Bules! No giving in to fear over here. I was canvassing in Wisconsin over the weekend and was strong armed by a 10-year-old into buying a beaded bracelet as a fundraiser for her class trip to DC. I asked her to pick one out for me and she carefully pulled out a blue one and was all “this one goes with your outfit”—which was a denim jacket and a Democratic Party of Kenosha County sticker. I am taking it as a sign: the kids are alright, and blue is the color of the day.
As someone who has split my time between Portland and VT for a decade (after 20+ years in VT raising children and feeling the loneliness) I am also torn. The place is SO BEAUTIFUL, but also so often reserved and isolating. Here in PDX I go to the store and have a 10 minute chat with the cashier as I check out. While waiting for a bus, another woman and I strike up a conversation and end up going for a taco together after we descend at the same stop. I joined Meetup and found literally hundreds of groups to choose from - and now hike, discuss books, go dancing, have French happy hour....In Vermont, not so. The communities are insular, people have "enough friends" (someone actually said this to me once!), there are unexpressed rules about how to be/dress/talk/work... And the taxes!! My taxes have gone form $200 to $11,000 over 20 years, with an ever declining school population (who are receiving a minimally meaningful education). But still....still...it's like the Maggie Smith poem Good Bones - it always feels like..."This place could be beautiful,/ right? You could make this place beautiful."
I'm up for trying to build the kind of solidarity and connection that we need and deserve in Vermont - if I can find others who are open and energetic to create community. I just retired and am trying out 6 months (late fall - winter) in Portland and spring/summer/fall in VT. Not sure if that will work or whether I will at last (after moving to VT in 1989) give up on the effort, but I'd like to try. (BTW I am in Plainfield - close to the NEK ).
I think part of what is so lonely in VT is it's easy to start thinking - is there something irredeemably wrong with me? And the alternate (I guess this one is "what's wrong with THEM) Why can I meet and make friends everywhere else but here? That's why thinking about ways to find and connect people who want to expand and build their circles of friendship is so important!
(Oh and a small correction - my taxes went from 2000 to 11000 - not quite such a leap :-) )
Today I am grieving and thinking of retreat to VT where I have acreage and solar and a garden...but the loneliness is the check on that plan...darnit!
Nice to hear some joyful things here. You know, I was just discussing whether I should go out and see a show tonight, but I'd be alone and I'm concerned about the powder keg that might be waiting for me when I get out. I know I shouldn't let them win by even considering them in my decision making, but the fear is real. You make feel like saying fuck you assholes, I'm going!
Fear is not a bad thing; it is information. They only "win" if you knee-jerk react in fear, in a way that is contrary to your values. They don't win just because you reflect on your fear and consider it when making a decision. If you have done that, then you are still guiding your own life, and they don't win, regardless of which decision you make.
Heck, and I was like "I dunno if I should go" to a show on FRIDAY - your "fuck that shit, I'm living my life" take is awesome and gives me courage :) Thank you!
I won't give fear either, Neko... one thing that lessens fear for me is reading the late, great Richard Brautigan. Every Halloween I try and send this poem of his out to someone. I send it out now to all us folks here.
There's a hint of melancholy I find in it. But it's oddly pleasant and benign...
Reading "I will not give this country my fear" honestly gave my heart a boost, and I felt a little sheepish being so afraid. I have people I love who are in danger - my trans friends especially - but I'm also honestly incredibly lucky to live in Washington... being in the PNW is no ultimate protection from the will of the White House (as demonstrated when that orange douchenozzle withheld federal aid from areas here affected by wildfires because he didn't like our governor) but it does help to know that there's a stubborn resolution here. Seattle being a "sanctuary city" will continue to hold and I hope it still means something. My fiancee hugged me close last night and promised me "whatever happens, I'll be by your side" and knowing loved ones (be they significant others, friends, or relations) are there to support you - as you are them - is a comfort like none other.
Also selfishly I hope if you left Vermont you'd come back to us in the PNW, but I say "selfishly" because I know ones' reasons for leaving a home are deep-set, and because the idea of having access to more Neko Case shows is AWESOME ;)
Safe travels. If you're heading to Portland, OR, please have some Lauretta Jean's Pie for me. Hopefully we'll be bringing home a winner tonight and it will be happy pie.
Here's to hoping it's an amazing day for all of us today, Neko! I understood the assignment today in New Hampshire.
Also, tell me I have New England brain without telling me I have New England brain - I kept wondering why you were flying to Portland. Ohhh, the other Portland. 🙂
Here's to hoping you can make it work in Vermont. My wife and I always think good Neko thoughts when we take our son back to college in Burlington and we are stopping at the center of the Northeastern Vermont universe - Marty's Quick Stop, of course.
Michigan would welcome you. We are a state run by women, and very proud of that. Taxes aren't terrible either. I've been visualizing Kamala walking on stage tonight to the strains of LADY PILOT. I can't think of a more fitting anthem. Hoping, fearlessly, here.
Mike(s) are solid Folk, seeing Your Family cared for the way YOU do, warms the cockles of my heart…..ALSO in Florida’s balmy weather, BUT CHANGING LEAVES—I turn up my a/c and blare WHAT AUTUMN/NATURE SOUNDS LIKE TO ME=IM AN ANIMAL=THOSE NOTES AND NEKOS VOICE….ALONE MAKE ME STIR….let alone, lyrics🍁🍂🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍂🍂🍂🍂
Southern Illinois is beautiful! Rolling hills, smallish farms, 4 seasons although Summer can be warm, lots of small lakes and reservoirs, central to everything. Advanced medical care in St. Louis.
Bules! No giving in to fear over here. I was canvassing in Wisconsin over the weekend and was strong armed by a 10-year-old into buying a beaded bracelet as a fundraiser for her class trip to DC. I asked her to pick one out for me and she carefully pulled out a blue one and was all “this one goes with your outfit”—which was a denim jacket and a Democratic Party of Kenosha County sticker. I am taking it as a sign: the kids are alright, and blue is the color of the day.
Also Bules reworked spells BLUES xoxo
As someone who has split my time between Portland and VT for a decade (after 20+ years in VT raising children and feeling the loneliness) I am also torn. The place is SO BEAUTIFUL, but also so often reserved and isolating. Here in PDX I go to the store and have a 10 minute chat with the cashier as I check out. While waiting for a bus, another woman and I strike up a conversation and end up going for a taco together after we descend at the same stop. I joined Meetup and found literally hundreds of groups to choose from - and now hike, discuss books, go dancing, have French happy hour....In Vermont, not so. The communities are insular, people have "enough friends" (someone actually said this to me once!), there are unexpressed rules about how to be/dress/talk/work... And the taxes!! My taxes have gone form $200 to $11,000 over 20 years, with an ever declining school population (who are receiving a minimally meaningful education). But still....still...it's like the Maggie Smith poem Good Bones - it always feels like..."This place could be beautiful,/ right? You could make this place beautiful."
I'm up for trying to build the kind of solidarity and connection that we need and deserve in Vermont - if I can find others who are open and energetic to create community. I just retired and am trying out 6 months (late fall - winter) in Portland and spring/summer/fall in VT. Not sure if that will work or whether I will at last (after moving to VT in 1989) give up on the effort, but I'd like to try. (BTW I am in Plainfield - close to the NEK ).
Thank you so much for this thoughtful reply. It’s really helpful. ♥️
I think part of what is so lonely in VT is it's easy to start thinking - is there something irredeemably wrong with me? And the alternate (I guess this one is "what's wrong with THEM) Why can I meet and make friends everywhere else but here? That's why thinking about ways to find and connect people who want to expand and build their circles of friendship is so important!
(Oh and a small correction - my taxes went from 2000 to 11000 - not quite such a leap :-) )
Today I am grieving and thinking of retreat to VT where I have acreage and solar and a garden...but the loneliness is the check on that plan...darnit!
Nice to hear some joyful things here. You know, I was just discussing whether I should go out and see a show tonight, but I'd be alone and I'm concerned about the powder keg that might be waiting for me when I get out. I know I shouldn't let them win by even considering them in my decision making, but the fear is real. You make feel like saying fuck you assholes, I'm going!
Fear is not a bad thing; it is information. They only "win" if you knee-jerk react in fear, in a way that is contrary to your values. They don't win just because you reflect on your fear and consider it when making a decision. If you have done that, then you are still guiding your own life, and they don't win, regardless of which decision you make.
Heck, and I was like "I dunno if I should go" to a show on FRIDAY - your "fuck that shit, I'm living my life" take is awesome and gives me courage :) Thank you!
I won't give fear either, Neko... one thing that lessens fear for me is reading the late, great Richard Brautigan. Every Halloween I try and send this poem of his out to someone. I send it out now to all us folks here.
There's a hint of melancholy I find in it. But it's oddly pleasant and benign...
The Pumpkin Tide
by Richard Brautigan
I saw thousands of pumpkins last night
come floating in on the tide,
bumping up against the rocks and
rolling up on the beaches;
it must be Halloween in the sea.
If you do leave Vermont, I hope you find a place where you could take all your babies with you. That would be ideal. And I’m sure that’s your plan.
You can leave the rat behind
This is the universal mantra today 😂
Reading "I will not give this country my fear" honestly gave my heart a boost, and I felt a little sheepish being so afraid. I have people I love who are in danger - my trans friends especially - but I'm also honestly incredibly lucky to live in Washington... being in the PNW is no ultimate protection from the will of the White House (as demonstrated when that orange douchenozzle withheld federal aid from areas here affected by wildfires because he didn't like our governor) but it does help to know that there's a stubborn resolution here. Seattle being a "sanctuary city" will continue to hold and I hope it still means something. My fiancee hugged me close last night and promised me "whatever happens, I'll be by your side" and knowing loved ones (be they significant others, friends, or relations) are there to support you - as you are them - is a comfort like none other.
Also selfishly I hope if you left Vermont you'd come back to us in the PNW, but I say "selfishly" because I know ones' reasons for leaving a home are deep-set, and because the idea of having access to more Neko Case shows is AWESOME ;)
My cats love a mouse hunt but won’t go near a rat ! ! They say it’s above their pay grade 😂❤️
Safe travels. If you're heading to Portland, OR, please have some Lauretta Jean's Pie for me. Hopefully we'll be bringing home a winner tonight and it will be happy pie.
old fashion mouse trap are the best or a barn cat that only eats one small meal a day.. i have one for hire.. cheap and efficient 😛
Here's to hoping it's an amazing day for all of us today, Neko! I understood the assignment today in New Hampshire.
Also, tell me I have New England brain without telling me I have New England brain - I kept wondering why you were flying to Portland. Ohhh, the other Portland. 🙂
Here's to hoping you can make it work in Vermont. My wife and I always think good Neko thoughts when we take our son back to college in Burlington and we are stopping at the center of the Northeastern Vermont universe - Marty's Quick Stop, of course.
Michigan would welcome you. We are a state run by women, and very proud of that. Taxes aren't terrible either. I've been visualizing Kamala walking on stage tonight to the strains of LADY PILOT. I can't think of a more fitting anthem. Hoping, fearlessly, here.
rats and wanna-be dictators… both stink!
safe travels neko!
Mike(s) are solid Folk, seeing Your Family cared for the way YOU do, warms the cockles of my heart…..ALSO in Florida’s balmy weather, BUT CHANGING LEAVES—I turn up my a/c and blare WHAT AUTUMN/NATURE SOUNDS LIKE TO ME=IM AN ANIMAL=THOSE NOTES AND NEKOS VOICE….ALONE MAKE ME STIR….let alone, lyrics🍁🍂🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍂🍂🍂🍂
Southern Illinois is beautiful! Rolling hills, smallish farms, 4 seasons although Summer can be warm, lots of small lakes and reservoirs, central to everything. Advanced medical care in St. Louis.
If it's not there already, add to your "pro-Vermont" list: relatively good place to be during climate collapse.
Life can indeed be good. Safe travels.