For all there is to say about policies and lawmakers and jockeying among nations, at the end of the day, the story is always, always, always about people. This image is from autumn in Ukraine, on the outskirts of Kyiv, taken by a friend before the Russian invasion.
The news has been consistently grueling for six years, Heather. You have more than earned your rest, and we are all grateful for your wisdom and your endless energy!
Poignant. This makes me so sad. My parents were Holocaust survivors. They had lives like this before their worlds blew up. But they met each other and life continues. I only can hope for the future for all of us.
This photo truly looks like a painting. Whoever took it knows how to utilize the camera in a way that makes greater sense of subject matter than any casual glance could provide. The serenity it projects makes a powerful statement about what has happened since.
Capturing the essence of things is the same skill you wield, Heather, in your written summaries of current news and related history. The pictures you paint with your words bring greater understanding, appreciation and depth of meaning to us as readers — Far more than what we get from our casual glances at what’s going on in our world.
So thank you for your faithful artistry to provide us a daily picture of what’s true and what’s important today, and how it relates to our past. Your letters provide a landmark upon which we can reliably steer our thinking and actions.
Apologies if I overworked the metaphor, but I cannot overstate the value of what you do. Your talent and your voice are sorely needed, and greatly appreciated.
As I read the caption I was struck how the serenity emphasizes the monstrous evil that Vladimir Putin is. Obviously ignorant of the history of the region he grasps the concepts by the Empress Catherine the Great to restore a mythical empire.
Her Russia replaced a thousand year old Culture along the Dnieper that thrived before there was a Moscow.
Now the war and the possible trillion dollar cost of restoring the region ensures how few human in that region will enjoy tranquility for decades to come.
Applauding your appréciations of both photo and writer, I would only add that our mission with NATO in Ukraine may help us rediscover in America the peace of this photograph.
Looking at us as humans and at the autocrats of history, perhaps we can see that a country of immigrants has attained its stature from what is engraved on a statue made live. If we fall into autocracy, it will be a plunge backward into the abyss of history from which we may never recover, given climate change, pandemic, and too many people for available resources.
I must end this with a plea to vote on November 8th for democracy, meanwhile influencing at least one voter to do the same.
Right it is about people who live on this climate plagued planet with despots who are trying to undermine each other using our social media. Giants of disinformation and people good at hacking. Evil Putin like a type of Rasputin who destroys a country that so helps to feed the world. It’s about decent hardworking people on Biden’s team dealing wit weasel type people like McConnell, McCarthy and dear old Lindsay Graham who will say and do anything to hold onto their jobs and keep the illusion up for their base that the ultra conservative way is the way they’ll stay rich. Similar to the Game of Thrones are these political games of drones or drone heads. Can’t wait to see how the plot unfolds on my bday. But someone reminded me this midterm election is just the dress rehearsal to 2024. By then I may be looking for a Valium script.
What a beautiful, peaceful picture. I'm sure that similar places remain, but the year-long onslaught of pictures of destruction has been difficult, even for those of us who aren't experiencing it directly. Oh how I long for pictures and stories about poeple and ideology at their best, rather than at their worst. My political fascination has gone from hobby to avocation to awful horrific fixation to emotional exhaustion in about 9 months this year. All along I have looked hard for reasons to be optimistic about our collective instincts as a nation where it comes to representative governance. I see a few faint hints here and there. The latest is in the early polling numbers in states with early voting. I received my mail-in ballot in a state(Oregon) where all voting is "by mail", as well as my voter pamphlet. In spite of record amounts of spending on campaigns, it's amazing how little I know about both candidates and measures at the local, regional and state levels. It must be because I no longer turn on the television. I get some trash mail of a purely alarmist nature in the postal mail and a bunch of text message solicitations from candidates in the mid west and east coast. Why they think they can harvest money from someone with (503) area code is beyond me, but I'm sure they paid $0.0001 for my phone number, multiplied by several million and are blasting out their messages irrespective of where they land. The two relevant words for me at this point are "wheat" and "chaff". How can I find the sliver of information that is meaningful between now and post-election counting time? Perhaps I can't. Perhaps I should fill out my ballot as best I can, then turn off the news feed altogether until about November 12. Autumn is a time of turning inward. Plants are moving towards dormancy. The toys and tools of summertime are going into storage. Days are growing shorter, nights colder, rain is finally appearing in the forecast, sweaters and coats emerging form the back of closets. I'm not ready for the 2024 political season to begin a short 2 months after the midterm election. I need a break, where my attention can be turned to more personal topics than the existential angst of the political season. Most of all, I need to hear some topics that restore my faith in human-kind. I need to see images that are not all about destruction, famine, rising seas, drought, historic wildfires, pandemics and the like.
Thank you for sharing. Nathan. This seems to be the longest year ever. Your words are mine. “Most of all, I need to hear some topics that restore my faith in human-kind. I need to see images that are not all about destruction, famine, rising seas, drought, historic wildfires, pandemics and the like.” I just voted and next week I’m flying to Canada to visit friends I met walking in the Camino De Santiago. We will hike and walk and cook and eat and sleep and besides knowing America is in crisis, there won’t be much political talk. Just daily living. Eating at our favorite places, cooking together, sharing family and walking stories, what people do when they aren’t consumed with possibilities of a government failing. Is that possible? I hope so.
I think that there are so many Americans who are oblivious to what is going on because they are doing those very things. They may watch one of the watered down news stations, but don't really involve themselves in ¨the battlefield for the soul of America.¨
“My political fascination has gone from hobby to avocation to awful horrific fixation to emotional exhaustion in about 9 months this year.” I feel the same pain and exhaustion, Nathan! And FEAR: fear for the future of our children, our planet and the human race. We’re living through an incredibly frightening time! Heather’s weekly photographs bring respite to the soul.
I don't know if Oregon does this, but California has a ¨catalogue¨ of candidates and their beliefs. It wasn't out when we voted from abroad, so I Googled each one individually because many are on the ballot for judgeships (is that a word), and I found those who believe in the rule of law. Also those running for school board. It is so important to know their stance. Thinking of you ❤️
That line about your "political fascination" resonates with me as well.
Last night, my young adult daughter sat with me and we wrote another 60 letters to voters. All told, I have written 160 letters and 60 postcards. I say this not for bragging rights; it is an indication of my concern. I need a break as well, but I hope anyone who has the time and resources to do so will help carry on the fight.
Please go to: vote411.org for information on your ballot! The League of Women Voters in your state puts out nonpartisan ballot info for you. You have to enter your address and select your state on the drop down menu. Here in Misery (aka Missouri), we have a reputation for sharing this for the people who want to participate and make educated decisions on Election Day. Hope this helps?
Existential angst is our world these days, republicans make it so. How can anyone be undecided. Anyone with a D by their name likely flawed but human. anyone with an R by their name, a member of the traitorous destruction derby. It’s been two years since that spring of hope burst out but I have watched an orange clown stamp it down. Sorry but I see no reason to doubt my position, sad to say.
So beautiful and so peaceful. It is heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. Thank you for an image of peace and hope in an incredibly turbulent time
Dear Heather Cox Richardson, Buddy Poland, Nadia Povalinska and LFAA subscribers: I am thinking very much of our friend Allen Hingston who is leaving today for his home in Ukraine to bring his wife Tanya and dog Lucky to Canada for safety. Please join me in wishing them safe travel. May their love for one another, their kindness and beautiful spirits be blessed and protected. ‘... at the end of the day, the story is always, always, always about people' and nature; this earth; the colors of the sky, sea and land; the freedom for all, and the essence of life. Amen. 🌻
Thank you, Fern! I have had Allan in mind and wondered what happened as I have not seen any comments from him.
Whenever I have a loved one who travels, or who might be in a situation where there could be hazard, as I pray for them I envision a bubble, like an aura, of peace, light, love and serenity around them. I am sure that all the readers here join you in your wishes.
Miselle, It is a dangerous and difficult journey. Allen has a robust spirit. He carries deep love within and from his family. He asked me to think of the three of them. It would be good of you to pray for them. Allen said he will keep in touch. I hope that he can. When I hear from him, I will post on the forum. Thank you for thinking of Allen Tanya and Lucky.
Fern, I keep a post-it note by my computer to remind me to keep thoughts and prayers out to various people. I have added them to it.
I have a crystal that hangs in my east facing window. The morning sun casts dancing rainbows that amuse my cats and please me. I am envisioning a rainbow around them. Let him know that when he feels the sun strong on his face, somewhere we are thinking of him and sending strength.
Beautiful actions on your part, so full of care, Miselle. I will copy this response of yours and include in my next email to Allen. He will moved by your connection to his family.
Hi Ashley, Your message will be included with Miselle's on my email to Allen. I will also mention that many subscribers join you both with care of him, Tanya and Lucky. Salud!
Thank you for that lovely photo. To me, it's also heartbreaking.
It is indeed....the calm before a devastating and unnecessary storm. Beautiful and so sad at at the same time.
It definitely sends out a dual message.
Autumn memory
Wistful mellowness
coats this hazy
autumn scape
as though seen
through a
delicate veil.
The vision of
a yesteryear
too far in
the distance
to capture
anything but
its enchantment.
The rose gold
leaves reflected
with such intensity
on the gently
rippling water
give pause to
a couple in
the green boat.
Motionless and moved
by the beauty
that engulfs them,
charmed
by the ducks
in the foreground —
Surely, this moment
was quasi edenic!
And yet, in hindsight,
we mustn’t ignore
an abundance of
bare trunks
and branches
stripped of their
vitality —
their images
lengthened
in the water.
What did they foretell?
An expulsion from Eden?
Wonderful. Thanks
For sure.
That's what I came here today. Beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time.
The news has been consistently grueling for six years, Heather. You have more than earned your rest, and we are all grateful for your wisdom and your endless energy!
Ditto!
Poignant. This makes me so sad. My parents were Holocaust survivors. They had lives like this before their worlds blew up. But they met each other and life continues. I only can hope for the future for all of us.
<3 (( ))
This photo truly looks like a painting. Whoever took it knows how to utilize the camera in a way that makes greater sense of subject matter than any casual glance could provide. The serenity it projects makes a powerful statement about what has happened since.
Capturing the essence of things is the same skill you wield, Heather, in your written summaries of current news and related history. The pictures you paint with your words bring greater understanding, appreciation and depth of meaning to us as readers — Far more than what we get from our casual glances at what’s going on in our world.
So thank you for your faithful artistry to provide us a daily picture of what’s true and what’s important today, and how it relates to our past. Your letters provide a landmark upon which we can reliably steer our thinking and actions.
Apologies if I overworked the metaphor, but I cannot overstate the value of what you do. Your talent and your voice are sorely needed, and greatly appreciated.
Great description of that scene.
As I read the caption I was struck how the serenity emphasizes the monstrous evil that Vladimir Putin is. Obviously ignorant of the history of the region he grasps the concepts by the Empress Catherine the Great to restore a mythical empire.
Her Russia replaced a thousand year old Culture along the Dnieper that thrived before there was a Moscow.
Now the war and the possible trillion dollar cost of restoring the region ensures how few human in that region will enjoy tranquility for decades to come.
And thank you, Gregory, for your words which express what I too am feeling.
Eloquently said, Gregory. Your respectful and kind thoughts spoke for many of us readers of Heather.
Applauding your appréciations of both photo and writer, I would only add that our mission with NATO in Ukraine may help us rediscover in America the peace of this photograph.
Looking at us as humans and at the autocrats of history, perhaps we can see that a country of immigrants has attained its stature from what is engraved on a statue made live. If we fall into autocracy, it will be a plunge backward into the abyss of history from which we may never recover, given climate change, pandemic, and too many people for available resources.
I must end this with a plea to vote on November 8th for democracy, meanwhile influencing at least one voter to do the same.
Gregory, you were in my soul when writing your comments. Thank you thank you
Beautifully expressed, Gregory!
Thank you, Gregory, for those eloquent words that capture so much of the painting and of life and of what Heather does.
How beautifully said Gregory.
Lovely photo by Nadia Povalinska and thanks, especially, for the reminder that *all* this is about people.
Right it is about people who live on this climate plagued planet with despots who are trying to undermine each other using our social media. Giants of disinformation and people good at hacking. Evil Putin like a type of Rasputin who destroys a country that so helps to feed the world. It’s about decent hardworking people on Biden’s team dealing wit weasel type people like McConnell, McCarthy and dear old Lindsay Graham who will say and do anything to hold onto their jobs and keep the illusion up for their base that the ultra conservative way is the way they’ll stay rich. Similar to the Game of Thrones are these political games of drones or drone heads. Can’t wait to see how the plot unfolds on my bday. But someone reminded me this midterm election is just the dress rehearsal to 2024. By then I may be looking for a Valium script.
Gorgeous photo. Ukraine is in my prayers every night.
Rest well, Dr Richardson! You deserve it!
Let's hope that beautiful scene (and those folks) are still in tact.
Thank you for your continued work, professor.
What a beautiful, peaceful picture. I'm sure that similar places remain, but the year-long onslaught of pictures of destruction has been difficult, even for those of us who aren't experiencing it directly. Oh how I long for pictures and stories about poeple and ideology at their best, rather than at their worst. My political fascination has gone from hobby to avocation to awful horrific fixation to emotional exhaustion in about 9 months this year. All along I have looked hard for reasons to be optimistic about our collective instincts as a nation where it comes to representative governance. I see a few faint hints here and there. The latest is in the early polling numbers in states with early voting. I received my mail-in ballot in a state(Oregon) where all voting is "by mail", as well as my voter pamphlet. In spite of record amounts of spending on campaigns, it's amazing how little I know about both candidates and measures at the local, regional and state levels. It must be because I no longer turn on the television. I get some trash mail of a purely alarmist nature in the postal mail and a bunch of text message solicitations from candidates in the mid west and east coast. Why they think they can harvest money from someone with (503) area code is beyond me, but I'm sure they paid $0.0001 for my phone number, multiplied by several million and are blasting out their messages irrespective of where they land. The two relevant words for me at this point are "wheat" and "chaff". How can I find the sliver of information that is meaningful between now and post-election counting time? Perhaps I can't. Perhaps I should fill out my ballot as best I can, then turn off the news feed altogether until about November 12. Autumn is a time of turning inward. Plants are moving towards dormancy. The toys and tools of summertime are going into storage. Days are growing shorter, nights colder, rain is finally appearing in the forecast, sweaters and coats emerging form the back of closets. I'm not ready for the 2024 political season to begin a short 2 months after the midterm election. I need a break, where my attention can be turned to more personal topics than the existential angst of the political season. Most of all, I need to hear some topics that restore my faith in human-kind. I need to see images that are not all about destruction, famine, rising seas, drought, historic wildfires, pandemics and the like.
Thank you for sharing. Nathan. This seems to be the longest year ever. Your words are mine. “Most of all, I need to hear some topics that restore my faith in human-kind. I need to see images that are not all about destruction, famine, rising seas, drought, historic wildfires, pandemics and the like.” I just voted and next week I’m flying to Canada to visit friends I met walking in the Camino De Santiago. We will hike and walk and cook and eat and sleep and besides knowing America is in crisis, there won’t be much political talk. Just daily living. Eating at our favorite places, cooking together, sharing family and walking stories, what people do when they aren’t consumed with possibilities of a government failing. Is that possible? I hope so.
I think that there are so many Americans who are oblivious to what is going on because they are doing those very things. They may watch one of the watered down news stations, but don't really involve themselves in ¨the battlefield for the soul of America.¨
Good luck with that. Enjoy and return to the fight. It is forever to be.
“My political fascination has gone from hobby to avocation to awful horrific fixation to emotional exhaustion in about 9 months this year.” I feel the same pain and exhaustion, Nathan! And FEAR: fear for the future of our children, our planet and the human race. We’re living through an incredibly frightening time! Heather’s weekly photographs bring respite to the soul.
I don't know if Oregon does this, but California has a ¨catalogue¨ of candidates and their beliefs. It wasn't out when we voted from abroad, so I Googled each one individually because many are on the ballot for judgeships (is that a word), and I found those who believe in the rule of law. Also those running for school board. It is so important to know their stance. Thinking of you ❤️
A very beautiful letter, Nathan. The ache we all feel.
That line about your "political fascination" resonates with me as well.
Last night, my young adult daughter sat with me and we wrote another 60 letters to voters. All told, I have written 160 letters and 60 postcards. I say this not for bragging rights; it is an indication of my concern. I need a break as well, but I hope anyone who has the time and resources to do so will help carry on the fight.
www.votefwd.org
Please go to: vote411.org for information on your ballot! The League of Women Voters in your state puts out nonpartisan ballot info for you. You have to enter your address and select your state on the drop down menu. Here in Misery (aka Missouri), we have a reputation for sharing this for the people who want to participate and make educated decisions on Election Day. Hope this helps?
The LWV does such a great job, in their debates too which should be available on line.
Existential angst is our world these days, republicans make it so. How can anyone be undecided. Anyone with a D by their name likely flawed but human. anyone with an R by their name, a member of the traitorous destruction derby. It’s been two years since that spring of hope burst out but I have watched an orange clown stamp it down. Sorry but I see no reason to doubt my position, sad to say.
I agree with you 100%. Someone from the U.S. posted on LinkedIn applause for the new fascist PM of Italy.
OMG, another Orban type, now in the middle of Europe!
Jeri, I don't either.
All of the warning lights on my mental dashboard are flashing Red.
I have Not Lost Hope.
🌈👍👯♀️💥🥂👍
Sleep well, and thank you for the great service you provide, being a grounded and dependable voice in the midst of this political chaos.
Beautiful! Pray for Ukraine.
Thank you for what you do.
Beautiful photo that hurts. Peace shattered.
So beautiful and so peaceful. It is heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. Thank you for an image of peace and hope in an incredibly turbulent time
Grueling and gruesomely hard to be with all that is happening. Thank you Heather for processing all of this with us.
Rest well and deeply, Heather. Thank you for all that you do.
Dear Heather Cox Richardson, Buddy Poland, Nadia Povalinska and LFAA subscribers: I am thinking very much of our friend Allen Hingston who is leaving today for his home in Ukraine to bring his wife Tanya and dog Lucky to Canada for safety. Please join me in wishing them safe travel. May their love for one another, their kindness and beautiful spirits be blessed and protected. ‘... at the end of the day, the story is always, always, always about people' and nature; this earth; the colors of the sky, sea and land; the freedom for all, and the essence of life. Amen. 🌻
Thank you, Fern! I have had Allan in mind and wondered what happened as I have not seen any comments from him.
Whenever I have a loved one who travels, or who might be in a situation where there could be hazard, as I pray for them I envision a bubble, like an aura, of peace, light, love and serenity around them. I am sure that all the readers here join you in your wishes.
Please give us updates as you are able.
Miselle, It is a dangerous and difficult journey. Allen has a robust spirit. He carries deep love within and from his family. He asked me to think of the three of them. It would be good of you to pray for them. Allen said he will keep in touch. I hope that he can. When I hear from him, I will post on the forum. Thank you for thinking of Allen Tanya and Lucky.
Fern, I keep a post-it note by my computer to remind me to keep thoughts and prayers out to various people. I have added them to it.
I have a crystal that hangs in my east facing window. The morning sun casts dancing rainbows that amuse my cats and please me. I am envisioning a rainbow around them. Let him know that when he feels the sun strong on his face, somewhere we are thinking of him and sending strength.
Miselle, may your beautiful, sincere gestures and shared, poetic visualizations be felt by Allen, Tanya, Lucky, and many others along the way! 🫧 💖🌈
Beautiful actions on your part, so full of care, Miselle. I will copy this response of yours and include in my next email to Allen. He will moved by your connection to his family.
TY Fern. I have Allen & Tanya in mind and prayer often. Will up the ante during this time. Thank you for updating us.
Amen indeed, dear Fern!
🌻Holding Allen, Tanya, & Lucky close as they travel to safety. 💙💛
Hi Ashley, Your message will be included with Miselle's on my email to Allen. I will also mention that many subscribers join you both with care of him, Tanya and Lucky. Salud!