After all that has happened in our country in the past two days, I simply don’t have it in me to share this week’s simple pleasures.
Clif and I did go for a walk yesterday, and I took this picture, which not only reflects Maine in January but also the way I feel right now.
However, this morning, on the phone, I had a jolly good rant with a friend and felt strangely cheered. This evening, we will have a another jolly good rant—via Zoom— with our children, and no doubt I will feel better still.
I do believe that right now is the time for completely inhabiting these uncomfortable feelings, for acknowledging the great damage that has been done to our country, damage that has been accumulating for many years. Gradually, emotions will settle down to be replaced by the resolve to vote, to speak up, to write letters.
And to also take heart from the positive changes afoot. Almost lost in the furor of Wednesday was the news that the citizens of Georgia elected two Democratic Senators—Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, the first Black man elected as U.S. senator from Georgia. The state is changing in a very good direction.
If Georgia can change, then so can other states.
Notes From the Hinterland 
It’s been a rough start to the new year, for sure.
Sure has!
Sorry for America that Wednesday was such a depressing day. May good things come out of it.
Thanks, Susan!
I do sincerely believe that positive changes are afoot. Sending warm hugs your way.
Oh, I hope so!
It has been a hard week. I’ve spent a lot of time pondering the situation as you and so many others have. One thing that stands out right now is that instead of being a citizen, male or female, husband or wife, mother or daughter, neighbor or coworker, religious or atheist, working or retired – we are Republican or Democrat. It seems to define our entire being. It is so entrenched right now, that the end of this month may bring changes, but I fear that it’s not going to change this new personal definition. Personally, I’ll be praying for our Country, our states, and our people because we are not where we want or need to be. Enjoy your Zoom rant and then enjoy the smiling face of your kids. You will definitely feel better after seeing them. 🙂
We definitely live in a divided country where many people identify strongly with either Democrats or Republicans. Believe it or not, I am a little more optimistic than you are. Joe Biden was in the Senate for many years and really does understand the necessary give and take of politics. Mitt Romney has actually acted like a statesman, and there are several other Republicans who seem willing to work with the new administration. Maine’s own Susan Collins hasn’t exactly been a profile in courage, but with Trump gone, she might feel free to vote more bravely. Will this be enough to turn the tide? I don’t know, but at least there is a chance.
As long as it is possible to shovel out buckets of misinformation, downright lies and hateful conspiracies on a nationwide basis without any penalty, I am not very hopeful of any immediate improvement. All the same, there is always a possibility of going forward and the recent elections have proved this (but only by tiny majorities).
So true! Too many people believe the misinformation. Discouraging.
Very discouraging.
Despite the horrible week, you still found gratitude. Let’s hope Wednesday’s events will wake up some of the enablers of the insurrection. Let’s look forward to January 20, and now also having both houses of Congress!
Yes, yes! Wednesday was a horrible day. Let us hope we don’t have any more days like that.
Amen, Laurie. With a Congress with a Democratic majority, Biden and company will be able to correct many of the wrongs without impediment like Obama experienced. Amen, indeed. Enjoy your weekend.
Thanks, Eliza!
I’m still down, as well. I just cannot wrap my head around how “reality and truth” can be such vastly different things to different people.
On a good note – I received my copy of your book today. So excited to see what Maya is up to!
Enjoy your Zoom, Laurie.
I know. It really is hard to fathom. As for the book…I mailed it December 9. S-L-O-W!
Wow! That IS slow! Perfect timing though – I’m ready for a good “slow down & read” after the holidays.
Sorry to hear this Laurie, I think things will get better, and zoom with your children sounds great ❤️
Thanks, Kellie!
I tried to have a mini rant on FB…I don’t usually post political opinions on FB unless it’s in the safe place of commenting on someone else’s like minded post. So I posted one comment about 45 lying and have been taking the repercussions ever since. I don’t need this. I have unfriended 3 long time friends and am considering leaving FB completely. I probably can’t do that. But I can certainly refuse to read any more political posts that I disagree with, I’ve been scrolling past friends’ revolting posts for 4 years without making an issue of it. I post 1 they disagree with and all heck breaks loose. I am so over it. OK…rant over now. 🙂
That is hard. An example of how passionate they feel. Oh, my!
Well said.
Thanks!
I worry for my family and friends like you who are shocked & heart broken.
And yet, in the midst of it, you seem to have found solace in a walk, in speaking with your friends, and hopefully with your family as well. I hope you regain your balance soon and are able to act as you choose.
Meanwhile, recharge, recuperate, heal. May strength return, and with it, faith.
Many, many thanks!
May change escalate, Laurie. Thinking of you and yours
Thanks so much, Derrick!
Whether one rants or shares sadness, talking to another human always helps to get one’s feet firmer on the ground and remind one of good people. In the process, strange comforts can surface — like maybe having the pus oozing out of the body politic is going to prevent some fence sitters from ever again saying, “O, they are not really like that.”
Yes, indeed!
😥❤️ Laurie, you mentioned one good thing that happened this week, the Georgia election. The huge irony is that Trump undoubtedly “deserves” some credit for this, and it was an extraordinary gift!
You bet!
Definitely one strange week. Like the leaves, we must hang in there!
You bet!
It certainly has been quite a week, filled with horror, fear and anger about the events in DC. I’m still afraid that these rioters may try something during the inauguration. I hope I’m wrong.
I share your fear, and I sure hope nothing more happens.
A lovely shot and I am glad you enjoyed the walk.
Thanks, Rupali!
I am so sorry to hear that the outside world is spoiling your pleasure in the the small things nearer home. I have been reflecting on the splits we are seeing in the USA and in lots of other places where the ability to listen respectfully, think about other viewpoints and maybe shift a little seem to have been lost. Once they are clearer in my head I may write a post! Meanwhile take care and rant as much as you like if it helps.
Many thanks! So very hard to watch something like this happen. Especially when seeing how it will end is impossible to predict. But, onward! Certainly provides lots of potential material for my books. Sigh.
It’s he Republicans I feel sorry for – one man and a few supporters making the whole party look bad. I remember the times when party allegiances were just different ways of trying to get the same thing. Now, in UK and, it seems in other places, something is changing. I don’t want to say fascism, but it’s getting close.
Scary times!
That is true.
So many conversations (and rants) this week and I’m glad we had the great news out of Georgia and that ranting with your friend and children helped.
Yes, yes! Many thanks!
What a great photo, Laurie! I find myself envying your clear blue skies. We’ve had a Perma-cloud hanging over Central Illinois for ages, and it’s wearying. I’m not fond of cold, but I’ll take cold any day as long as there’s sunshine. Hang in there, you!!
Thanks so much! Not easy to hang in there when worry about this country is a constant companion. But in Maine, January is a beautiful, albeit cold, month. It helps to have those clear blue skies and gorgeous skies.
Thanks for reminding me about Georgia. Seriously, I was so obsessed with that election and in so much suspense and now I sometimes forget it happened because the rest of the news has been so bad. I do feel tired, and brittle, like the leaves of that tree.
Georgia is a bright ray of hope.