I'm grateful for your words, Stephanie--glad you scaled that cliff again. (It's a fresh climb every time.) These days, I'm also very grateful for Wendell Berry, especially this, from his Mad Farmer Manifesto: "Be joyful, though you have considered all the facts."
Your words ring so true for me, and put so beautifully, light up these dark times. Keep the faith and watch the pendulum, it should be swinging back as soon as enough of us wake up from the slumber we've been in. We all need to shine the light!
I'm always grateful to know that we stand together, Nancy. We've been unified in heart and soul for a long time. Thank you for your comment. Shine on . . .
Thank you. Having lived a looong time (more than 80 years), my experience is that the pendulum always swings and life is hard if we are awake to our world.
Frances, Thank you for these words of wisdom -- "the pendulum always swings and life is hard if we are awake to our world." I choose to stay awake and earn my sanity during these difficult times.
Your beautiful words capture the essence of what I and many other people are feeling. Your descriptions of the coyote, your dog, your journal are all reminders that there is still beauty in the world. Things will get ugly before they get better, but you're right: this, too, shall pass. We have a king, not a president, and everything seems unfair. Perhaps democracy will eventually prevail.
I've been on a news diet, as you know, but I couldn't help myself. I needed to know what was happening. And being informed, of course, let in depression and anxiety. Like you, I feel it difficult to balance being informed and staying sane. I'm sure so many people feel this way.
Keep doing good things for yourself and enjoy all the good things in life, my friend. Yes, there is so much good out there.
We can always be here for each other, Beth. I like to think of you in the mornings, contemplating your blank canvas, while I'm just starting to consider the blank page. No one can take away our creativity. This is quite the balancing act we're learning to do. I'll spot you, and you can spot me. Biggest of hugs
This is your best piece ever, Ms. Raffelock. Every word grabbed me, spoke to my heart, and reflected my feelings and current state of mind. I'm sticking to you like glue, sending virtual hugs - to hold us both up on unsteady legs to find what courage is asking of us. Much love and goodwill, dear friend.
Dearest Jeanne, we have walked side by side for a time, and this time is no different. We will support and hold each other as we hold a lantern for others. May we continue to write our thoughts, hopes and dreams and never give in to the lies.
Your words are just what I needed to see today. It's day 5 of insomnia, the likes of which I have never encountered. I've had brief bouts of it, but nothing like this. Mind-numbing, with bleary, red eyes, and confused thoughts. It seems I am not immune to the darkness I feel around me, read about, and am wary of fully experiencing. I am usually resilient and bounce back, but at 82 and with several physical limitations, I'm having to dig deep to find it. But, I'm stubborn and will not devolve into fear and anger, which does nothing to help the situation. I will be a source of support for women during these horrific times when our country is in the hands of the oligarchy and robber barons. Thank you for being here and sharing your words.
Dearest Taru, we all must do what we can to take care of ourselves first, and then support those around us. I hope you are able to sleep soon -- a good night's sleep can change the way we see the world. Some simple things that might help -- chamomile tea is calming; a heating pad for 15 minutes on the back can be relaxing; YouTube has some great meditations; reading before bed sometimes makes me drowsy; and most of all, positive self-talk. These are dark times, but no one can take away you the convictions of your heart. No one can own your mind. We are stronger together. To that end, I loop my arm with yours and we'll keep on. Sending love hugs and goodwill to your sweet self. Thank you for sharing. Big hugs.
Dearest Stephanie, bless you for your uplifting words. I must have needed to write what I did yesterday to release, and last night I slept for almost 7 hours non-stop. I feel re-born today Onward and upward!
Beautifully expressed ideas, Ms. Raffelock, and ones I am incorporating into my own life. We simply cannot let one very dark soul infect all the good people out there. We, the Good Humans, know the importance of empathy, kindness, helping when we can, doing what we're able to do. One very strong dam can hold back an ocean of misery. Stay strong everyone.
Thank you, Stephanie. We can get through this, we can shine our lights and spread our love. And we will. We will keep the flames of respect and civility and compassion and kindness alive, and we will prevail in the end. Sending hugs to you!
"Every day is a tightrope walk between staying informed and staying sane." As always, your words resound with me. There's great comfort in knowing we're not alone in how we feel right now -- and that how we feel is logical. Thank you for continuing to put pen to paper, Steffers. You are a light in the darkness.
Stephanie, thank you for your thoughts. They reflect how I am trying to live my life. Keep reminding us. Also just wanted to remark on how I loved your comment about writing. These words "scale the sheer white page" made me smile.
Spoken like a true writer, Susan -- I have to keep smiling too as I scale the sheer white page. Thank you for being here and for your thoughtful comment. We are strong together.
Stephanie, I see this unfolding from across the ocean, and it chills me. The patterns are too familiar, the ideology too deeply rooted. This isn’t just about one leader, one country, or one moment in history—it’s the same foundation that has fueled so many wars, so much destruction. Patriarchy, hierarchy, dominance, judgment, comparison—always centering the self over the collective. It’s not new. It’s just wearing a different mask.
Yes, this too will pass. But how? That’s the real question. Will it leave behind scorched earth, forcing us to start over? Or will it simply reset, waiting for the next dictator to walk through the same open doors? History tells us that without real change, the cycle continues.
I don’t need to watch the news to see where this is headed. The echoes of the past are loud enough. And that’s why voices like yours matter—not just to resist, but to ask the deeper questions. To imagine something better. To break the cycle instead of repeating it.
A sobering comment. Yes, there are patterns here to caution us. How this will pass unfolds imperceptibly to us now. How did America's Gilded Age come to an end? How did the Civil War come to an end? How did things unwind in 1968? Will this be a perhaps the greatest marketing ploy of all time, one that strips us of our rights through the power of wealth and greed?
There are dark days ahead. And this is now up to the American people. We need to decide if we are for each other, or if the worship of celebrity and its trappings will swallow our souls. To that end, I remain faithful and encouraging to the practice of those human qualities which connect us to one another in love and goodwill.
It takes some awareness to practice those things, and I imagine a growing awareness that will rise up and take back the country being taken from us, whether through vote, protest, sacrifice or civil disobedience. I imagine women, most especially, fighting for the personal rights of our bodies, as well as our children's futures. And I imagine the majority of us holding to account the power hungry politicians; pasty old white men, many who will die out, as will Trump, their legacy a twisted wreckage of gluttony.
For now though, the "how" is one day at a time. One person at a time. One awareness at a time. One flame lights another and then another and another . . . We are not broken. We won't give in to the lies. This community is made up mostly of elders -- ours is the work of quiet resistance, which will in turn add to the work of mid-lifers and youth. To that end, hope shines brightly.
Please hold a light for the American people as this epic takes shape. Please support and continue to encourage the power of our imagination, goodwill and resilience. The great truth of life is that "everything changes and ends." This too shall pass . . . The "how" and "when" will be revealed.
Stephanie, I do hold a light—for those who see what’s unfolding, for those who refuse to look away, and for those who are still finding their way through the fog of it all.
Yes, history offers lessons, but it doesn’t offer guarantees. The Gilded Age ended, the Civil War ended, 1968 came and went—but not without cost. And not without leaving doors open for the same forces to rise again, reshaped but not gone. If this is the greatest marketing ploy of all time, it’s not just selling a product—it’s selling power, stripping away rights under the guise of order, feeding greed while the people it exploits cheer for their own decline.
It is up to the American people now. Not just to reject the worship of wealth and celebrity, but to decide whether they are for each other at all. And that’s the hardest part. Because when enough people believe that power over others is more valuable than power with others, history repeats.
Your faith in human connection, in quiet resistance, in the work that spans generations—that’s the thread that holds. One light to another, one truth at a time. Not everyone will wake up. Not everyone will fight. But some will. And that is where the future takes shape.
I’m so grateful for you, Stephanie, and for your gorgeous, achingly honest look at this moment. May we all breathe, stay together, and wait in hope for this to pass.
Your messge echos the discussion in a Healing Circle I attended the other day. My take away from the circle and now your words is 'I am going to pratice performing random acts of kindness.' I am most grateful having you and Dean in my life. ❤️
I see that ESTA applications now require the declaration of social media accounts. Mine have not held back on my concerns or loyalties , so I guess I won’t be plunging my nose into a magnolia in New Orleans, getting a coffee at Trieste or hugging a sequoia anytime soon…or seeing good friends. Sigh.
I'm grateful for your words, Stephanie--glad you scaled that cliff again. (It's a fresh climb every time.) These days, I'm also very grateful for Wendell Berry, especially this, from his Mad Farmer Manifesto: "Be joyful, though you have considered all the facts."
Susan, I hold that Wendell Barry quote close these days. . . and keep on scaling the cliff. Big hugs, my friend.
Your words ring so true for me, and put so beautifully, light up these dark times. Keep the faith and watch the pendulum, it should be swinging back as soon as enough of us wake up from the slumber we've been in. We all need to shine the light!
I'm always grateful to know that we stand together, Nancy. We've been unified in heart and soul for a long time. Thank you for your comment. Shine on . . .
Thank you. Having lived a looong time (more than 80 years), my experience is that the pendulum always swings and life is hard if we are awake to our world.
Frances, Thank you for these words of wisdom -- "the pendulum always swings and life is hard if we are awake to our world." I choose to stay awake and earn my sanity during these difficult times.
Indeed, we must double down on kindness to remind ourselves of our humanity. Just gorgeous writing, Stephanie ❤️
Yes! Let us preserve our humanity one kindness at a time. Thank you, Marianne.
Hi Stephanie,
Your beautiful words capture the essence of what I and many other people are feeling. Your descriptions of the coyote, your dog, your journal are all reminders that there is still beauty in the world. Things will get ugly before they get better, but you're right: this, too, shall pass. We have a king, not a president, and everything seems unfair. Perhaps democracy will eventually prevail.
I've been on a news diet, as you know, but I couldn't help myself. I needed to know what was happening. And being informed, of course, let in depression and anxiety. Like you, I feel it difficult to balance being informed and staying sane. I'm sure so many people feel this way.
Keep doing good things for yourself and enjoy all the good things in life, my friend. Yes, there is so much good out there.
We can always be here for each other, Beth. I like to think of you in the mornings, contemplating your blank canvas, while I'm just starting to consider the blank page. No one can take away our creativity. This is quite the balancing act we're learning to do. I'll spot you, and you can spot me. Biggest of hugs
This is your best piece ever, Ms. Raffelock. Every word grabbed me, spoke to my heart, and reflected my feelings and current state of mind. I'm sticking to you like glue, sending virtual hugs - to hold us both up on unsteady legs to find what courage is asking of us. Much love and goodwill, dear friend.
Dearest Jeanne, we have walked side by side for a time, and this time is no different. We will support and hold each other as we hold a lantern for others. May we continue to write our thoughts, hopes and dreams and never give in to the lies.
Your words are just what I needed to see today. It's day 5 of insomnia, the likes of which I have never encountered. I've had brief bouts of it, but nothing like this. Mind-numbing, with bleary, red eyes, and confused thoughts. It seems I am not immune to the darkness I feel around me, read about, and am wary of fully experiencing. I am usually resilient and bounce back, but at 82 and with several physical limitations, I'm having to dig deep to find it. But, I'm stubborn and will not devolve into fear and anger, which does nothing to help the situation. I will be a source of support for women during these horrific times when our country is in the hands of the oligarchy and robber barons. Thank you for being here and sharing your words.
Dearest Taru, we all must do what we can to take care of ourselves first, and then support those around us. I hope you are able to sleep soon -- a good night's sleep can change the way we see the world. Some simple things that might help -- chamomile tea is calming; a heating pad for 15 minutes on the back can be relaxing; YouTube has some great meditations; reading before bed sometimes makes me drowsy; and most of all, positive self-talk. These are dark times, but no one can take away you the convictions of your heart. No one can own your mind. We are stronger together. To that end, I loop my arm with yours and we'll keep on. Sending love hugs and goodwill to your sweet self. Thank you for sharing. Big hugs.
Dearest Stephanie, bless you for your uplifting words. I must have needed to write what I did yesterday to release, and last night I slept for almost 7 hours non-stop. I feel re-born today Onward and upward!
Beautifully expressed ideas, Ms. Raffelock, and ones I am incorporating into my own life. We simply cannot let one very dark soul infect all the good people out there. We, the Good Humans, know the importance of empathy, kindness, helping when we can, doing what we're able to do. One very strong dam can hold back an ocean of misery. Stay strong everyone.
Amen to all of that! And I so appreciate this: "one very strong dam can hold back an ocean of misery." Thank you for that.
Thank you, Stephanie. We can get through this, we can shine our lights and spread our love. And we will. We will keep the flames of respect and civility and compassion and kindness alive, and we will prevail in the end. Sending hugs to you!
I can always count on you to hold light and love, Susan. I love how you show up in the world. Here's to a path of illumination. Biggest of hugs.
"Every day is a tightrope walk between staying informed and staying sane." As always, your words resound with me. There's great comfort in knowing we're not alone in how we feel right now -- and that how we feel is logical. Thank you for continuing to put pen to paper, Steffers. You are a light in the darkness.
Thank you for your kind words, Kristine. I take great solace in the smart, capable, soulful women around me. Write on . . .
Stephanie, thank you for your thoughts. They reflect how I am trying to live my life. Keep reminding us. Also just wanted to remark on how I loved your comment about writing. These words "scale the sheer white page" made me smile.
Spoken like a true writer, Susan -- I have to keep smiling too as I scale the sheer white page. Thank you for being here and for your thoughtful comment. We are strong together.
Stephanie, I see this unfolding from across the ocean, and it chills me. The patterns are too familiar, the ideology too deeply rooted. This isn’t just about one leader, one country, or one moment in history—it’s the same foundation that has fueled so many wars, so much destruction. Patriarchy, hierarchy, dominance, judgment, comparison—always centering the self over the collective. It’s not new. It’s just wearing a different mask.
Yes, this too will pass. But how? That’s the real question. Will it leave behind scorched earth, forcing us to start over? Or will it simply reset, waiting for the next dictator to walk through the same open doors? History tells us that without real change, the cycle continues.
I don’t need to watch the news to see where this is headed. The echoes of the past are loud enough. And that’s why voices like yours matter—not just to resist, but to ask the deeper questions. To imagine something better. To break the cycle instead of repeating it.
A sobering comment. Yes, there are patterns here to caution us. How this will pass unfolds imperceptibly to us now. How did America's Gilded Age come to an end? How did the Civil War come to an end? How did things unwind in 1968? Will this be a perhaps the greatest marketing ploy of all time, one that strips us of our rights through the power of wealth and greed?
There are dark days ahead. And this is now up to the American people. We need to decide if we are for each other, or if the worship of celebrity and its trappings will swallow our souls. To that end, I remain faithful and encouraging to the practice of those human qualities which connect us to one another in love and goodwill.
It takes some awareness to practice those things, and I imagine a growing awareness that will rise up and take back the country being taken from us, whether through vote, protest, sacrifice or civil disobedience. I imagine women, most especially, fighting for the personal rights of our bodies, as well as our children's futures. And I imagine the majority of us holding to account the power hungry politicians; pasty old white men, many who will die out, as will Trump, their legacy a twisted wreckage of gluttony.
For now though, the "how" is one day at a time. One person at a time. One awareness at a time. One flame lights another and then another and another . . . We are not broken. We won't give in to the lies. This community is made up mostly of elders -- ours is the work of quiet resistance, which will in turn add to the work of mid-lifers and youth. To that end, hope shines brightly.
Please hold a light for the American people as this epic takes shape. Please support and continue to encourage the power of our imagination, goodwill and resilience. The great truth of life is that "everything changes and ends." This too shall pass . . . The "how" and "when" will be revealed.
Stephanie, I do hold a light—for those who see what’s unfolding, for those who refuse to look away, and for those who are still finding their way through the fog of it all.
Yes, history offers lessons, but it doesn’t offer guarantees. The Gilded Age ended, the Civil War ended, 1968 came and went—but not without cost. And not without leaving doors open for the same forces to rise again, reshaped but not gone. If this is the greatest marketing ploy of all time, it’s not just selling a product—it’s selling power, stripping away rights under the guise of order, feeding greed while the people it exploits cheer for their own decline.
It is up to the American people now. Not just to reject the worship of wealth and celebrity, but to decide whether they are for each other at all. And that’s the hardest part. Because when enough people believe that power over others is more valuable than power with others, history repeats.
Your faith in human connection, in quiet resistance, in the work that spans generations—that’s the thread that holds. One light to another, one truth at a time. Not everyone will wake up. Not everyone will fight. But some will. And that is where the future takes shape.
Thank you for this beautiful offering.
Thank you for being a part of it . . .
I’m so grateful for you, Stephanie, and for your gorgeous, achingly honest look at this moment. May we all breathe, stay together, and wait in hope for this to pass.
Thank you, Lori. I'm heartened by how many kindred spirits we walk among . . .
As am I! 💚
Your messge echos the discussion in a Healing Circle I attended the other day. My take away from the circle and now your words is 'I am going to pratice performing random acts of kindness.' I am most grateful having you and Dean in my life. ❤️
And Bobs, we are so grateful to have you in our lives! Sending hugs, love and biggest of hugs.
I see that ESTA applications now require the declaration of social media accounts. Mine have not held back on my concerns or loyalties , so I guess I won’t be plunging my nose into a magnolia in New Orleans, getting a coffee at Trieste or hugging a sequoia anytime soon…or seeing good friends. Sigh.
Wow a declaration of social media accounts?!? I haven't seen that. Take care and stay safe, my friend. Sending you goodwill and big hugs.