I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. I’ve been to the places you’ve mentioned (not the college) but a fresh perspective is always an advantage. We Americans do take far too much for granted.
As a young girl, the book "Misty of Chincoteague" by Marguerite Henry introduced me to the wild ponies. Loved that book; think it's considered an American classic of children's literature.
I read Misty’s Foal for the first time just last year (my mother’s old copy from the 60s) and it’s a fine book. Amazing that the horses are still there and bossing the cars around!
Have attended the annual croquet matches between the Johnnies and the Midshipmen of the US Naval Academy. A wonderful tradition! I have great respect for the St. John's College curriculum of the reading and discussion of the Great Books.
Having just planned a trip by train to Quebec yesterday, your words made me want to upend everything and go to Maryland. It's brilliant when you remind us that our nation has a history of "buratality and cruelty" and has debated, adapted, and maintained its independent spirit. As an educator, I've always tried to get students to understand that "words made the American Revolution possible, because they were spoken and written and heard and read by people who felt the power of being able to gain and lose power by the means of letters," as you graciously put it. Thank you for your fresh look at our country's possibilities!
What an uplifting piece of art. I found myself particularly enjoying the sweet, nostalgic tone that seemed to permeate throughout the prose.
The connection between purpose and words you wove through and developed towards the end added such motion and rhythm; it reminded me of how impactful our language actually is. It can move mountains if we allow it to enter our hearts, minds, and spirits.
Welcome to the USA! We are better than our politics. I think some of the trauma you may encounter especially from the older crowd (like me) is that a lot of us assumed that we had learned from the debacle in Vietnam. Then it all happened again in Iraq. Trump is the satyr play after the tragedies, he is like a cartoon villain in a paranoid 70s movie. I understand the visceral populist reaction against superior liberal entitlement. Then MAGA brought out the worst in both its cult and its enemies. No one knows the future, but I hope we’ve all learned something. Most people in this country have much in common and underneath all the angst there’s the possibility that we’ll find a way to come together against the actual enemy, the oligarchs who currently control far too much. In the meantime you’ll discover that nothing charms an American as much as a British accent, in all its varieties which we can barely tell apart.
The horse knowing it has right of way and just plodding along the beach, sniffing at deckchairs. That's a perfect image. It doesn't need to assert anything. It was there first. The lifeguard yelling while the horse ignores him is comedy and grace at the same time. Really enjoying these travel notes.
Great post as always. The main thing wrong with the USA is that we keep electing halfwits of all stripes. My Substack post next Monday is going to be about exactly that!
You do a wonderful job of helping us see our own country with fresh eyes!
I appreciate that! I love your country!
I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. I’ve been to the places you’ve mentioned (not the college) but a fresh perspective is always an advantage. We Americans do take far too much for granted.
How many of us (Americans) love it anymore? We are almost unbelievably split.
As a young girl, the book "Misty of Chincoteague" by Marguerite Henry introduced me to the wild ponies. Loved that book; think it's considered an American classic of children's literature.
I read Misty’s Foal for the first time just last year (my mother’s old copy from the 60s) and it’s a fine book. Amazing that the horses are still there and bossing the cars around!
I still have my copy from the 70s somewhere. It's an enchanted place.
Have attended the annual croquet matches between the Johnnies and the Midshipmen of the US Naval Academy. A wonderful tradition! I have great respect for the St. John's College curriculum of the reading and discussion of the Great Books.
I think this restored my broken sense of patriotism just a little
yay!!
“Have you seen Lydia, that en-cy-clo-pydia?…”
Terrific encyclopaedic post—thank you!
Having just planned a trip by train to Quebec yesterday, your words made me want to upend everything and go to Maryland. It's brilliant when you remind us that our nation has a history of "buratality and cruelty" and has debated, adapted, and maintained its independent spirit. As an educator, I've always tried to get students to understand that "words made the American Revolution possible, because they were spoken and written and heard and read by people who felt the power of being able to gain and lose power by the means of letters," as you graciously put it. Thank you for your fresh look at our country's possibilities!
What a beautiful piece of writing, Henry. And thank you for the fresh perspective and optimism. It is much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed Maryland!
thanks :)
It was a pleasure getting to meet and share the week with you.
same :)
St. John’s college is a true gem. Another campus in beautiful Santa Fe! ❤️
Loved this! You are making me homesick for the east coast.
What an uplifting piece of art. I found myself particularly enjoying the sweet, nostalgic tone that seemed to permeate throughout the prose.
The connection between purpose and words you wove through and developed towards the end added such motion and rhythm; it reminded me of how impactful our language actually is. It can move mountains if we allow it to enter our hearts, minds, and spirits.
Looking forward to the next piece!
Welcome to the USA! We are better than our politics. I think some of the trauma you may encounter especially from the older crowd (like me) is that a lot of us assumed that we had learned from the debacle in Vietnam. Then it all happened again in Iraq. Trump is the satyr play after the tragedies, he is like a cartoon villain in a paranoid 70s movie. I understand the visceral populist reaction against superior liberal entitlement. Then MAGA brought out the worst in both its cult and its enemies. No one knows the future, but I hope we’ve all learned something. Most people in this country have much in common and underneath all the angst there’s the possibility that we’ll find a way to come together against the actual enemy, the oligarchs who currently control far too much. In the meantime you’ll discover that nothing charms an American as much as a British accent, in all its varieties which we can barely tell apart.
The horse knowing it has right of way and just plodding along the beach, sniffing at deckchairs. That's a perfect image. It doesn't need to assert anything. It was there first. The lifeguard yelling while the horse ignores him is comedy and grace at the same time. Really enjoying these travel notes.
Great post as always. The main thing wrong with the USA is that we keep electing halfwits of all stripes. My Substack post next Monday is going to be about exactly that!
Thank you! I look forward to it...
I hope you're right!
The Louisiana bridge, easy!