Looking for a new post in July 2026, I came across this one, which I'd somehow skipped over last year. Thank you for casting light into darkness, and thank you for the exquisite paragraph about hope (with feathers) and Bonnie Raitt. Marvelous stuff!
Not sure how I missed this post, now I’m kinda, sorta glad. It’s one of those mornings…you know, sort of an out-of-sorts thing. Your post made me smile, then just outright laugh! Thank you so much! And by the way, I hate air conditioning too…my electric blanket is always on my bed…❤️🇺🇸
Ah, yes, those bittersweet memories about those we lost. My oldest child suffered a fatal stroke at age 42 in 2013 and I miss her every single day. So very many memories that I keep close to my heart. Thank you so much for the reminders of what is good.
Connie, thank you for always giving me a temporary escape from todays brutal world. I'm jealous of your students. I hope they appreciate the teacher and good human they have before them
A few weeks ago, my 6-year-old was picking at the grass during his soccer game, as one does, and he came back to the bench gingerly clutching a bright red leaf. "Wow," his little friend said in appreciation. "Those are rare."
Ever since then, we've been noting the presence of "rare" red leaves all around, and the fact that we've seen SO many has been an endless source of joy. We have to capture those little moments when we can :)
Connie, your words always bring joy to my heart. My aunt got remarried to an old church friend when she was in her 70s and he was in her 80s. It was wonderful celebration simple and supper at some restaurant like red Robin afterwards just fantastic. Thanks for catching up on your life And your joy.
Praying for both of you as the Senate campaign continues and praying praying that God will touch the hearts of the voters. We so need Sherrod back in the Senate.
As so many have commented, everything about this essay made me so happy. I'm an eternal optimist. I will always believe in the possibility of love. As I know you and I'm guessing all of your readers know, Dame Jane Goodall passed over this week. This is one of my favorite of her quotes: “Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love.”
Ah, Connie. Thank you for this essay. I find it difficult to stay positive in these fraught days of our fragile democracy. And I’m the optimist in my family! Keep writing, will you?
Looking for a new post in July 2026, I came across this one, which I'd somehow skipped over last year. Thank you for casting light into darkness, and thank you for the exquisite paragraph about hope (with feathers) and Bonnie Raitt. Marvelous stuff!
Not sure how I missed this post, now I’m kinda, sorta glad. It’s one of those mornings…you know, sort of an out-of-sorts thing. Your post made me smile, then just outright laugh! Thank you so much! And by the way, I hate air conditioning too…my electric blanket is always on my bed…❤️🇺🇸
I feel the urge to write to Bonnie Raitt and let her know she is missing out. ;)
Ah, yes, those bittersweet memories about those we lost. My oldest child suffered a fatal stroke at age 42 in 2013 and I miss her every single day. So very many memories that I keep close to my heart. Thank you so much for the reminders of what is good.
This may be my favorite story from you! And it has SO MUCH competition!
Lovely. Thank you.
That one pic looks like the IU union. ❤️
Tears. We must find the joy in this dark, dark country. 💙
Connie, thank you for always giving me a temporary escape from todays brutal world. I'm jealous of your students. I hope they appreciate the teacher and good human they have before them
I love the leaf pictures!
A few weeks ago, my 6-year-old was picking at the grass during his soccer game, as one does, and he came back to the bench gingerly clutching a bright red leaf. "Wow," his little friend said in appreciation. "Those are rare."
Ever since then, we've been noting the presence of "rare" red leaves all around, and the fact that we've seen SO many has been an endless source of joy. We have to capture those little moments when we can :)
Connie, your words always bring joy to my heart. My aunt got remarried to an old church friend when she was in her 70s and he was in her 80s. It was wonderful celebration simple and supper at some restaurant like red Robin afterwards just fantastic. Thanks for catching up on your life And your joy.
Praying for both of you as the Senate campaign continues and praying praying that God will touch the hearts of the voters. We so need Sherrod back in the Senate.
Many blessings on the feast of Saint Francis.
Sister Donna, FRanciscan
As so many have commented, everything about this essay made me so happy. I'm an eternal optimist. I will always believe in the possibility of love. As I know you and I'm guessing all of your readers know, Dame Jane Goodall passed over this week. This is one of my favorite of her quotes: “Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love.”
You don’t need to convince me. I already know it means something as I read this, as I visit my love in Indiana.
I love this so much.
Oh Connie, you make me so happy. Thank you, you beautiful girl.
Ah, Connie. Thank you for this essay. I find it difficult to stay positive in these fraught days of our fragile democracy. And I’m the optimist in my family! Keep writing, will you?
Deal.💜