It’s taken me this many days to respond to this post…that’s how I know we are both still on the same page …again…more depressed and desperate every day. Working out more. Trying not to read as much bad stuff. One foot in front of the other. One day at a time…hang in there Susan. Love your art, especially the spider web!
Full Tilt Boogie here in Canada eh.. will see my big Sis’s ‘New York’ slide show re our Great Aunt Anne & iconic Mercedes Benz i mentioned to you & BBQ as well !
Serendipity knocked on my pet property via a Twitter homie & her Endeavours with JALOPENA .. mebbe a ‘pathway or portal opened & Turks & Caicos Islands gonna be stoked to meet grateful Canadians coming back & with a distinct Aim of ‘giving back - with a ‘Legacy - Design/Built - Cinematic Venture.. Hell ! Where does one SignUp for 30 shooting days On Location - Grace Bay Beach & Princess Alexandra National Marine Park ? May have found an opportunity to assist CAN/USA Veterans enjoy an actual Holiday on Island .. THAT has my Attention !
smokin photos.. damn you do surprise .!. great ‘vibe in yer stuff .. hey ! 1st Monarch caterpillar spotted yesterday mid Toronto.. 🦎🏴☠️🌶️
How I’m doing is just like us all. I find comfort the Substack community lets us come together in solidarity. I only have a few friends who aren’t Old Pumpkin Heads deciples. I was at a picnic on July 4th and was surprised and gratified to be sitting with a table with Pumpkin Head haters! We had a great time no one telling me to not talk about Politics (my daughter). She usually sits with me but she wisely sat with the other side. She asked me on the ride home what we were all jabbering and laughing about at my table. I told her the Pumpkin Head was what we all had in common and we decided next event we were all going to save each other seats because we all had the greatest time together.
Since my husband passed 3 years now I have had no one to agree with me about Pumpkin Head until Substack and now my new friends I met on July 4th. I’m cancer free for now and finally getting back to my old self again since my bout with Sepsis. I loved the pictures especially the spider web! Have a safe trip and enjoy yourself Susan!
Once again Susan, your photography is both spiritual, therapeutic and simply beautiful! With indications that President "Meathead's" health is in decline, maybe we'll have a divine intervention and the bastard will just drop dead in office very soon. Then the country will be free from the malignant cancer that is killing our democracy and driving all of us crazy. As Charles Bastille said, "I feel like now we are in the endgame of this horror show"! Let's hope so!
Hey, thanks so much. Taking pictures is good therapy for me! And that Charles...isn't he something! ❤️ Anyway, I'm looking forward to the felon's obituary, that's for sure!
"Good wifi and a cold IPA. Nice way to start a weekend."
Wow, your friend has a lot of booze in the house! (haha)
Those photos are great. Glad you find such peace from creating them.
My body told me the day before the election that we were about to hit the skids when I had a stroke. I truly believe that my body knew before the rest of us did. I've been told by different people on different occasions I have some of that, whatever *that* is. It's not an ability to predict the future, or I'd be at the horse track every night. It's just something undefined. Sometimes a general feeling will take over, a sense of dread, maybe, or a hunch things are about to turn for the better, usually in my personal life. It's always different. I'm sure I'm not alone in this.
So, here's the thing. I feel now like we are in the endgame of this horror show. I can't explain it, but it has felt that way to me for a couple of weeks. With MAGA in open rebellion over Captain Enigma and his band of predators, and with him suffering from what looks to me like congestive heart failure (which vampire Barbie called "chronic venous insufficiency," lol), and him falling asleep on the regular (this is another sign of serious heart disease), it may be that this feeling is for real.
Neither Vance nor any of the others can provide the glue to hold MAGA together when he goes, which I think he will soon. Vance would have to pick a VP, but that pick would be an idiot, too. None of them can hold the cult together.
When he dies, we will all have time to reflect on what we've become. I believe in the goodness of most people, that the terrible ones leave the biggest footprint. Now, of course, they control the government. We can change that, too.
"I feel now like we are in the endgame of this horror show."
Words I needed to hear, Charles. I have asked my self time after time, "how much more"...
It's been horrible way to live, not knowing what the next day... make that hour, is going to bring.
"When he dies, we will all have time to reflect on what we've become."
Gosh, I hope so. I hope people can somehow get a damned grip. We need a leader who will project strength AND goodness and work to bring out the better parts of people.
I value our online friendship... Sincerely, thank you.
The great photos just keep coming. (Oh that sunset!😀😀) I've been stupid busy, which helps. My appetite hasn't been good. I try to avoid humans whenever I can. Too many fence post stupid people! Have fun in Minnesota.😀😘
Minnesota has delivered a sister from another mister! HAHA! Lisa is a gem. Food and drink tonight and shopping tomorrow - it's been very helpful for my mental state! Love ya, Charlie. You know I appreciate you!
As far as your sanity, well-being, your Soul -- You, my dear friend, are in very good shape.
You include yet again from your generous, wondrous gifts in photography. You are an artist.
The pictures reveal much about your spirit. Your soul.
You are very, very deeply spiritual, deeply loving, deeply decent and good, and have tremendous artistic gifts.
The arts are the backbone of a great civilization.
By sharing your humane values and your natural gifts, you have a healthy response in reaching out for friendship.
I, for one, consider it a deeply felt, warm feeling of PRIVILEGE to extend to you my hands and hugs of warm friendship.
As Professor Joyce Vance never tires to remind us -- "We are in this together."
For a light moment, think of Joyce Vance's delightful chicken coop and the system of justice that prevails there as a fable for society, with the kitties and dogs as guardians, the rooster to do what roosters do, and the hens, as so many females who do the really useful stuff around the coop and the real ones that sustain the economy and society of the coop.
Joyce Vance's imagery of the happy hens, their eggs and chicks, and their tolerance of the rooster and the kitties and dogs, always brings to me a smile on my face.
Oh, Joyce is SUCH a treasure! And your observations there are spot on.
You lift my spirits, Armand... the last several days have felt so heavy. I feel your hug! And I thank you for it-and your friendship. I'm so grateful. 💙💙💙
Yes. Once again, great photos. Inspiring. One of the ways I have coped is thru Substack. Being able to speak "among friends," has been an outlet for me. And I have found so many talented writers (you included, of course) and political cartoonists. I think what artist Ann Telnaes has produced during the past 6 months has been an amazing record of the travesty in DC. And will doubtless be referred to by historians. But it has also provided moments of hilarity, and a depth of truth; she nails it. And, after all, out of despair must come humor. (I'm sure there's a relevant 'saying,' but I can't think of it.)
You are so right about Ann and the other great political cartoonists. And there are so many talented writers, something for every interest and taste. I'm glad you stop by and visit with me! 🥰 It's a great platform, bringing like minded people together like this. I think we all need the connection of 'friends we've never met' more than we realize.
would like to learn more of this specific topic.. any good ‘starting points’ to suggest ? Am a ‘bear.. re advocacy for Political Lampooning .. Cartooning .. 🦎🏴☠️🍁
Second-this America at the moment sucks- totally agree! I get sick reading news items throughout the day so I am telling myself to slow down- I don’t have to read everything? ( do I?? Haha)
I have some friends and we get together weekly- although politics does enter we do have much needed laughter( and wine). Hang in there Susan -when you look at those beautiful sunsets- tell yourself things are going to get better. (And damn it they better!) Have fun with your Minnesota friend!!!🥂❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Great pictures that lift me up. I am like you as I feel helpless to do anything about this situation that is really getting worse by the min. Where will we go from here? First we need to clean up this out of control White House.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the photos...they help me stay sort of sane. 😂
I have no idea what's next, but clean up in the WH is indeed a first step.
And this little community is so fortifying... I need these connections with you and the others. It helps, knowing there are good people out there! Hugs, Fernie!
I hear ya, gurl, I hear ya. I am yearning to feel the way I did when Joe was prez. Now, the constant anxiety and the stomachache that accompanies it is just bullshit.
I usually have good luck when I remind myself that people are pretty resilient but man, it’s getting tougher. Good thing for good friends, good beverages, and good talks. Does wonders for the soul, doesn’t it?
Susan, I feel as you do and sleeping well has become a fleeting memory.
I do love your photos , the spider web, the mushroom and even the gravel road out in the country has aquamarine tinged gravel. Your first photo is ethereal and I love the color. Thank you for giving me moments of appreciation for nature. It’s been so
Ungodly hot that I’ve had to stay indoors a lot this Summer with my bad knee.once it’s replaced this Fall I’m hoping to travel myself. Have a wonderful weekend with your friend.
Oh...the HEAT! UGH! Unbearable. Thanks for the kind words...photography helps take my mind off things. (I do tend to mess with colors sometimes... it's kinda fun!)
As JoJo says, Stay Sanish. I love that! Thanks for being there... it is appreciated!
FYI the long ballot effectively splits the votes taking enough votes away from the incumbent running causing them to in most cases lose their seats ☺️! Kinda creative 😉!
It’s taken me this many days to respond to this post…that’s how I know we are both still on the same page …again…more depressed and desperate every day. Working out more. Trying not to read as much bad stuff. One foot in front of the other. One day at a time…hang in there Susan. Love your art, especially the spider web!
Joanne... Yes...it was getting bad. I was physically feeling the effects.
Be sure to read my last piece....it's should cheer you up a little. From my Stupid File. 🤣
And thanks for your kind words. Taking pictures is a kind of release. 🙏
BTW, the white toadstool is a highly toxic amanita.
Good to know...I would NEVER consume anything I wasn't sure about!! ✌️
Full Tilt Boogie here in Canada eh.. will see my big Sis’s ‘New York’ slide show re our Great Aunt Anne & iconic Mercedes Benz i mentioned to you & BBQ as well !
Serendipity knocked on my pet property via a Twitter homie & her Endeavours with JALOPENA .. mebbe a ‘pathway or portal opened & Turks & Caicos Islands gonna be stoked to meet grateful Canadians coming back & with a distinct Aim of ‘giving back - with a ‘Legacy - Design/Built - Cinematic Venture.. Hell ! Where does one SignUp for 30 shooting days On Location - Grace Bay Beach & Princess Alexandra National Marine Park ? May have found an opportunity to assist CAN/USA Veterans enjoy an actual Holiday on Island .. THAT has my Attention !
smokin photos.. damn you do surprise .!. great ‘vibe in yer stuff .. hey ! 1st Monarch caterpillar spotted yesterday mid Toronto.. 🦎🏴☠️🌶️
Many thanks, Thomas!! ✌️
Beautiful photos. Thank you. May you find some solace on your beautiful farm.
Morning, Jill. Appreciate this... 🥰 I'm sure we'll get through it somehow. Some days are tougher than others. Have a good weekend!!
How I’m doing is just like us all. I find comfort the Substack community lets us come together in solidarity. I only have a few friends who aren’t Old Pumpkin Heads deciples. I was at a picnic on July 4th and was surprised and gratified to be sitting with a table with Pumpkin Head haters! We had a great time no one telling me to not talk about Politics (my daughter). She usually sits with me but she wisely sat with the other side. She asked me on the ride home what we were all jabbering and laughing about at my table. I told her the Pumpkin Head was what we all had in common and we decided next event we were all going to save each other seats because we all had the greatest time together.
Since my husband passed 3 years now I have had no one to agree with me about Pumpkin Head until Substack and now my new friends I met on July 4th. I’m cancer free for now and finally getting back to my old self again since my bout with Sepsis. I loved the pictures especially the spider web! Have a safe trip and enjoy yourself Susan!
Oh, I just love hearing all your positive news! Except losing your husband...I know I think of and miss Tim every day.
Substack has been so good to meet like minded people and feel you have a "tribe".
CANCER FREE!!! WOO HOO!!! Keep up the great progress! 😘 Thanks for being here with me! It means a lot.
Once again Susan, your photography is both spiritual, therapeutic and simply beautiful! With indications that President "Meathead's" health is in decline, maybe we'll have a divine intervention and the bastard will just drop dead in office very soon. Then the country will be free from the malignant cancer that is killing our democracy and driving all of us crazy. As Charles Bastille said, "I feel like now we are in the endgame of this horror show"! Let's hope so!
Hey, thanks so much. Taking pictures is good therapy for me! And that Charles...isn't he something! ❤️ Anyway, I'm looking forward to the felon's obituary, that's for sure!
Thank you for being here!
✌️
"Good wifi and a cold IPA. Nice way to start a weekend."
Wow, your friend has a lot of booze in the house! (haha)
Those photos are great. Glad you find such peace from creating them.
My body told me the day before the election that we were about to hit the skids when I had a stroke. I truly believe that my body knew before the rest of us did. I've been told by different people on different occasions I have some of that, whatever *that* is. It's not an ability to predict the future, or I'd be at the horse track every night. It's just something undefined. Sometimes a general feeling will take over, a sense of dread, maybe, or a hunch things are about to turn for the better, usually in my personal life. It's always different. I'm sure I'm not alone in this.
So, here's the thing. I feel now like we are in the endgame of this horror show. I can't explain it, but it has felt that way to me for a couple of weeks. With MAGA in open rebellion over Captain Enigma and his band of predators, and with him suffering from what looks to me like congestive heart failure (which vampire Barbie called "chronic venous insufficiency," lol), and him falling asleep on the regular (this is another sign of serious heart disease), it may be that this feeling is for real.
Neither Vance nor any of the others can provide the glue to hold MAGA together when he goes, which I think he will soon. Vance would have to pick a VP, but that pick would be an idiot, too. None of them can hold the cult together.
When he dies, we will all have time to reflect on what we've become. I believe in the goodness of most people, that the terrible ones leave the biggest footprint. Now, of course, they control the government. We can change that, too.
One great photo at a time. :-)
"I feel now like we are in the endgame of this horror show."
Words I needed to hear, Charles. I have asked my self time after time, "how much more"...
It's been horrible way to live, not knowing what the next day... make that hour, is going to bring.
"When he dies, we will all have time to reflect on what we've become."
Gosh, I hope so. I hope people can somehow get a damned grip. We need a leader who will project strength AND goodness and work to bring out the better parts of people.
I value our online friendship... Sincerely, thank you.
"I value our online friendship."
Likewise! Thanks 🙂
The great photos just keep coming. (Oh that sunset!😀😀) I've been stupid busy, which helps. My appetite hasn't been good. I try to avoid humans whenever I can. Too many fence post stupid people! Have fun in Minnesota.😀😘
Fence post stupid...😂😂😂 aint THAT the truth. 🙄
Minnesota has delivered a sister from another mister! HAHA! Lisa is a gem. Food and drink tonight and shopping tomorrow - it's been very helpful for my mental state! Love ya, Charlie. You know I appreciate you!
Aren't you adorable!!! 😅 I think we we're separated at birth. Hahaha!
There's no doubt..... hey...I'm getting very very sleepy. 😳😝
Love ya.
Susan Niemann: Dear, dear friend.
As far as Nazism, read today's post by "Kiwiwriter" about the 100th anniversary of "Mein Kampf" --
https://kiwiwriter47.substack.com/p/today-is-the-100th-anniversary-of#:~:text=%20at%20Auschwitz
As far as your sanity, well-being, your Soul -- You, my dear friend, are in very good shape.
You include yet again from your generous, wondrous gifts in photography. You are an artist.
The pictures reveal much about your spirit. Your soul.
You are very, very deeply spiritual, deeply loving, deeply decent and good, and have tremendous artistic gifts.
The arts are the backbone of a great civilization.
By sharing your humane values and your natural gifts, you have a healthy response in reaching out for friendship.
I, for one, consider it a deeply felt, warm feeling of PRIVILEGE to extend to you my hands and hugs of warm friendship.
As Professor Joyce Vance never tires to remind us -- "We are in this together."
For a light moment, think of Joyce Vance's delightful chicken coop and the system of justice that prevails there as a fable for society, with the kitties and dogs as guardians, the rooster to do what roosters do, and the hens, as so many females who do the really useful stuff around the coop and the real ones that sustain the economy and society of the coop.
Joyce Vance's imagery of the happy hens, their eggs and chicks, and their tolerance of the rooster and the kitties and dogs, always brings to me a smile on my face.
Oh, Joyce is SUCH a treasure! And your observations there are spot on.
You lift my spirits, Armand... the last several days have felt so heavy. I feel your hug! And I thank you for it-and your friendship. I'm so grateful. 💙💙💙
Susan Niemann: It is because you are a wonderful, deep person.
The friendship, the hugs are always there for you!
Yes. Once again, great photos. Inspiring. One of the ways I have coped is thru Substack. Being able to speak "among friends," has been an outlet for me. And I have found so many talented writers (you included, of course) and political cartoonists. I think what artist Ann Telnaes has produced during the past 6 months has been an amazing record of the travesty in DC. And will doubtless be referred to by historians. But it has also provided moments of hilarity, and a depth of truth; she nails it. And, after all, out of despair must come humor. (I'm sure there's a relevant 'saying,' but I can't think of it.)
You are so right about Ann and the other great political cartoonists. And there are so many talented writers, something for every interest and taste. I'm glad you stop by and visit with me! 🥰 It's a great platform, bringing like minded people together like this. I think we all need the connection of 'friends we've never met' more than we realize.
THANKS DAN!!!
would like to learn more of this specific topic.. any good ‘starting points’ to suggest ? Am a ‘bear.. re advocacy for Political Lampooning .. Cartooning .. 🦎🏴☠️🍁
First- great photos!
Second-this America at the moment sucks- totally agree! I get sick reading news items throughout the day so I am telling myself to slow down- I don’t have to read everything? ( do I?? Haha)
I have some friends and we get together weekly- although politics does enter we do have much needed laughter( and wine). Hang in there Susan -when you look at those beautiful sunsets- tell yourself things are going to get better. (And damn it they better!) Have fun with your Minnesota friend!!!🥂❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
LOL No... we dont have to read everything....but it's hard not to, right? 😂
Wine helps. Friends gathered here help. Sunsets help.
Tess, I'm grateful. Thanks for always saying the right thing. ✌️❤️
Great pictures that lift me up. I am like you as I feel helpless to do anything about this situation that is really getting worse by the min. Where will we go from here? First we need to clean up this out of control White House.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the photos...they help me stay sort of sane. 😂
I have no idea what's next, but clean up in the WH is indeed a first step.
And this little community is so fortifying... I need these connections with you and the others. It helps, knowing there are good people out there! Hugs, Fernie!
I hear ya, gurl, I hear ya. I am yearning to feel the way I did when Joe was prez. Now, the constant anxiety and the stomachache that accompanies it is just bullshit.
I usually have good luck when I remind myself that people are pretty resilient but man, it’s getting tougher. Good thing for good friends, good beverages, and good talks. Does wonders for the soul, doesn’t it?
Love, love, love the photos. Beauties, all.
🩷💖🩷
"good friends, good beverages, and good talks" We'll be having all that soon. Miss you! If it hadn't been for Substack, I would never have met you!
❤️❤️❤️
Susan, I feel as you do and sleeping well has become a fleeting memory.
I do love your photos , the spider web, the mushroom and even the gravel road out in the country has aquamarine tinged gravel. Your first photo is ethereal and I love the color. Thank you for giving me moments of appreciation for nature. It’s been so
Ungodly hot that I’ve had to stay indoors a lot this Summer with my bad knee.once it’s replaced this Fall I’m hoping to travel myself. Have a wonderful weekend with your friend.
Oh...the HEAT! UGH! Unbearable. Thanks for the kind words...photography helps take my mind off things. (I do tend to mess with colors sometimes... it's kinda fun!)
As JoJo says, Stay Sanish. I love that! Thanks for being there... it is appreciated!
Stay safe 💕
You too, Sharon! HUGS! 🤗
FYI the long ballot effectively splits the votes taking enough votes away from the incumbent running causing them to in most cases lose their seats ☺️! Kinda creative 😉!
SMART!!