Thank you for this! Commented on Facebook yesterday when I first read it, but want to reaffirm how much this resonated with me. In order to love my neighbor, that tricky commandment, often I find it best to use my best Mona Lisa smile and say little. There are many who assume I'm on their side, whichever that happens to be - is that being disingenuous? Many in my own (fundamentalist) family might be surprised about my change in perspective over time, my journey to the via media, and I wear the badge of Episcopalian rather loosely, while loving my parish and all its members. There is a time to keep silence and a time to speak, as the wise man said in Ecclesiastes. May God give us wisdom in our timing and love for our neighbors, whatever direction they lean.
Dear Mr Garrison, I totally agree you with about Ikea. I do like going there once or twice a year, imagining a new life for myself, full of possibilities with each interior presented. After a while though I begin to feel lost... Then, putting everything together piece by piece... There is a very amusing cartoon online about an Ikea interview which unfortunately I cannot attach here but do try to look it up. Please, don't start speaking out with too much of a filter. Respectfully, Jackie Poncelet
I agree. In Texas, guns are thought of as a fashion accessory and anyone can purchase one sane or insane. It makes for an unsettling and unsafe envirorment. And for the record, I also never owned a gun.
For your move to Texas, apparently you might consider Austin as an intermediate safe zone for your urge to be uninhibited. In 2000, they declared September 9 "Wonderful Weirdo Day" (slogan: Keep Austin Weird) and reputedly have continue its annual celebration. Enjoy tomorrow wherever you are.
What wonderful news! Your novel is finished! I think I'm writing a book, but getting to the point of saying "It's Done! It's Complete! It says what I wanted to say! It represents me well!" - I can't say I've really gotten there yet!
But, like walking, it works best if you pick up a foot and advance it into the air, once again! Perhaps, especially in this pandemic, it's important to think about the future as something tangible, something with accomplishments waiting to be done! Onward! Upward! That's the Spirit!
This column truly resonated with me as well. Most people assume, perhaps because pf my 71 years, that I am a hard core conservative, until I express an opinion. I've lived what I've lived and I know what I know.. That's enough for me at this stage of my life.
Long an atheist, I was ardently raised in a Northern IL Lutheran Church by parents from Bloomer and New auburn, WI. I guess what really turned the tide for me was when the Pastor who taught my 7th Grade Confirmation class, patiently explained to us how evil Roman Catholics were and that we are all born with "original sin". He didn't clarify the concept to my liking or understanding, but I extracted from that lesson that I entered this world already on my way to Hell and I would spend eternity there with the Roman Catholics. There fore, I have matured into accepting the Universe and World as it is, without losing sleep over what mark I may leave in it.
And that's enough for me.
Thank you for your thoughtful and entertaining writing.
and how Chopin is danced is marvelous, too. Jerome Robbins caught it in his Dances in the Night, many phases of love. Enjoy and explore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djszTv5bb7Q
Christopher Moore mentions IKEA in his book, "The Stupidest Angel." Several zombies rise up from their graves with a longing for brains and a trip to Ikea...
Today is September 11, 2021. I read your line about sitting under a prairie landscape with blue sky, and thought of blue sky, thirty years ago. I was living in California when I went to visit my father in Upstate New York. Because of the "long haul versus short haul " difference in air fares, I got a bargain flight, LAX to JFK, and then went to Grand Central Station to take the AMTRAK train the rest of the way. I was doing the "Small Town Tourist Gawks at New York Skyscrapers" thing, when I stood on a corner not far from the train station. I looked across the street and saw the upper stories of the Twin Towers against a blue sky. But then, suddenly, it was as if a cloud passed over. In front of my eyes, the towers disappeared. There was nothing but the rims of the nearby buildings, and BLUE SKY!. In my mind, I clearly felt a message: "The next time you stand here, those buildings won't be there."
It was such a strange experience to have the sense of a preposterous prophecy, that I told no one then, in the 1980s. "They'd think you're CRAZY," I thought to myself. Gradually, the image faded. I retired to Central New York to greet the New Millennium, and found myself in a Ukrainian Pentecostal Church. "You've got to see where we come from!" my pastor exclaimed. His wife, one of his sons and I agreed to travel together, so I could get a feeling of what life was like in their home country. As part of the travel preparations, I needed to get a US Passport, and have a visa stamped at the Ukrainian Embassy. I drove down to New York City and parked at a "$5 All Day!" lot that stacked cars one on top of the other, not far from the Holland Tunnel. As the combination of traffic lights would have it, I found myself on that same corner, not far from Grand Central Station, once again. I looked south across the street, and there it was. That same building in the foreground, with nothing but blue sky as background! That vision had come true!
In our church we have a tradition that anyone, man or woman, young or old, can "Bear Witness" when something extraordinary happens. When I came back from New York, I bore witness to my premonition. When I went with our church group to visit other similar immigrant churches, my pastor would ask me to tell the World Trade Center premonition from the pulpit as a "witness". "What does it mean?" several people asked. I really didn't know. I said something about the Tower of Babylon" how folks from several nations had been in that building, too.
I still don't know what it means. However, when I think of Joan of Arc's vision, my Twin Towers vision really serves in my mind as confirmation of her veracity. To me, those who condemned her were the short-sighted ones! I don't know why such things happen, but I know for certain that they do!
There is a story that I would like to encourage you to write. I can
only outline it with my words, yours are so much more articulate.
For the last week our country has been struggling with the agonizing
memory of the last 20yr. Story after story has been written about the
lives lost, the struggles, and the courage displayed by many. That is
only fitting and proper.
Approximately six thousand American lives were lost, either in the tower
attack or in the long combat mission that followed. The entire nation
honors them and speeches are given about national unity and shared
values. At the same time, during that last week or so, another six
thousand American lives were lost to the pandemic, the same number that
we are agonizing over, but now in a single week, and the contrast
couldn't be more stark. On the national stage it is as though they
never existed or mattered, or that we care.
Those attempting to fight the pandemic are vilified, threatened and
condemned. Dr. Fauci needs a body guard, people wearing masks are
jeered and the masks forcibly removed. Deranged governors threaten
those who would dare protect our children by having them wear a piece of
cloth in order to protect themselves and others. It has somehow become
our right to ignore the safety and well being of our neighbors by
refusing to follow the simplest of requests--wear a mask. What a
horrible imposition! Better to let our neighbor die.
Six thousand American dead in just the last week, equal to the entire
loss in the towers and 20yr of combat. And likely another six thousand
in the next week and the next, all of which could be prevented, but we
don't have the will.
For Years my husband and I have listened to you and followed you on radio, we appreciate your story telling and humor. Please keep writing and stay well and happy.
Thank you for this! Commented on Facebook yesterday when I first read it, but want to reaffirm how much this resonated with me. In order to love my neighbor, that tricky commandment, often I find it best to use my best Mona Lisa smile and say little. There are many who assume I'm on their side, whichever that happens to be - is that being disingenuous? Many in my own (fundamentalist) family might be surprised about my change in perspective over time, my journey to the via media, and I wear the badge of Episcopalian rather loosely, while loving my parish and all its members. There is a time to keep silence and a time to speak, as the wise man said in Ecclesiastes. May God give us wisdom in our timing and love for our neighbors, whatever direction they lean.
Thanks for this. Just so you know, you’re getting through.
Dear Mr Garrison, I totally agree you with about Ikea. I do like going there once or twice a year, imagining a new life for myself, full of possibilities with each interior presented. After a while though I begin to feel lost... Then, putting everything together piece by piece... There is a very amusing cartoon online about an Ikea interview which unfortunately I cannot attach here but do try to look it up. Please, don't start speaking out with too much of a filter. Respectfully, Jackie Poncelet
This world needs a little more Chopin and a lot less Woke. Well done GK.
If you're thinking about moving to Texas and speaking your mind, you better get a gun.
Never had a gun and why break a perfect record?
I agree. In Texas, guns are thought of as a fashion accessory and anyone can purchase one sane or insane. It makes for an unsettling and unsafe envirorment. And for the record, I also never owned a gun.
For your move to Texas, apparently you might consider Austin as an intermediate safe zone for your urge to be uninhibited. In 2000, they declared September 9 "Wonderful Weirdo Day" (slogan: Keep Austin Weird) and reputedly have continue its annual celebration. Enjoy tomorrow wherever you are.
A preview of my next (tomorrow's) blog:
Wonderful Weirdo Day:
https://thebickerstaffblog.blogspot.com/2021/09/wonderful-weirdo-day-september-9th.html
A proposed anthem for Wonderful Weirdo Day:
What a Wonderful Weird (to tune of What a Wonderful World):
https://thebickerstaffblog.blogspot.com/2021/09/what-wonderful-weird.html
What wonderful news! Your novel is finished! I think I'm writing a book, but getting to the point of saying "It's Done! It's Complete! It says what I wanted to say! It represents me well!" - I can't say I've really gotten there yet!
But, like walking, it works best if you pick up a foot and advance it into the air, once again! Perhaps, especially in this pandemic, it's important to think about the future as something tangible, something with accomplishments waiting to be done! Onward! Upward! That's the Spirit!
This is a beautiful, honest, poetic piece!
Anne Applebaum of The Atlantic has an excellent article on the illiberal left. I commend it to you.
I shall wait for my copy to be delivered.
It may be an older piece, so: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/10/new-puritans-mob-justice-canceled/619818/?utm_source=feed
This column truly resonated with me as well. Most people assume, perhaps because pf my 71 years, that I am a hard core conservative, until I express an opinion. I've lived what I've lived and I know what I know.. That's enough for me at this stage of my life.
Long an atheist, I was ardently raised in a Northern IL Lutheran Church by parents from Bloomer and New auburn, WI. I guess what really turned the tide for me was when the Pastor who taught my 7th Grade Confirmation class, patiently explained to us how evil Roman Catholics were and that we are all born with "original sin". He didn't clarify the concept to my liking or understanding, but I extracted from that lesson that I entered this world already on my way to Hell and I would spend eternity there with the Roman Catholics. There fore, I have matured into accepting the Universe and World as it is, without losing sleep over what mark I may leave in it.
And that's enough for me.
Thank you for your thoughtful and entertaining writing.
Than you for this Garrison...today...all days...
Yes, to the grandeur of the open spaces, grasshopper jaws, pony's ears and Chopin. This is my favorite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDSxPiFOrEY
and how Chopin is danced is marvelous, too. Jerome Robbins caught it in his Dances in the Night, many phases of love. Enjoy and explore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djszTv5bb7Q
Christopher Moore mentions IKEA in his book, "The Stupidest Angel." Several zombies rise up from their graves with a longing for brains and a trip to Ikea...
Today is September 11, 2021. I read your line about sitting under a prairie landscape with blue sky, and thought of blue sky, thirty years ago. I was living in California when I went to visit my father in Upstate New York. Because of the "long haul versus short haul " difference in air fares, I got a bargain flight, LAX to JFK, and then went to Grand Central Station to take the AMTRAK train the rest of the way. I was doing the "Small Town Tourist Gawks at New York Skyscrapers" thing, when I stood on a corner not far from the train station. I looked across the street and saw the upper stories of the Twin Towers against a blue sky. But then, suddenly, it was as if a cloud passed over. In front of my eyes, the towers disappeared. There was nothing but the rims of the nearby buildings, and BLUE SKY!. In my mind, I clearly felt a message: "The next time you stand here, those buildings won't be there."
It was such a strange experience to have the sense of a preposterous prophecy, that I told no one then, in the 1980s. "They'd think you're CRAZY," I thought to myself. Gradually, the image faded. I retired to Central New York to greet the New Millennium, and found myself in a Ukrainian Pentecostal Church. "You've got to see where we come from!" my pastor exclaimed. His wife, one of his sons and I agreed to travel together, so I could get a feeling of what life was like in their home country. As part of the travel preparations, I needed to get a US Passport, and have a visa stamped at the Ukrainian Embassy. I drove down to New York City and parked at a "$5 All Day!" lot that stacked cars one on top of the other, not far from the Holland Tunnel. As the combination of traffic lights would have it, I found myself on that same corner, not far from Grand Central Station, once again. I looked south across the street, and there it was. That same building in the foreground, with nothing but blue sky as background! That vision had come true!
In our church we have a tradition that anyone, man or woman, young or old, can "Bear Witness" when something extraordinary happens. When I came back from New York, I bore witness to my premonition. When I went with our church group to visit other similar immigrant churches, my pastor would ask me to tell the World Trade Center premonition from the pulpit as a "witness". "What does it mean?" several people asked. I really didn't know. I said something about the Tower of Babylon" how folks from several nations had been in that building, too.
I still don't know what it means. However, when I think of Joan of Arc's vision, my Twin Towers vision really serves in my mind as confirmation of her veracity. To me, those who condemned her were the short-sighted ones! I don't know why such things happen, but I know for certain that they do!
There is a story that I would like to encourage you to write. I can
only outline it with my words, yours are so much more articulate.
For the last week our country has been struggling with the agonizing
memory of the last 20yr. Story after story has been written about the
lives lost, the struggles, and the courage displayed by many. That is
only fitting and proper.
Approximately six thousand American lives were lost, either in the tower
attack or in the long combat mission that followed. The entire nation
honors them and speeches are given about national unity and shared
values. At the same time, during that last week or so, another six
thousand American lives were lost to the pandemic, the same number that
we are agonizing over, but now in a single week, and the contrast
couldn't be more stark. On the national stage it is as though they
never existed or mattered, or that we care.
Those attempting to fight the pandemic are vilified, threatened and
condemned. Dr. Fauci needs a body guard, people wearing masks are
jeered and the masks forcibly removed. Deranged governors threaten
those who would dare protect our children by having them wear a piece of
cloth in order to protect themselves and others. It has somehow become
our right to ignore the safety and well being of our neighbors by
refusing to follow the simplest of requests--wear a mask. What a
horrible imposition! Better to let our neighbor die.
Six thousand American dead in just the last week, equal to the entire
loss in the towers and 20yr of combat. And likely another six thousand
in the next week and the next, all of which could be prevented, but we
don't have the will.
For Years my husband and I have listened to you and followed you on radio, we appreciate your story telling and humor. Please keep writing and stay well and happy.