The earlier fancy varieties of clematis have gone past, here in Montreal, but the sturdy Jackmanii types are still blooming, and creeping into my studio and home. I have an established vine at my community garden, and brought a few stems home the other day.
Drawing, and concentrating on nature, are one of my refuges from the insanity that American politics has become. I never thought I'd see the depths of behavior that we've witnessed this week, or the utter lack of compassion for transgendered and gay people and for all who need affordable healthcare. I'm thankful for the Republicans who broke rank, and for the military officers who are keeping less discriminatory policies in place as long as possible. I keep hoping we'll see an end to this travesty soon, but I think it will go on for a good while longer -- and we all need to find ways to take care of ourselves.
In any case, I wish you a good weekend. We have guests arriving soon, and I'm looking forward to seeing them and spending some time away from my computer and phone. This was last night in the park, and I plan to repeat the formula: a loaf of bread, a jug of wine, some knitting, and thou. Surrounding us, lots of young Montrealers with their bikes, instruments, babies, dogs, wine, weed; the homeless guys who come along and collect bottles and cans -- and all with universal free healthcare, cheap daycare, and a civil government. It is, actually, possible.
Beautiful. Wishing you and Jonathan a Shabbat shalom and a restorative weekend.
Posted by: Rachel | July 28, 2017 at 04:25 PM
Enjoy your visitors. Human contact seems to blow away all the abstract worries.
Posted by: Peter | July 28, 2017 at 04:32 PM
Agree totally with your thoughts Beth. Glad you and J onathan had the insight to move to a more tolerant and welcoming country. Enjoy your visitors and can't wait to see you two.
Posted by: Kathy Hughes | July 29, 2017 at 07:31 AM
mmm, so nice. It has gotten so extreme, you ask yourself, can it be real? And no, it's not. The real thing is you making art and sharing love, and writing words that fill the hearts of your readers with joy. The consciousness of Americans brought this leadership into being, and now we're working to bring something else into being. We will. And you have always been a potent force in that effort. Thank you.
Posted by: Laura | July 30, 2017 at 12:31 AM
Thank you, Rachel and Peter.
Kathy, we can't wait to see you two as well!
Laura, thank you so much. Words like these are what keep me writing and trying; we all need to help each other. I appreciate you writing this very much.
Posted by: Beth | August 02, 2017 at 12:07 PM
I still do not understand what is happening in America
How is it possible?
But yes, art and yarns and chilling in the park are good xxx
Posted by: Julia | August 02, 2017 at 02:55 PM
Too much indulgence of people's lowest instincts has led us to this impasse.
Posted by: Hattie | August 08, 2017 at 04:19 PM