(NOTE: This was written for my Substack blog readers, but I figured you’d enjoy it.)
This morning I decided to multi-task, even though I really believe that it’s best to be mindful, as my friend Stephanie used to remind me before she died. She suggested counting to three before answering the phone, so I’d be “present” on the call, and I think the same should be said for responding to social media posts. I tend to avoid social media altogether as it is completely anti-social. Who talks like that in a room full of people? Clearly, I’m a Luddite, mostly, except here I am– I was proud of myself for answering all your notes which the helpful folks at Substack forward to my email, while working out on my indoor bike trainer. It took an hour.
But then, they all came back! I was told I had to reply in Substack.
Well.
(Yes, I know some of you are nodding that is is why you haven’t signed up for Substack. Life is full of compromises and contradictions ,isn’t it?)
I followed the instructions and hit the little reply button on each of the returned emails, hoping they would just show up in the comments section here, but that was not to be—turns out I am supposed to answer them in the Substack community. I need to practice my ukelele, not master Substack forums. But I really want to thank you for reading what I write. What’s a person to do?
“It’s not personal,” my husband said, as I vented and fumed. Then I remembered 84 Charring Cross Road, the short book in letters that I love. I found the sent emails and cut and pasted them here—I trust those of you who wrote to me won’t mind— and I trust that the people at Substack will be pleased with the community we all are— you and me and the words we share.
Hi Robert,
Everything is good in Haines , the local election went well – a mix of people and ballot questions were voted in ( or out), and October is beautiful !
Heather
Hi Barbara ,
Thank you . I have always liked bassets from afar, but never lived with one . Have you read Martin Walker’s Bruno novels ? French mysteries , the detective has a truffle sniffing basset hound . I love the series –
Best,
Heather
So good to hear from you again Marylouise– And as to the ballots : exactly ! I’m feeling lighter knowing that election time is here, and trusting it will get better –
Warmly ,
Heather
Thank you Jeff – I owe you a book , can you resend your address ? I haven’t forgotten !
Heather
Oh Jessica,
Thank you ! I miss our writing group and you. I hope the farm, the kids, the work and the play are all good –
Love,
Heather
Thank you Judy – it’s really nice to be missed and I’ll do better at staying in touch going forward –
Warmly,
Heather
Hey friend ! If I haven’t already replied – I do love seeing your “boy” and the grandkids running around the fort – a blessing for sure –
Give my best to Dave too-
Love,
Heather
Hi Diane ,
Yes, concern is good – right? It means leaning in and helping , it’s proactive rather than reactive – and I think that’s a great feeling . It’s also very nice to read your notes .
Gratefully,
Heather
Hi Bill,
Thank you – and yes Chip and I go to the brewery in Fridays and I always have a spruce tip !
Heather
Hi Marilyn ( if I have already responded forgive me! ) – I hope that the entire country is cheering on Mary and all the other candidates with the courage to say enough is enough and this is not normal—and that in most towns, churches , states – there are reds and blues who are friends and do not speak to each other or anyone, with such crude cruelty – it’s not right.
Sorry to take off like that but .. it’s hard not to !
Warmly ,
Heather
Thanks Tina , and keep the faith !
Heather
Always so good to hear from you, Suzette, and thank you for not giving up on me as I have been blogging in fits and starts – you really do keep me inspired , and yes , nature is such a great preacher ( as Mary Oliver sort of said. )
Love,
Heather
Hi Jennifer –
There is so much hope for change right now .. I’m relieved.. and praying for good change, especially thinking of the next generation – thanks for the note –
Heather
Thank you Charlotte – here’s hoping !
Heather
Hi Sarah,
Now I won’t mistake your emails for my daughter’s! And best wishes ! Lovely to be a bride at 67 – and it’s so nice to have a partner to wake up to –
Love,
Heather
Hi Candice ,
Thank you for the sweet note, I appreciate it and your thoughts . I will say that come January Sarasota will look a lot cozier than Haines ! We are lucky to live in beautiful places –
Best,
Heather
Dear Melissa ,
Thank you ! I love my goldens too – and this life we are leading , and that you took the time to send me a note –
Warmly ,
Heather
And Diane, you note made my day! What goes around comes around-
Thank you – Heather
Thank you Mary – my cousin signs all his emails with : Much Love & Hope . He says that’s all we have to hold onto and it’s plenty – without love we are just noisy gongs said St.Paul ( and clearly the proof is in the President. )
-Heather
Oh Martie! What a lovely note – thank you very much – and of course you can still climb around the car – 76 is the new … 66?!
Warmly ,
Heather
Hi Kathy ,
What a generous note – thank you . I think one of the biggest cultural shifts in the last ten years had been a president openly demonizing and denigrating people in the opposite party , and thus pitting us against each other. It’s wrong and hurtful you know? This country is supposed to be full of people with different views that respect and even like each other ! My father voted republican and my mother democrat and that was .. normal ? They didn’t fight, they just disagreed. Sigh – also , in Haines we aren’t seeing or hearing the Mary and Dan ads , so I’m sorry to learn they are nasty —
Thanks again ,
Warmly ,
Heather
