“To survive what’s headed our way — global climate disruption, a new pandemic, additional authoritarian governments — and to endure, we will have to stretch our imaginations.
I too sat in numbed silence yesterday. I have faith in our democracy. I believe that there can be recovery even after four more years of disruptive, dangerous governance. Short of a nuclear armageddon , we can come out of this. I am hopeful that midterms will turn the tide after two years. Part of my sadness comes from an identity crisis. I have always believed as an American we are open, kind and generous. We have enough resources for everyone if everyone pays their fair share. It shakes my self identity that as a nation we have chosen a mean spirited, self serving grasping and vulgar tyrant to represent us. I am grateful to be in a blue state with local government that can insulate us for a while. I am preparing to be generous and kind to climate and political refugees alike
i grew up in the 50's and 60's and was a true believer in the mythology of america. i liked the mythology, george washington, lincoln, the whole thing. it started to crack a bit with viet nam. what a dumb war. and here we are. the myth was bullshit. we are all just a bunch of racist capitalists.
David I hope you get some healing time with the trees in your backyard and more. This is a week to give our hearts some space and care. I hope you keep writing - your essays always bring me some joy and a smile and a reminder to take a good look around. We will need those moments going forward.
Robin, I am trying to heal in our trees. You need to see them next time you are in town. And, thanks for your kind words about my essays. It gives me solace to know that they have a positive impact. David
I wanted to just walk and walk till I came to the end of the earth and fell off yesterday. Instead I listened to Strange Days by the Doors and walked from Water Taxi to Fauntleroy along the shoreline with a long silent stop in front of the Alki Statue of Liberty. Next I saw a big dog pee on a "Clean Up after your Dog" sign. Seemed lappropriate. It really was a beautiful day and I came home and made apple pie.
Even with the US government becoming unbelievably dysfunctional, the trees, plants , and critters I love so much will continue on in their silent and powerful way. The run up to the election was a tense and unbelievable time, but now, even though things did not go the way I wanted, I still look forward to the always-miraculous way nature advances. David's way of relating this is always a salve to my spirit. Please continue.
I worry that the insulation of living in this wonderful state will allow me to become complacent. I do not expect to feel any direct impact in the short term other than having to listen to the idiot, but the toll his policies will take on our environment and climate change are sobering. We need to stay connected to those who will be impacted. I found some good support on the website called waging non-violence.
Thanks. Yes, am glad I that I live in a state that voted the way it did and hope that we can use that energy and those ideals to move forward and to help those who are and will be impacted by the change that is coming.
You're not alone, David. And thank you for letting your readers like me know I'm not alone. At this point, I don't know how we will move forward and I'm sad and scared about what that means for so many. Like some of your other readers, I'm skeptical and mourning the loss of my country/democracy. I hope I'm wrong.
Yes, I worry about our country and democracy. Someone sent me this note. "This was a bad outcome for America and the world. But I think the only way to feel better about ourselves and about the world is to take the things we believe in and make them happen."
For what it's worth, I made the conscious decision to continue my geology substack postings in the hope that science, reason, and knowledge will continue to be meaningful.
David, I fully understand. It's especially hard to focus right now and as a fellow creative, I'm left wandering around my home or staring at a blank computer screen, unable to write my own nature musings. But, that said, I'm so grateful for the birds visiting the birdbath, my trees turning leaves, and the solace nature provides, especially now.. I hope you are finding peace somewhere beautiful. I want you to know that your weekly column is one of the highlights of my week. I love your nature reporting and insights and how seemingly effortlessly you inject humor into these pieces. You spread positivity and inspire wonder in the natural world. Thank you.
David & newsletters subscribers: I share your feelings and disappointment. I was disheartened yesterday and am trying to make sense of how my values match the rest of the country and what I can do going forward to make the world a better place for people and all living things. I went for a long walk along Puget Sound and as is usually the case, I found some comfort and peace with nature. I also take comfort frommy community and friends and know that their presence and support will get me and them thru tough times. David, all my best to you and will support wherever and however you decide to take the newsletter. Please know that it has educated and provided a unique and valuable experience to your readers.
Just read an Opinion piece by David French in the NYT (11/6) that contains the phrase that I hope will be helpful in the near and possibly far future "Shorten The Darkness". I hope I can have the energy to do so! I hope WE can have the sustained vision, wisdom, and energy to do so.
Hi David. As you can see we are all in this together and we all have our own way of dealing with this terrible setback and turn of events. It is a sure sign that something needs our attention very badly! Your wonderful news letter helps us keep in touch with the wonders of nature and the world and allows us to learn and grow. I wish you solace and peace for now, and look forward to any musings you may wish to share at any point. I feel we have two options going forward; either give up or double down. I, for one, choose the latter. Take care.
It is numbing but we will overcome this negative time.
Like you I write a blog. Mine started over a decade ago about crows but has morphed to finding places in history. East King county is my zone. So many lost coal mines, roads, bridges, and ghost towns. Shocking to land owners when I tell them there was a coal mine in their nice suburban hood.
I usually end my post with a comment about how time changes things.
"Many forget how fleeting our time is. Remember if we blink, all will be changed. Literally, a road, a town, a railroad, or a bridge, can disappear into the fog of history."
Dean Obeidallah in his recent Substack The Dean’s Report had good advice. The Substack was titled “The Resistance Starts Monday - But First Some Self-Care” . We have suffered a trauma, by any definition of the word. We need to pay attention to what our body is telling us. Maybe we won’t be ready to jump into The Resistance this coming Monday or the next. But make a plan, think about what you want tomorrow to look like and what we individually and collectively can do to shape tomorrow.
There are about 70 million of us like-minded folks that did NOT vote for That Guy. We are not alone.
Same, David, same! I was a zombie yesterday. It will take time to process and regain any semblance of the will to move forward and fight. What's important to me is making sure that I am taking care of myself, those around me and my community. Making an impact in ways that I can. Your writings are making an impact, affirming that many of us want to take care of the environment.
Gave my daughter and her fiancé your Street Smart Naturalist book- they were so pleased to go discover local beauty and interest! Thank you. Keep writing- it does make a difference!
I have never felt this feeling...it is horrible...don't know how I will compartmentalize this. I look forward to your next newsletter, whenever you are ready, David. Thank you for bringing a bright spot to my Washington life.
I too sat in numbed silence yesterday. I have faith in our democracy. I believe that there can be recovery even after four more years of disruptive, dangerous governance. Short of a nuclear armageddon , we can come out of this. I am hopeful that midterms will turn the tide after two years. Part of my sadness comes from an identity crisis. I have always believed as an American we are open, kind and generous. We have enough resources for everyone if everyone pays their fair share. It shakes my self identity that as a nation we have chosen a mean spirited, self serving grasping and vulgar tyrant to represent us. I am grateful to be in a blue state with local government that can insulate us for a while. I am preparing to be generous and kind to climate and political refugees alike
i grew up in the 50's and 60's and was a true believer in the mythology of america. i liked the mythology, george washington, lincoln, the whole thing. it started to crack a bit with viet nam. what a dumb war. and here we are. the myth was bullshit. we are all just a bunch of racist capitalists.
Not all. Happily living within my limited means and ducking for cover from those who are not.
Nobody said “all”
Read the last line of Austin's comment.
David I hope you get some healing time with the trees in your backyard and more. This is a week to give our hearts some space and care. I hope you keep writing - your essays always bring me some joy and a smile and a reminder to take a good look around. We will need those moments going forward.
Robin, I am trying to heal in our trees. You need to see them next time you are in town. And, thanks for your kind words about my essays. It gives me solace to know that they have a positive impact. David
I wanted to just walk and walk till I came to the end of the earth and fell off yesterday. Instead I listened to Strange Days by the Doors and walked from Water Taxi to Fauntleroy along the shoreline with a long silent stop in front of the Alki Statue of Liberty. Next I saw a big dog pee on a "Clean Up after your Dog" sign. Seemed lappropriate. It really was a beautiful day and I came home and made apple pie.
As usual, the wisdom of the dog is good!
Even with the US government becoming unbelievably dysfunctional, the trees, plants , and critters I love so much will continue on in their silent and powerful way. The run up to the election was a tense and unbelievable time, but now, even though things did not go the way I wanted, I still look forward to the always-miraculous way nature advances. David's way of relating this is always a salve to my spirit. Please continue.
Lance, I appreciate your kind words and, like you, value the incredible importance of the flora and fauna and geology around us. David
I worry that the insulation of living in this wonderful state will allow me to become complacent. I do not expect to feel any direct impact in the short term other than having to listen to the idiot, but the toll his policies will take on our environment and climate change are sobering. We need to stay connected to those who will be impacted. I found some good support on the website called waging non-violence.
Thanks. Yes, am glad I that I live in a state that voted the way it did and hope that we can use that energy and those ideals to move forward and to help those who are and will be impacted by the change that is coming.
You're not alone, David. And thank you for letting your readers like me know I'm not alone. At this point, I don't know how we will move forward and I'm sad and scared about what that means for so many. Like some of your other readers, I'm skeptical and mourning the loss of my country/democracy. I hope I'm wrong.
Yes, I worry about our country and democracy. Someone sent me this note. "This was a bad outcome for America and the world. But I think the only way to feel better about ourselves and about the world is to take the things we believe in and make them happen."
For what it's worth, I made the conscious decision to continue my geology substack postings in the hope that science, reason, and knowledge will continue to be meaningful.
I agree and hope so, that science, reason, knowledge, and a sense of wonder remain relevant.
David, I fully understand. It's especially hard to focus right now and as a fellow creative, I'm left wandering around my home or staring at a blank computer screen, unable to write my own nature musings. But, that said, I'm so grateful for the birds visiting the birdbath, my trees turning leaves, and the solace nature provides, especially now.. I hope you are finding peace somewhere beautiful. I want you to know that your weekly column is one of the highlights of my week. I love your nature reporting and insights and how seemingly effortlessly you inject humor into these pieces. You spread positivity and inspire wonder in the natural world. Thank you.
Carol, Thanks for your kind words. They help bring solace to me and inspire to continue on. David
David & newsletters subscribers: I share your feelings and disappointment. I was disheartened yesterday and am trying to make sense of how my values match the rest of the country and what I can do going forward to make the world a better place for people and all living things. I went for a long walk along Puget Sound and as is usually the case, I found some comfort and peace with nature. I also take comfort frommy community and friends and know that their presence and support will get me and them thru tough times. David, all my best to you and will support wherever and however you decide to take the newsletter. Please know that it has educated and provided a unique and valuable experience to your readers.
Steve, I appreciate all of your support over the years. David
Just read an Opinion piece by David French in the NYT (11/6) that contains the phrase that I hope will be helpful in the near and possibly far future "Shorten The Darkness". I hope I can have the energy to do so! I hope WE can have the sustained vision, wisdom, and energy to do so.
I saw that and agree. I hope I can have the energy as well.
Hi David. As you can see we are all in this together and we all have our own way of dealing with this terrible setback and turn of events. It is a sure sign that something needs our attention very badly! Your wonderful news letter helps us keep in touch with the wonders of nature and the world and allows us to learn and grow. I wish you solace and peace for now, and look forward to any musings you may wish to share at any point. I feel we have two options going forward; either give up or double down. I, for one, choose the latter. Take care.
I agree. Double down and fight for what we value.
It is numbing but we will overcome this negative time.
Like you I write a blog. Mine started over a decade ago about crows but has morphed to finding places in history. East King county is my zone. So many lost coal mines, roads, bridges, and ghost towns. Shocking to land owners when I tell them there was a coal mine in their nice suburban hood.
I usually end my post with a comment about how time changes things.
"Many forget how fleeting our time is. Remember if we blink, all will be changed. Literally, a road, a town, a railroad, or a bridge, can disappear into the fog of history."
This too will pass.
Dean Obeidallah in his recent Substack The Dean’s Report had good advice. The Substack was titled “The Resistance Starts Monday - But First Some Self-Care” . We have suffered a trauma, by any definition of the word. We need to pay attention to what our body is telling us. Maybe we won’t be ready to jump into The Resistance this coming Monday or the next. But make a plan, think about what you want tomorrow to look like and what we individually and collectively can do to shape tomorrow.
There are about 70 million of us like-minded folks that did NOT vote for That Guy. We are not alone.
Yes, and they're many many more who didn't even vote. Perhaps they will realize what they didn't do and get involved.
Same, David, same! I was a zombie yesterday. It will take time to process and regain any semblance of the will to move forward and fight. What's important to me is making sure that I am taking care of myself, those around me and my community. Making an impact in ways that I can. Your writings are making an impact, affirming that many of us want to take care of the environment.
Shannon,
Thanks. I do plan on continuing to write...just might be weave in politics a bit more often in the future. David
Gave my daughter and her fiancé your Street Smart Naturalist book- they were so pleased to go discover local beauty and interest! Thank you. Keep writing- it does make a difference!
Wow, thanks for spreading the word! And, even better to know they are enjoying the book.
I have never felt this feeling...it is horrible...don't know how I will compartmentalize this. I look forward to your next newsletter, whenever you are ready, David. Thank you for bringing a bright spot to my Washington life.
Thanks for your thoughts. I truly hope that my writing can continue to be relevant and interesting and even a bit dorky.