This is such a powerful piece, John. The point about building something whose outcome you may never see is especially thought-provoking. Like you, I love visiting cathedrals, especially those with roots in the Middle Ages: I like the feeling that they were built by a continuing community of transmitted knowledge spanning generations. Although much of this knowledge is now lost, we still enjoy the benefits.
Side note: I think a large part of the magic of cathedrals is their astonishing acoustics. Going inside, you enter a world of sound where individual voices are lost in a disembodied hum that seems to hover overhead. Banal hushed conversation is transformed into something that sounds celestial. And early church music is incredible in these spaces.
Could not agree more about the acoustics. I was imprinted at a very early age, in a very large church, singing (yes) Gregorian Chant. It just rolled around and around, lifting one (me) higher and higher every time.
I am not joking when I say it was like a psychedelic experience.
Ah...there you are. You were missed, and I hope the time "off" was regenerative. Feeling so beat up about the body, mind and soul these days, I completely agree that we are on our own. I have yet to figure out just how to cope with that, but I reach out toward those who are also stumbling in this darkness toward some kind of community. Keep sending those sublime piano interludes...and thank you. Long hope, indeed.
Thanks so much for the note you and Jeff sent, catching us up. I read it with (a) amazement at your gene pool; and amazement at how you've been blessed.
When I got to the line about Meghan becoming an empty nester, I was glad I had no coffee in my mouth to spit out.
Yes, we are constantly reminded of our age, but that one came out of the blue like a left hook I didn't see coming. I have such a clear memory of Meghan, Michael and I climbing Mount Washington, as a small group within the bigger group, and her being a knobby-kneed, baby-deer like creature. She obviously grew into non knobby-kneed woman. But that picture butting up against "empty nester" ... I'm still having trouble with it.
There you are! What a great line about news and world events! We can step away or focus on our mental health, but the daily profusion of information somehow tracks us down and finds us in the cave we've been sheltering in for a while.
Yes , it has been a long beautiful winter. Reminds me of snowstorms we had growing up and for that I am grateful. The bizarreness of the current administration leaves me shaking my head in disbelief and saying at the same time “ of course they did that“..without an ounce of doubt that the took another step towards destroying our democracy. I am clinging to the hope that the midterms will be the beginning of the end of the flagrant abuse of our country and the people.
Susan, I'm feeling better than I did a couple of months ago. Sure, all kinds of crazy stuff can happen. But the laws of political gravity can only be suspended for so long. This guy has been the luckiest bastard to ever live, dancing out of things that would have brought any normal person down. But the thing about luck is, it never holds forever.
I've been thinking a lot about this subject and look forward to the group's suggestions on ways to build community and contribute to the long-term success of our children's and grandchildren's future.
Hi Cindy, I hope you and Dave and Sam and Ben are all doing well.
Community is one big chunk of the answer. But you know, and I know, that is not a magic formula. It takes hard, hard work to keep a community together. Sacrificing a bit of our individuality for the sake of community doesn't come all that easy.
You and Dave come from a perspective of public service, so you already know that. But it can be done.
So good to see you back here, my friend. You once passed me your email address — may I use it now, John?
Absolutely. You've been on my mind a lot lately, hoping that you were finding some rest and peace. Would love to hear from you.
This is such a powerful piece, John. The point about building something whose outcome you may never see is especially thought-provoking. Like you, I love visiting cathedrals, especially those with roots in the Middle Ages: I like the feeling that they were built by a continuing community of transmitted knowledge spanning generations. Although much of this knowledge is now lost, we still enjoy the benefits.
Side note: I think a large part of the magic of cathedrals is their astonishing acoustics. Going inside, you enter a world of sound where individual voices are lost in a disembodied hum that seems to hover overhead. Banal hushed conversation is transformed into something that sounds celestial. And early church music is incredible in these spaces.
Oh, and here we are again, on another platform!
Could not agree more about the acoustics. I was imprinted at a very early age, in a very large church, singing (yes) Gregorian Chant. It just rolled around and around, lifting one (me) higher and higher every time.
I am not joking when I say it was like a psychedelic experience.
I really relate to that! Psychedelia, elevating consciousness… part of the purpose of cathedrals.
Ah...there you are. You were missed, and I hope the time "off" was regenerative. Feeling so beat up about the body, mind and soul these days, I completely agree that we are on our own. I have yet to figure out just how to cope with that, but I reach out toward those who are also stumbling in this darkness toward some kind of community. Keep sending those sublime piano interludes...and thank you. Long hope, indeed.
Thanks, Susan.
Yes, this has been like havin an abusive parent for ... how long now?
I haven't figured out how to cope with it either, though that is wht I consider to be my work now.
You connected two interesting points: Yes, we are on our own. And the next step, realizing that, is to strengthen the communities to which we belong.
But I suspect you already know that.
Welcome back John and Thank You for these thoughtful words and this beautiiful music.
Thanks, Kathleen.
And can I do two birds with one stone?
Thanks so much for the note you and Jeff sent, catching us up. I read it with (a) amazement at your gene pool; and amazement at how you've been blessed.
When I got to the line about Meghan becoming an empty nester, I was glad I had no coffee in my mouth to spit out.
Yes, we are constantly reminded of our age, but that one came out of the blue like a left hook I didn't see coming. I have such a clear memory of Meghan, Michael and I climbing Mount Washington, as a small group within the bigger group, and her being a knobby-kneed, baby-deer like creature. She obviously grew into non knobby-kneed woman. But that picture butting up against "empty nester" ... I'm still having trouble with it.
There you are! What a great line about news and world events! We can step away or focus on our mental health, but the daily profusion of information somehow tracks us down and finds us in the cave we've been sheltering in for a while.
Thanks so much, Gerorgia. A clear mind is always a prerequisite. Looking forward to our conversations.
I'm happy to see my Substack tab come alive again after a long cold lonely winter. Welcome back!
Whatever I can do to help, Kathy.
Yes , it has been a long beautiful winter. Reminds me of snowstorms we had growing up and for that I am grateful. The bizarreness of the current administration leaves me shaking my head in disbelief and saying at the same time “ of course they did that“..without an ounce of doubt that the took another step towards destroying our democracy. I am clinging to the hope that the midterms will be the beginning of the end of the flagrant abuse of our country and the people.
Susan, I'm feeling better than I did a couple of months ago. Sure, all kinds of crazy stuff can happen. But the laws of political gravity can only be suspended for so long. This guy has been the luckiest bastard to ever live, dancing out of things that would have brought any normal person down. But the thing about luck is, it never holds forever.
Welcome back john, l enjoy your posts and humanity. My 10c keep it simple! Enjoy what you can. Mother earth will sort out the human race.
Hey Robbie, always good to hear from you. It always makes me smile when I catch a picture of you and your family out and about.
And no truer words were ever said: We may think we are in control, but Mother Earth is having none of that. She will decide.
Missed yoo. Glad you're back!!
Good to see you yesterday, John!
I've been thinking a lot about this subject and look forward to the group's suggestions on ways to build community and contribute to the long-term success of our children's and grandchildren's future.
Hi Cindy, I hope you and Dave and Sam and Ben are all doing well.
Community is one big chunk of the answer. But you know, and I know, that is not a magic formula. It takes hard, hard work to keep a community together. Sacrificing a bit of our individuality for the sake of community doesn't come all that easy.
You and Dave come from a perspective of public service, so you already know that. But it can be done.