Cheers everyone and welcome to Morning Open Thread, a daily, copyrighted post from a host of editors and guest writers. We support our community, invite and share ideas, and encourage thoughtful, respectful dialogue in an open forum. Join us, please.
❧
Notes from Below Sea Level
Familial Love
Technically I’m a few feet above sea level this week—vacationing in Emeral Isle, North Carolina and doing as little as possible beyond reading, enjoying the beach, and eating good food.
There’s something to say for taking a break from the routine of work and home. I’ve even had time to get pounded by the Atlantic Ocean and work on a tan I truly don’t need. I’m spending a week with my partner and her family on their yearly retreat. Family, I learned long ago, is a collection of souls that have spent enough time together and have enough share memories to remember not to throttle each other (in the presence of witnesses).
Last night, after the last plate was taken away and washed, Michael (a sister’s long-time partner) got his guitar and we sat around in the sea air to enjoy the music. They sang (I listened) and laughed through John Prine and Townes Van Zant, mustered up some Steve Earl and Jesse Winchester, and all joined in when Guy Clark and Hank Williams were found. And every day has been microcosm of enjoying each other’s company, lounging, and sneaking off to get a bit of needed alone time—a period of decompression to fight off the bends before joining the world again.
All families are dysfunctional—this is a universal truth, [despite yours being the exception]. Mine, though, was no exception. Perhaps you could call us a shining example of the rule, the initial beta version, the original sample upon which all later tests and studies were based. So part of trying to relax and enjoy my time is spent dealing with demons of my own making, like a child with a refined startled reflex. But I’m doing good because (this being my second invitation), I can see they’re sort of a beta-2 version; far enough from my own to allow a nap with both eyes closed, but not so far that you give away your shiv.
Cheers all. I’ll be around if I can, otherwise have fun and spread the word that we’re all in this together so we may as work as a team.
(August 2024)
❧
Celebrate life in one way or another and find peace in these turbulent times. Be well, be kind, and appreciate the love you have in your life.
❧
❧
☕️
Grab your coffee or tea and join us, please.
What's on your mind this morning?
