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| "No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck." Frederick Douglass (1883) |
Across our countries, I estimate J and I live about 3000 kilometers (1800 miles) apart. Throughout my life as a Canadian, I've counted Americans as my friends, my colleagues, my neighbours and I've viewed America as sort of like my rich, famous step-brother, ha. My Dad had deep respect for Americans and loved visiting the US. If he were still alive, I suspect he'd be angry and confused by our current political rift but he would also likely consider it temporary. My fingers will always be crossed for that wish.
Despite what's changed, I think J's neighbourly gift says something important about being a part of the blogging community: it's borderless. Yet her gesture also says something else. Something bigger. Note the three references in this gift.
First, J may remember I recently wrote about encountering a Frederick Douglass statue in Belfast. He's one of my favourite Americans, yet his passion for literacy/reading/writing/arts (particularly photography) is something J and I both love as well. As they say, friends have common interests.
Second, consider what George Orwell teaches about friendship in his (perpetually relevant) magnum opus, 1984. The novel's totalitarian state undermines authentic friendship, relegating it instead to "comradeship" to ensure that loyalty is first and foremost to the Party. Hmm, something about this sounds very familiar in 2026. Sigh.
Third, what did Emily Dickinson say about friendship? In a personal letter she writes, "my friends are my estate." Now that's a legacy.
Dear J, I'm sending you something in return. Because, friendship. Despite everything, cheers to ours and to the world's.
J is a good one. I read her but not her book reviews because book and recipe reviews are against my policy. 😁
ReplyDeleteI used to be blog friends with her departed mother.
Yours is a terrific example of the blogging community and that larger history among folks all over the world. BTW, you sir, are entitled to set your own policies, no questions asked, ha.
DeleteJ is a treasure. We've been reading each other for 20 years. I was so happy that I was able to hang out with her in San Francisco years ago.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the blogging community is special: we get to know one another so well through our writing that if we meet IRL, it seems extraneous to a large extent.
BTW--Frederick Douglass is one of my heroes. I was lucky enough to teach excerpts from his autobiography for almost 30 years, and his life story is beyond admirable.
Thank you. I hope she reads this! BTW, I wish I could have taken your class!
DeleteBlogging buddies are great, and no less friends for being virtual.
ReplyDeleteSo true.
DeleteYAY! They finally got there! I don’t even remember when I mailed them, but it was perhaps a week after you sent me your address.
ReplyDeleteI share your thoughts on blogging friendships, on how real and deep they are, and I am so incredibly fond of my group of people.
LOL to AC’s policy. I don’t blame him in the least, but it made me laugh. This is a bad week for him, I think I have 3 book reviews posting.
Thanks again. I guess the blogging space is technically in the social media realm, but it feels like the antithesis of that torment. Grateful. Ha, yes I always enjoy AC's candidness.
DeleteIt's such a strange way to have a friendship and yet it works. It reminds me of pen pals.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of it that way before. True.
DeleteI think the whole world is confused about the state of the USA, definitely not the way to go with the current political situation, but the buttons and postcard are a nice thing to receive, have a nice week.
ReplyDeleteYes, according to several metrics (and for obvious reasons) the USA is in decline, but they can still turn it around. Thank you.
Delete...being the perennial optimist. I am confident that after Trump, a more progressive administration will work to mend our relationships and work to regain trust.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too, and not just with Canada but with American citizens themselves. We are seeing reports about US brain drain to Canada, for example.
DeleteWhat a thoughtful gift!
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteJ is a winner. I partied in 1984, I don't think I could do that again, hahahaha. I look forward to relations being again friendly and respectful, and to never take that for granted again.
ReplyDeleteHa, I too partied in 1984 and I completely agree. It surely is a lesson in what we all took for granted.
DeleteI will have to check out her blog when I have more time. I love reading blogs from people from all over the world. And like Pixie stated, it's like penpals in a way. The rift between Canada and the USA breaks my heart. And it also makes me angry that Americans elected that egomaniac.
ReplyDeleteYes, check out her Friday randomness. Change will come, hopefully for the better; it always does.
DeleteThat was such a nice thing to do. I've made a lot of friends since I made my blog.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good community, isn't it?
DeleteNice buttons to receive from a nice blogger. To friends now and in the future.
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful indeed.
DeleteOptimist that I am, I'm sure the rift is nothing more than a temporary embarrassment. Someday, we'll sweep all this under the rug and once again be besties. That day can't come soon enough.
ReplyDeleteI've recently begun reading J, too. That was a thoughtful gesture on her part!
Optimist here too. It sure was.
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