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Vickie Kurtz's avatar

If not us, who? Thank you for speaking up.

Puppers is entering his teen years..it’s either military school, lots of extra loving..or you drink a lot more wine!😂🤷‍♀️

This too shall pass🩷

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Libby's avatar

A wise post Prue, I think that many of us are pulling out hair out at the two bullies,each time we open the paper or listen to the news, you think... what next.... is he for real ? but the wise words from friends and family keep us going, I hope this too will pass, but we smaller nations will stick together and perhaps new unexpected friends will come from this.

It serves us to take nothing for granted for sure. take care dear friend and let us hope that the light isnt too far from the end of the tunnel xx

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prue batten's avatar

You are closer to the drama unfolding than we are, Libby. Which is why I care so much about what happens in all the countries threatened by the USA (I never thought I'd say that in a month of Sundays) and by the USSR. We have China to worry about but so far so very quiet - Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.

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Libby's avatar

I just find it so unbelievable Prue on what he is doing I think that P must have some serious stuff on T and that's why he is behaving the way he is otherwise why would he be doing what he is. surely its not all about money as for the tarriffs it will mean the poorer people will have to pay more for goods coming in . Its a strange old world we are living in at present xx

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Kate's avatar

Bullying and blackmail,where will it lead? Where will it end?

What’s that saying? Evil triumphs when good men do nothing, I’ve butchered it but you get the gist. As someone who was also bullied it cuts deep to see grown men behaving this way.

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prue batten's avatar

Not just men either, Kate, but women too.

It's a sad world, which is why it's so good that we can find reprieve in nature. Me? I've just been for a swim in the river (high tide) in between dealing with puppy teeth and coffee-cake making for the weekend. What about you?

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Kate's avatar

i agree not only men.

i'm on a repeatedly checking the news and mindless scrolling ban, that is helping. Yoga class this morning and knitting this afternoon, a day lacking in nature and i am feeling it, will be out early tomorrow to beat the heat. a swim sounds delicious

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prue batten's avatar

Actually, I think your day sounds lovely. And I agree on the scrolling ban for sure.

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prue batten's avatar

Teen years indeed. Today he has been delightful and very sleepy and eating like a horse. VERY teen-ish. Tomorrow, I'm guessing Fang may re-emerge. Rather deal with his fangs than the current geopolitical machinations.

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Susan Colleen Browne's avatar

“…very sleepy and eating like a horse.” Yep, sounds like my teen grandsons!

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Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

Happy sigh. The perfect post. I too have felt compelled to gently support and educate those around me. We cannot condone such behaviour. But thankfully we can then come back to our little piece of paradise, and to those we love, and be so thankful for so much. The blue of that water!!! The stuff of fantasies. Have a wonderful week dear Prue.

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prue batten's avatar

You too, Beth. XXXX

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Susan Baker's avatar

The bullying was a trigger for me. I spent all of Saturday painting and only fully realized when finished that the abstract floral were the blues, peaches, and yellows of. Ukraine. I find solace in the all female chorale at Otterbein and our spring program reflects our solidarity. We are singing Earth Song, Undivided, One Voice, and What Happens When a Woman Takes Power. Deep breathing and beautiful voices lifted together, supporting one another. I read recently that salt water...ocean and tears have so many healing properties. Thank you dear Prue for your words that bring balance!

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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

As discussed, so many of us are feeling just the same as you, Prue. I was also bullied as a child and many times left school via the fire escape. Awful memories - and being called 'Toad Face' has never left me. As for keeping up with this more current Hades, I read Substack's Heather Cox-Richardson, a professor who curates a multitude of credible news sources and provides a clear-eyed distillation of news often not found anywhere else but oh! Sometimes I can't even read it. I keep thinking that I refuse to let my life be saddened by these maniacal men. (Don't get me started on the tariffs and how-high-are-we-expected-to-jump today, grrrrr!)

Thank you for your weekly soothing words and pics xo

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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

Sorry here is a link for best news source I know. She really is amazing and SO sensible!

Always, the women right?

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com

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prue batten's avatar

I've heard of Cox-Richardson's writings so thank you for the link.

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Heather is outstanding. Over 2M subscribers on Substack. She is a Harvard educated professor at Boston College, the author of a new book, married to a Maine fisherman, and she anchors all of her observations in American history, which helps contextualize what's happening while also reminding us how similar situations played out in the past. She started writing Letters From and American in 2019 and I've been reading her work since early 2020. Highly recommended.

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Susan Colleen Browne's avatar

Oh, Sue, I’m sad to hear you were bullied too. Yes, I can see those wounds never quite heal.

Thank you for mentioning Heather Cox-Richardson. A bunch of friends just recommended her earlier this week—I will have to put “Inton” aside for a bit a read her.

“Soothed”…that is exactly the feeling I get with Prue’s lovely posts.

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Susan Colleen Browne's avatar

Please know there are lots of us here who ❤️ and support Canada and Canadians!! Wishing all the best for your new prime minister!

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Sue Sutherland-Wood's avatar

Thanks so much! It's appreciated :)

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Thank you for speaking out, Prue. I think the aggressive, narcissistic behavior of America's current president (and associated goons) are triggers for a lot of people, but for those of us who were bullied as kids it brings up a level of rage that is hard to contain. Nor should we, in my opinion, though it's critical to channel it into something constructive, as you've done here.

I can tell you that I am embarrassed and sad for America. I'm also all too aware that we are likely to be in this situation for a long time. So, thank you for making it known where you stand. We need all the friends we can keep right now.

Yes, hold fast to your water, your movement, your beloveds, your rascally pup. We need to reserve enough energy to be ready for even more. I have no doubt there will be so much more. These actions are strategic, intended not just to diminish but to deplete us to the point of being unable to continue our resistance. Fortunately, Americans are not accustomed to being quiet!

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prue batten's avatar

Elizabeth, I agree with you. It will be a long time. Even if The Despicables are removed by one means or another, I feel it will take a generation for the rest of the world to trust America again.

I take heart when Robert Reich speaks. There are many like him - statesmen amongst the Resistance. I wish them well, as it won't be a Queensberry Rules fight.

Thinking of you all...

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Susan Colleen Browne's avatar

I too am embarrassed for my country. I agree with everything you’ve said here. Take care.

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Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Water does heal amidst the chaos. Learning that so young was a gift, among others, to be used forever to calm the spirit.

It's so hard to feel powerless. I'm out of cheeks.

J

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prue batten's avatar

My advice? Sail away, sail away...

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Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

I'm with you! Too hot in Tassy! Take that motorboat for a cruise??

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prue batten's avatar

Puppy too young to be left alone for the day. Maybe next summer...

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Susan Colleen Browne's avatar

I’m so very sorry you were bullied, Prue. Even if it made you strong. But at what cost to your spirit as a child.

The way you are leading by example inspires me beyond measure. I’m feeling much more positive—not only from your words, but your wonderful readers here!

Seeing your lovely pic of you swimming made me smile. Thank you for sharing 😊

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