And So Here We Are Again

Hi reader,

I've started and stopped writing this weekly letter to you a million times. When I first sat down to put it together, I was optimistic. Then I found myself saying "this is no week for a Mother Teresa quote," or this item, or that item. I found myself wondering what to say, or whether I should say anything at all. And then I reflected on what my kid told me Wednesday: "Mom maybe you should grow your hair out to be safer right now." That has been on constant repeat in my head. So, too, has my response to it: "I'm not going to dim my light or grow out my hair for these [expletive deleted]."

I'm not. Nor should you. Nor should my kid. I'm going to show up, the way I've shown up before, and I'm gonna stand on business. After a bunch of reflection, I understand that that is the way forward for all of us. So, having said all that, please hit reply and let me know how you're doing right now, and what you're thinking about, or worrying about, or hopeful for. Y'all are the best, and I'm sending each and every one of you a very big hug.

Paige

Writing prompt: Did any of you ever grow up wanting to be president? What made you want to run for the nation's highest office? What made you change your mind?

Good Bones

Life is short, though I keep this from my children.
Life is short, and I’ve shortened mine
in a thousand delicious, ill-advised ways,
a thousand deliciously ill-advised ways
I’ll keep from my children. The world is at least
fifty percent terrible, and that’s a conservative
estimate, though I keep this from my children.
For every bird there is a stone thrown at a bird.
For every loved child, a child broken, bagged,
sunk in a lake. Life is short and the world
is at least half terrible, and for every kind
stranger, there is one who would break you,
though I keep this from my children. I am trying
to sell them the world. Any decent realtor,
walking you through a real shithole, chirps on
about good bones: This place could be beautiful,
right? You could make this place beautiful.

-- Maggie Smith

Quote

Confidence is a static state. Determination is active. Determination allows for doubt and humility – both of which are critical in the world today. There is so much that we don't know, and so much that we know we don't know. To be overly confident or without doubt seems silly to me. Determination, on the other hand, is a commitment to win, a commitment to fight the good fight.

-- Anna Deavere Smith

Endnotes

What I'm reading: Information about digital nomad visas.

What I'm grateful for: At long last, I have a permanent crown. My dentist even gave me two lollipops for all the trouble.

What I'm listening to: The Cure's new album "Songs of a Lost World." The song "And Nothing Is Forever" is probably my favorite track, even though it is melancholy as all get-out. Robert Smith knew we needed this music now.

What I'm looking forward to: Seeing how Atlanta United fares in a must-win game three versus Inter Miami tomorrow night.

Where I hope you'll donate this week: Senior poverty is at record levels, with nearly 39 million older people who are already in poverty or living very close to the edge of it. AARP Foundation invests in bold, innovative programs — from fighting senior hunger to helping older adults connect with their neighbors and communities. Please consider a gift to this group, which provides a lifeline to seniors who might feel forgotten and without options.