Americanism Redux December 19, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 The storm's not on the horizon/ The storm is not out there/ The storm that's now arising/ Is the storm I'm about to bear. * * * * * * * (as newlyweds) She lies in bed while he rides his horse. Deborah Franklin, wife of Benjamin, dies 250 years ago this week … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: December 19, Your Today, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
December 19, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Americanism Redux: December 12, Your Today, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
December 12, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Americanism Redux December 12, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Time has a way of warping things. You look back on two things in the past. Thing One happened before Thing Two. When you see it from now, Thing Two seems utterly natural, smooth, and free-flowing after Thing One. That's a warp, and usually not a reliable way of moving from … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: December 5, Your Today, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
December 5, 2024 by
Americanism Redux December 5, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 If you'd told me last year at this time that you, me, and all of us would be where we are now... ...I never would have believed you... ...nope, never would have believed it. * * * * * * * (the logo they will adopt) It's never happened this way before in the colony … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: November 21, Your Today, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
November 21, 2024 by
Americanism Redux November 21, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 You know it because you live it. Others know through living, too. And pretty much across the board you and they have the same feeling. Here it is: —the problem is so big right now that it's likely this turns out only one way: —war: —that's the reality for you and me if … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux-November 14, Your Today, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
November 14, 2024 by
Americanism Redux November 14, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Both a boulder and a ball roll. The similarity ends there. It's 250 years ago—let the bouncing begin. * * * * * * * He was sky-high, up on a cloud in his excitement. It's his time of the year and it's a special year all by itself! Reverend Ebenezer Parkman dates his … [Read more...]
Addendum to Episode 8 – On The 250 River With Dr Dan
October 27, 2024 by
I thought about it and I concluded we need to look at this for 9 minutes more. That's because you need to know that the American Founding formally begins in 1774, before 1776 and before 1787. The point must be understood for the meaning it holds today and across the 2020s. Take a look: https://youtu.be/agI-Jz6RIWg?si=VGbGFZoZgiVvC-j9 … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: October 10, Your Today, In 1774
October 11, 2024 by
Americanism Redux October 10, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Time is a river, and you're at a spot in the current, 250 years ago. * * * * * * * Today, the massive oak and elm trees show the year with shades of yellow and red appearing amongst the aging leaves. Today, talons wrapped around branches of the hardwoods, eagles wait and … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: October 3, Your Today, In 1774
October 3, 2024 by
Americanism Redux October 3, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Look around. You're seeing it sinking and seeping into everything. All around you. Think you can avoid it? That really doesn't seem likely. You'll need to figure out what it means in your life, for your life. * * * * * * * (Gurnet Lighthouse) Would you believe it? … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: September 12, Your Today, In 1774
September 12, 2024 by
Americanism Redux September 12, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 The land and the ground are so basic you're seldom aware of them. You assume them. They're always there. Always. But the unthinkable can happen. And when it does, the land sways like the surface of the ocean. The ground shakes and cracks and roars. Earth quakes. I feel an … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: September 5, Your Today, In 1774
September 5, 2024 by
Americanism Redux September 5, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 (this is the Pepperell flag, perhaps for American Moment holiday) America, listen to me. Start a new celebration, commemoration, memorialization. Add it to the 4th of July. Do it across the first five days of every September. Beer and barbecue, wine and quiche, makes no … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: August 29, Your Today, 250 Years Ago
August 29, 2024 by
Americanism Redux August 29, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Are you feeling well? Fever or chills? Aches or soreness? Tell me a number that describes your pain. The baby, the child, the adult, each in a different condition and each in the care of someone who cares, or knows, or both. They have a number. Today, 250 years ago, … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: August 22, Your Today, In 1774
August 22, 2024 by
Americanism Redux August 22, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 (the blues say "end") What if this really is the end? ...of... It. That. Them. Us. Your call as to the object of the question. It does happen, you know, an end, the end. And then there is a next, which can only start if... ...this really is ending. Today, 250 years … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux–August 15, Your Today, 250 Years Ago, in 1774
August 15, 2024 by
Americanism Redux August 15, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 You let it in, brought it in, welcomed it in. Doesn't matter, you chose and that's fine. Completely okay. The "it" is the current public political and governmental turmoil around you. You have a stance and a viewpoint and something to say about it. Part of your life, by … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: August 8, Your Today, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
August 8, 2024 by
Americanism Redux August 8, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 I'm in this place I can't quite figure out. There's a way out, somehow. There's a way ahead, somewhere? How do I not go down? https://youtu.be/j6-9p9O-nYw?si=BJirlwajWXKajeNU * * * * * * * The last thing he remembers is the horse and the air and the blackening. And … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: August 1, Your Today, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
August 1, 2024 by
Americanism Redux August 1, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 No longer. I'm done. I've been driven to the breaking point, I'm breaking at the breaking point, I'm going past into whatever is next after breaking at the breaking point. Maybe you've been here, with addiction, the wrong crowd, a bad relationship, a hated job, a dead-end town. … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: Your Today, July 25, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
July 25, 2024 by
Americanism Redux July 25, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Two little words, "if" and "only". Put them together and you make a razor's edge, capable of slicing and cutting to the level of bone. If only. It's today, 250 years ago, and the shining blade of the two words gleams in the light. Welcome to Americanism Redux. * * * … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: July 18, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
July 18, 2024 by
Americanism Redux July 18, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 The only passage to the future is through the present. No other door opens up on tomorrow. Only today. * * * * * * * (the land of Nomini Hall) In the final scorching of a summer day, the sun sat for a moment on the distant trees. A lush green thickened the woods and meadows … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: July 11, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
July 11, 2024 by
Americanism Redux July 11, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Endcoming. Is this a new word? Could be. The definition: an end that you see coming. The now won't last. The way you're used to? It will be over. No doubt about it. A profound change will set in. It's only a question of when and where and maybe not much of a question at … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: Your Today, July 4, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
July 4, 2024 by
Americanism Redux July 4, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 (a juncture from AI) In the future, there is a juncture. You believe this, and so do I. At the juncture, everything, or nearly everything, of today that is important, contested, and unresolved will meet. A, B, C, D, and a dozen others will come together. Plans, actions, events, … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: June 27, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
June 27, 2024 by
Americanism Redux June 27, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Boil it all down and one thing is left, stark and clear. You are the linchpin. Just think about it. You're right now, in this single and very real moment, the present. You're the thing between the past of how you've gotten here and the future of where you're likely going. You're … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: June 13, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
June 13, 2024 by
Americanism Redux June 13, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 (within) The deepest, inner-most workings of yourself are not where you spend every day. You can't, it's too exhausting. Those moments arise, however, when the depths, the core, the utter basics, are the only place for you to be to make sense of your existence. Down there you'll … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: June 6, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
June 6, 2024 by
Americanism Redux June 6, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Life has more than one level. (a levels view) Big and large, middle and medium, small and tiny. A hundred others, too. From level to level, things can change. An outlook, an action, a decision, each varies as the levels vary. It pays to know the level you're seeing. * * … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: May 30, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
May 30, 2024 by
Americanism Redux May 30, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Now is new. (yes, it is) You know and feel it. Not everything is new, of course, but a whole lot of important stuff seems on the verge of new. Turn your head and take a look. Focus your mind and apply your thoughts. Listen to the sounds around you. What was will be so no longer. … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: May 23, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
May 23, 2024 by
Americanism Redux May 23, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Displaced. (an example of calmer displacement) Displacement is what happens when a new thing shoves aside existing things. They either slide down your list of priorities, become something different through interaction with the new thing that does the displacing, or simply disappear … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: May 16, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
May 16, 2024 by
Americanism Redux May 16, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 (it has landed) No more drift, or glide, or float, or motion in air. No more. Instead, on solid ground, the law has landed. * * * * * * * (where it landed) Slightly less than a week ago, Boston's residents read or heard read words of the Boston Port Act passed by … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: May 9, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
May 9, 2024 by
Americanism Redux May 9, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 (September 10, 2001) It's the last day before...it happens. One more day and then...boom. Ahead of the moment, you're totally unaware. You don't know, you can't know. Only hindsight makes it clear—the arrival of the thing that changed everything. Life's not the same afterward. You … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: May 2, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
May 2, 2024 by
Americanism Redux May 2, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Outside, in the night, an owl hoots. Eyes watch the meadow below the tree. Talons grip the branch until the last second of flight, descent, and attack. Inside, in the night, they sleep. A thin pillow folded in half. A blanket pulled up against the chilly spring blackness. In … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: April 25, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
April 25, 2024 by
Americanism Redux April 25, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Stop and listen for the sound. https://youtu.be/zf5T2nb99RY?si=CiKAMaBerv6qgnZY You'll hear it, perhaps recognizing without realizing. It's the sound that tells you where you are, the thing that you often hear at this time of day or this place of night. Or maybe you won't hear … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: April 18-19, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
April 18, 2024 by
Americanism Redux April 18-19, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 The difference a time makes. It was only a few hours ago. A few days ago. A few somethings ago. Time can take such a short form and yet appear to be so long ago. Is it the same for time yet to be? Is the future as far away as the past? No, because there's nothing between us … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: April 11, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
April 11, 2024 by
Americanism Redux April 11, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Your money. It's in your account. How much? It's on your credit card? How much? It's listed on sheets and screens. How much? You access your money through passwords, numbered codes, facial recognition. You're reminded of it every time you see a person holding up a sign and asking … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: April 4, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
April 4, 2024 by
Americanism Redux April 4, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 (communication of the casual and natural) Today, you meet your family, your friends, and the people who come and go as the minutes and hours tick by. You talk with them, write to them. Behind the words are ideas in your head. Some are so old and familiar to you that they … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: March 28, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
March 28, 2024 by
Americanism Redux March 28, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 (together, voluntarily) Do you belong? To a club, a group, some sort of collection of people outside your family? Together, you and they meet each other, see each other, spend a period of time with each other. You, and they, are joined for a while around whatever it is that brings … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: March 21, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
March 21, 2024 by
Americanism Redux March 21, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 (the Virginia bluebells) Take a walk in these first spring days and you'll see the early flowers, the Virginia bluebells. Delicate yet hardy, they are the flowers of aspiration. An aspiration differs from hope. It looks ahead with sharper eyes, seeing both considered plan and … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: March 14, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
March 14, 2024 by
Americanism Redux March 14, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 A public problem has grown into a public crisis. Some people are part of pushing and driving the growth. Others resist and seek its undoing. Still others rush to stand apart and build a wall against whatever is coming. And life rolls ahead, over stones and rocks in the river. … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: March 7, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
March 7, 2024 by
Americanism Redux March 7, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Husband and wife. Parent and child. Friend and neighbor. Do human relationships get any more basic than these? You don't want them to shake or tremble. You don't want them to crack apart and break down. But across the table, across the room, across the fence, something seems to be … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux–February 29, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years go, In 1774
February 29, 2024 by
Americanism Redux February 29, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 This day is your gift. Your gift of an extra day, Leap Day. We all know that time is a truly valuable thing in life. A Leap Day is like a few golden coins in your hand. So, what's your plan for the spending? An extension of the day before? A thing new and different? Peek into … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: February 22, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
February 22, 2024 by
Americanism Redux February 22, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 "My life is (or is not) my own." Which is it for you? Is the answer one of choice or of compulsion, your freedom or something else's force? A blend of betweens? Think about your day and week up to now. As you begin to separate time into pieces, do you see any hint of things you're … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: February 15, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
February 15, 2024 by
Americanism Redux February 15, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 There is a day when you know the driver of your life. It's the most basic, single element of your living. On this day you're crystal-clear about your life-drivers. * * * * * * * Today, 250 years ago, a British ship enters the port of a colonial city. The ship carries important … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: February 8, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
February 8, 2024 by
Americanism Redux February 8, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 You need to see this thing. Good God, it's a massive tree. Down it came, crash and thud. By now, today, 250 years ago, the leaves are dead, the bark and branches gone, and the wood becomes plank and log. Other trees are laying next to it. (Harrod's tool) Over there, that's … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: February 1, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
February 1, 2024 by
Americanism Redux February 1, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Sight for seeing up-close. Sight for seeing far-away. Sight for seeing what's not there at all. Sometime your ability to see depends on your orientation, on where you are. * * * * * * * (the home where Mercy missed her friends) Today, 250 years ago Mercy Otis Warren is … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: January 25, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
January 25, 2024 by
Americanism Redux January 25, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Slumped against the front door, he's reaching for the handle. With a few fingers on one hand, he grabs, holds, and turns. The door opens. The mob yells and shouts and taunts as he drags himself inside. He's half-crawling, half-sliding on the wooden floor. The pain is now his entire life, … [Read more...]
The Fourth Quarter of 1773–The Journey To The American Founding–In Five Minutes
January 12, 2024 by
If you've not read my Q4 1773 entries of Americanism Redux, here's a five-minute video summary. Take a look. https://youtu.be/Ac4VCmDzJV4 … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: January 11, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
January 11, 2024 by
Americanism Redux January 11, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 Over there is your diary. Over there is a sheet of parchment paper. Over there is a notebook. But you're not writing in any of them today, 250 years ago, unless you're in the south, where it's warmer. For most British colonists, it's deep winter. Ice. Snow. Frigid air. And there … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: January 4, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1774
January 4, 2024 by
Americanism Redux January 4, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1774 (near the site of Mrs. Roger's school) Today, 250 years ago, a woman enters the turbulent marketplace of education in Philadelphia. As the most advanced and innovative larger community in the British colonies, Philadelphia is the scene of fierce competition for students and … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: December 28, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
December 28, 2023 by
Americanism Redux December 28, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 (Saint Nicholas, by Carlo Crivelli, 1472) "To Sint Nikolaas." People holding hands. Arms wrapping around necks and shoulders and waists. Smiles on faces. Laughter and words of happiness and good cheer. People having a pleasant and meaningful time. Inside is warmth. A … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: December 21, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
December 21, 2023 by
Americanism Redux December 21, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 Well, it's over. And now... ...the waiting begins. 250 years ago today, an east-sailing ship carries five-day-old news across the Atlantic Ocean to London, England. The present's big event is a thing of the past that others will discover in the future. * * * * * * … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: December 14, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
December 14, 2023 by
Americanism Redux December 14, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 The front. That's where you're looking from—the front of the room, the front of the group, the front of the line, the front of the moment. The front is a perspective all its own. * * * * * * * Today, 250 years ago, the smell of tea is still in the nostrils of Reverend Jonas … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: December 7, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
December 7, 2023 by
Americanism Redux December 7, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 It feels like overnight. The change. Fast, everywhere. You look back a few weeks or months and it seems like a different world then. Not that world now. All at once, or so your heart and mind and soul tell you. * * * * * * * Today, 250 years ago, Francis Salvador steps off the … [Read more...]
Leadership, Tea, and 1773
December 6, 2023 by
Leadership, Tea, and 1773 Those eyeglasses on your face are 250 years old. Can you see well through them? Take a look over there, where a group of people are dumping tea in Boston harbor in December 1773. (for your leadership vision) A swath of my Redux entries for 2023 have, one way or another, featured the oncoming story of the Boston Tea Party of December 16, 1773. I write my Redux … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: November 30, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
November 30, 2023 by
Americanism Redux November 30, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 It's here. No more wondering. The thing is here, right in our laps. And now things happen with blinding speed. * * * * * * * (Dartmouth) The British ship with the East India Company tea is now in Boston harbor. And things have started to happen. Today, 250 years ago, … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: November 23, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
November 23, 2023 by
Americanism Redux November 23, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 A table with chairs around it. A tabletop with platters of food on it. We sit, eat, and talk together. Not all food will be eaten and not all thoughts will be spoken. A moment becomes an event. A space becomes a place. Time becomes a light, carried on waves from a darkness above, … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux–November 16, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
November 16, 2023 by
Americanism Redux November 16, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 Below the written lines are the other lines. The other lines are separators between the life we believe we lead and the life often led, the life of darkness. These other lines are thin, all too thin, though we seldom bother to notice. Until, that is, the other lines snap and wave in the … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux–November 9, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, in 1773
November 9, 2023 by
Americanism Redux November 9, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 Exhausting, that's what it is. The things I need to do. The things I have to do. The things I can't avoid one minute more and so will do right now. It's a crush, all of it, pressing in on me. Do them without illusion because there's more on the way. Yes, that's right, more on the … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: November 2, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
November 2, 2023 by
Americanism Redux November 2, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 There might be one thing that you truly would never, ever give up. * * * * * * * Dr. John Connolly is doing today what he loves doing most, adventuring on a river, seeing the prospects of a new life, absorbing the implications of lost worlds and how the world of now came from … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: October 26, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
October 26, 2023 by
Americanism Redux October 26, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 The marriage you expected, and the marriage you have. One is the life of love. The other is the life of reality. If you're lucky or blessed or both, the two intersect. They share some ground. The record of the sharedness is the story of the marriage. (her ring) * * * * * * … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: October 19, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
October 19, 2023 by
Americanism Redux October 19, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 It comes all jumbled up and twisted together. Knotted and clutched up, in a ball. You have to do the untying and unraveling. Hold a string in one hand, a different string in the other hand, a third string between your teeth and, looking down, you still see about three hundred other … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux–October 5, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
October 5, 2023 by
Americanism Redux October 5, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 It's coming. On the water. A Boston newspaper reprints a letter cited in a Philadelphia newspaper. The reprinted letter describes shipments of tea leaving England bound for Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City. A ship operator has refused to carry the tea but other ship captains … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: September 28, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
September 28, 2023 by
Americanism Redux September 28, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 The ties that bring us together. They bind. They break. They are a physical presence. They are a metaphysical moment. * * * * * * * The door to her jail cell opens. Hagar, the black woman of unknown age, walks out of her cell, a sheriff from the eastern shore of Maryland leads … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux-September 21, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
September 21, 2023 by
Americanism Redux September 21, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 The future is in front of you. It's just ahead, in the direction that your face is facing. Always in front. But where's the thing that affects your future? Is it further in front, beyond your sight? Or off to the side, hiding, or behind you, out of your field of vision? Ask … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux–September 7, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
September 7, 2023 by
Americanism Redux September 7, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 In New York City, the news is twenty-four hours old. Here and there, clusters of a few people stand and murmur next to cobblestone streets. Then they disappear into the taverns. They're talking about the day-old news. Came aboard ship and landed in the newspaper called the New York … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: August 31, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
August 31, 2023 by
Americanism Redux August 31, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 Well, well, at last the news has arrived in London. The effects of imperial-colonial disputes in Boston and Massachusetts have crossed the ocean. Today, 250 years ago, a London newspaper prints a report on the letters of Governor Thomas Hutchinson and Lieutenant Andrew Oliver secretly … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: August 24, Your today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
August 24, 2023 by
Americanism Redux August 24, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 Close your eyes. To see clearly, close your eyes. Behind eyelids, in the loss of sight, your mind's eye begins to see. In the half-dark, with trails drifting across your vision and points forming into patterns, settle in to let your mind's eye open up. Watch the past begin to show on … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: August 17, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
August 17, 2023 by
Americanism Redux August 17, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 So ruled, says the judge in Augusta County, British colony of Virginia...and David Essex, who has been caught after running away as a servant from the man who claims to own his labor, can either pay a sum of money or work two more weeks beyond his obligated term of work. It's Essex's … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: August 10, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
August 10, 2023 by
Americanism Redux August 10, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 Sometimes you're just in one of those moods. * * * * * * Think back in your memory. And write it down. Recall what you've seen or read. And write it down. A thing that has stayed in your mind. And write it down. He's in a mood and decides to think back. (Melancholy, by … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: July 13, Your today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
July 13, 2023 by
Americanism Redux July 13, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 Nemisis. That's his name. (the mountain of Nemisis) He was left, left around here somewhere on this rise of land in the thick, dense forest. His comrades told him they would hide him so the Natives he'd been fighting wouldn't come back and torture him to death. They placed a … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: Your Today, July 6, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
July 6, 2023 by
Americanism Redux July 6, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 Here they come. Just stand over here with me. Pay attention and keep your eyes and ears open. **************************************** Throughout the day, they come. One person, a pair, a small group. They say much the same things. --He looks so natural. --It's simply amazing, … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: Overview of Second Quarter (April, May, June) 1773–A 6-Minute Scan And Span Of The Weekly Stories
June 30, 2023 by
Don't have time to read all the stories of Americanism Redux for Q2 1773? Not a problem. Take 6 minutes and get a video overview. And you're always invited and encouraged to double-back and read the stories themselves. It's for you and your leadership as we move toward the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. https://youtu.be/Fukt-jJ3HNc (click the link above) … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: June 29, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
June 29, 2023 by
Americanism Redux June 29, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 A second thought? Do I give it a second thought? Do those things that just happen to me right now, the things that will define the 24-hour today, do I really know they'll last beyond today? It depends on the things, on what they actually are. That's the truth 250 years ago today and … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: June 22, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
June 22, 2023 by
Americanism Redux June 22, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 Filled with them. The pages are filled with them. The people—men, women, children—who are on the run, seeking freedom from some various forms of forced labor. They are enslaved. They are apprenticed. They are bound by contract to one or the other of people who expect forced labor by … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: June 15, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
June 15, 2023 by
Americanism Redux June 15, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 Three ties that bind, British to colonial British, colonial British to British. But what is in the ties, and will binding become a bond or a bounding? * * * * * * * Hand me that pen. Yes, paper, too. I'll get the ink. Now stand back and leave me alone. I've never been more furious … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: June 8, Your Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, in 1773
June 8, 2023 by
Americanism Redux June 8, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 In the sights of your eyes...on a street in Paris, France. I want to see her, move aside and let me closer to the street. Has anyone seen her yet? I can't wait to know if she's as beautiful as they say she is in her portraits. I may look a mess, maybe I'm hungry a lot of the time but none … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: June 1, Your Today, on the Journey to the American Founding, 250 Years Ago, in 1773
June 1, 2023 by
Americanism Redux June 1, your today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 The world is a place where horses scream. From terror, panic, uncontrollable fright. Brought on by a penetrating strike into the deepest instinctual sense of self-preservation. The final breath of death that closes what began with the first breath of birth. This horse screams as the … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: Today, Your Day, May 25, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 Years Ago, in 1773
May 25, 2023 by
Americanism Redux May 25, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773 He agonizes. John Adams agonizes, to himself, in his diary, today, 250 years ago. (John Adams) "Tomorrow is our General Election." "The Plotts, Plans, Schemes, and Machinations of this Evening and Night, will be very numerous. By the number of Ministerial, Governmental People … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: May 18, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago Today, In 1773
May 18, 2023 by
Americanism Redux May 18, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773 The river is running fast. (Salmon Falls River) Away from the rushing current mid-stream, two figures float in the water. They drift and turn slowly in the water that laps up to the bank. They are two bodies, the corpses of Lucy Lord and Jonathan Hardison. The pine trees stand in … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: May 11, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773
May 11, 2023 by
Americanism Redux May 11, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773 Hear the baby crying. Hungry for a feeding. Another woman will need to nurse her. The baby's mother, Sarah, died yesterday at the age of 37. The baby is—or should it be "was"?—Sarah's eighth. Sarah's husband, her widower of a day's length, places his head in his hands. He walks to the mound of … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: May 4, Today, On The Journey To The American Founding, 250 Years Ago, in 1773
May 4, 2023 by
Americanism Redux May 4, today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773 There goes one. Gentle in the air. Falling, drifting onto the bright green grass without making a sound. Delicate and soft in its color and shade. The breeze carries it down. These are the blossoms of the fruit trees, descending one by one after a week of brilliant fragrance. They'll begin to … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: April 27, today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773
April 27, 2023 by
Americanism Redux April 27, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773 A black man sits in a small wooden hut in the woods of the Hudson River valley. It's been made, hastily, just for him. Up until a few days ago, he was working with a crew digging for iron ore. He was one of the best workers on the crew. It was back-breaking stuff, shovels and pick-axes powered … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: April 20, today, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago, in 1773
April 20, 2023 by
Americanism Redux April 20, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773 Who's going to sign? Get up here and sign your name. (sign here) One by one, around a table, four men lean forward. Hands on the desk to steady the sheet of paper. In turn, each man takes the quill pen and dips the pen into a small bottle of ink. Each man moves his hand quickly onto … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: Video Overview, The First Quarter of 1773, On the journey to the American Founding
April 6, 2023 by
For a 6-minute trip the 12 weeks of January, February, and March 1773, watch my video overview. https://youtu.be/XK-sNfb2RUc … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: March 30, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773
March 30, 2023 by
Americanism Redux March 30, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773 Clip, clop. Horses on the street. Click, clack. Shoes and walking sticks on the sidewalk. Bustle and noise. Standing in front of the imposing building, top step of the stone stairs before you go inside. You're in the shadows of six massive Roman-like pillars or columns, three of them to … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: March 23–on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today–1773
March 23, 2023 by
Americanism Redux March 23, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773 Overall, the mood was rather bright and upbeat. That's what he thought, at any rate. Everyone seemed relieved that the biggest crime threat of this young year was dealt with, the law-breakers caught, tried, and punished. Always a good thing when counterfeiters are taken off the street and … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: March 16, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773
March 16, 2023 by
Americanism Redux March 16, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773 Beneath a blanket of snow, a grave recently dug holds the body of a deceased elderly woman. She is Margaret-Christine Otis Baker of Dover, New Hampshire, 85 years old at the time of her death back in late February. Today, 250 years ago, her three-week old death is so significant that the people … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: March 9, Today, On the Journey To American Founding, 250 Years Ago, in 1773
March 9, 2023 by
Americanism Redux March 9, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773 It's one of those days. Nothing special on the face of it. Life sprawls, today, 250 years ago. (Ordinary Day, sunrise) You see kindness. A Christian pastor travels from house to house in Westborough, Massachusetts. He's visiting members of his congregation who are sick. A young boy, … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux–6-Minute Video Overview of the Fourth Quarter–Today 250 Years Ago–in 1773
March 8, 2023 by
Below is my quarterly overview video. See and hear the highlights of the stories of October, November, and December 1772 on our journey to the American Founding in July 1776. https://youtu.be/GJl5M2zzZF4 Thanks for watching! … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: March 2, Today, On The Journey To American Founding, 250 Years Ago, In 1773
March 2, 2023 by
Americanism Redux March 2, on the journey to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773 Walk down Newbury Street. Come to the intersection with Pond Street. There's the house, right over there, the big house with the fancy door. That's your destination. You're about to knock on the fancy door. When the servant opens it you'll ask for the owner. You need to see him. You have … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: February 23, On The Path To American Founding, 250 Years Ago Today, 1773
February 23, 2023 by
Americanism Redux February 23, on the path to the American Founding, 250 years ago today, in 1773 The pursuit of freedom can take you to weird places with odd relationships. Today, 250 years ago, the pursuit of freedom leads to England, near London, where ship Captain Robert Calef sits in the home of a wealthy aristocratic woman named Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon. Calef has … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: February 9–Life and the American Founding–Today 250 Years Ago: 1773
February 9, 2023 by
Americanism Redux February 9—Life and the American Founding—Today 250 Years Ago: 1773 The tiny seeds had gone in the ground a few weeks back, after Christmas. Planted in dirt finer than grains of sand, the seeds were now seedlings. Tender and green shoots of the new plants poked up from the ground, no taller than the length of your finger. The Virginia soil has given birth to this year's … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: February 2 – Today 250 Years Ago – in 1773
February 2, 2023 by
Americanism Redux It's Today, February 2, 250 years ago—In 1773 Good lord, the air is cold. You inhale and your lungs feel like they're frozen together. Exhale and a whitish air rises and disappears. Again and again. Inner pangs of cold, outer clouds of frost. Up you go. (winter transportation) You're on the plank board that serves as a seat. Bundled with densely woven clothes, … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux – January 19 – 250 Years Ago Today – in 1773
January 19, 2023 by
Americanism Redux January 19, 250 years ago today, in 1773 Teaching and education. My life. I teach young people how to think. I teach adults how to worship. God made me to live this life. I've met a person, a parent, actually a step-father for whom I've developed great respect. The step-father respects me, too, I think. Yes, I'm certain he does. That's not bragging. It's a mutually … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux – January 12 – Today 250 Years Ago – 1773
January 12, 2023 by
Americanism Redux January 12, 250 years ago today, in 1773 "All in favor say 'aye'." The hands raised up. "One", "two", "three", and on it went. The count was finished but the outcome was never in doubt. The group wanted to do it. Excited. Motivated. Resolved. Today, in the British colonial capital of South Carolina, the Charleston Library Society approves the plan to "to establish a … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux – Today – January 4 – 250 Years Ago in 1773
January 4, 2023 by
Americanism Redux January 4, 250 years ago today in 1773 (Colony House, Newport, Rhode Island) Clean out the room where the hearing will be held. Do the work. Sweep the floors. Wipe down the seats and the rails. Stack firewood. Candles at the ready. Make sure nothing from the first floor works it way up the stairs to the second floor. First floor: the marketplace, scene of money … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux-Today – December 21 – 250 Years Ago-1772
December 21, 2022 by
Americanism Redux December 21, 250 years ago today (1772) On a ship, today, 250 years ago, he looks at the Florida coast. But a lifetime ago he was somewhere else, looking at a moment that would begin to define his life. ******************************************************************************************************* He feels the cave's walls on his body. He clutches a small … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux-250 Years Ago Today-December 14, 1772
December 14, 2022 by
Americanism Redux December 14, 250 years ago today The baby, a day old, sleeps. Tiny eyelids, soft skin, the wispiest of wispy hair. Fingers are curled. Invisible breaths in and out, the chest rising and falling less than a sixteenth of an inch. Perhaps now is the perfect time for mother to catch a quick nap. She's not really sure. It's her first baby. Phebe, the mother, is 19 years old. … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux–250 Years Ago Today–December 7 1772
December 7, 2022 by
Americanism Redux December 7, 250 years ago today Yes-To-Tom. Yes(terday) – To(day) – Tom(orrow) Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. Time in sequence as you live it and know it/as it comes, stays, and goes/as you were, is, and will be. Yes-To-Tom. Yesterday, a ship captain named Prince made himself at home as best he can along the docks of New York City. He collected his thoughts in … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux–250 Years Ago Today–November 30 1772
November 30, 2022 by
Americanism Redux November 30, 250 years ago today Some strings are invisible. They exist out of sight until you're reminded that they're there. Serving as ties to home, family, place, beliefs, dreams, and dozens of other things, these strings bind your life together. You may lose track of them in the bustle of daily life, but they won't lose their connection to you. Making them takes time. … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux–250 Years Ago Today–November 23
November 23, 2022 by
Americanism Redux November 23, 250 years ago today Today, 250 years ago, the announcement comes forth in a document read aloud to the people of New Hampshire: "to be religiously observed and kept as a day of public thanksgiving", a day next week will be set aside to express the people's gratitude and gratefulness for their British Monarch, King George III. New Hampshire's royal governor John … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: 250 Years Ago Today, November 15
November 15, 2022 by
Americanism Redux November 15, 250 years ago today So. This is what the boss wants. Wants me to give my thoughts as to how we can make things better around here, make things work right, make things the way they ought to be. Oh really? Well, it's about time. Happy to oblige. Buckle up. Here we go. The do's and the don'ts. I've got clear answers. Do...stop expanding. No more. … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: 250 Years Ago Today, November 9
November 9, 2022 by
Americanism Redux November 9, 1772, 250 years ago today The youth and their futures as the skies of today turn gray and cold. 21-year old James Madison writes from his family's Virginia plantation home to a friend he'd known in college. Madison thanks him for his friendship and for staying in close contact via letters. He congratulates his friend on a decision to continue … [Read more...]
Americanism Redux: Today, October 18, 250 Years Ago
October 18, 2022 by
Americanism Redux October 18, 250 years ago today He shook his head. So disappointing. To be within sight of the place we've dreamed of, our destination and the life we want. It's just right out there, the beautiful shoreline. But we can't go. The officials here won't allow it. The brutes just told him that, in tones and manner he'd seen far too often back in a corner of Ireland, the … [Read more...]
September 14–Today–250 Years Ago
September 14, 2022 by
Americanism Redux September 14, 250 years ago today She lay in bed with him next to her. Nine years in love. Nine years making a home. Besides their life together they'd made life further at least twice, their two daughters. They call her Mama, which she is. They call him Papa, which he is. But Mama and Papa are not husband and wife. Maybe someday, maybe sometime, but not now. Same bed, … [Read more...]
August 19-Today-250 Years Ago
August 19, 2022 by
Americanism Redux August 19, 250 years ago today A dress hangs painfully on her arms and back. It's hard to get comfortable with the fabric rubbing against the scars and bruises. 70-year old Margaret remembers the latest beating. Her second husband, named Savage, hit her with a leather strap. He does it a lot. For today, 250 years ago, she heals. And she'll use today in seeking another … [Read more...]
