I’m 75 and have stopped going to local church because felt a bit of a fraud - have no belief in a deity - also - tedium of dreary priests. Decided at my age to give up things I no longer enjoy. I do visit cathedrals - love history, music, architecture, art and do like to sit and feel the hopes/fears/love of all the people who have lived in these places ‘Thin places’ I think they’re called. There is an ancient stone circle (mini Stonehenge) in the Lake District (UK) high up amongst fells. I have the same feeling there - a thin place. I love the vastness of the Universe, space exploration and we minute specks belonging/evolving here. My hero is Charles Darwin. I’ve read and listened to you for many years - keep going! Thank you! 🙏🏼
Michele, thank you and so pleased to meet you. I’m not good with ‘tech’ and not even sure what Substack is! Have followed Garrison one way or another for a long time! 😘
Sorry to hear of your loss of faith, sounds like you were a Catholic which seems to have proportionately more defectors than other denominations (we've had several in my Lutheran church). I'm a semi-retired chemist, not a Biblical literalist, and dwell in both scientific and theological spheres. The 1st is belief (not dependent on an earthly person) and the2nd is acceptance of factual information. And yes the history, art, and especially the music make my personal faith come alive.
Thank you Bob - yes, Catholic & have known many lovely people & priests. Stopped saying the Creed a while ago (then during Covid, in diverse online Masses - joined in for the Confiteor & the homily if the priest was interesting) & kept going locally for ‘community’ for a while but am relieved to have left ‘church’ behind. Thoughtfulness and kindness is all.
I now live in Leicestershire UK - & found the local greeting or response is - Ahh! Bless Ya!
Wendy, good to hear you've found community. I've Pastors advise that reciting the Creed is an acceptance of belief, not facts, and that one may defect from parts of it. Remember that Christ said to walk with him, seek justice and help the disadvantaged, something many Christians seem to have forgotten. And, walking with him is the Eternal Life he promised, not necessarily "heaven" (why not enjoy life here?).
I've had several great Pastors, including three women, and two not so good which caused my wife and I to transfer to another church.
Good morning, Garrison: Waking up this morning my head was full of, "what must they be thinking now"? They, those who actually voted for him yet having the knowledge how bad a person he is. Several thoughts came to mind and the one I don't like is, "maybe they" are just like him, maybe. Not a problem do they see, yet. Then another thought. We have many friends that confessed before voting, "I'm a one issue voter". We spoke up before election day about what was coming and now are shunned. We reposted writings by men and women listing the wrong direction that would come to us all. With such thoughts spinning there is no way to continue this sleep. Now a confession. We desire that "they" will be the first to feel the disappointments coming soon. rr
Because we saw how the Democrats made up laws to go after one person see NY. We know what’s going on with the border. The lawfare. And on and on. The question is what would make you want more of Obama Biden Harris ? We’ve already felt the disappointment of all yours. So we’ve suffered enough.
Hyperbolic BalderdaSh, you continue to be conned by the Kool Ade). Why do you think that many of us want more of Trump/MAGA? We're all going to suffer under Trump/MAGA/2025, unless you're a privileged white male.
Do Episcopalians wear their wedding rings on their right hands? I know some people prefer the right hand, as do the people in some European countries... Just curious. But my curiosity took me down the Google rabbit hole for a few wasted minutes this morning!
I've noticed at times, often times photos have been reversed/upside down when printed, so that photo may well be Left hands reversed which look like Right hands.
I love newspapers, but the massive consolidation in the news market has captured their independence and stifled their originality. The same has happened to cable news, to the point that over 70% of their revenue now comes solely from pharmaceutical advertising alone. Industry has captured the legacy news media, sadly, as their subscription model became threatened by other alternatives in the Attention Economy.
First thing I read this morning. Now I can leave my bed with a smile on my face. But my husband will still be getting the righteous look for breaking my coffee pot yesterday…
Having moved from Minnesota to the Pacific Northwest, I can tell you I am really tired of salmon. I will take Walleye any day. (It was a good laugh out loud column though. He really nails it some days).
Ocean fish are an acquired taste for many landlubbers used to fresh water fish. However, we looked down on Northerns, too bony. Walleye and trout are superior. Sunfish, bullheads, catfish, and some bass are great too. For ocean fish, haddock comes close.
Agreed in-person worship is best but Zoom and Face book got us through COVID and continue to allow shut-ins and remote watchers to worship.
LOL
Early to bed and early to rise as I sprint towards 80. So I’m glad you’re up and thinking this morning too. Lovely limericks.
Happy anniversary to you and Jenny!
I really loved this: "I only know how to imitate good." Isn't this so true of us humans. Thank you
I'm not in my 80's (56), and I'm not an Episcopalian (United Methodist-close enough), but I'm with you.
I have finally read a description of how I feel about church attendance. I am in a minority too and feel great comfort now.
I’m 75 and have stopped going to local church because felt a bit of a fraud - have no belief in a deity - also - tedium of dreary priests. Decided at my age to give up things I no longer enjoy. I do visit cathedrals - love history, music, architecture, art and do like to sit and feel the hopes/fears/love of all the people who have lived in these places ‘Thin places’ I think they’re called. There is an ancient stone circle (mini Stonehenge) in the Lake District (UK) high up amongst fells. I have the same feeling there - a thin place. I love the vastness of the Universe, space exploration and we minute specks belonging/evolving here. My hero is Charles Darwin. I’ve read and listened to you for many years - keep going! Thank you! 🙏🏼
These sentences apply to me almost exactly. The only difference is that I stopped going to church when I was 19.
Michele, thank you and so pleased to meet you. I’m not good with ‘tech’ and not even sure what Substack is! Have followed Garrison one way or another for a long time! 😘
Sorry to hear of your loss of faith, sounds like you were a Catholic which seems to have proportionately more defectors than other denominations (we've had several in my Lutheran church). I'm a semi-retired chemist, not a Biblical literalist, and dwell in both scientific and theological spheres. The 1st is belief (not dependent on an earthly person) and the2nd is acceptance of factual information. And yes the history, art, and especially the music make my personal faith come alive.
Thank you Bob - yes, Catholic & have known many lovely people & priests. Stopped saying the Creed a while ago (then during Covid, in diverse online Masses - joined in for the Confiteor & the homily if the priest was interesting) & kept going locally for ‘community’ for a while but am relieved to have left ‘church’ behind. Thoughtfulness and kindness is all.
I now live in Leicestershire UK - & found the local greeting or response is - Ahh! Bless Ya!
So - Ahh, bless ya Bob!
Wendy, good to hear you've found community. I've Pastors advise that reciting the Creed is an acceptance of belief, not facts, and that one may defect from parts of it. Remember that Christ said to walk with him, seek justice and help the disadvantaged, something many Christians seem to have forgotten. And, walking with him is the Eternal Life he promised, not necessarily "heaven" (why not enjoy life here?).
I've had several great Pastors, including three women, and two not so good which caused my wife and I to transfer to another church.
Love this blessing, Ahh, bless ya Wendy,
Good morning, Garrison: Waking up this morning my head was full of, "what must they be thinking now"? They, those who actually voted for him yet having the knowledge how bad a person he is. Several thoughts came to mind and the one I don't like is, "maybe they" are just like him, maybe. Not a problem do they see, yet. Then another thought. We have many friends that confessed before voting, "I'm a one issue voter". We spoke up before election day about what was coming and now are shunned. We reposted writings by men and women listing the wrong direction that would come to us all. With such thoughts spinning there is no way to continue this sleep. Now a confession. We desire that "they" will be the first to feel the disappointments coming soon. rr
Because we saw how the Democrats made up laws to go after one person see NY. We know what’s going on with the border. The lawfare. And on and on. The question is what would make you want more of Obama Biden Harris ? We’ve already felt the disappointment of all yours. So we’ve suffered enough.
Hyperbolic BalderdaSh, you continue to be conned by the Kool Ade). Why do you think that many of us want more of Trump/MAGA? We're all going to suffer under Trump/MAGA/2025, unless you're a privileged white male.
Happy Anniversary to you both!
Beautiful intro.
Do Episcopalians wear their wedding rings on their right hands? I know some people prefer the right hand, as do the people in some European countries... Just curious. But my curiosity took me down the Google rabbit hole for a few wasted minutes this morning!
No, we are mostly lefties in this country. How astute of you to notice that in the photo!
Many string players wear their rings and watches on their right hand. They interfere less with the bowing arm than with the fingering.
Not knowing any musicians, I had not thought of that.
I've noticed at times, often times photos have been reversed/upside down when printed, so that photo may well be Left hands reversed which look like Right hands.
Good point. I have noticed that to occur, so could well be the case.
Regarding left/right manipulation of photographs, if you ever see a trumpeter holding
the trumpet with their right hand and pressing the valves down with their left, it is almost
certainly a 'flipped' photograph. Even left-handed players hold with their left, finger with their right (no need to waste google-time on that topic).
I’m only in my 60’s, but I do read a newspaper (almost) every day.
I love newspapers, but the massive consolidation in the news market has captured their independence and stifled their originality. The same has happened to cable news, to the point that over 70% of their revenue now comes solely from pharmaceutical advertising alone. Industry has captured the legacy news media, sadly, as their subscription model became threatened by other alternatives in the Attention Economy.
First thing I read this morning. Now I can leave my bed with a smile on my face. But my husband will still be getting the righteous look for breaking my coffee pot yesterday…
Thinking of cruel combinations, imagine a species for whom mating season is year-round! Oh, wait...
Don't have to imagine, we humans (and Bonobos) are it.
Gosh, I love you and your thinking! You could easily amuse me by blinking
...don't stop there, finish your excellent opening!
Nice. I enjoyed the piece. But, I take umbrage with your comparison of salmon and Northern pike. The later is a much finer tasting fish. IM HO
Me too Steven, and Walleye and small Bullheads, even better. I was catching Minnesota fish at age four.
Having moved from Minnesota to the Pacific Northwest, I can tell you I am really tired of salmon. I will take Walleye any day. (It was a good laugh out loud column though. He really nails it some days).
Ocean fish are an acquired taste for many landlubbers used to fresh water fish. However, we looked down on Northerns, too bony. Walleye and trout are superior. Sunfish, bullheads, catfish, and some bass are great too. For ocean fish, haddock comes close.