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Au Revoir…

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As the title of this post suggests, I am taking an extended break. For how long, I don’t know. I’m going to be honest—this election has really knocked the stuffing out of me—and I need time to regroup, to refocus. Somehow, writing about our happy little lives on the edge of the woods no longer holds interest for me. In time, I hope this will change, but I’m not sure that it will, and as this is a lifestyle blog rather than a political blog, taking a long break seems prudent. From time to time, I will be checking in with blogging friends’ posts to see how things are going with them.

There really isn’t much more to say. Our country is headed in a dangerous direction, toward chaos, vengeance, and authoritarianism. Most of Trump’s Cabinet picks seem to come straight out of Gotham City—the fabled hometown of Batman—with Trump being the biggest Joker of them all.

Before leaving, I do have a quotation and a song to share. First the quotation, from Jan Struther’s book Mrs. Miniver, published in England in 1939, a very bad time for the world.

“However long the horror continued, one must not get to the stage of refusing to think about it. To shrink from direct pain was bad enough, but to shrink from vicarious pain was the ultimate cowardice. And whereas to conceal direct pain was a virtue, to conceal vicarious pain was a sin. Only by feeling it to the utmost, and expressing it, could the rest of the world help to heal the injury which had caused it.”

I can’t help thinking about how disappointed and horrified all the Americans who fought in World War II would be to see where our country is going. They fought for this, for a convicted felon and a bully to lead the country?

During the next four years, however painful they might be, I will not be looking away. I’ve joined a local women’s advocacy group and will be doing my small bit to resist.

Finally, here’s the Tears for Fears song, “Mad World,” covered by Gary Jules. It perfectly captures how sad and perplexed I feel.

Farewell for now.

 

 

 

 

 

96 thoughts on “Au Revoir…”

  1. Many of your northern neighbours are feeling your pain vicariously. I send warm hugs and solidarity.
    What a shocking outcome for not only your country but the world.
    it hurts to realize that people who call themselves Christians have wilfully elected someone who has broken most of the 10 commandments and ignored the gospel of the Christ.
    The same forces have been at work here too, for several years. It’s partly why the election outcome meant so much to us. We cannot be complacent.

    1. Oh, yes! I’m sure Canada is feeling the pain, too. What happens in the U.S. sure doesn’t stay in the U.S.

      There is a rightward turn all around the world. So scary. Fingers crossed for Canada.

  2. We will miss your edge of the woods posts for now, but we’ll be thinking about you.
    Thank you for that quote. My inclination right now is to never watch the news again, bury my head in the sand and go to the beach.
    Gotham city is a good comparison, so is, as my hairdresser put it, the Clown Car Cabinet he is assembling.
    Here is my strong belief. They will try to go too far, they will try to push things so far that the more moderates will finally have enough of him and not bend to his chaotic, selfish, ignorant, misled deeds. I don’t think even his supreme court, in lower caps, will back his outrageous behaviors.
    Remember, a majority of Americans did not vote for him, only a majority of those registered who actually cast ballots, and that doesn’t even take into account the millions who are not even registered. I doubt more than a quarter of those eligible to vote actually voted for him, and so many of them did so out of fear that he has fanned.
    Take care of yourself!
    💕Dot

    2. Oh, I hope you’re right! Fingers, toes, and everything else crossed that he doesn’t get a stranglehold on our Democracy and then never let go. That’s one of my prime worries. Other countries have had to face this with their own terrible leaders.

      But you are right. A majority of Americans did not vote for him.

  5. The other commenters have said it all, Laurie, as have you. The world as we’ve known it seems to be unravelling all around us. Take care of yourself, Laurie. Sending hugs.

  7. I am so sorry, Laurie. You will be missed but I understand. The Tears for Fears song, “Mad World,” covered by Gary Jules says it all. I don’t know where the world is heading right now. What with the woke politics, non binary people, and the threat of WW3 hanging over our heads in Europe I am trying to live each day as it comes. TAking the good from each day and hang on to that.

    I watch Trump all bluster and the guy is drunk on power. Maybe living on the edge of the woods will have it’s advantages in these stressful times.

    {{{{virtual hugs }}}} from Portugal where Russian spy ships have been spotted offshore.

    I hope you do stop by from time to time and say hi and let us know you are okay.

    1. Such kind words. Thanks so very much! “Mad World” certainly captures the insanity and sadness of the world. I will definitely be stopping by from time to time.

  8. Laurie – as I live around Washington DC please consider what your blog means to me and many other people. It’s often a peaceful and interesting rest stop for me from the rush of the city and politics. Perhaps you are doing your part? John

    1. Thanks so much. You’ve given me a lot to think about. Maybe writing about the seasons and nature and simple pleasures is doing my part even though at first glance it doesn’t seem that way.

      1. Whatever choice you make I and I’m sure many others will support. But your blog brings comfort and normalcy to me in difficult times. John

  9. I appreciate your honesty Laurie. And also your activism. I’m not yet ready to join the resistance (again) as I feel the blind spots of my local group of mostly white, mostly female, college-educated activists were huge in 2024 (although I do think we helped significantly with the 2022 midterms) I’m hoping to jump in when it becomes clearer what will actually be helpful.
    I love your movie reviews…maybe drop in with those when you can! ❤️

    1. I can see why you need to take a step back, especially with a beloved granddaughter to focus on.

      Glad you like the reviews. This time of year is movie time, that’s for sure. Then again, for our little family, any time is movie time. 😉

  10. I’m not pushing the ‘like’ button because I don’t like any of this. I have decided to wait and see what he does, because I can’t worry about all the possibilities. I’m hoping that when he’s in office he’s as stupid as he was the first time, but I doubt it. This is much scarier because there’s no one to keep him in check.

    I will miss you. I hope you pop in once in awhile. I don’t know what my blog will be during the next 4 years or if I will continue. But we’ll see…right? 50% of the country did NOT vote for him and I hope we won’t just let our country go down the drain.

    Stay strong. There are lots of us out here who are on the right side of truth and decency.

    1. Oh, such kind words. No point in worrying about the next four years, I know. Except, I am one of nature’s great worriers, and I can’t seem to help myself.

      My big question is this: What is the point of writing about nature and simple pleasures as our country slides away from democracy into authoritarianism? That what I am grappling with right now.

      1. I understand your apprehension. But noticing and sharing beautiful things helps me remain sane. And maybe helps other people give themselves permission for small moments of peace too. We will see.

      2. And remaining sane is very important. I’ve had blogging friends tell me how much comfort they get from my pieces about living on the edge of the woods. Maybe that’s enough. I don’t know.

      3. Yes! It’s more than enough! Nature is so curative; even vicariously through your photos. I join the chorus of those who find your photos, book reviews and movie reviews helpful. We can have beauty, laughs and huge concerns about this country all at the same time. It’s a lot to hold all that; but it’s worth it.

  11. It’s been a challenging month, and as I read the cabinet picks and what’s going to be done on day one, I just don’t ever want to read or watch the news again. Some of us who are in an older bracket can’t imagine spending the winter of our years with this in the forefront for the next four years. I hope you will just take the break you need and then stop back in when you feel like it. You and I will stay in touch like always. I shopped at Aldi this morning, and I was moved by all the women (there were no men that I saw) who willingly handed off their cart to the next person without retrieving their coin and wishing that person a Happy Thanksgiving. There are still a lot of good people in this country, but the clowns get all the press. Have a nice Thanksgiving with your family.

    1. For some reason, your response moved me to tears. It’s wonderful knowing that you are just two hours south, that we will stay in touch. Lovely story about the women and the shopping carts.

      Yes, there are still a lot of good people in this country. Important to keep that in mind.

      A very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, too.

  13. Laurie, I am so with you and you will be missed. Thanks for the quote from Mrs. Miniver. My father served in the RAF during WW II, and I know he would be appalled at the state of his adopted country. I hope we can stay in touch. Art is saving my soul right now, and you are following my art blog so you can see what I’m working on. I’m not quite ready to resist, but I have many good friends (men and women) in our little red town, deep in the heart of Texas, with whom I can commisserate and, eventually, I hope, resist this horror! (I sent you a Facebook friend request.)

    1. Now that we are Facebook friends, we will certainly stay in touch. Art, in all its forms, is a great consolation. I’ve been whipping through novel after novel. This, with a little chocolate, really does help me feel better.

  15. It’s depressing and pretty frightful to know that we live among an enormous number of people who think it’s ok that a mob-inciter/convicted felon should be the president. And, as we know, I’m mentioning only a couple of the many negatives that pertain to Trump.

    1. Right? It’s like a stab in the heart. Winthrop, where I live, went for Harris, but by less than 200 votes. Now, our town is small—6,000 residents. But still…

      Once upon a time, people, in all seriousness, used to ask if Hitler’s Nazi Germany could happen here. Ask no longer.

    1. Oh, thanks so very much! I must admit that right now I don’t feel very wise or positive. Instead, so sad, so confused, and, yes, a little angry, too.

      I am hoping to regain my equilibrium so that I can return to celebrating the seasons and the small joys of life.

  17. I will miss your lovely blog, but I understand exactly why you are doing it. It is a turbulent time world wise..and Australia is no exception.

    Many thanks for your interesting blogs and recommendations of music and movies, especially during Covid, it helped us to get through a difficult time.

    In my early blogging days I always appreciated you and Judy reading and commenting on my posts, regardless of the topic….it gave me confidence!
    Best wishes to you and your family…and let’s hope for better times.

    1. Many, many thanks! Yes, all around the world it is turbulent.

      I always looked forward to your posts, which highlighted such a beautiful part of the world, one I was unfamiliar with. So, thank you!

  19. You may well be making the right decision, however much your regular readers will miss your updates. It is a very worrying time all over the world.

    I try to avoid politics in my posts but I think of them all the time. It is hard to see much upside at the moment. Fight the good fight.

    1. Yes, a rightward turn all over the world. Both sad and scary. It is hard to see the upside, but in my own small way I will continue to resist.

      Is it hard for you to avoid politics in your post? Especially when you are thinking about it all the time? I probably will return to writing on my blog, but I’m not sure what the mix should be.

      One thing is certain…the 2000s, starting with George Bush and 9/11, sure has been a smack across the head. We did get Barack Obama, so it hasn’t been all bad, but holy cats, what a two decades it has been.

  20. So, to add to the coming horrors, we will now have a lack of news from Maine. What a mess the world is in! That’s why I’ve always tried to stay out of politics. I would say that you should accentuate the positive and try to blank out the negatives but I suppose you have already thought of that, and anyway, it’s a bit like saying “Don’t think of the White Bear!”

    1. Thanks so very much for the ind words! Yes, what a mess. Eventually I’ll get a grip, but it will take a while. This second time seems even worse than the first time. How could so many people, knowing what Trump is like, vote for him? I keep trying to understand. Not easy.

      2. Oh, brother! That Doug Ford sounds like a gem. (Not really!) And I’ve heard Trudeau is in real trouble. Will another country bite the dust after its next election?

      3. Difficult to say. All world politics seems to be in a mess at the moment. Someone sent me a friend request on FB (I’m only on for the numismatic Society) and his page seems to be full of anti-immigrant rants with a strong thread of racism. I think I’m quite right wing, but I’m nothing compared to these people. When we gave everyone the vote we should have imposed an IQ requirement.

  22. Ah, Laurie!!! Take as much time as you need. After a morning of nausea and anxiety after the election, I got a grip and told myself 1) I couldn’t do what I did during Trump 1.0, 2) I needed to see just enough news to be a responsible citizen, 3)I needed to take care of my health, goals, spiritual life and communities, and 4) keep hope alive and not be afraid to take action. It sounds sort of like what you want to do. Good luck!

    1. Yes, hard though it might be, we do need to get a grip. Life goes on. But, holy cats! What a man and what a country. Discouraging.

      Thanks so much for the kind words.

  24. That is a beautiful song and great video, Laurie. Thank you, dear friend!

    Come back when you are ready. I too, will miss the calming words and pictures from Maine. Look for the good wherever you can find it.

    1. That song really captures the spirit of the times. I’ve been listening to it every day.

      Thanks so much for the kind words. I expect I will be back. Just need time to regroup. To me, this time around seems worse than the first time, when Trump was relatively unknown. Well, now he is certainly known, and yet here he is, president. Again. Sigh.

  25. Dear Laurie, I hear you and feel for you. We do not live in an idyllic political landscape either – although our country is beautiful! Take care … let the steam work its way out of your system … focus on the positive … and allow your writing to free you from political upheavals. Love to you both.

  27. Dear Laurie, I was so sad to read this. Sad for the pain you continue to suffer, and sad that we will no longer be able to share in the events and experiences that help shape and bring joy to your life. But I do understand. Politics is a wretched business, particularly at the moment. But the good news is that politicians come AND GO!

    The last weeks have been horrendous for so many of us. However this too shall pass, and meanwhile you must look after yourself and stay strong. I hope you will feel able to return to your blog at some time in the future. Until then I send to you and Clif my sincere best wishes.

    1. Many, many thanks for the very kind words. I sure do hope that Trump goes in four years. He has been making noises that indicate he might run again, even though our country only allows for two presidential terms. But that is the way of the tyrant.

      I am hoping that after the holidays I will feel as though I can return to writing about life on the edge of the woods. But right now my heart isn’t in it.

      1. Mrs P and I have been speculating about that. From my studies of US history/politics (albeit half a century ago!), I’d like to believe that repealing the 22nd Amendment is one step too far, even for him. But in view of recent developments I guess nothing would surprise me. Let’s hope that good sense will prevail.

  28. Dear Laurie. I fully understand how you cannot concentrate on anything else. I am afraid your country has been heading this way for many years, yet hope recovery may be possible. You and all my other friends are very much in my thoughts. May you find joy in your lives. With love to you both and hoping to see your “Cheers” on the patio once again. XXX

    1. Derrick, you are so right. I’m tempted to say that Reagan started us down this poisoned path, but maybe it started even sooner, with Nixon. Anyway, here we are. Heartbreaking, at least to me. Thank you so much for the good wishes. They mean a lot to me.

  29. Sending love and hugs dear Laurie and I hope you can find a safe landing place inside that will give you the peace and love you need at this difficult time 💞💜💞 xxx

  30. I know we don’t have political blogs, but through our comments over the years I know how devastating this election was to us and so many others. I completely understand the need the take a back and regroup, but please know your weekly sharing of the simple joys of life in your lovely corner of the world will be very missed. I refuse to let them steal our simple joys and since the election I have created a boycott list and it continues to grow daily. I will not support corporations or individuals that are kissing the ring/giving all the money and have cancelled many things and am very happy to not be giving them my money. May run out of places to shop, but then I guess I’ll save more money. I only watch PBS news and read a few select newspapers/magazines and I’ve had to throw out some favorite sports jerseys and DVDs of his supporters because no matter how much people want to analyze or Democrats want to question everything, it is absolutely unacceptable and will always be unacceptable.

    1. Thank you so very much! Yes, to let them steal our simple joys would be terrible. On the other hand, to just write about life on the edge of the woods seems, well, so trivial. But maybe I’m looking at it the wrong way. Maybe we need everyday comforts to get us through the hard times that are surely coming.

    2. I live in the UK so things are better(ish) here. Like you I try to be selective about what I read / listen to / watch and where I spend my money – we forget how powerful our spending can be – but I have slipped a bit and you have challenged me to tighten up – Thank you.

      1. I know just what you mean. Because of my creaky knees, I do a fair amount of ordering online. But I also do my best to support local folks and my friends from all over.

  31. Laurie, I will miss your posts and certainly understand your decision. We are just keeping our heads down over here and hoping that it doesn’t get too nasty.

  32. I completely understand how your feel about the current situation in the US, Laurie…Take care of yourself – a break from blogging sounds like a good idea. As you say, time to regroup, reflect and recharge. I hope you find some solace…

  34. My neighbor, who grew up in Germany, emailed me: “This is what people want?” I told her, “I don’t understand America.” Be well. Come back.

  35. Dear Laurie,

    I understand how you feel and I admire you for having joined an advocacy group–thank you. Wisdom and power to you and your fellow advocates.

    I keep hoping that things won’t be as bad as we fear.

    Take care of yourself,

    Tanja

  36. Laurie I am so sad to read this. I will miss you. I am trying to imagine what it must be like to face 4 years of mayhem with virtually no brakes on what trump can do. Boris was bad enough but the checks and balances ameliorated his antics somewhat.I hope your women’s group can soften things at least locally. All power to your collective elbows.

    I quite understand your need for a break but personally I add my voice to those who would love to hear, when you can, that the simple pleasures continue. And what your group of activists get up to – who knows when we will need to have strategies too.

    Rest, reflect, roll up your sleeves but also remeber to enjoy loife – otherwise they have won.

    1. Thanks you so much for your kind words of support. I will probably return to blogging after the holidays, but right now I am so sad and discouraged that I just don’t have the heart to write about simple pleasures. I’ll recover. Can’t live like this for four years. Or more, depending on what happens in 2028. It was quite a blow to discover over half the voters thought it was just fine to have Trump for another four years. Sigh.

  37. I completely understand, Laurie. I’ve been in a very dark place and have responded by isolating. Except for blogging, I have no contact with the outside world. I’m furious and despairing and no fun to be around, that’s for sure. The quote was something I need to think about though. I might even feel a little better if I were taking action. Hugs, my friend. I know you’ll make a difference for someone, and that matters!

    1. I feel exactly the same way. Sigh. I, too.am despairing. It seems to me this country is on a very dark path. I hope I am wrong. Hugs from Maine. It is a comfort to know there are people like you in this country.

      1. There are a lot of us, Laurie. I’ve thought a lot about your joining a women’s advocacy group. That’s empowering. I like in a Red area and am keeping my head down, but I’m going to look into national organizations that may need help with letter-writing and phone calls. Thank you for that.

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