Dear Friends,
“Storms make trees take deeper roots.” ~Dolly Parton
Trees are the ultimate symbol of resilience as they brave changing seasons and unpredictable weather. Facing our own adversity, uncertainty, and sorrow, how deep are our roots?
“Plant Me a Tree” honors the trees we plant in memory of our loved ones and the resilience we embody as we grieve.
Watch “Sandi's Wood” – “Sandi Toksvig (The Great British Baking Show) and her wife Debbie have just fulfilled their life-long dream of buying an ancient woodland. Dating from 1600, this 40-acre site is home to trees, streams, a meadow and a melting pot of species from fungi to foxes, lichens to little owls. But it’s overgrown, diseased, waterlogged and in need of serious TLC.
Armed with just their wit and determination (and some dangerous power tools), the pair are passionate about restoring their woodland, but they have zero experience, so it’s time to bring in the experts to help."
“At a time when the very foundations of American democracy seem under threat, the lessons of the past offer a road map for navigating a moment of political crisis. In Democracy Awakening, acclaimed historian Heather Cox Richardson delves into the tumultuous journey of American democracy, tracing the roots of Donald Trump’s “authoritarian experiment” to the earliest days of the republic. She examines the historical forces that have led to the current political climate, showing how modern conservatism has preyed upon a disaffected population, weaponizing language and promoting false history to consolidate power.
With remarkable clarity and the same accessible voice that brings millions to her newsletter, Letters from an American, Richardson wrangles a chaotic news feed into a story that pivots effortlessly from the Founders to the abolitionists to Nixon to the January 6 insurrection. An essential read for anyone concerned about the state of America, Democracy Awakening is more than a history book; it’s a call to action. Richardson reminds us that democracy requires constant vigilance and participation from all of us, showing how we, as a nation, can take the lessons of the past to secure a more just and equitable future.”
Talk about courage, resilience, and humor! Listen to this Carol Burnett interview with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and then check out all the inspiring Wiser than Me podcasts.
After singing along for years, have you cracked up once you learned the correct lyrics? Was Carly Simon singing about “clouds” or “clowns” in her coffee? Was The Band encouraging “Fannie” or “Annie” to take a load off? It still amuses me that I belted out “I Believe in Male Calls” while Hot Chocolate sang “I Believe in Miracles.” Do you have any gems? Here are a few more…
The Eagles-Take It Easy | Misheard: “I got seven women on my mind/Four that want to hold me, two that want to scold me” VS. Actual: “…Four that wanna own me, two that wanna stone me”
The Jimi Hendrix Experience-Purple Haze | Misheard: “’Scuse me while I kiss this guy” VS. Actual: “’Scuse me while I kiss the sky”
Kiss-Rock and Roll All Nite | Misheard: “I want to rock ‘n’ roll all night, and part of every day” VS. Actual: “I want to rock ‘n’ roll all night, and party every day”
May we live knowing everyone’s roots and branches are intertwined,
xoxo, Joy
Joy Zimmerman is a folk and acoustic roots singer-songwriter who creates community through music. Her latest album, Where the Light Lives, debuted at #6 on the Folk Alliance International Chart, adding to a growing list of accolades and awards. A multi-instrumentalist with a rich, clear voice, Joy blends insightful songwriting, fiddle tunes, and storytelling into performances that leave a lasting impact. Dani Goodband of Lakeside Music calls her “a show any host would line up to present.” joyzimmermanmusic.com