Age eleven, I spent a summer in France w families who, if they lived in US, would be in Pennsylvania (not Philly) or Long Island NY. One family lived in the suburbs of Rouen. I enjoyed my summer. And I have no illusions!
Oh my dearest curmudgeon. As a Pollyanna sort, I really enjoy your columns. I agree that wallowing in grief has to come before the useful gratitude list Etc. For some of us it's concurrent for others it is a vision in the far future.
Meanwhile, in the Wilds of Western Mass, I am roasting my beloved honey nut squash that grew outside my back door and sending you laughter and gratitude. Devorah
Lol.. I imagine that your many fans come in different flavors and sizes. As a 71-year-old proud hippie, as they used to call us, reading your musings is a trip to a foreign culture in more ways then one.💛
As always ~ your posts are so welcome to discover when they arrive! Having had the pleasure of a week in your company I understand (sort of) where these thoughts originate but am always amazed by them. Your humour puts light in my day. We are watching aghast from north of our US border, seeing how the majority of Americans have gotten their wish to live in a dictatorship led by a certified moron. So sad.
Not grieving. I’m out for revenge. I’m just sad that too many will suffer who deserve better.
Sober curious? Why does everything have to be a thing?
And this obsession that France is soooo romantic. Yes to everything you wrote. Despite France’s beauty and the illusion that the French are somehow more sophisticated and attractive, and the low cost healthcare, it can be a shit show. Remember it’s a country where a husband thought it was ok to drug his wife and then invite his neighbors to rape her. The French also almost gave the majority to the fascist this past spring.
No. 8! France certainly has it right with its crush on critical thinking and literature. Ah, the poor, poor U.S. Still lolling over here, but almost to the "c'est la vie" stage of grief.
Squash has a lot of defenders. Maybe it's like cilantro -- you know those people who can't eat it because it tastes like soap? Maybe there's a similar thing with squash?
Sending live from a fellow rebel, insurgent and agitator. I am doing rage and grief concurrently and mixing it with hilarious (maybe demented) humor at the whole sick farce we now call America. Trying to keep from going off the deep end into extreme anxiety and fear and, instead, moving to extreme self care because it helps.
I am so happy to have discovered this post today. I came to substack in a rage and I'm still in a rage but now I'm laughing too.
I wasn't here to verify but I think pictures of the young Bob Dylan show a man who is easily as handsome as Mr. Chalamet. Also I thought squash existed so we could eat fried squash blossoms.
I forgot all about the fried squash blossoms! You're so right. I'm glad your rage is now laughter infused. I seriously feel like I've done a good thing. Thank you. x
No. 4 - I agree that squash alone is bland (apart from butternut), but it's such a great carrier of other flavours! I roast it with other vegetables until it's mush, then turn it all into soup, or I roast it with sausages and sage and put it in lasagna (better if there are chestmuts to add to the mix, too). A very useful vegetable.
yes to all of the above---I'm hanging out in my pjs watching old episodes of The Office and speed-eating pringles while on hold trying to get an immigration lawyer for my new son-in-law. May I add one more? All those earnest pundits who talk about how Dems need to have more understanding for the plight of non-reading voters. Repeat after me: "It's the misogyny, stupid".
Yes. Love 9. I was at a drinks thing the other day, and a well meaning friend was in “my bubble, my fault” mode …Her solution to the elitist bubble? Read more WSJ! Never change, says I.
Age eleven, I spent a summer in France w families who, if they lived in US, would be in Pennsylvania (not Philly) or Long Island NY. One family lived in the suburbs of Rouen. I enjoyed my summer. And I have no illusions!
Number 9! Read it again! 😂
Oh my dearest curmudgeon. As a Pollyanna sort, I really enjoy your columns. I agree that wallowing in grief has to come before the useful gratitude list Etc. For some of us it's concurrent for others it is a vision in the far future.
Meanwhile, in the Wilds of Western Mass, I am roasting my beloved honey nut squash that grew outside my back door and sending you laughter and gratitude. Devorah
I feel a little bad about my feelings about squash, so I'm thrilled to know someone loves it. Actually, kudos for growing it yourself, sister.
Lol.. I imagine that your many fans come in different flavors and sizes. As a 71-year-old proud hippie, as they used to call us, reading your musings is a trip to a foreign culture in more ways then one.💛
As always ~ your posts are so welcome to discover when they arrive! Having had the pleasure of a week in your company I understand (sort of) where these thoughts originate but am always amazed by them. Your humour puts light in my day. We are watching aghast from north of our US border, seeing how the majority of Americans have gotten their wish to live in a dictatorship led by a certified moron. So sad.
Thanks so much Patricia. Whatever happens, American democracy is not what it once was.
"As I am a despised elite who understands how sentences work, I need no further coaching." You said it, sister. (This whole list made me feel better.)
I especially appreciate your take on the Glazed Donut look. Really. How is this even a thing!?
Love you, Karen!
Ha! Love it!
Not grieving. I’m out for revenge. I’m just sad that too many will suffer who deserve better.
Sober curious? Why does everything have to be a thing?
And this obsession that France is soooo romantic. Yes to everything you wrote. Despite France’s beauty and the illusion that the French are somehow more sophisticated and attractive, and the low cost healthcare, it can be a shit show. Remember it’s a country where a husband thought it was ok to drug his wife and then invite his neighbors to rape her. The French also almost gave the majority to the fascist this past spring.
And ditto everything else.
Thanks!
No. 8! France certainly has it right with its crush on critical thinking and literature. Ah, the poor, poor U.S. Still lolling over here, but almost to the "c'est la vie" stage of grief.
We should all take as long as we need. Courage!
I love everything about this. (Well, except the squash part, but I get it.) I can’t wait to meet you in August!
Squash has a lot of defenders. Maybe it's like cilantro -- you know those people who can't eat it because it tastes like soap? Maybe there's a similar thing with squash?
Yeah, maybe that is it. I’m on “team no cilantro” so I absolutely sympathize.
No I think that squash can be pretty bland and I'm one of those soap with cilantro folks which sucks
Moo Deng glazed donut skin! bahaha.
Sending live from a fellow rebel, insurgent and agitator. I am doing rage and grief concurrently and mixing it with hilarious (maybe demented) humor at the whole sick farce we now call America. Trying to keep from going off the deep end into extreme anxiety and fear and, instead, moving to extreme self care because it helps.
I am so happy to have discovered this post today. I came to substack in a rage and I'm still in a rage but now I'm laughing too.
I wasn't here to verify but I think pictures of the young Bob Dylan show a man who is easily as handsome as Mr. Chalamet. Also I thought squash existed so we could eat fried squash blossoms.
I forgot all about the fried squash blossoms! You're so right. I'm glad your rage is now laughter infused. I seriously feel like I've done a good thing. Thank you. x
No. 4 - I agree that squash alone is bland (apart from butternut), but it's such a great carrier of other flavours! I roast it with other vegetables until it's mush, then turn it all into soup, or I roast it with sausages and sage and put it in lasagna (better if there are chestmuts to add to the mix, too). A very useful vegetable.
It's true. Like oatmeal it is an excellent vehicle. Still, I struggle with the mouth feel.
yes to all of the above---I'm hanging out in my pjs watching old episodes of The Office and speed-eating pringles while on hold trying to get an immigration lawyer for my new son-in-law. May I add one more? All those earnest pundits who talk about how Dems need to have more understanding for the plight of non-reading voters. Repeat after me: "It's the misogyny, stupid".
The non-reading voters read can read enough to be influenced by misinformation, interestingly enough. Speed-eating Pringles is a favorite hobby.
Yes. Love 9. I was at a drinks thing the other day, and a well meaning friend was in “my bubble, my fault” mode …Her solution to the elitist bubble? Read more WSJ! Never change, says I.
HA!
Hahah. Hiking IS overrated. Love this.