While a significant portion of the planet braces for winter, Arizona and the Sonoran Desert is bathed in yellow. In golden hues of sunset, you could be looking over the plains of Serengeti or a wheat field in Kansas. It is transformative. Oslo seems to be enveloped in similar tones; so beautiful but as Robert Frost tells us: "Nothing gold can stay."
Oh, how I wish it would. America is exhausted. In a dead heat race that is nastier, and more hate filled every single day. There's no button to push to make it go away. "And you tell me over and over again my friend, how you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction."
The fate of the world, if you will, is being decided by political stunts, billionaires buying our Democracy and many people "staying on the couch." But when I am surrounded by the desert's amber light that takes my breath away, I exhale. And I hope.
Lovely piece, Alex. Your world is awash in nature and nature is very resilient with deep roots and the ability to recover. And recover we must.
Recover we must, since we risk sinking our Eden to grief. Your desert visits are like my cafe visits, exhale for a moment and find hope. But it's hard to get rid of the feeling that we are sleepwalking into a global drams of unimaginable suffering, perhaps best described as all 17 Global Goals developing in the wrong direction and compounding the risks we know with unknown consequential political developments. And to all those that refuse to stop, think, and take responsibility, I can only refer back to McGuire's lines: Don't you understand what I'm trying to say. Can't you feel the fears I'm feeling today?
This election cycle has been enormously stressful and self care has been essential. Getting through these next two weeks and beyond will require even more.
Your wonderful photos are a much needed respite from the anxiety. Thank you for that.
…”The café's menu features locally sourced ingredients that reflect Norway's culinary traditions. It's an inviting space where you can feel at home while overlooking the park's beauty.”
A genuine park cafe, Anne på landet, you found and a brilliant photographer for your gorgeous portrait.
A peaceful jolly good Sunday afternoon one needs to comfort oneself and care amongst the tumultuous times we’re traversing.
From what we’re hearing here though, the problem is, that not enough Americans BELIEVE it’s that dire. I’ve always wondered how Germany stumbled into fascism; now I’m watching America do the same thing. There are a lot of people willing to lie and deflect for power, and there are a lot of more people willing to ignore serious abnormality and dysfunction, for their imaginations based in ideology. It’s stunning the number of people still imagining that the guardrails will still be there, no matter how repeatedly Trump and the people who were the guardrails and are no longer there, keep telling us, he’s making sure they’re removed…
It’s so unfathomable to me…
But I too take me little walks in the desert Fall here with our magnificent skies and adorable creatures and remind myself that life is more than human drama…
Future historians will write a chapter or two about the failings of the media. Even some of the best American newspapers take Trump's actions too often for granted as if he is excused for being so weird that we have other standards for him. At the same time, these newspapers still react to a tiny misstep of a Democrat as if we still live in the pre-Trump days.
Yeah, I’ve seriously considered cancelling my NYT subscriptions several times this summer over their outrageous false equivalencies… but some outlets have also taken off their white gloves the last week or so…Jake Tapper (CNN) and Ari Melber (MSNBC) in a replay, both nailed Mike Johnson on the lies re ‘the enemy within’ and use of national guard/military against the American people. But way late in the game. 😖
Yes, Alex, the “tiny misstep” of a Democrat might very well lead us to a giant step into a dystopian future that, as Nancie mentioned, none of us thought could happen. It’s so disheartening, to say nothing of being downright frightening.
‘I felt the comforting continuity of centuries-old daily rituals’…That sentence caught my attention so much so that I had to write to tell you why. Your day of nature in Frogner Park and especially in the “Anne på landet” little café really resonated with me as I read it and am writing this from London. I had to get away from the NYT (as Nancie mentioned), the constant polls and the orange man’s rambling vitriol.
Some of my family are with me and we’re enjoying the same “daily rituals” we did when we lived here in London many years ago. Only the occasional taxi driver has asked us about the election! What a relief! Thank you for the tranquillity of your piece and the gorgeous photos. I’m delighted that you are able to find peace in the Autumn of Oslo and enjoy your walks and runs. Lucky you😊
London is, of course, also full of continuity. The vibe must feel the same as when you left the last time. It’s one of the many reasons why it’s one of my favorite cities. I know what to expect, find it, and discover new things. I feel connected to history and my memories of the years I lived there and the countless returns. I hope you will enjoy every minute in London.
What a comforting essay and you smile is contageous! ☕ Thank you 🌻
While a significant portion of the planet braces for winter, Arizona and the Sonoran Desert is bathed in yellow. In golden hues of sunset, you could be looking over the plains of Serengeti or a wheat field in Kansas. It is transformative. Oslo seems to be enveloped in similar tones; so beautiful but as Robert Frost tells us: "Nothing gold can stay."
Oh, how I wish it would. America is exhausted. In a dead heat race that is nastier, and more hate filled every single day. There's no button to push to make it go away. "And you tell me over and over again my friend, how you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction."
The fate of the world, if you will, is being decided by political stunts, billionaires buying our Democracy and many people "staying on the couch." But when I am surrounded by the desert's amber light that takes my breath away, I exhale. And I hope.
Lovely piece, Alex. Your world is awash in nature and nature is very resilient with deep roots and the ability to recover. And recover we must.
Recover we must, since we risk sinking our Eden to grief. Your desert visits are like my cafe visits, exhale for a moment and find hope. But it's hard to get rid of the feeling that we are sleepwalking into a global drams of unimaginable suffering, perhaps best described as all 17 Global Goals developing in the wrong direction and compounding the risks we know with unknown consequential political developments. And to all those that refuse to stop, think, and take responsibility, I can only refer back to McGuire's lines: Don't you understand what I'm trying to say. Can't you feel the fears I'm feeling today?
So true, Alex. Our actions reverberate globally.
"Hate your next door neighbor but don't forget to say grace." More unimaginable suffering for a nation pitting neighbor against neighbor.
You are so right!
This election cycle has been enormously stressful and self care has been essential. Getting through these next two weeks and beyond will require even more.
Your wonderful photos are a much needed respite from the anxiety. Thank you for that.
That’s a very nice one of you.
I really appreciated this article.
It was beautifully written, calming and soothing, as so many of your pieces are.
This one was perfectly timed and felt like you had taken on the role of comforter and encourager. Thank you.
I am hopeful.
…”The café's menu features locally sourced ingredients that reflect Norway's culinary traditions. It's an inviting space where you can feel at home while overlooking the park's beauty.”
A genuine park cafe, Anne på landet, you found and a brilliant photographer for your gorgeous portrait.
A peaceful jolly good Sunday afternoon one needs to comfort oneself and care amongst the tumultuous times we’re traversing.
From what we’re hearing here though, the problem is, that not enough Americans BELIEVE it’s that dire. I’ve always wondered how Germany stumbled into fascism; now I’m watching America do the same thing. There are a lot of people willing to lie and deflect for power, and there are a lot of more people willing to ignore serious abnormality and dysfunction, for their imaginations based in ideology. It’s stunning the number of people still imagining that the guardrails will still be there, no matter how repeatedly Trump and the people who were the guardrails and are no longer there, keep telling us, he’s making sure they’re removed…
It’s so unfathomable to me…
But I too take me little walks in the desert Fall here with our magnificent skies and adorable creatures and remind myself that life is more than human drama…
Future historians will write a chapter or two about the failings of the media. Even some of the best American newspapers take Trump's actions too often for granted as if he is excused for being so weird that we have other standards for him. At the same time, these newspapers still react to a tiny misstep of a Democrat as if we still live in the pre-Trump days.
Yeah, I’ve seriously considered cancelling my NYT subscriptions several times this summer over their outrageous false equivalencies… but some outlets have also taken off their white gloves the last week or so…Jake Tapper (CNN) and Ari Melber (MSNBC) in a replay, both nailed Mike Johnson on the lies re ‘the enemy within’ and use of national guard/military against the American people. But way late in the game. 😖
I canceled NYT during their "but her emails" days
Yes, Alex, the “tiny misstep” of a Democrat might very well lead us to a giant step into a dystopian future that, as Nancie mentioned, none of us thought could happen. It’s so disheartening, to say nothing of being downright frightening.
Yes, frightening it is. Counting down the days.
You are absolutely right, Alex! That’s why London is my “home away from home”. Thank you for your good wishes💕
‘I felt the comforting continuity of centuries-old daily rituals’…That sentence caught my attention so much so that I had to write to tell you why. Your day of nature in Frogner Park and especially in the “Anne på landet” little café really resonated with me as I read it and am writing this from London. I had to get away from the NYT (as Nancie mentioned), the constant polls and the orange man’s rambling vitriol.
Some of my family are with me and we’re enjoying the same “daily rituals” we did when we lived here in London many years ago. Only the occasional taxi driver has asked us about the election! What a relief! Thank you for the tranquillity of your piece and the gorgeous photos. I’m delighted that you are able to find peace in the Autumn of Oslo and enjoy your walks and runs. Lucky you😊
London is, of course, also full of continuity. The vibe must feel the same as when you left the last time. It’s one of the many reasons why it’s one of my favorite cities. I know what to expect, find it, and discover new things. I feel connected to history and my memories of the years I lived there and the countless returns. I hope you will enjoy every minute in London.
Thank you, Lizzie