Beautiful. Thank you.
9
This lovely tidbit made me realize that even without the venal idiot in the White House, I'd still be grousing about something. I mean really, you did that to a lobster? :-)
10
Thank you, I need to take a day off from the world. I just realized that I spend too much time and energy talking, thinking, reading and writing about him and consequently, being angry most of the time. I will start tomorrow.
9
If you can't get away to a lake in Maine try reading old western novels. Cowboy books. Zane Grey, Louis L'Amour, Larry McMurtry, etc
A great escape.
5
From somewhere, Verlyn Klinkenborg is smiling...
In trying to ascertain precisely where, came across this...
https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/07/books/the-call-of-hte-wind-and-the-ko...
"...the work of a writer who relentlessly tugs at the cultural fences around her until they collapse, leaving her solitary under an immense Australian sky, enlarged to herself at last...
.....
To be alone, traipse the streets of New York City most weekends...
On the way, passing uncountable numbers of escapees going in the other direction - or parked on the side of the road to hike a trail or walk a bridge...
Pizza is at Joe's, John's, Lombardi's, Juliana's, Zero Otto Nove, et al - have become such a snob about it, could tell when Joe's newer mid-town location had messed with the dough recipe...
That's since been fixed...
7
Lovely.
7
This was so nice. It reminded me of a certain summer in Maine, years ago, but more importantly, I believe you performed a public service with this beautiful essay - at least you did for those of us who allowed it to transport us. And why wouldn't we? It is supremely important to decompress every so often, especially for people who are involved in activism, or those of us who are teetering on the edge of exasperation every single day because of what we are dealing with here.
And by the way, for all those who can't take a good thing when they see one and enjoy it - the migrants who are suffering so are not helped by our denying ourselves some respite once in a while. We fight better when rested. And it doesn't take a trip to Maine to have a vacation. It's a mind thing. Doing something relaxing, treating yourself to visit an art museum, catching a movie, preferably with subtitles so you can at least hear other languages if you can't travel there, or just turn off all your devices, sit at the pier with a beer, or whatever.
22
Other commentators have pointed out that there are ways for most of us to step back from the daily grind and take a deep breath or two - even without a cabin in Maine. Maybe it's just me - but even a morning in the library, or time at the local park, would be something, an opportunity to catch our breath.
12
Here's a proposal: how about the entire New York Times takes a day off from covering Himself. It needn't be a day when actual news occurs, but for 24 hours, could we dispense with the hand-wringing, the handicapping of the 2018 horse race, the breathless coverage of his tweets, and the analyses of why coastal liberals just don't get real Americans?
Besides, there are plenty of other issues that could use the attention.
#daywithouttrump
37
You cook And clean up? Can I go on vacation with you? Great article.
10
Why take just one day?
6
No veg pizza? I’m disappointed as those are the absolute best. Go PETA!
7
Thanks for taking all of us to Maine for a brief respite.
10
Unfortunately the children who were kidnapped from their parents by the US government, and their broken-hearted parents, don't get a day off.
9
Wonderful! Thank you.
9
An icy-cold lake in early summer Maine is not my idea of paradise but I enjoyed your writing all the same.
5
Sounds like the author is one of those people who just can’t live with a dissenting voice. I feel sorry for them.
2
Lovely writing and experiences - but how do people who cannot afford this but share your political views cope with the stress if they do not have a cabin in Maine for escape?
6
You just wrote a very beautiful essay. Thank you so much.
8
Lovely piece. I have some of these days now too. I have to avoid the chaos that is Trump and his cronies. I need nature's beauty and comfort to cancel them out.
9
I'm immersed in a Shakespearean tragedy. It's looking very bleak, as if nothing will end well. I pray dear Edgar, dear Horacio, confirm when it is over, that I might breathe again.
7
Some have the luxury of turning off the world. It's nice that all your children are safe and flourishing. I hope after your hiatus you find something to do to help those who cannot.
7
I think this is called a Sabbath and I think was well established in history! We could reclaim this?
11
Yes, he has. Extreme times make for extreme reaction. It is never inappropriate to pull back from the awfulness that our times provide. That can be through a trip to Maine, savoring a slice of pie, or merely relaxing in a favorite chair for a time. The one thing that is crucial to all is the necessity of unplugging for just a time to try to get back some joy. Have you tried it?
12
These times must be why I'm thinking so very fondly of summers at my grandmother's house and the chocolate malts she made for us every evening.
Thank you for inspiring the memories.
11
How lovely! For a few short minutes, I was vacationing with you, Jennifer. Thank you for this reprieve from Himself and all the grief that accompanies Him. Speaking for myself, I need to become one more often with the hills surrounding me and its wild flowers, the sea shore not too far away, or those majestic Redwoods right in my own expansive "back yard."
More than ever, and I think I speak for many, we need to embrace the mundane that we so often take for granted...whether making pizza from scratch or being corny for our kids or counting the stars on these clear summer nights. Soon it will be Fall, and we can admire those vibrant-colored leaves, that crisp air, Jack-O-Lanterns, and, oh, a Thanksgiving feast! So, maybe happiness and dreams need not be short lived. All we have to do is open our eyes and hearts.
17
Thank you Ms. Boyland for this lovely article. Your eloquent writing took me away to where you were. In the tumultuous times we now live in, we need more of these types of stories to remember the good things in life.
12
The week after your 30th wedding anniversary is a wonderful time to capture life's ordinary and extraordinary pleasures.
Our warmest wishes for decades more!
12
I enjoyed reading this very much. Thank you for sharing it, and I'm glad you and your family are able to be in such a lovely, peaceful place together.
12
Daughter? What did I miss?
And, yes, lovely piece. Love that part of the world.
3
I was so confused. I've seen Jenny's family picture and read her wonderful parenting book. I wasn't aware she had a daughter.
2
I need quiet, real days like this and I take at least spaces of normal time daily for myself. There is little else left but the small pleasures that we have kept for ourselves and those that we love. During these tumultuous times, I have found the small things make the difference--a good cup of coffee, a glass of wine, a tasty dinner, a shady seat by the pool, an absorbing book. I imagine in the days and months ahead I will take more and more time away from the insanity that our days and country have become in these bewildering, through-the-looking glass times.
15
Lovely. This piece has the feeling of the old Italian movie, A Special Day, with Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni. Highly recommended.
12
Thank you for the lovely postcard from Maine (this kind of reminded me of one of those quiet moments they used to have at the end of "CBS Sunday Morning" program) and the thoughts around it. While I won't be taking any such a vacation, both because of a stressful job and because of financial reasons (replenishing retirement savings, paying off our house), but I can appreciate the thought behind the post. I try and find simple pleasures I can do, whether it is appreciating a nice night with my wife in our screen room (we just hit our 30th, too), picking cucumbers from my garden and pickling them, or sharing something we are watching, or taking our silly dogs for a walk in a national park near where we live. It is a reminder that life goes on, that in a world where there are people who seem to want to make the world an ugly place, or rather, enjoy making it ugly, there is a lot to appreciate that never goes away, big and small. Congrats on making number 30, I am glad that you and your wife have come to a place of peace after your journey, and can enjoy moments like this with your family, that in the end is the most important thing of all to be grateful for I think:)
25
Lovely. Simple country pleasures amplified by sophisticated tastes.
11
It's always nice when a writer for the New York Times can use a point of a personal privilege, and just use their space as a blog to write about a lazy summer day. (I am not complaining)
Perhaps writings like these (opening ourselves up) are more of what we require to replenish our souls and come together.
Enjoy your time together. (and thank you)
26
Truly love this. I go back to my own moments like this whenever I can, even in memory. Thank you!
8
This is a literary equivalent of an Instagram of your dinner at a restaurant. Oy, the self-indulgence!
16
I don’t share your taste in pizza. It’s too bad that we have reached a point where about the only things people can agree to disagree about are the most trivial. But I am so happy that you and your family are enjoying your vacation.
5
Oh, how I wish I could be one of those dogs! Though I'd howl the most for not getting that boat ride. Thank you!
3
Life is much easier when its simpler. Perhaps that's what "Himself" never gets.
Beautiful Maine. Beautiful summer. Have fun!
10
Thanks Jen, for the mini vacation from all the crapola.
28
One thing Trump has managed to do is make everyone stupidly melodramatic. This day off thing is getting tired. Life does go on with or without someone you dislike as President. Turn off the news and live your life and stop feeding the frenzy.
13
I’ve found that peace today when I read a story in the NYT about a Lexington KY restaurant that hires addicts in recovery to work & find their way. Gave me hope.
10
Ha, I figured it out, we work our lives away and then watch TV to relax in between, because we believe that heaven awaits after we are dead and gone. Only to find out we have been had once again, cheated out of our time in this beautiful place, realizing far too late, that the gates of paradise are really at the EXIT.
15
I could feel my blood pressure drop, my heart rate slow, and my body relax as I read this...
14
So, Himself and He refers to the president, yes? And he’s not being trashed here? And this column was printed in the New York Times? Well, okay then. This is Big News.
7
Lovely. A special day, and seems to me long worth cherishing. Thank you, Ms. Boylan, for sharing the story of your day well-lived.
2
Rarely does an op article give me a lump in my throat. Wonderful writing, and leaving the Name Not Spoken behind early, long before the howling Labs. Thank you.
13
I know many households where the name of the previous president before Trump is not spoken. It’s not really clever.
Beautiful. We all need days like this that fit into our own settings.
Enjoy the little things in life, for someday you will realize they were the big things.
14
Lovely. Idyllic. Exactly what percentage of Americans can actually spend a single day such as this?
21
Sweet simplicity nearly brought me to tears.
8
Thank you.
One of the greatest pleasures to be encountered by people lodging or camping near a deep, blue black lake in Maine or the Adirondacks?
When a friend says, “I just heard a loon,” she’s not referring to a televised Donald Trump rally.
She means she just heard a loon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ENNzjy8QjU
17
Thank you for sharing your eventful, non-eventful day.
Meanwhile, back in the chaotic world of Trump and Troubles, see: RevolutionOfReason.com
2
i wish i could relax like that, but somehow i can't. that makes vacations tough, because i'm always on edge, waiting for....i don't know. thank you for the idyll.
8
Sounds like a lovely visit. Wish more of US could have days and families like yours.
I too have to take "news breaks" periodically (and always when the liar in chief is on) and no longer watch tv news. Even NPR gets a rest, although I am dedicated daily to the NYT and Washington Post.
PS I like that guy's PETA shirt. Shows wit. And I'm a semi vegan.
5
If you stop the world even for a short time, a heavenly world will take the place from the artificially induced negativity we are systematically exposed to. A dishonesty by design to keep us off balance and in a divided state. A diversion from our true state, of fear and hate that never was valid, let alone has any place where we are headed in this new century.
8
Nice article
3
Yeah, we talk about him a lot. We're alarmed and history informs us what's coming. Alarmed is a good word, and we're sounding it. Summer only provides a bit of distraction.
All reminiscent of how a dictatorship built itself bit by bit in Germany. Incrementally. And this and that and then that were accepted, tolerated....some thought it was ok if they benefited financially or were in synchrony.
Others weren't observant enough to see the increments of the inconceivable. Well, it's here now. Sewing of division/hate is routine. Right wing populism feels more like racism. A white house is in constant turnover, our allies fall away.
We're enemies of the people if we're journalists. We're scum if we're the opposition party though we won the popular vote in 6 of the last 7 presidential elections. Still, 5 republicans on the highest court of the land now render this court the most threatening ever to our precious liberties. (A Supreme Court already took it upon itself to decide the 2000 election.)
Close allies are demeaned, insulted and extorted. Refugees can't find their stolen children following a presidential decree. Kids secretly transported to multiple states, cities and towns? We're here. It's happened. A dictator was installed and permitted to remain by a GOP in fear of tweets.
26
Buzzkill......true enough, but buzzkill. I had a nice, quiet moment there and, then, like most days, the mere thought of the Troll raised my anxiety level. I wonder if the Trump Effect will be a recognized mental disorder n the DSM-5 by the time he leaves office, sooner rather than later.
3
Thank you for this lovely day. My whole body relaxed. Here's how I do it opin the city: equipoise is my mantra. Unplug from most media is my action. Supreme self care is my focus. Gratitude is my armor. Right action is my offering.
4
Thank you. When I got married (though I no longer am), a lovely person wished us, "many ordinary days." I then wished that for my sister (her marriage is still strong). I have lost faith in these moments and become a cynic. The world feels
angry and hostile. We all need times that you so beautifully expressed; may you have many more of them.
21
We live in the "small world"; friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances. Today, we are severely isolated and alone. The poorest surrogate for loneliness is the 24/7 news cycle. I'm old enough to have heard horrible stats about TV consumption: 27 hrs per week for a working adult. Tune out, turn off, drop out of the rolling news cycle, and tune in to books, phone calling friends, visiting neighbors and sending emails to those you know. Don't 'binge watch', but binge read instead, something that hangs together, like a novel or a field of interest. Cook something slow, with your hands. Clean out a basement or room. Do it with no input from the 24/7. Shalom.
13
Oh bless you! Thank you! Not every day has to be in turmoil. You found how fulfilling simple things can be. And in these times, when any one of us has a day like this, it's actually real news!
3
Take pleasure where you find it. It's the human thing to do.
3
Jennifer, you put me to shame and I am grateful.We are spending the summer just miles from where you are, children and grandchildren are in and out and my husband and I are about to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary.I have everything to be grateful for.I just cannot resist the NYTimes on my IPad and then I read and respond.Shame on me- I promise to do better.
7
I feel better already. thanks.
A good reminder to "stop the world, I want to get off!" From the summary of the movie content on imdb, "In turn, Little Chap, being opportunistic, builds upon those experiences to try and be fulfilled both professionally and personally, rarely taking Evie and his burgeoning family into consideration despite the fact that they love him. At the end of those thirty-five years, he comes to an understanding of who he is and why he made the decisions in his life that he did."
May we find similar understanding of our own journeys, and have memories such as what you shared to give the trip meaning.
1
Oh my thank you. Thank you. I have no idea who you are and will never meet you but you have changed my life forever. You really did. Really.
4
I obviously wrote in jest. If you don’t want to hear about Trump, don’t read the Times. There are a minimum of 10 articles a day on Trump. Take charge of your own happiness. This is America. Do what you want. Nobody is forcing you to read the Times or watch cable news.
1
Thank You !
5
Lovely. Absolutely lovely. We all need to create time and space for this. Just because. This is healing and necessary for our health and for our souls. It is also critical if we are to maintain the mental, emotional and physical strength needed to fight for our democracy. Thank you, Jennifer.
11
So lovely, so peaceful. Thank you for the peaceful interlude.
1
While this is a very lovely story, did you post pictures to Instagram or Facebook or tweet during this respite? Getting off the grid shouldn't be as difficult to accomplish as it currently is. :)
1
Maybe you could hold a contest, and invite the winners over for pizza. And I'd love to play with your Dogs. Hint, Hint.
3
In our camper, we have a New Yorker cartoon taped to the wall. It shows two hikers looking out over a mountain vista. The caption reads: "Hear that? No Trump." Bliss.
8
Congratulations on thirty years! Thank you for admitting us all to your perfect summer day. Much love to you and your family!
7
Last evening, as I poured my usual Scotch and water and sat down to watch my regular programs on MSNBC, I suddenly decided, "NO". I have had enough bad political news and it is making me depressed. So, instead, I watched a cooking program and a sitcom. (I did not forgo the Scotch, however). It was great! So, thank you for your pleasant column. It was a good tonic!
8
Jennifer, thanks for the tip about the John Coltrane album. Didn't know about that. I'll be checking it out.
3
This sounds delightful. We made our first visit to New England a couple years ago in the fall, although lamentably missing Maine. Need to go back. Trade places for a couple of weeks?
We've spent two weeks in Maine every summer for the past 20 years, so I am very familiar with the incredible effect it has on the soul. Thank you for sharing your day; it transformed mine.
3
I enjoyed this. I live in one of the big tourist destinations near Traverse City, MI. At the risk of sounding churlish I would like to point out that it's not the locale that induces the peace so much as the change of scenery. Our summer tourists are under the impression that they are visiting some sort of prelapsarian Eden, unspoiled by bickering and partisan politics. The truth is that we ALL feel this ominous gloom, this lack of empathy, here in tourist country and everywhere else. Tourists can fool themselves into thinking that they have entered some kind of Trump free slipstream. Perhaps they have, for a while, but we year-rounders feel it and suffer it. All year round. There's no getting away, unless I travel myself.
7
I am from the better version of Traverse City to the north (constant refrain is ‘Don’t let us become Traverse City’). Politics does not go away, but active discussion is about local issues: how to prevent lake erosion, progress on new hospital, when to give zoning variances. Arguing about “important” national issues seems a waste of time. You will get a vote. Exercise it, but spare the rest of us. You get nothing done and upset people for no good purpose. Maybe larger cities should learn that lesson.
4
I wish I could concur, Michael, but our discussions in this small tourist town are very much about Trump and the soul of our country, as well as the local issues you mention. I'll wager the home town you remember (the "better" version of Traverse City!) will be the same by now, not as you remember it from your youth. In any case, there is no need to trash Traverse City to make your point. I will stick up for Traverse City while I'm at it, even though I do not live there but in Leland. Downtown TC has been totally revitalized and the restaurants are amazing. Then there's the film festival, and the weather and the scenery. You don't need to worry about becoming us.
1
The biggest "local issue" here in Leelanau County is the way ICE is rounding up longstanding and upright locals and deporting them, leaving families broken and grieving. These are migrant workers who have settled out in the community. Their children are classmates of my children, they are on our baseball teams, in our drama productions, etc. Our community is mobilized by these needless deportations and we have managed to reunite at least one family .. for now. The influence of Trump is everywhere, not just in larger cities.
3
Lovely column! Shades of E.B. White.
My kids go to camp in Belgrade, Maine and I spend Visiting Day every July swimming in beautiful, "Salmon Lake."
Maine is gorgeous in the summer and so peaceful you think maybe, just maybe, things will all turn out OK.
Gotta keep fighting, too much at stake, but it is nice to take a day off now and then.
9
I've been avoiding NPR, Rachel Maddow, etc because I need some peace of mind. I'm watching cooking shows and reading and spending time taking comfort in my loved ones.
Oh, and watching World Cup.
11
Thank you so much for this lovely gift of perfect words of your perfect day. Stay well.
1
I want to be your neighbor and best friend. What a day!!!
3
"...this dream is short. But this dream is happy.”
And the older I get, the more I realize this. Each day is like a fragile bubble and every night before sleep I'm thankful for one more day, safe and happy as we could make it.
Thank you for a great column.
6
I too recently took a break from the news of the day to spend time in the high desert of eastern Oregon. I can't help but feel a little guilty however that I have the luxury of escape when so many others do not.
18
Lovely.
And your son will find much of Michigan ( with its 30,000 Lakes and 4 Great Lakes) as scenic and very similar to Maine when he attends grad school at U of Michigan.
1
Nice. . .thank you for letting me share your day. I, too, find that a "day off" provides me with some restorative peace.
The crossword this morning did not go well, so I turned to this. It was a delightful vignette, and I am sure it will cross my mind many times today.
That said, in the comments there are several references to the "nightmare" we live in. In recovery we are asked for "the serenity to accept the thins we cannot change". This is so hard for me, but this morning I watched the sun rise on the chickadees at the feeder, and there are many other delights to be had if I choose to see. I will argue that life in Syria, Somalia or any prison for that matter is the nightmare. Rage is needed in these times, but I also need to see beauty to stay hopeful.
6
A beautiful dream to distract us from the nightmare we live in.
Too bad it is short, too bad not everyone has access to it, sad it can't be permanent.
15
Beautiful. On every level. Thank you.
5
Simply lovely. Thank you.
5
Maine, mindfulness, and gratitude - all great things for feeding the soul!
11
Sounds too peaceful for Maine the home of Stephen King and setting for a number of his stories. I kept expecting some monster to pop out of the lake or an all-enveloping fog to descend on the serene picture you paint. I guess the monster is back in Washington............
7
Nice piece/peace. I guess if everyone had such a place to retreat to it would be a different world and different news altogether and no need to write a piece about not thinking about "Himself"--bully for you, not so much for the have nots. As usual.
10
Lovely. One can seek and hopefully find peace every day, even without physically retreating to an escape like this.
Bummer to read the few downer comments here from folks who essentially are saying "it must be nice to have the means/place/time off to escape like this." Why begrudge others their gifts (likely well-earned/worked hard for)?
1
Because even one day like this is a privilege to which many Americans have no access. No paid time off. No funds for even a humble vacation. No funds for things like college for kids, bottles of ale, and fresh produce to top six home-made pizzas. I don't begrudge the author her lovely day, and I share the general sentiment that every single one of us would benefit from more frequent days like this. But I do think that part of the gratitude here should be for the not at all small things of financial and job security that make all of the grace notes of this day possible.
6
Nice. Thanks Jennie, for the day off...It is welcome respite
8
Thanks for the time off...needed the respite.
5
I love this writing, I love my friend Jenny
5
This was simply wonderful. Thank you so much.
5
Your perfect Day. Thanks for sharing, it was truly lovely.
Best Wishes to you all.
5
Thank you......oh my...THANK YOU!
6
Aahhhhhh. Such a gentle balance to the war, starvation, deprivation, indignities, corruption, exploitation, cruelty, dissolution, struggle, death, loss, displacement, disrespect, hate, fear, persecution and disregard one normally finds in news of the world.
5
Please - can we have more of this?
6
It takes a lot of money to live simply.
Yes. I'm envious.
13
Nice day, free from the cares of the world. We should all have those sometimes. I have a modified version of this I call "Cold Jerky Thursdays," wherein I avoid clicking on, posting about, watching, talking about, or listening to anything about the biggest jerk in the U.S., if not on the whole planet. It's hard sometimes, but at the end of the day, I feel like I denied him the thing he wants and needs more than anything -- attention.
33
Brilliant idea. I'll be with you in spirit tomorrow!
Thank you so much for this. I needed a respite from all the troubles. And I got a new book recommendation. Love.
1
This is perhaps the most beautiful, deeply touching reminder of what is truly meaningful in life that I’ve read in a long time. Brought me to tears - a gentle, understanding, MUCH NEEDED escape from the filth and degration Trump yet again smears on America and our allies with his attacks today on NATO... his relentless hypocritical ignorance of history, diplomacy, or the required dignity of POTUS as a supposed world leader embarrasses us daily.
42
That does indeed sound peaceful. I would have enjoyed the story so much more if the celebration of life didn't include the carcasses of so many terrified butchered animals.....
4
Interesting juxtaposition with this column literally right next to the one titled "For Gays the Worst is Yet to Come. Again" in the digital edition I read. I guess two things can be true at the same time.
2
This reminds me of E. B. White’s “Once More to the Lake.” That’s Quite a compliment.
1
Thank you, I really needed that. Beautiful.
4
Let’s not forget, though, that the World this week includes the rescue of the boys from the flooded cave in Thailand.
While my country was ripping children from their parents’ arms, another government - a military junta actually - was going to extraordinary lengths to save them. Many of the boys are stateless immigrants.
69
This is indeed a well written respite that has an important message for me, someone who has been living with the anger of Trump for 2 years. I wish I was in sleepy Maine. However, as a Christian, I've been following the advice of a friend, simply wake up each morning and in silence accept and relish in the love of the Good News before reading the bad news in the media. And I might add (before anyone gets mad!) you don't have to be Christian to simply be grateful for the day.
5
Hurry home Jennifer we need your calm renewed sense of mind and soul!
We need you to think logically and carefully to problem solve the atrocity of the Donald Trump "presidency. And we need your actions to put those thoughts into motion.
And especially to preserve the beauty and tranquility you find in nature that gifted you this breath, this mental space to be human.
Thank you for reminding us to take a breath, to see the trees from the forest, to remember that there is life outside of the "world", to unplug.
It is far too easy to get caught up in the never ending moment and forget that it is okay to take a step back and just be...
1
Thank you for the lovely respite. Reminded me of the shore road ride from Hampton, NH to Ogunquit, ME.
I think I went to camp on Long Pond in the 50s, Camp Kennebec. I am happy to read that that wonderful pond has not be developed and remain beautiful.
Congratulations on your anniversary - may you have many more years of happiness! And if you ever need an extra for that pizza or the scrumptious omelet count me in. Lovely reminder of what life should be all about... thank you.
11
Thank you for sharing your experience away from the daily horrors we have confronted since January of last year. I especially like you pizza descriptions and apparent passion for creating such wonders. It is an inspiration to enjoy simple pleasures even if we cannot do so on an idyllic place in the country.
7
So simple, so beautiful. Thank you.
8
Thanks for this.
We're about to head off for our own month-long escape. Ocean, a boat, kayaks, G&Ts on the porch, friends and family, the whole enchilada.
9
As the other comments point out, we needed your view of one day desperately. You captured it all.
Thank you for the reminder. As I have done every day since Himself started, I wake with fear and dread. Unfortunately, it is always appropriate.
But, you remind me to take a breath, look around and take note of all that is good.
Thank you.
22
so beautiful. so refreshing. such a joy to read instead of all the Trouble.
26
Beautiful and touching. I wish I could share this with everyone I know.
7
Thank you Jennifer. I'm going to save this one to reread when the news from Himself is overwhelming. It's good and important to take time to step back, take stock, recharge, and enjoy. You've reminded me of that. And I may try the pizza dough recipe.
7
Beautiful. A reminder of the sacredness of the seemingly mundane.
Each of us has a core that the antics of Himself cannot and will not sully.
That's what gives Good the power over Evil. Himself does not have a clue about all this, but ultimately it is how we will triumph.
14
This is the best article that I've read in the NYT all year. The power to transcend the sordid machinations of politics rests within each of us and is accessed through Appreciation. Thank you.
89
Thank you for this beautiful piece. I have been trying to do the same thing, take a step back from the world and focus on the fact that I have a great life and am surrounded by people I love, admire, and cherish.
34
Thank you for this lovely reminder that there is a world beyond Himself.
24
Absolutely lovely. A respite well needed.
67
I feel quite relaxed and refreshed after reading this. Thanks for sharing, Jennifer.
56
Thank you for this piece. Truly a respite from our daily doze of you know who.
1
Thank you. I find myself needing this reminder all too often recently. I've reminded myself of the need to walk away - but your post reminds me of the need not to just walk away, but to focus on what holds most meaning in my life.
54
I need more of this. Need to unplug. Life is one long fingernails-on-chalkboard screech. Not good. My back hurts 24/7. Please send more reports from Maine. I was in Belgrade Lakes once, at a cluster of cabins by Long Pond. I caught huge large mouth bass and had them for dinner, with corn and blueberry pie. I was young, the world was ahead of me, and it was good. Back home, the Viet Nam era draft awaited. In Maine, for a time, I was safe.
118
I also escape to Maine for peace and quiet that I cannot find at home outside of Philadelphia. My blood pressure probably drops at least ten points and my sleep improves with fresh air and the sounds of loons and waves. I am reminded that, despite the joys of technology, we are killing ourselves with the incessant need to do more, make more money, spend more money.... We are in a 24/7/365 society that is actually not good for our health or for our soul. Treasuring the small moments where we stop and actually see the world around us seems like a luxury I can only get after packing the car and driving 640 miles to the small piece of Maine paradise originally purchased 102 years ago by my great great grandparents. They were rusticators who came by train from Philadelphia and spent a month or more enjoying he woods and the ocean and avoiding the heat and smells of summer in the city.
I sometimes envy the French with their long summer holidays and wonder if their society is healthier than ours. Then my inner voice tells me to not be so lazy and to get back to work. Sadly, I leave for home tonight. Back to the grind, but waiting with bated breath for my next escape northwards after Labor Day.
I hope you enjoy as many perfect days as you can, Jennie. Congratulations on your anniversary and your children’s successes, but more importantly, for taking the time to see how blessed you are.
29
You painted such a beautiful picture, it actually really resembles our life here in Central Pennsylvania. It's so ideal in fact that I need to purposefully keep abreast of our current state of affairs. It's so maddening especially because of my age, you see I have lived through many stages that have brought us here. It's so easy just to let go and merge into the well earned peacefulness of my life, but it is the thought of my children and grandchildren that keeps me engaged. It is also the vision of the America I held and nurtured for so long. It shouldn't be forgotten.
38
Thank you for giving us a brief but soothing break from the daily craziness. I'm surprised that some people couldn't accept it for what is was. No, we don't all have a summer place in Maine, or a loving family to share it with, but I don't think that was the point. Bill Murray starred in a movie a while back, "What About Bob?" where his exasperated psychiatric gives him a prescription to take a vacation from his troubles. I remembered it shortly after getting an unpleasant diagnosis, and took the same prescription for a day. I didn't have a vacation home or money to indulge myself, but for that day, I had permission to set aside those worries and just did things I enjoyed. Drank coffee on the porch, watched old movies, colored my hair. Very good medicine.
24