51 Comments
User's avatar
Lisa59's avatar

Good morning! 🤪 I have a Sesame street hangover. We took my sunshine to the live show last night. I was thinking if we all could behave and think like Sesame Street characters, the world will be a better place.

And right now the two thirds of the world is moving towards authoritarian rule.

Project 2025 is in full swing. This country is split right down the middle. Fucking stupid motherfucking narcissistic, bigoted, misogynistic voters. Half this country loves Shitpants. They're normalizing this bullshit. We're in deep shit. Yesterday, a stupid misogynistic Republican said women don't need mammograms because they kill women. Jesus Christ!!

I love your pictures. As always, you're a true artist at heart. You find the beauty in the broken and the beautiful of this world. Love you, sister❤️❤️❤️❤️

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

A Sesame Street Hangover. 😂😂😂 I'm sure that little guy of yours loved every minute of that!

RE: 2/3 of the world. Let's move to Canada! HA! Mark Carney is awesome and you're not far away! Seriously, I must cling to hope that this country will start the swing to normalcy. The backlash is getting stronger, more Democrats are winning elections in deep red districts. But in the meantime, I'm planning the next trip. Back to Spain. Alone. For 6 weeks. I'm considering it a retreat, to challenge and enrich myself. America just sucks right now. 🙄

THANK YOU for being my buddy and for the kindness... it means everything! 😘

Expand full comment
Charles Austin's avatar

I'm late. (Busy day, again) I guess I have the ability to tune out a lot of the bullshit. Being slammed with work helps. RFK Jr. is a looney! He's going to kill a lot of people. I'm not giving up. They'll have to plant me six feet under to stop me. As Churchill said: "If our story is to end here, let it be with us laying in the street choking on our own blood." We owe it to those who have gone before us.

Loved the photos and the music. A great cover of a great song. (Loved the upright bass!) Hang in there, we've got each other.😀😘

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Dude… you work like a crazy man! 😂 Churchill said that? Damn.

And the bird flu is supposed to be a doozy… RFK is a liar AND a looney!

We’ll be OK if we hang together!

Expand full comment
Charles Austin's avatar

It's that time of year. And the holiday made it a short week. Churchill said that right after Dunkirk, when Halifax and others in the cabinet wanted to sue for peace with Hitler.

Expand full comment
Jena Ball's avatar

Gorgeous!

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Hey Jena...thanks so much! An absolutely stunning country. ❤️❤️

Expand full comment
Jena Ball's avatar

I want to hear all about it! Keep writing!

Expand full comment
Don A in Pennsultucky's avatar

I feel fortunate when I read about a recall that doesn't affect me. Mostly because I buy as much as I can from farmers' markets or local farms. And the IGA gets a lot from local resources, too. And then there's whats in the freezer. Maybe a little frost burnt but still usable.

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Yes! Farmers Markets are wonderful ! And so what about a little freezer burn? Make soup!!

Expand full comment
Kay-El's avatar

Great rendition of Campbell’s classic. Thanks for sharing and welcome home.

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

You bet...Geoff understands music and I'm never disappointed with his discoveries!

Expand full comment
Diane’s Blue Forum's avatar

I agree. If I could take a long trip until things here are inviting, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Plus with the wisdom of citizens in other countries also horrified by TrumpCircus, you can still write and be an online activist from a happier country.

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

I just wish people would be good to one another. All this posturing and accusatory crap wears thin, especially since I experienced a culture where that didnt seem front and center. I know that no country is without its issues, but America seems in particular turmoil now. UGH! OH...Diane, thank you for the restack. :)

Expand full comment
Diane’s Blue Forum's avatar

It’s heartbreaking. We need smarter, younger leaders to grasp the rings from

Congress and the Cabinet. The old guard my age aren’t able to see the evil out there. We must stand strong and vote all of the maga/proTrump-Putin puppets out of office in 2026 and probably the next 50 years. I believe there are enough good people to beat them back at the polls.

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Could not agree more!!

Expand full comment
Charles Bastille's avatar

On the other hand, the courts are bludgeoning Susie and her sidekick at every turn. Citizens are taking over the few town halls Republicans are willing to hold. Harvard and its army of alumni are standing firm. And we have your photography.

We will prevail.

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

❤️❤️ Thanks, Charles. This morning did offer some nuggets hope!!

Expand full comment
Charles Bastille's avatar

I cling to them tightly when I see them, lol. :-)

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Hell yeah. Every nugget shred and fiber! 😂

Expand full comment
maggie towne's avatar

I guess I’m more of an optimist than you are Susan. I also know where this all came from. It’s been in the works for years and years. Read the 50501 treatise on how we got here. It really breaks it down …if you can’t find the link, let me know and I’ll send it to you.

I think there are a lot of good people in this country and I’m hoping that we will prevail .

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

I do believe there are a LOT of good people in America. I’m certainly hoping for the best possible outcome, where people can learn to get along with civility and honesty. Yes, the Republicans have been playing the long game and done it very well. 50501 is great…send the link! THANK YOU!

Expand full comment
maggie towne's avatar

I couldn’t figure out how to send it. It comes to me as a Substack subscription so if you subscribe to 50501 you’ll find it maybe a day or two ago

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Ok!! Thanks!

Expand full comment
Suzanne Whitaker's avatar

Susan, these photos are incredible. And all well said. I leave for Portugal and Italy on Saturday. As an American, I hope I am not met with mocking or sympathy eyes from the others when I get there. Did you experience that at all?

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

I did not experience anything negative at all. I'm trying to speak Spanish, and I think that was appreciated. People are people, right? My recent visit was cordial and polite. Take a TON of photos, Suzanne. Italy and Portugal are on my list! ❤️ Thanks so much!!

Expand full comment
Suzanne Whitaker's avatar

Will do! I have always wanted to go to the Amalfi Coast and I’m doing it! First time traveling by myself in another country!

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

OH WOW! My first time, I had an experienced traveler show me the ropes… he was great after I busted out TAKE ME WITH YOU… and he did! 🤣 But when I go again in November, I’ll be solo. You have to step out of your comfort zone and just GO! Looking forward to hearing about your adventure…safe travels! ❤️❤️

Expand full comment
Peter Wills's avatar

When people can’t see the trees for the forest Susan!! It’s really sad how susceptible people are to the misinformation cycle!!! As for not allowing a vaccine for avian flu that blood will be on RFK JR’s hands. We elect people to protect us, provide us medicine to keep us healthy but when one man who for years has been peddling unscientific conspiracy theories and then gets into a position to impart his own personal views we are in trouble.

Travelling, photography and getting the fuck out of the US to a better place is not a bad idea at all.

I’m thankful we elected Mark Carney even if he’s a mere two seats short of a majority I hope our parliament works with him!!!

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Oh yes! Mr. Carney is a polished, intelligent man...you are so lucky to have him.

RFKjr is a psycho! I fear his decisions will indeed kill people. Hence the reason to search for countries with safer medical practices and vigilant food standards.

HUGS to you Peter! Thanks!

Expand full comment
Peter Wills's avatar

I also wanted to tell you about a book I read Susan called, “The Blue Zones” written by Dan Buettner. He writes about the way of life in the world’s healthiest places. The simplicity of their way of life, ie: less is more, create yourself a daily happy hour etc..since reading this book I’m discovering myself how great it is to shut the brain off and live simply. Turn it off and live which I know is hard these days but my point being my friend find the simple pleasures and embrace them!!!

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

I love this Peter. Especially at this stage of life, it’s a smart direction to go. I think my next venture in November will be very challenging and enlightening. I’m hoping to find some balance as well as enrichment. I’ll look this book up! Thanks! 👍🏻

Expand full comment
Peter Wills's avatar

You’re welcome Susan ☺️

Expand full comment
Dan Beach's avatar

Thanks for this lovely respite. I envy your trip and the joy that travel out of this country provided you. Your photos are wonderful, and I love how succinctly you write. I'm too old to leave the country, so perhaps I will just have to respond to T in the 7-year old's language that he understands: "Nyah, Nyah," "Mine is bigger,", 8647, and TACO. Oh, and thanks for Molly Miller's music. She's terrific. Courage.

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Dan, I'm grateful you're here and appreciate your kind words.

Wasn't Molly marvelous!! I lose myself in music and photos and it helps keep me calmer! 💙💙✌️

Expand full comment
MattSMaine's avatar

Sadly; yes to all of this, Susan. Hopefully, your writing and this community (among other things) provides a measure of catharsis against the darkness and angst. And…Ms Spouse and I are already planning next year’s trip to Spain!

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Oh, that's wonderful! I'm going in mid-November. I'll report back! 😂 My travel teacher has helped me a lot...I stay in AirB&B's to save money and do a LOT of walking....which is a pleasure with the architecture and beauty all around!

We'll figure a way to get the other side! I appreciate you. Many thanks!

Expand full comment
Sharon Buchbinder, PhD's avatar

Thank you for coming home, even for a bit, to fight the good fight. I am enjoying your trips! xo

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Thanks, Sharon. 😊 I'm writing, calling, and donating. Plan to join a No Kings Protest. It's all so overwhelming to the mind and soul. Together we have to prevail!

Expand full comment
Charles Austin's avatar

We have one in Grove City.

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Hey, thats great! We just cant let up....

Expand full comment
Barbara Kobrin's avatar

Sad for you! Too bad you can’t see how to live your own life regardless of others!

Expand full comment
Lisa59's avatar

That's a bullshit comment. Judge much? Not here sweetie. Not Susan. Run along now.

Expand full comment
Charles Austin's avatar

❓❓

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

I'm not sure what you're trying to say. I actually can see how to live my life.

Expand full comment
Kay-El's avatar

Yeah, not getting the disconnect. Barbara restacks and likes many of the same people we do.

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

I'm confused. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Expand full comment
Tess's avatar

100% agree with your comments! We better get our shit together SOON!

Pictures are gorgeous-I can see why you were relaxed and want to go again! Hang in there (to all of us!) 😩❤️❤️

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Hi Tess! Thank you so much! Photography has been a great, relaxing hobby and helps me cope. I guess I'm tired of living on the edge, you know? Wondering what fresh hell is in store for today! 😂 We gotta hang together, for sure. ✌️

Expand full comment
Carl Selfe's avatar

I feel your pain. Who let the dogs out? We all did. Rabid dogs at that.

Expand full comment
Susan Niemann's avatar

Right... and I'll wager that even if and when this mess gets cleaned up, we'll do it again. Because, you know, Fox News. We're very susceptible to propaganda. 🙄

Expand full comment