Anne, I don't know how your writing can be hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time but for me it always is. And always meets me where I am. Thank you.
I love, enjoy and sympathize with your pieces. One thing I am trying to do is not EVER call the yellow fart, the gassy gag bag, the blithering no-brain - whatever names you can come up with - by his real name. Remember “he who must not be named” in the Potter stories? It’s that idea. And I also do NOT ever capitalize the letters. It is a little bit enlightening. No one will notice or care.
WTF, I am an old granny living on top of a hill on my own little old farm. I have trees and bees and flowers and sheep, not to mention so many wild critters. I am happier than that poor old sloppy sod could ever imagine.
I don’t have any money, and I don’t have the strength to go protest, but I do wish him the worst of lives for the time he has left, which I hope is quite brief. I don’t pray because I am an atheist, but I push out love to this sagging world, and nothing good to the horrible him.
My antidote yesterday to that vile, evil act of that monster was to call each of my California Members of Congress and to thank them for being decent human beings. I told them that I'm glad I live in CA and that while I've called before with requests and frustrations, it was very important to me to thank them for being decent human beings and for their service. For fighting the good fight.
Then I called 2 Members of Congress who aren't my guys....Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Massie....to thank them for their work on the Epstein mess. To tell them just how meaningful it is, especially to any woman who has experienced any kind of abuse, to see these men working so hard to hold those pedophiles accountable.
It really did help. Somehow directing that energy of frustration outward in that way was a relief and no longer weighed on my spirit.
I've been finding it especially nourishing lately to express gratitude and appreciation....like, to billing agents, to people who probably don't expect it and might be getting screamed at while providing customer service. I called the company that makes the cool heart gizmo that's let me take EKGs on my phone for years as I've managed AFib. That little tool has been a lifesaver for me, so I called to tell them that. A manager later called me to thank me! We had a wonderful little appreciation gush.
Thank you Anne. You’re so right! The orange orangutan will be diving lower than we can even imagine. I pray, walk, read fiction, feed the ducks, pet dogs and try not to listen to the bias, horribly depressing news. I’m sober 39 years ((God, can that be right?!) and living one day at a time. I have 12 Step communities that support me when I don’t know what to do next. It’s usually the next right thing. Love you girl. Thank you again.
This one had me in tears.* You are a hell of a writer. Thanks for your words and the hope they inspire.
Now go eat some mixed nuts with bits of chocolate--my go to pick-me-up (and, if you are really in need, add a few Sumo orange slices as a reward for valor and extra yum).
All the best,
Gay
*something I never used to do/something I do regularly these days
Whenever your newsletter lands in my inbox, I always pause what I'm doing to read it because the honesty and aliveness in your writing is simply my favorite.
Just a thought: Young people in Bulgaria organized protests that forced the government to step down in December 2025. They used social media to bring large crowds into the streets—the same strategy that worked in Nepal and Madagascar.
Rather than distracting young people from politics, social media made it easier for them to get involved and take action. Youth in America, it might be your turn.
Thank you Annie. Today we heard of yet another family divided by ICE, even tho they had papers inside the house. They were not allowed to show them. This is abduction, pure and simple. The community is rallying around. All of these folks will remember on Election Day.
All of the 'aholisms' are progressive. The country is not who needs to hit bottom. I can only look on just as the ones that I love did while waiting for the miracle to happen. It finally did in my life and the life of my personal wife, let's pray (fervently) that it happens for the country.
Looks like Europe has 'had it' with the orange and the jd's of our side of the pond.
Take the actions of love and the feelings will follow.
Anne, I don't know how your writing can be hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time but for me it always is. And always meets me where I am. Thank you.
It is a miracle. I have often laughed and cried with Anne's writing.
I agree.
Signed,
Proud member of the Anne Lamott Fan Club
100%! still aiming for this magical combo myself, but nobody can write like Anne!
Your column matters to me.
I love, enjoy and sympathize with your pieces. One thing I am trying to do is not EVER call the yellow fart, the gassy gag bag, the blithering no-brain - whatever names you can come up with - by his real name. Remember “he who must not be named” in the Potter stories? It’s that idea. And I also do NOT ever capitalize the letters. It is a little bit enlightening. No one will notice or care.
WTF, I am an old granny living on top of a hill on my own little old farm. I have trees and bees and flowers and sheep, not to mention so many wild critters. I am happier than that poor old sloppy sod could ever imagine.
I don’t have any money, and I don’t have the strength to go protest, but I do wish him the worst of lives for the time he has left, which I hope is quite brief. I don’t pray because I am an atheist, but I push out love to this sagging world, and nothing good to the horrible him.
Thank you for living well, Kathy! I personally avoid giving any of my attention to the man.
am old too and refuse to call him anything but 45/47-and all the expletives i can think of when talking to my best friend!!!
My antidote yesterday to that vile, evil act of that monster was to call each of my California Members of Congress and to thank them for being decent human beings. I told them that I'm glad I live in CA and that while I've called before with requests and frustrations, it was very important to me to thank them for being decent human beings and for their service. For fighting the good fight.
Then I called 2 Members of Congress who aren't my guys....Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Massie....to thank them for their work on the Epstein mess. To tell them just how meaningful it is, especially to any woman who has experienced any kind of abuse, to see these men working so hard to hold those pedophiles accountable.
It really did help. Somehow directing that energy of frustration outward in that way was a relief and no longer weighed on my spirit.
I've been finding it especially nourishing lately to express gratitude and appreciation....like, to billing agents, to people who probably don't expect it and might be getting screamed at while providing customer service. I called the company that makes the cool heart gizmo that's let me take EKGs on my phone for years as I've managed AFib. That little tool has been a lifesaver for me, so I called to tell them that. A manager later called me to thank me! We had a wonderful little appreciation gush.
Highly recommend doing this. :)
Thank you Anne. You’re so right! The orange orangutan will be diving lower than we can even imagine. I pray, walk, read fiction, feed the ducks, pet dogs and try not to listen to the bias, horribly depressing news. I’m sober 39 years ((God, can that be right?!) and living one day at a time. I have 12 Step communities that support me when I don’t know what to do next. It’s usually the next right thing. Love you girl. Thank you again.
"Practice these principles..." I believe that acts of kindness, no matter how small, ripple out across the Universe.
Thank you, Sharon! Just one day, and the next right thing - sooo much better than the alternatives, right?
I cannot help but like you very much Anne. Your humanity is contagious and wow! Can you write!
Ok I laughed out loud -REALLY loud- about the Hitler - ism. OMG. So funny. I needed this!!
This one had me in tears.* You are a hell of a writer. Thanks for your words and the hope they inspire.
Now go eat some mixed nuts with bits of chocolate--my go to pick-me-up (and, if you are really in need, add a few Sumo orange slices as a reward for valor and extra yum).
All the best,
Gay
*something I never used to do/something I do regularly these days
Thank you for allowing tears, G. And the valor of Sumo oranges :)
Nail on Head. It matters to the Octopus!!!🐙 Love this. It doesn’t have to big to matter. A smile matters, a same donation matters
Whenever your newsletter lands in my inbox, I always pause what I'm doing to read it because the honesty and aliveness in your writing is simply my favorite.
I will believe that the young girl who helped the octopi will have a place near the dessert table. Left foot, right foot...
Just a thought: Young people in Bulgaria organized protests that forced the government to step down in December 2025. They used social media to bring large crowds into the streets—the same strategy that worked in Nepal and Madagascar.
Rather than distracting young people from politics, social media made it easier for them to get involved and take action. Youth in America, it might be your turn.
Thank you, Anne, for your light hearted, poignant, and well planted seed of wisdom to keep doing the next right thing. Peace and love!
I heard a similar story, but it was Star fish washed up on the beach.
Great story. Thanks for the reminder.
Those moments I’ve been thrown back into life giving water matter so much
Thank you Annie. Today we heard of yet another family divided by ICE, even tho they had papers inside the house. They were not allowed to show them. This is abduction, pure and simple. The community is rallying around. All of these folks will remember on Election Day.
All of the 'aholisms' are progressive. The country is not who needs to hit bottom. I can only look on just as the ones that I love did while waiting for the miracle to happen. It finally did in my life and the life of my personal wife, let's pray (fervently) that it happens for the country.
Looks like Europe has 'had it' with the orange and the jd's of our side of the pond.
Take the actions of love and the feelings will follow.