Because I listened to The Prairie Home Companion I can hear your voice when I read your words. Thank you for this post, I needed the pictures your voice painted.
I would love to read one day when and how you discovered that reminding people of the simple things in life they once experienced would be your calling in life. Beautiful piece of writing this morning. Thank you.
We were with you at Tanglewood! What a wonderful evening—a magical place, marvelous weather and a superlative show. Garrison, I only can hope that I have your acuity at 82. The show was terrific: Rich, Fred and the amazing Heather Masse were right there and contributed to a special night. I too sang the national anthem, wiping tears from my eyes. Tanglewood was a “bucket list” birthday journey for me. Every Saturday night we gathered to hear you on the radio, sitting next to the woodstove and munching on a post supper snack. To see you and the gang in person was truly a special time. Thank you!
Thank you. Very very nice to read before any news. Perspective.
Just yesterday a friend from Massachusetts was telling me about her wonderful time in the Berkshires and all the lovely places and definitely Sturbridge and Norman Rockwell museum.
Sturbridge is lovely as well, home to a living, late 18th, early 19th century homestead museum. Down the Pike from Stockbridge, where you’ll find the Rockwell Museum as well as a beautiful quintessential New England town. Come and visit it all! Massachusetts may be small but we have lots to see!
There are also two interesting house museums near Tanglewood, former homes of Herman Melville and of Edith Wharton. Sturbridge is about 72 miles to the east - not in the Berkshires.
I too was at the Rockwell museum and saw you! Long time fan, and agree that Rockwell is an under appreciated artist. I was especially impressed he left the Post in 63 because they asked him to only portray black people in service positions. A good reminder of what a principled life looks like.
Presidents take a risk with executive orders. The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order occasioned by military expediency and not a done deal until ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment. (Congress could have effectively countermanded it, which Lincoln well understood.) Roosevelt's Rural Electrification Administration was established by executive order but not fully funded by legislation for a year. Visionary leaders gauge public sentiment and act accordingly. Executive orders are an opportunity to expedite bold and progressive ideas. This, on the other hand...
Interesting comments. Seems like every time President Biden issued an executive order, someone or some organization from the political right wing would rush to Texas and file a lawsuit before one of the reactionary federal judges and said executive action was put on hold for months or possibly years. Funny how things change.
I was in the audience at Tanglewood on Saturday. We very much enjoyed the show. Both of us have seen you in your one-man shows, and we attended a live PHC at Tanglewood many years ago. A problem this time, though, was the sound system. We sat in the box seats so we were not that far back, but we could make out only about 50% of the dialogue and song lyrics, particularly those of the singers, and especially Heather. Others around us -- of all ages-- said they had the same problem. The song parodies eluded us. We're grateful, though, that we could understand your monologues, Garrison, as they are always wonderful.
My husband and I had a great time at your Tanglewood performance. We were fortunate to have seats in the center of row 9 so were able to see and hear everything clearly. The people sitting on either side of us were from Maine and I’m sure that many of the audience members had traveled even farther than they did.
It was funny that you mentioned “Moby-Dick” because my husband had just told the person next to him that, “We live in Acushnet, MA, named after the whaling ship that Herman Melville sailed on before he wrote your favorite novel.” He always mentions that when he meets someone, and usually they laugh. (I “had to” read it in 8th grade English, but only got about 2/3 of the way through and have never been tempted to try to read it again.) He also tells people that our wedding took place on the 1/2-scale whaling ship in the New Bedford Whaling Museum because the toilets weren’t functioning in the Seamen’s Bethel, where we were supposed to have been married. (Some of the scenes involving Gregory Peck were filmed there for the old Moby-Dick movie.)
My grandmother, who moved to Concord when she was four and lived there for the rest of her life, used to recite this old (and still relevant) Concord poem to us:
Listen my children and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of a bottle of beer.
Through the valley and over the fence;
Bring back the bottle and you get five cents.
By the way, I loved the way you attributed the political commentary in your monologue to a Lake Wobegon resident - very creative!
Little imaginings are a precious thing. Thanks for the inclusion of the image of Norman Rockwell. I inherited the large print book of his work, depicted therein, from my dear Aunt Kay Haley. I shall make some time today to revisit those magnificent and sentimental imaginations of Mr. Rockwell. And even though looking through that book will conjure a memory of a flash flooding in my apartment in Hollywood, CA, many moons ago, which revealed a fabulous black mold content hidden beneath the carpeting and in the walls, that undoubtedly the slumlord knew about, it will be a joy to revisit that slightly damaged book.
‘Stockbridge’ is in a lyric of a song my not yet aged brain can’t quite grab, thinking JT…on my bucket list to tour the great NE…and your wonderful summer evening, and yes your ‘voice,’ are a nice respite this morning (Thank You for what you do!)
Voice is such a puzzle, how do these little pixels I am reading covey your voice? I can hear the resonance bass in my head…damn, a bit spooky…voices in your head have so many issues…
And Rockwell painted America for many, a heartland more than a location…something magical and wonderful as well…And he too had the ability of the projected image of normal, simpler, heartfelt, his voice of an America.
Not AI, not Tick-Tick, no Instagram…something more meaningful and profound.
Lake Wobegon too is more real in a wonderful way and a place we can all journey to and enjoy, and jokes and music (and I have always loved the name Wobegon.) it makes me smile on so many level…because in warmth and wealthy in a richness unmeasured.
We enjoyed the show at Tanglewood. We sang along with you and I was moved to tears by the National Anthem. Been listening to the Wailing Jennie’s ever since. (Spelling?) loved seeing the magnificent lawn and hedges at Tanglewood. We remember when our boys were young and how they played frisbee there.
Last Friday your column was titled “Last words on the MAGA man”. Apparently, you were just kidding. Just stop, it’s not what I read your column for. I hear enough from CNN and FOX.
When the country has been duped into electing a president who's a fraudster, a liar, a convicted felon, someone who doesn't hesitate to accuse dark-skinned people of eating our dogs and cats, keeping quiet about the corrupt scoundrel and his enablers is not something any patriotic American or any friend of America should do. But telling people to shut up about it is worse than remaining silent. So I'd like to suggest that you instead of Garrison Keillor should be the one to stop.
Also, you should never watch Fox. They had to pay more than three quarters of a billion dollars just for their lies (which many people still believe, or in most cases only pretend to believe) about the 2020 election.
Not sure about "destructive" but certainly coarse, vulgar, crude and obscene. For concerned adults/parents, it could be a worthwhile "teaching moment," an opportunity to point out the difference between a good person with decent character and respectibility versus - well, thump.
If Trump does it, you don't like it. It could be something really good and you would find a way to criticize. I think you should stick to your day job rather than pretend to be an expert in geopolitics. Like I said before, Trump lives rent free in your heart, soul, and mind.
Still no light from this guy who pops up regularly to defend his cult leader without ever addressing any of the actual reasons behind Garrison Keillor's criticism. "They're eating the dogs! They're eating the cats!" Better get offline and check on your pets, Thomas M Cook! P.S. He's never going to be able to force your "religious" rules on Americans, so maybe think twice about your unconditional love for a lying rapist, fraudster and wannabe kleptocratic dictator. "Vote for me and you'll never have to worry about voting again." Really smart choice you've made, Thomas M Cook.
What incredible insight, do you have to offer, Thomas M Cook?
Your purpose seems to be only as an antagonist-not much thought.
Why should your opinion matter?
Your anger is evident, but only ever directed at fellow Americans who simply do not embrace your political ideology. Last time I checked, that concept-individual thought and approach-does Make America Great Again. Since Trump, are we not allowed to agree to disagree?
Your argument is always based on juvenile assumptions-name calling I expect from a 12 year old.
Your commentary is tiresome, but useful. It illustrates the IQ of a MAGA enthusiast who simply wants to sling mud. Because this is America, it’s allowed.
God forbid Trump gets his way and tries to force all of us to embrace and live his backward and skewered vision with him at it’s helm.
Read some real history-the pattern for autocrats never end well.
Diversity of opinion is actually what moves humanity forward.
One need only look at North Korea to see how it looks when humanity stagnates.
Thomas M Cook, that idiotic blather about Haitians eating our dogs and cats and Americans never having to worry about voting again came directly from the mouth of your cult leader, but of course you're fine with it. Just giddy about it, no doubt. "When you're a star, they let you do anything." Evidently "they" in this case means people like Thomas M Cook. 👹😿🐶👺
Thomas, I really think Trump is incapable of doing something good (let alone 'really good ') so I won't hold my breath. While I read GK's comments on him, and thank they're out of place, I must say GK doesn't always consult me before posting what he writes. Seems to me, as is the manner of most trumpsters, YOU let GK live rent free in your head.... Just don't read him !
Gene, you are a logical, clear thinking guy. I don't often agree with you but I respect the way you say things. You are right, I shouldn't read his (GK's) hyperbolic blather. I am a big fan of The Writer's Almanac and have read it for years, perhaps I should stick to it, and avoid his never ending political writings. No promises, but a fair suggestion.
Because I listened to The Prairie Home Companion I can hear your voice when I read your words. Thank you for this post, I needed the pictures your voice painted.
I would love to read one day when and how you discovered that reminding people of the simple things in life they once experienced would be your calling in life. Beautiful piece of writing this morning. Thank you.
Jesus called us to put on His yoke, so there is the Peace of God in this.
We were with you at Tanglewood! What a wonderful evening—a magical place, marvelous weather and a superlative show. Garrison, I only can hope that I have your acuity at 82. The show was terrific: Rich, Fred and the amazing Heather Masse were right there and contributed to a special night. I too sang the national anthem, wiping tears from my eyes. Tanglewood was a “bucket list” birthday journey for me. Every Saturday night we gathered to hear you on the radio, sitting next to the woodstove and munching on a post supper snack. To see you and the gang in person was truly a special time. Thank you!
Thank you. Very very nice to read before any news. Perspective.
Just yesterday a friend from Massachusetts was telling me about her wonderful time in the Berkshires and all the lovely places and definitely Sturbridge and Norman Rockwell museum.
And how I must visit. “Grace.”
Sturbridge is lovely as well, home to a living, late 18th, early 19th century homestead museum. Down the Pike from Stockbridge, where you’ll find the Rockwell Museum as well as a beautiful quintessential New England town. Come and visit it all! Massachusetts may be small but we have lots to see!
Thank you very much. Lots to discover.
There are also two interesting house museums near Tanglewood, former homes of Herman Melville and of Edith Wharton. Sturbridge is about 72 miles to the east - not in the Berkshires.
Thank you so much.
Dear God how I've missed you! So glad you are on substack! Please continue to remind us that we are good people.
I too was at the Rockwell museum and saw you! Long time fan, and agree that Rockwell is an under appreciated artist. I was especially impressed he left the Post in 63 because they asked him to only portray black people in service positions. A good reminder of what a principled life looks like.
It gives me comfort to learn that about Rockwell. Thank you for sharing.
Presidents take a risk with executive orders. The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order occasioned by military expediency and not a done deal until ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment. (Congress could have effectively countermanded it, which Lincoln well understood.) Roosevelt's Rural Electrification Administration was established by executive order but not fully funded by legislation for a year. Visionary leaders gauge public sentiment and act accordingly. Executive orders are an opportunity to expedite bold and progressive ideas. This, on the other hand...
Definitely on the other hand.
Interesting comments. Seems like every time President Biden issued an executive order, someone or some organization from the political right wing would rush to Texas and file a lawsuit before one of the reactionary federal judges and said executive action was put on hold for months or possibly years. Funny how things change.
I was in the audience at Tanglewood on Saturday. We very much enjoyed the show. Both of us have seen you in your one-man shows, and we attended a live PHC at Tanglewood many years ago. A problem this time, though, was the sound system. We sat in the box seats so we were not that far back, but we could make out only about 50% of the dialogue and song lyrics, particularly those of the singers, and especially Heather. Others around us -- of all ages-- said they had the same problem. The song parodies eluded us. We're grateful, though, that we could understand your monologues, Garrison, as they are always wonderful.
My husband and I had a great time at your Tanglewood performance. We were fortunate to have seats in the center of row 9 so were able to see and hear everything clearly. The people sitting on either side of us were from Maine and I’m sure that many of the audience members had traveled even farther than they did.
It was funny that you mentioned “Moby-Dick” because my husband had just told the person next to him that, “We live in Acushnet, MA, named after the whaling ship that Herman Melville sailed on before he wrote your favorite novel.” He always mentions that when he meets someone, and usually they laugh. (I “had to” read it in 8th grade English, but only got about 2/3 of the way through and have never been tempted to try to read it again.) He also tells people that our wedding took place on the 1/2-scale whaling ship in the New Bedford Whaling Museum because the toilets weren’t functioning in the Seamen’s Bethel, where we were supposed to have been married. (Some of the scenes involving Gregory Peck were filmed there for the old Moby-Dick movie.)
I am from Concord, MA so I enjoyed your references to several of the Concord authors. I recently read a wonderful biography of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Glad to the Brink of Fear” by James Marcus - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/13/books/review/james-marcus-glad-to-the-brink-of-fear.html.
My grandmother, who moved to Concord when she was four and lived there for the rest of her life, used to recite this old (and still relevant) Concord poem to us:
Listen my children and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of a bottle of beer.
Through the valley and over the fence;
Bring back the bottle and you get five cents.
By the way, I loved the way you attributed the political commentary in your monologue to a Lake Wobegon resident - very creative!
Little imaginings are a precious thing. Thanks for the inclusion of the image of Norman Rockwell. I inherited the large print book of his work, depicted therein, from my dear Aunt Kay Haley. I shall make some time today to revisit those magnificent and sentimental imaginations of Mr. Rockwell. And even though looking through that book will conjure a memory of a flash flooding in my apartment in Hollywood, CA, many moons ago, which revealed a fabulous black mold content hidden beneath the carpeting and in the walls, that undoubtedly the slumlord knew about, it will be a joy to revisit that slightly damaged book.
‘Stockbridge’ is in a lyric of a song my not yet aged brain can’t quite grab, thinking JT…on my bucket list to tour the great NE…and your wonderful summer evening, and yes your ‘voice,’ are a nice respite this morning (Thank You for what you do!)
Voice is such a puzzle, how do these little pixels I am reading covey your voice? I can hear the resonance bass in my head…damn, a bit spooky…voices in your head have so many issues…
And Rockwell painted America for many, a heartland more than a location…something magical and wonderful as well…And he too had the ability of the projected image of normal, simpler, heartfelt, his voice of an America.
Not AI, not Tick-Tick, no Instagram…something more meaningful and profound.
Lake Wobegon too is more real in a wonderful way and a place we can all journey to and enjoy, and jokes and music (and I have always loved the name Wobegon.) it makes me smile on so many level…because in warmth and wealthy in a richness unmeasured.
God I miss simple and truthful!
Ryan Collay - The JT song is Sweet Baby James.
Thanks! Wow of course, now it's from Stockbridge to ??? On account of that frosting ..so Boston?
He bombed because Netanyahu has stolen the world spotlight, and it rained on his parade.
We enjoyed the show at Tanglewood. We sang along with you and I was moved to tears by the National Anthem. Been listening to the Wailing Jennie’s ever since. (Spelling?) loved seeing the magnificent lawn and hedges at Tanglewood. We remember when our boys were young and how they played frisbee there.
Last Friday your column was titled “Last words on the MAGA man”. Apparently, you were just kidding. Just stop, it’s not what I read your column for. I hear enough from CNN and FOX.
Then don’t read GK’s column. His words on the First Felon are true, enlightening, & entertaining.
Great idea, thanks!
Then don’t read GK’s column. His words on the First Felon are true, enlightening, & entertaining.
When the country has been duped into electing a president who's a fraudster, a liar, a convicted felon, someone who doesn't hesitate to accuse dark-skinned people of eating our dogs and cats, keeping quiet about the corrupt scoundrel and his enablers is not something any patriotic American or any friend of America should do. But telling people to shut up about it is worse than remaining silent. So I'd like to suggest that you instead of Garrison Keillor should be the one to stop.
Also, you should never watch Fox. They had to pay more than three quarters of a billion dollars just for their lies (which many people still believe, or in most cases only pretend to believe) about the 2020 election.
And the “F bomb” the First Felon dropped on our children’s ears was also very destructive.
Not sure about "destructive" but certainly coarse, vulgar, crude and obscene. For concerned adults/parents, it could be a worthwhile "teaching moment," an opportunity to point out the difference between a good person with decent character and respectibility versus - well, thump.
If Trump does it, you don't like it. It could be something really good and you would find a way to criticize. I think you should stick to your day job rather than pretend to be an expert in geopolitics. Like I said before, Trump lives rent free in your heart, soul, and mind.
Trump is incapable of “good” to any degree. Sad😢
Still no light from this guy who pops up regularly to defend his cult leader without ever addressing any of the actual reasons behind Garrison Keillor's criticism. "They're eating the dogs! They're eating the cats!" Better get offline and check on your pets, Thomas M Cook! P.S. He's never going to be able to force your "religious" rules on Americans, so maybe think twice about your unconditional love for a lying rapist, fraudster and wannabe kleptocratic dictator. "Vote for me and you'll never have to worry about voting again." Really smart choice you've made, Thomas M Cook.
Great stuff Dana, keep it coming. The citizens of Utopiaville wait with bated breath for your idiotic blather. GK might have some real competion.
What incredible insight, do you have to offer, Thomas M Cook?
Your purpose seems to be only as an antagonist-not much thought.
Why should your opinion matter?
Your anger is evident, but only ever directed at fellow Americans who simply do not embrace your political ideology. Last time I checked, that concept-individual thought and approach-does Make America Great Again. Since Trump, are we not allowed to agree to disagree?
Your argument is always based on juvenile assumptions-name calling I expect from a 12 year old.
Your commentary is tiresome, but useful. It illustrates the IQ of a MAGA enthusiast who simply wants to sling mud. Because this is America, it’s allowed.
God forbid Trump gets his way and tries to force all of us to embrace and live his backward and skewered vision with him at it’s helm.
Read some real history-the pattern for autocrats never end well.
Diversity of opinion is actually what moves humanity forward.
One need only look at North Korea to see how it looks when humanity stagnates.
Thomas M Cook, that idiotic blather about Haitians eating our dogs and cats and Americans never having to worry about voting again came directly from the mouth of your cult leader, but of course you're fine with it. Just giddy about it, no doubt. "When you're a star, they let you do anything." Evidently "they" in this case means people like Thomas M Cook. 👹😿🐶👺
Thomas, I really think Trump is incapable of doing something good (let alone 'really good ') so I won't hold my breath. While I read GK's comments on him, and thank they're out of place, I must say GK doesn't always consult me before posting what he writes. Seems to me, as is the manner of most trumpsters, YOU let GK live rent free in your head.... Just don't read him !
Gene, you are a logical, clear thinking guy. I don't often agree with you but I respect the way you say things. You are right, I shouldn't read his (GK's) hyperbolic blather. I am a big fan of The Writer's Almanac and have read it for years, perhaps I should stick to it, and avoid his never ending political writings. No promises, but a fair suggestion.