Hey Show me gurl! It's me again. I must've really pissed somebody off. I'm locked out of my original replacement account...😜🙈
anyway, do you want to ditch everything and go to Patagonia with me? Drink yerba maté in a mud hut, make friends with the local mountain line and reforest a clear cut ancient Beach
That's a long list but I would start with Monsanto/Bayer.
But who knows, it could've been my last short meaningless with relationship.
Somebody that knows a hell of a lot more about the E world than I do.
I do know enough to know there's a password route force generator or keystroke logger type malware involved, at the very least.
Luckily, I've been conditioned throughout life to not be very attached to "stuff"
I've had a hell of a lot of stuff in my life. Ridiculously so. A lot of it really nice stuff. I've had to start all over three times. Gives one a good perspective.
I don't miss the cars, the homes, the vehicles, but I sure miss that sugar.....🤷♂️
I'm sorry, sometimes the 14-year-old boy in my head just breaks all boundaries. Grrrr 😜
My favorites are the Rodin museum with the reflection… just wow! And the bike, apt life clutter. Black and white photos have a whole different vibe and you’re an expert at shooting these! Thanks for sharing them…love your passion…it shows in all these captured moments. 🥰🙌
Best wishes to everyone for the Holiday season. I’m trying to find my holiday spirit this year but it seems so elusive. So when I wish you joy it’s from my heart. Safe travels Susan!
Thanks Nightmaher... I wish you good health and a peaceful soul...whatever it takes in this very abnormal time. Just cause it Christmas doesnt mean everything is jolly and bright! We have friends we've never met on Substack and I take great solace in that! HUGS!!
Spectacular photos. I follow you here, Susan, and always find value in your writing and restacks.
Even after decades of therapy and more than three years of mindfulness meditation, I am having a hard time taking care of myself right now. I’m finding that limiting my time here and on Bluesky is important. In particular, I’m finding Bluesky addictive and upsetting.
My dilemma about Substack is that I find community here. This post, and the hopeful comments, especially not letting the bastards take up space in my head, lifted me up.
Paula, I feel the same way. Exactly. Self care is more important than ever and likely the hardest time to achieve it. I have blocked or disconnected from those who hurt my soul. Finding community on Substack has not been a dilemma for me, but a valued support system. I have found like minded intelligent, caring people here… more so than even my sparse family can offer.
Let’s all keep doing that! Shout out to all of you…and Paula, I’m glad you like the photos. Come back, make yourself a priority and be well. ❤️❤️❤️
You took on a tough job. Every one of your photos is excellent. If it were me, I couldn't discard any of them. Love the BW of the Rodin Museum. Oh, that reflection! I got distracted today. Sorry I'm late to the post. I'm fighting the holiday blues. Could you give me a the purchase info for your photos again? Thanks and take care.😃😘
Hi Susan: You have shared some really great B & W photos in this newsletter, and they are very therapeutic in the difficult times we are going through. Thanks!
Thank YOU Albert...I'm so glad you enjoyed them. Working to keep my mind off things and try to focus on the good in life. The community on Substack is so positive and supportive...that helps. I appreciate you! 💙✌️
Susan Niemann: Dan Beach and Noel, below, are right: You are a real artist with the camera.
Susan: You have talents on so many levels. Your photographs are keepers.
I don't want you feeling "messed up" about 2025.
I will think of the Right-Wing only during an hour or so a day in which I take action for LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens -- founded 1929)) to combat the evil the Right will inflict on children and their mothers from the border.
I will ignore the Right Wing except for one hour a day dedicated to combat and opposition.
The rest of the day: Love Nancy -- the light and love of my life -- 53 years together, 51 married. Had a spat earlier where I couldn't STAND her, and now want to hug and kiss over her and we laugh, except . . . I have a case of bronchitis that I do NOT want to spread! Nancy and I argue like two toddler brother and sisters. And we can laugh afterwards.
So, most of the day, I am experiencing my LOVE for the dear woman in my life; I listen to string quartets of Dmitri Mikhailovich Shostakovich (Emerson Quartet) or impromptus of Franz Schubert (Alfred Brendel) . . .
Or read Plotin, "Enneaden" (tr. Richard Heddies Harder) . . .
Or read Timaios, Platon (übertragen Otto Apelt, Felix Meiner Verlag) . . .
Or read "Sing, Unburied, Sing" -- by Jesmyn Ward, whose prose is breathtakingly poetic . . .
Or regard albums of art of Sandro Botticelli, whose art reflects such breathtaking beauty endemic to the philosophy of Plato and Plotinus . . .
In other words, building my own spiritual integrity.
The stronger one's spirit is, the fresher to the battle.
Trump will get no rent-free space inside Armando's head.
We will fight; we will oppose; we will carry with all means necessary within the bounds of the law and principles of non-violence -- and non-violent opposition can be very offensive to the would-be tyrant; we will raise our voices; we will be heard; we will be seen.
Your memories and legacy from Tim, your music, your photography, your love of self and the persons around you, your considerable gifts -- you have so much worthwhile to say, that I can read your work as long as you publish.
You are one of the best.
You are wise to keep your strength, build up the person YOU are, and keep at it.
And we are the friends who love to read, to listen, to admire the photography, to listen to Tim's music.
You uplift me....and all of us with your positivity, Armand! I am very thankful for you and your friendship!! This is the community we all need to feel safe and cared for. 💙✌️
Susan Niemann: With 2025, we have not lost our Federal system, and blue state Governors are not taking neo-fascism idly.
23-hours a day for Susan, her love, her self-development.
One hour a day for focused opposition on a specific topic that is your own passion. Mine is the mistreatment of immigrants. But there are enough issues to go around.
Fight like hell during that hour, be it on social media, be it in meetings.
Then return to your loved ones and your own internal development.
I think I'll do a feature on this with the historical example of Rudolf Bultmann . . .
Take care of YOURSELF, Susan.
YOU are worthwhile, and I have grown in friendship with you.
What you do to NOURISH your mind and spirit, you do to grow in strength with friends.
We will not let the bastards keep us down.
They will NOT occupy our minds.
We WILL oppose; we will speak; we will write; we will be heard; we will be seen.
Oh, those cookies look so good...can't go there...Keto diet...need to lose more weight. But I'm keeping that recipe!
The photo collection is a feast for the eyes. The architecture of the Rodin Museum is utterly unique. And I marvel at the photo of Anapolis, MD - from the street level to the top of the spire on that building way back there? Impressive.
Oh, I hear ya, Carol. I'm at the stage in life where Im struggling to keep the weight off. But I like BAKING! 😂😂 I was in Annapolis tracking down ancestors in St. Annes cemetery there then treated myself to a walk down by the water...walking back up the hill, I saw that shot. Had to grab it! Thanks for being here...I really appreciate it. 💙✌️
Too funny about the photos. I turned three boxes into a coffee table half of the couch and a fourth of the floor and no time flat!
I have found my people ....🥰🤣😜
Hey Show me gurl! It's me again. I must've really pissed somebody off. I'm locked out of my original replacement account...😜🙈
anyway, do you want to ditch everything and go to Patagonia with me? Drink yerba maté in a mud hut, make friends with the local mountain line and reforest a clear cut ancient Beach
tree habitat?
can't blame me for trying .....🤷♂️
I would never know unless I ask.
That's a long list but I would start with Monsanto/Bayer.
But who knows, it could've been my last short meaningless with relationship.
Somebody that knows a hell of a lot more about the E world than I do.
I do know enough to know there's a password route force generator or keystroke logger type malware involved, at the very least.
Luckily, I've been conditioned throughout life to not be very attached to "stuff"
I've had a hell of a lot of stuff in my life. Ridiculously so. A lot of it really nice stuff. I've had to start all over three times. Gives one a good perspective.
I don't miss the cars, the homes, the vehicles, but I sure miss that sugar.....🤷♂️
I'm sorry, sometimes the 14-year-old boy in my head just breaks all boundaries. Grrrr 😜
😂😂😂😂😂😂 Well, I do have a passport....
Funny!
Did you have to redo your Substack account? Who did you piss off? 😂
My favorites are the Rodin museum with the reflection… just wow! And the bike, apt life clutter. Black and white photos have a whole different vibe and you’re an expert at shooting these! Thanks for sharing them…love your passion…it shows in all these captured moments. 🥰🙌
Love you, girl…hope it’s snowing for you! 😉
Thanks Joan! Finally got a touch of snow last night. After baking I hope to take a big walk in this winter wonderland! ❄️❄️❤️❤️
That Manhattan pic from Tucson, where were you? Hotel Congress?
All these are phenomenal though
I think it was Hotel Congress but I don’t recall. Near the Bario? And thanks Geoff!
Hotel Congress is in downtown, and it is a remnant from Prohibition. The Barrio is south, and it has its own character.
Man, now I miss Tucson...
Best wishes to everyone for the Holiday season. I’m trying to find my holiday spirit this year but it seems so elusive. So when I wish you joy it’s from my heart. Safe travels Susan!
Thanks Nightmaher... I wish you good health and a peaceful soul...whatever it takes in this very abnormal time. Just cause it Christmas doesnt mean everything is jolly and bright! We have friends we've never met on Substack and I take great solace in that! HUGS!!
Just spent the afternoon with my friend. She got the Burgundy "not sweater". As did my friend who turns 65 today. Love your photos, writing, and you.
Linda...thank you for being so cool. You're a kind, generous and wonderful human! We're all lucky to know you and we love our "not sweaters". :)
Spectacular photos. I follow you here, Susan, and always find value in your writing and restacks.
Even after decades of therapy and more than three years of mindfulness meditation, I am having a hard time taking care of myself right now. I’m finding that limiting my time here and on Bluesky is important. In particular, I’m finding Bluesky addictive and upsetting.
My dilemma about Substack is that I find community here. This post, and the hopeful comments, especially not letting the bastards take up space in my head, lifted me up.
Thank you, everyone.
Paula, I feel the same way. Exactly. Self care is more important than ever and likely the hardest time to achieve it. I have blocked or disconnected from those who hurt my soul. Finding community on Substack has not been a dilemma for me, but a valued support system. I have found like minded intelligent, caring people here… more so than even my sparse family can offer.
Let’s all keep doing that! Shout out to all of you…and Paula, I’m glad you like the photos. Come back, make yourself a priority and be well. ❤️❤️❤️
You took on a tough job. Every one of your photos is excellent. If it were me, I couldn't discard any of them. Love the BW of the Rodin Museum. Oh, that reflection! I got distracted today. Sorry I'm late to the post. I'm fighting the holiday blues. Could you give me a the purchase info for your photos again? Thanks and take care.😃😘
Hey Charlie… I hear ya about the holiday blues. UGH. Thats why i’m staying in Alaska till it’s over. 😂 ESCAPE! Hang in there…cause you are NOT alone.
Here’s the link to all the photo’s…I think. My organization skills suck when it comes to my pictures!
https://susanniemann.smugmug.com
Thanks. I'm gonna try being your sales agent.😆😆
😂😂 Always appreciated.
Remember, take no shit and be good to yourself!
I'm trying. I have a lot of shit to do between now and Jan. 1. That should keep me out of trouble for now.😆😆
Hi Susan: You have shared some really great B & W photos in this newsletter, and they are very therapeutic in the difficult times we are going through. Thanks!
Thank YOU Albert...I'm so glad you enjoyed them. Working to keep my mind off things and try to focus on the good in life. The community on Substack is so positive and supportive...that helps. I appreciate you! 💙✌️
I'm working on the hope and faith angle real hard and
your thoughts, the photographs, well, they speak to me
in this wedge of inbetween
...
batteries and bows and there's baby Jesus somewhere
beneath the Amazon boxes stacked like modern prayers
against the wall my ankle throbs with each genuflection
toward perfect presents perfect trees perfect everything
while the cats run jingling through the house like lost bells
searching for midnight mass in a megamall and I'm crying
again into cookie dough that won't taste like mother's
,
remember when stars meant something holy
not just decorations not just lights to untangle
year after year after year while the wise men
wait patiently in bubble wrap tissue paper shrouds
next to battery-operated peace on earth that keeps
shorting out leaving us in darkness where maybe
we might finally see that ancient star again
,
my fingers bleed wrapping paper cuts modern stigmata
while somewhere angels weep watching us swipe
credit cards instead of bowing heads and how did we
get here from there from straw to synthetic snow
from shepherds to shopping carts from magnificat
to markdown sales my God my God why have we
forsaken simplicity for same-day delivery
.
yet somewhere in me that five-year-old still kneels
wide-eyed before paper-wrapped possibilities still
believes in magic still sees stars as heaven's arrows
pointing toward wonder still cups faith like fireflies
in small palms still knows Christmas lives in spaces
between heartbeats between breaths between being
and believing still trusts in midnight miracles
,
the cat wears a santa hat and looks at me with disdain
while I hunt for that child's faith in dusty corners
behind grown-up doubts I'm excavating wonder
from beneath years of tinsel and tired traditions
working my way back to starlight pure and bright
as kindergarten prayers pure as possible pure as
that first gift given in a cradle of constellation light
.
I'm inching toward starlight on hands and knees now
like a child like a wise man like someone learning
to walk in faith again each step a small redemption
each memory a map back to believable miracles
back to when Christmas lived in the light caught
between eyelashes in the gasp of possible magic
in the simple act of looking up and believing again
"my God my God why have we forsaken simplicity for same-day delivery"
Perfectly said.
I went right back to that time of feeling so excited and happy with presents and tinsel and food and family. That was a magic time to believe in.
Thank you Gloria. ❤️
Love the pics. Thanks!
Great photos as usual. Hang in there! Something is gonna change for the better. I can feel it.
Oh Charles...I sure hope so. I cant help myself for doing all the reading! 😂 Hobbies and community are important! Thanks. 💙✌️
Great pics! Thanks for sharing...
Susan, the words...everyone has already said them before me. Photos are truly extraordinary!
Thats so encouraging, Jacquelyn…I so appreciate you saying so. And especially appreciate you being here. 💙💙✌️
Thank you Carlos! I appreciate you being here! 💙
Love the photo clean-out choices! All of them — beauties!
Hugs Haren! I need to get off my sorry ass and find new subjects! 🤣 THANKS!
Hugs back atcha❣️
Susan Niemann: Dan Beach and Noel, below, are right: You are a real artist with the camera.
Susan: You have talents on so many levels. Your photographs are keepers.
I don't want you feeling "messed up" about 2025.
I will think of the Right-Wing only during an hour or so a day in which I take action for LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens -- founded 1929)) to combat the evil the Right will inflict on children and their mothers from the border.
I will ignore the Right Wing except for one hour a day dedicated to combat and opposition.
The rest of the day: Love Nancy -- the light and love of my life -- 53 years together, 51 married. Had a spat earlier where I couldn't STAND her, and now want to hug and kiss over her and we laugh, except . . . I have a case of bronchitis that I do NOT want to spread! Nancy and I argue like two toddler brother and sisters. And we can laugh afterwards.
So, most of the day, I am experiencing my LOVE for the dear woman in my life; I listen to string quartets of Dmitri Mikhailovich Shostakovich (Emerson Quartet) or impromptus of Franz Schubert (Alfred Brendel) . . .
Or read Plotin, "Enneaden" (tr. Richard Heddies Harder) . . .
Or read Timaios, Platon (übertragen Otto Apelt, Felix Meiner Verlag) . . .
Or read "Sing, Unburied, Sing" -- by Jesmyn Ward, whose prose is breathtakingly poetic . . .
Or regard albums of art of Sandro Botticelli, whose art reflects such breathtaking beauty endemic to the philosophy of Plato and Plotinus . . .
In other words, building my own spiritual integrity.
The stronger one's spirit is, the fresher to the battle.
Trump will get no rent-free space inside Armando's head.
We will fight; we will oppose; we will carry with all means necessary within the bounds of the law and principles of non-violence -- and non-violent opposition can be very offensive to the would-be tyrant; we will raise our voices; we will be heard; we will be seen.
Your memories and legacy from Tim, your music, your photography, your love of self and the persons around you, your considerable gifts -- you have so much worthwhile to say, that I can read your work as long as you publish.
You are one of the best.
You are wise to keep your strength, build up the person YOU are, and keep at it.
And we are the friends who love to read, to listen, to admire the photography, to listen to Tim's music.
You uplift me....and all of us with your positivity, Armand! I am very thankful for you and your friendship!! This is the community we all need to feel safe and cared for. 💙✌️
Susan Niemann: With 2025, we have not lost our Federal system, and blue state Governors are not taking neo-fascism idly.
23-hours a day for Susan, her love, her self-development.
One hour a day for focused opposition on a specific topic that is your own passion. Mine is the mistreatment of immigrants. But there are enough issues to go around.
Fight like hell during that hour, be it on social media, be it in meetings.
Then return to your loved ones and your own internal development.
I think I'll do a feature on this with the historical example of Rudolf Bultmann . . .
Take care of YOURSELF, Susan.
YOU are worthwhile, and I have grown in friendship with you.
What you do to NOURISH your mind and spirit, you do to grow in strength with friends.
We will not let the bastards keep us down.
They will NOT occupy our minds.
We WILL oppose; we will speak; we will write; we will be heard; we will be seen.
We are stronger TOGETHER.
❤️❤️. Thanks Armand! I will take your advice!!
Oh, those cookies look so good...can't go there...Keto diet...need to lose more weight. But I'm keeping that recipe!
The photo collection is a feast for the eyes. The architecture of the Rodin Museum is utterly unique. And I marvel at the photo of Anapolis, MD - from the street level to the top of the spire on that building way back there? Impressive.
Thank you, Susan. Blessings and peace.
Oh, I hear ya, Carol. I'm at the stage in life where Im struggling to keep the weight off. But I like BAKING! 😂😂 I was in Annapolis tracking down ancestors in St. Annes cemetery there then treated myself to a walk down by the water...walking back up the hill, I saw that shot. Had to grab it! Thanks for being here...I really appreciate it. 💙✌️