Seeking normalcy

My whole life I’ve been taught the family and tribal history that always let me know what ugliness lurked beneath the surface, what our own government has done. I am sorry you feel as you do, but in this we are not of the same wavelength….I do feel sad at the great loss of life, innocent life, but this country is not innocent.

RYN: What I read in this is a loss of innocence and the accompanying shock. Yes, that exists, but no, wholescale attacks against the innocent and widespread death is NOT unprecedented in this country. The native community across the board has felt much the same way as I’ve expressed. I can give my whole heart to support of the people but not the government.

I suppose it’s not really even you in particular that I’m responding to. It’s a response to all the people who use the tragedy to force their religious views and who think “foreigners” are all evil, particularly darkskinned ones, who see the U.S. as the watchdog of good. I don’t say you’re doing that, because you’re not, but you also seemed surprised that this could happen, and I’m not. [Eriu]A1

Sometimes, I fear that all of my experiences of the world outside my circle of daily life are mediated by electronic means. It sometime feels like the newspaper has hit on another funny thing to chat up, like lost interns. Then in the Times, I saw an article where the National Guard pilots spoke about their experiences. The horror sickened me to my stomach. I guess I’m still fight solipsism. [the

It is within us to seek normalcy in order to retain our sanity. Not everyone’s normalcy is the same. Speaking to Eriu on that part. This country is filled with so many different cultures, so many different races, and so many different religions but it is still one land and one place. Each one’s normalcy may be so different but it is still their’s. In these times, it is sometimes all we have. [Free

I yearn for moments of normalcy, as well. There are times when I feel that this tragedy has helped people to see what is important in their lives, and to make stronger connections with the people around them. Still, there are times when I believe this must be a complex nightmare.

We are divided on a lot of things like religion and politics, but almost 100% united on our freedom to be and do what we want, subject to a few reasonable legal restrictions. It’s the freedom that binds us together to asnswer the WTC infamy. We, with most of the world’s approval, are in a war against terrorism

I think Eriu’s notes ought to have been part of your piece… No country is immune to evil. America has it in droves (Leonard Cohen said ‘the cradle of the best and the worst’); we in England invented the concentration camp; ‘civilised’ western Europe mounted genocide worldwide. But we strive to improve, our selves and our nations. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes we fail, but still we striv

11th September was a wake up call. It told the American people that no matter how much of a Goliath they are, there’s always a David that can bring you down. It said: ‘There are ways of thinking that are not yours; there are perspectives that you can’t see; there are rules that you don’t accept. They are ours. Deal with it.’

Terrorism needs to stop, but it needed to stop before last month too. There’s a saying about shutting the barn door after the horse has bolted. Many people find it hard to accept the current battle as one of right over wrong when it only started because America got hit. Why isn’t Martin McGuinness on America’s Most Wanted? Why isn’t the IRA being bombed?

There are lots of questions; I’m looking forward to the answers that will come when people understand the meaning of ‘tolerance’.

RYN: Thank you : )

Oswego, change is the absolute. In my mind at least. I regret that the change has not been for the betterment of us. We have a barber here named Ernie. Ernie knows one basic cut and you can look at the men and boys and know who uses him. 🙂 I take Z to a salon in the next town. If the only male stylist is busy – we wait. Must be a guy thing – I’m sure this will change in the coming years.

I like this entry a lot. It expresses exactly what I have been feeling too. It’s hard to get away from the “reality gone haywire,” but I admire your efforts. As you write, finding normalcy whether in a barber shop or deep in the woods, is important these days. Nicely done.

I understand what you are saying. I go about my normal day, doing normal things and then find myself getting tense and dreading what I am going to hear when I turn on the news or they break in to the music on the radio. Sad times.

Your words always bring such truth. Normalcy, here, are the bombers on a practice run overhead while daughters exclaim, “Oh Gawd Mom!” over my last piece of motherly advice. Normalcy.

To me, it seems like the big picture is just getting smaller and smaller, you know? Not that it’s diminishing, no, instead it’s all the more visible, no longer so far out of the realm of my vision. all I can do, is occasionally write a check, but mostly go about my own business. Like buying a homemade pumpkin pie at the farmstand down the road…I’m doing it while I still can. [Jude Alo

And I’m doing it with no apologies. I don’t know how to fly an f-16 or how to find a cure for Anthrax. Buying pies and writing checks are the only important skills I have right now.

My symbology? Everytime I notice my shoulders drooped in a sure sign of fatigue and defeat, I straighten up…all the way up. And, of course, I eat Breyer’s Butter Pecan ice cream. Thank you for this gentle piece.

Very well said. Thanks, we need to take the time to settle back into what this country was founded for. Freedom to practice what religion we choose. With that people have decided it also means freedom to be stupid. It does not mean that. Our country has allowed child molesters to roam free and released murders into the streets,

but it won’t take the chance of looking politically incorrect to the world. Well, I say we should use some of our covert capibilities to end this madness. We all know this country has that ability.

I think right now that is just something we are all in need of, and are searching for…normalcy. This was a wonderful entry…*S*

I’ve noticed people beginning to refer to things as “before September 11” and “after September 11″…I constantly wonder how those phrases will evolve.

Well said, Oswego. Normalcy seems to be just a veneer now, but a very welcome one in any case. Strawberry-rhubarb pie? That must be a southern delicacy … I’ve never tasted a piece of that pie before!

i go about with my classes as usual…the kids and i continue to do our radio station…we are starting our own “survivor” project…things go on…and then…just as you said…i come home to more news…that the anthrax cases seem to be increasing across the country… one of my older students today said he had wondered whether he had it or not as….((contd))

….he had received a letter from a college a couple of weeks ago and had felt bad ever since…i told him…most likely it was just our allergies..and we had all been affected by the pollen this year …he agreed… then..just in case..i showed him what the skin anthrax looked like…i had seen it last night on cnn.com we both looked at the pictures and then at each other…(contd)

…and almost simultaneously said, “this is bad…” the bell rang and life went on

beautiful piece oswego. however for much of the world “normalcy” is and has been what the US is experiencing right now. India and Pakistan have been at each others’ throats ever since they were created. africa has been in famine most of this century. third world countries altogether accounting for 70% of the world population are in constant fear of their governments, of war or of deadly disease. [

You always write such excellent entries, dear man. Comfort foods are high on the list – ice cream, stews sups – what mom made. We want to go return to the safety of childhood in the 50’s no doubt. ( My favorite pie is strawberry rhubarb ^5! :)) tough to beat. Take care. I’m glad you’re here, writing.

lol – Mom didn’t make sups – she made soups. 🙂 I give up nd accept that i am always compulsive about correcting my typos. Would be so much easiers to LOOK…before clicking save.:)

There’s a reason why disaster movies & sci.fi.end ofworld stories have been so prevalent. I believe the collecive unconscious in the U.S. has had the sense that some segments of earth’s civilizations are undergoing big changes. New history chapters. May you continue to experience the stillness & healing in your woods & by your sea.Somehow that spiritual connection seems timeless, enduring… [Dre

I agree with Eriu and shoegazer- not attacking you, just saying we all have different views of the world, different experiences. After Lockerbie bombing affected my family I have been aware that terrorism can reach anyone, anywhere. My father-in-law had no connection with USA, was sleeping in his Scottish bed when USA plane fell, as a result of terrorist bomb. Sadly, terrorism is common. [esperant

RYN (RMN): my sincerest apologies, I didn’t mean to come across as lecturing. ^_^ it is just that the world has never really known what it is to be “normal”. that is something we define to ourselves when we put boundaries on what we accept in our daily lives.

BTW, you’re very perceptive – although it’s not so much “adventuring” as it is riding an implacable horse named “work” who brings me to the strangest of places. unfortunately he also manages to trample “personal life” into the dust along the way. ^_^

And the fascinating notes go on, sparked by your fascinating writing. Thinking about things in a different light, it’s ironic that under George W Bush, a president who campaigned to bring the boys back home, America has finally become a citizen of the world. It’s been many things before: big brother, policeman, bank manager, voice of sanity. Now it’s also a citizen. [Intrigued]A4

I am so happy that there is still some nature left to where we can escape from the evil that’s going on here. We try go to on with our daily work, with things we are used to, but inside ourself we feel it is not the same. Colleagues at school wonder why they are so tired. Summerbreak ended less than two months ago!!Everyone feels tired and low. Hope time could heal!

ryn, many thanks, and I will check there. rye(entry–do we use that “e” thing?)I remember fondly being a girl along with my dad in such a shop. Good observations all, here. I’d only say were I there that day in the grocery, “Oh, buy some flowers, too, dear fellow.” mags

You express it alwyas so well my dear friend. In my country 100 letters with with stuff has been send to municipal offices. None of them were real, inside the envelope it was soup and flour. Send by cracy persons getting fix ideas from other places. But we had to evacuate. BUT let us not panic, let us not be so afraid that we stop to do “normal” things. Let us seek normalcy as you do. [~karin]A10

Otherwise the terrorists will win.

Your little story was so clear in my mind, I could see it. I live in California where we don’t have “seasons”. I miss them, & your entry reminded me of what I miss. We can’t take this country for granted any more.

We still have those old fashion Barber shops here in town and we have one that still only charge $5.00. But I can remember my Dad going to the guy on the corner of my street and paying .50 cents. I guess somethings do change. We have fly bys here all the time because of TMI. I guess we didn’t really know how good we had it. Liz

The question which should arise in the spirit of all the Americans, is why? Whywe are si hated, why did we become so vulnerable? hated, because too arrogant, vulnerable, because the poor men who have to lose nothing more are ready to give their life to kill the biggest number of these American that they hate.

The military and economic force is not enough any more to lead the world. The idealism and a certain spirituality are also values which count. The fanatism is their deviance. Thank you for your note, I loved your strolls across your beautiful state, they make me dream..:)

very well said. I’ve almost come to accept the fighter jets flying over Manhattan every day. Strange that this has almost become normal.

bubba; i know him. he cuts my hair as well. hes from Ed’s Barber Shop!!! hes a real cool dude. he knowsmy entire faimly. props to you. sorry i have been away for such a long time. i hope you are doing well!! have fun and take care! max :þ