Alexa played some mighty fine Wynton Marsalis and Willie Nelson jazz music, including a rousing version of "Down by the Riverside"; eating chocolate; sending checks to two Florida Democrats running for empty House seats in a special April 1 election, and long naps on rainy days like today.
Thanks, Kathleen - I've got the "eating chocolate" and "long naps" down pretty well. I suppose it's time to move on to "listening to music" as a next step toward the other empowering things you mention. I was actually in a not too bad mental condition until just the last week or two - probably in denial, as they say. then it hit me hard. But maybe it prove to be one of those things that "make me stronger." (What's the other part of that saying - I can't quite remember.) What I do remember - and think of often - is that "we'll always have Paris" - (and wouldn't it be nice to be there NOW!?)
Yes, Paris sounds delightful, though I imagine we wouldn't be too popular as US citizens.
Oh Randy, I’m so sorry because I don’t want to lose your stories or your gift. I feel a similar despondency and despair which I awake with every morning and the other night I dreamed of the orange monster and felt totally befouled when I woke up and realized he was also in my nightmares. Since I have two sons and four grandkids, it gets into that maternal protective emotion as well and I feel so helpless.
You wanted to know what others were doing and I will say go read the poem “The Peace of Wild Things “ by Wendell Berry. It can help for a time. Also, I went to a retreat at the Krishnamurti center for three days recently. It was contemplation, discussion, and yoga, and helped to escape for a while.
Escaping is one thing, but I am optimistic enough to want to be ready when the time comes to act because I believe it will, and I believe we will all be called upon to do something. My belief is that there are enough in this country who don’t want his coup to happen.
Dear Jean - "For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free."
I had never read the Berry poem - and it is helping - even it's only for a while, that's a help. And thinking back to all the laughter we shared in the all too brief time we were together in person is always a comfort. So glad that we're still connected, even at a distance. Thank you.