This is a beautifully written post! It reminds me of what is important in life and what I have enjoyed through the years basis what we are dealing with now. Thank you so much for sharing! It is so much needed by so many of us right now.
Like you, I was with my family on Saturday. My grandparents immigrated from Sweden 120 years ago, and around the holidays we cling to our Swedish heritage. Saturday was summer solstice. We had the aquavit in the freezer for the ritual toast. Smorgastrata in the frig along with smoked salmon, dill and cucumbers (lots of dill) and a pork roast smoking. Strawberries and ice cream ready. My brother, my nieces and their families wishing the clouds would part in the Pacific Northwest and the sun would come out so we could go outside, dance around the flower laden pole and sing the song about little frogs that Swedes all over the world sing on Summer Solstice. One of my nieces opened up her phone to see the latest weather report. She also saw the headline about the bombing of Iran. It got very quiet in the house. The party atmosphere died. My nephew, retired US Navy who served in the Gulf War became very quiet. Shortly, my grandniece living away from home in California, called her parents distraught. On speaker phone we all tried to reassure her. Keeping it real and truthful was hard. Today I feel a lull and am trying not to let it feel like the lull before the storm. Please let the storm blow over. What a friggin’ mess.
I walk that walk with you. But because my mind is filled with the awful trump-dictatorship, I can’t enjoy the simple or the mundane. I can’t just be in the Present-Moment. Unless I Practice. I must make such time a deliberate meditation. I must consciously recite my gratitudes. Otherwise the trump-enablers and their leader will ruin my mind along with ruining my country.
Thank you Jess. Reading your wonderful post I am feeling less alone and my confusion isn’t just mine, it seems like there are others that feel the weight of dump bombing a country without the right to do so. Someone needs to Stop him!!!
OMG....this is me. Always, every day these things are the visions and thoughts in the back of my mind no matter what I am doing. On June 14th, here in Indianapolis, We had our massive Pride Parade before our No Kings that started at noon. I had never attended Pride here even though I have a huge circle of LGBTQ+ friends, and this year my Indivisible Central Indiana chapter was marching in it. Oddly enough, I ended up being the one in the front of our group holding one side of our banner. We waited and waited until we finally started moving (We were bringing up the rear.), and as we turned the corner for the main stretch of the parade, I could see everyone cheering, smiling and laughing. My throat tightened up, and I felt tears forming. It took me a moment to realize why it all overwhelmed me emotionally; it was the first time, since I can't remember when, that I felt, pure unadulterated joy. The diversity of the people and how they came together through community and solidarity despite everything filled me with such intense gratitude and made me realize THIS is what I'm fighting for. Love and smiles on everyone's face, and all those people still there even though most of the parade had gone by. And we were there for each other.
This is the quote in your piece today that strikes me most....
"I do what I have the space for, and then I do life."
I've worked very hard to structure my days, so that I'm productive, and I've had to work HARD to not to read myself into a paralyzing anxiety. When I can't take it anymore, I force myself to step away to my garden or work on my music. These times really make me understand what it means to live every day to its fullest. We have to hold onto the joy, or the evil will kill our spirit. Now more than ever we need the joy. I'm looking forward to the women's summit I'm attending in Virginia this weekend, and then a week with my best friend in Connecticut and Boston on the 4th.
I realize these days that the life I used to live is over, and some parts and people of my old life have moved forward with me into this new world and reality I'm living. I've lost so much and have grieved so many - even those who have not physically departed - but one day I realized that I am now surrounded by all these new beautiful humans, and some of them I work closely with and some I know only through connections like this, but it's what keeps me sane and keeps me going. I am grateful for you all, and you are a blessing to my new life.
I'm sorry I ran on here, but I felt the need to say it. Thanks to you ALL for being the light in the dark.
Join, or reaffirm your local INDIVISIBLE chapter. DEMAND a platform written by constituents!
There is a single Best Policy Practice in it. Complete disingenuous BS, really. "Advocate for Universal Healthcare" TOTAL BS. Words have meanings. THE ACA is an Insurance freebie.
Eliminate private healthcare insurance entirely!
Implement by definition Universal Healthcare.
Single payer. Cadillac policy holders, by law receive the former employer contribution to their check. Costing shareholders NOTHING.
COMPLETE free market of Providers and facilities. Public info of outcomes and procedures.
Twice the quality of care, or to nth, at 60% cost. INCLUDING optical and dental.
It's 'Merikkka. The smart thing to do is always a tough sell.
Oh my gosh, you should feel the opposite of "sorry." You're reminding me of why I'm committed to these struggles. We do it for love, for love of acceptance and difference and care for each other, even the others we will never know. We do it so we can be more fully human, and give others the space to be human too. Because we know that *that's* how things are supposed to be. Thank you for writing this.
You are a poet, Jess. Your perspective on these times is invaluable. You see things as they are and fight anyway. So can we. Thank you so much, dear soul.
Thank you. <3 The story of my life as well, even in Colorado, a relatively sane state. I am a lefty libertarian planning to go to our state Libertarian Party convention to reclaim our state Libertarian Party from the rabid ultra-conservative element. There are a few of us, what I call ACLU Libertarians.
As ever thank you Jess for a brilliant letter with spot-on insights. When two things in our lives are in deep conflict, as you described (war horrors and grilled-cheese sandwiches, side by side), my wise counselor-wife calls this cognitive dissonance. We've learned that, as uncomfortable and debilitating as that feels, it is the truth of life in America right now.
When we speak to our friends who may not be as alert to the bad things going on, what we are really trying to do is to bring them into their own state of cognitive dissonance, right there with us. They may resist, and who could blame them: who wants to live like this? No one.
But the more good people we bring into this reality -- grim, exhausting and paralyzing as it is -- the greater the chance we can get ALL of us out of it, and back to a place of sanity, with a hopeful future for our children and grandchildren.
Thanks for calling out the cognitive dissonance so adeptly, Jess.
Wow, Jess, you just hit the nail on the head!! This is the truth wherever you live in America right now. I’m in San Francisco and feel the same. It’s really difficult living in this topsy-turvy time!!
Thank you for this. I've been noticing the surrealism in seeing the methodical destruction of our federal government at the same time that, so far, I and mine are safe in our own bubble. You described it beautifully.
Your parade description also made me smile. Did the parade conclude with street sweepers (well behind the horses, of course)? Growing up in Santa Fe, NM, all our parades had more people on horses and on foot than in vehicles, and there were often large gaps between entries. We knew it was over when the street sweepers came through. One Labor Day I happened to be visiting a childhood friend who had moved to Omaha, so of course we went to the parade. Lots of unions, marching behind banners, and tractors - new to me! And then after a while people started packing up, but I didn't get up from the curb. My friend grinned, and said, "They don't need the street sweepers here."
As usual, you say so eloquently what so many of us are thinking. Makes us feel less frantic and alone in the fight. Glad you're here, doing what you do.
There may have been valid reasons for bombing Iran. But, the problem is that the order was given by an addlebrained narcissist whose feelings were hurt by the whole TACO thing, and who may have been desperate to prove he doesn’t always chicken out, and who was looking for an opportunity to show he is not lacking in manhood. Those are terrible and pathetic reasons to be dragged into another Middle East conflict.
Please allow me to add, as crazy as it sounds, that the bombing of Iran could have also been at least partially a way to rip everyone's attention away from Trump's Big Ugly Bill he's trying desperately to shove through Congress by July 4.
I hope everyone calls their representatives and urges them to put that dangerous piece of legislation back into the news so Congress feels the heat from angry constituents who don't want all of the horrible items in that bill to become law.
I don’t think that sounds crazy at all, CC. I think it is very possible. Thanks for reminding us that the Big Ugly Bill is still out there and must be stopped.
This is a beautifully written post! It reminds me of what is important in life and what I have enjoyed through the years basis what we are dealing with now. Thank you so much for sharing! It is so much needed by so many of us right now.
I agree. Thank you! Remember to hug your people.
This is a lovely and much needed read. Thank you.
Thank you
Like you, I was with my family on Saturday. My grandparents immigrated from Sweden 120 years ago, and around the holidays we cling to our Swedish heritage. Saturday was summer solstice. We had the aquavit in the freezer for the ritual toast. Smorgastrata in the frig along with smoked salmon, dill and cucumbers (lots of dill) and a pork roast smoking. Strawberries and ice cream ready. My brother, my nieces and their families wishing the clouds would part in the Pacific Northwest and the sun would come out so we could go outside, dance around the flower laden pole and sing the song about little frogs that Swedes all over the world sing on Summer Solstice. One of my nieces opened up her phone to see the latest weather report. She also saw the headline about the bombing of Iran. It got very quiet in the house. The party atmosphere died. My nephew, retired US Navy who served in the Gulf War became very quiet. Shortly, my grandniece living away from home in California, called her parents distraught. On speaker phone we all tried to reassure her. Keeping it real and truthful was hard. Today I feel a lull and am trying not to let it feel like the lull before the storm. Please let the storm blow over. What a friggin’ mess.
.
Mary, thank you for sharing your beautiful traditions.
I walk that walk with you. But because my mind is filled with the awful trump-dictatorship, I can’t enjoy the simple or the mundane. I can’t just be in the Present-Moment. Unless I Practice. I must make such time a deliberate meditation. I must consciously recite my gratitudes. Otherwise the trump-enablers and their leader will ruin my mind along with ruining my country.
Thank you for your share.
Practice…you’re right. It’s so hard to practice the normal.
Thank you Jess. Reading your wonderful post I am feeling less alone and my confusion isn’t just mine, it seems like there are others that feel the weight of dump bombing a country without the right to do so. Someone needs to Stop him!!!
Someone? You! Me! Jess! WtP own this entire shit show.
OMG....this is me. Always, every day these things are the visions and thoughts in the back of my mind no matter what I am doing. On June 14th, here in Indianapolis, We had our massive Pride Parade before our No Kings that started at noon. I had never attended Pride here even though I have a huge circle of LGBTQ+ friends, and this year my Indivisible Central Indiana chapter was marching in it. Oddly enough, I ended up being the one in the front of our group holding one side of our banner. We waited and waited until we finally started moving (We were bringing up the rear.), and as we turned the corner for the main stretch of the parade, I could see everyone cheering, smiling and laughing. My throat tightened up, and I felt tears forming. It took me a moment to realize why it all overwhelmed me emotionally; it was the first time, since I can't remember when, that I felt, pure unadulterated joy. The diversity of the people and how they came together through community and solidarity despite everything filled me with such intense gratitude and made me realize THIS is what I'm fighting for. Love and smiles on everyone's face, and all those people still there even though most of the parade had gone by. And we were there for each other.
This is the quote in your piece today that strikes me most....
"I do what I have the space for, and then I do life."
I've worked very hard to structure my days, so that I'm productive, and I've had to work HARD to not to read myself into a paralyzing anxiety. When I can't take it anymore, I force myself to step away to my garden or work on my music. These times really make me understand what it means to live every day to its fullest. We have to hold onto the joy, or the evil will kill our spirit. Now more than ever we need the joy. I'm looking forward to the women's summit I'm attending in Virginia this weekend, and then a week with my best friend in Connecticut and Boston on the 4th.
I realize these days that the life I used to live is over, and some parts and people of my old life have moved forward with me into this new world and reality I'm living. I've lost so much and have grieved so many - even those who have not physically departed - but one day I realized that I am now surrounded by all these new beautiful humans, and some of them I work closely with and some I know only through connections like this, but it's what keeps me sane and keeps me going. I am grateful for you all, and you are a blessing to my new life.
I'm sorry I ran on here, but I felt the need to say it. Thanks to you ALL for being the light in the dark.
Solidarity, friend
Thank you.
We have to hold onto the joy or the evil will kill our spirit. Perfect mantra.
And that is their number 1 goal.
No need to apologize. You speak for many of us, as Jess does also. Thank you
Thank you.
Join, or reaffirm your local INDIVISIBLE chapter. DEMAND a platform written by constituents!
There is a single Best Policy Practice in it. Complete disingenuous BS, really. "Advocate for Universal Healthcare" TOTAL BS. Words have meanings. THE ACA is an Insurance freebie.
Eliminate private healthcare insurance entirely!
Implement by definition Universal Healthcare.
Single payer. Cadillac policy holders, by law receive the former employer contribution to their check. Costing shareholders NOTHING.
COMPLETE free market of Providers and facilities. Public info of outcomes and procedures.
Twice the quality of care, or to nth, at 60% cost. INCLUDING optical and dental.
It's 'Merikkka. The smart thing to do is always a tough sell.
JFC and also 12 Apostles
Oh my gosh, you should feel the opposite of "sorry." You're reminding me of why I'm committed to these struggles. We do it for love, for love of acceptance and difference and care for each other, even the others we will never know. We do it so we can be more fully human, and give others the space to be human too. Because we know that *that's* how things are supposed to be. Thank you for writing this.
You are a poet, Jess. Your perspective on these times is invaluable. You see things as they are and fight anyway. So can we. Thank you so much, dear soul.
Please check out my Substack Transformative Times https://elizabethfenlon. Substack.com/p/transformative-times-9d0
You've captured the internal chaos perfectly!
Thank you. <3 The story of my life as well, even in Colorado, a relatively sane state. I am a lefty libertarian planning to go to our state Libertarian Party convention to reclaim our state Libertarian Party from the rabid ultra-conservative element. There are a few of us, what I call ACLU Libertarians.
Why adopt an ideology that has never governed a high quality of life society?
Size of government not that relevant. QUALITY of Government is the issue.
As ever thank you Jess for a brilliant letter with spot-on insights. When two things in our lives are in deep conflict, as you described (war horrors and grilled-cheese sandwiches, side by side), my wise counselor-wife calls this cognitive dissonance. We've learned that, as uncomfortable and debilitating as that feels, it is the truth of life in America right now.
When we speak to our friends who may not be as alert to the bad things going on, what we are really trying to do is to bring them into their own state of cognitive dissonance, right there with us. They may resist, and who could blame them: who wants to live like this? No one.
But the more good people we bring into this reality -- grim, exhausting and paralyzing as it is -- the greater the chance we can get ALL of us out of it, and back to a place of sanity, with a hopeful future for our children and grandchildren.
Thanks for calling out the cognitive dissonance so adeptly, Jess.
ACTIONS
Opining on the www isn't going to change shit
Thank you Jess for being one of my key sanity reads.
Wow, Jess, you just hit the nail on the head!! This is the truth wherever you live in America right now. I’m in San Francisco and feel the same. It’s really difficult living in this topsy-turvy time!!
Thanks Jess, familiar times in Indiana.
Thank you for this. I've been noticing the surrealism in seeing the methodical destruction of our federal government at the same time that, so far, I and mine are safe in our own bubble. You described it beautifully.
Your parade description also made me smile. Did the parade conclude with street sweepers (well behind the horses, of course)? Growing up in Santa Fe, NM, all our parades had more people on horses and on foot than in vehicles, and there were often large gaps between entries. We knew it was over when the street sweepers came through. One Labor Day I happened to be visiting a childhood friend who had moved to Omaha, so of course we went to the parade. Lots of unions, marching behind banners, and tractors - new to me! And then after a while people started packing up, but I didn't get up from the curb. My friend grinned, and said, "They don't need the street sweepers here."
Hi, Celia! You might appreciate this interview. Lt. Gen. Hertling is a great spokesperson. https://katiephang.substack.com/p/we-are-at-war
As usual, you say so eloquently what so many of us are thinking. Makes us feel less frantic and alone in the fight. Glad you're here, doing what you do.
There may have been valid reasons for bombing Iran. But, the problem is that the order was given by an addlebrained narcissist whose feelings were hurt by the whole TACO thing, and who may have been desperate to prove he doesn’t always chicken out, and who was looking for an opportunity to show he is not lacking in manhood. Those are terrible and pathetic reasons to be dragged into another Middle East conflict.
Please allow me to add, as crazy as it sounds, that the bombing of Iran could have also been at least partially a way to rip everyone's attention away from Trump's Big Ugly Bill he's trying desperately to shove through Congress by July 4.
I hope everyone calls their representatives and urges them to put that dangerous piece of legislation back into the news so Congress feels the heat from angry constituents who don't want all of the horrible items in that bill to become law.
I don’t think that sounds crazy at all, CC. I think it is very possible. Thanks for reminding us that the Big Ugly Bill is still out there and must be stopped.
I agree 100%; war as a smokescreen. Heinous.
“Wag The Dog” https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120885/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk