This was a great article - I’ve often thought about how the word processor has shaped how I write and think.

A lovely essay reflecting on difficult questions about the world we live in and our ability to love and contribute.

“we keep trying because trying itself is a form of faith, a muscular type of prayer.”

A fascinating read.

Love this!

I can only imagine reading Machiavelli’s letters to his friends if he were alive today!

I keep returning to this by the late Helen De Cruz

‘The lake seems very still, as if it is holding its breath’ - from the alt text

I love this one.

Thank-you for working through this so clearly and patiently. The lived experience of so many are still so easily and quietly erased.

I appreciated Kristie De Garis’s insightful discussion of the patterns of prejudice.

“Prejudice works quietly. It slips in through small choices, unconscious habits, reflex comparisons. … it’s about recognising how the same patterns reappear, and what they quietly erase each time.”

It really is this simple.

Thank-you for this. It’s been on the back of my mind a while and you’re right, it doesn’t matter which. It’s just heartbreaking that people think that this is an issue and can’t let people simply live their authentic joyful lives.

I’ve had this thought on many issues these days. It’s heartbreaking realizing that some of your friends are transphobes and wish harm to your friends or the trans children of friends.

I though this was such a good metaphor. Practice healthy resistance my friends, and know that everyone’s optimal macros may vary.

I am deeply sorry to hear that Freya didn’t make it. Losing a constant companion is so very hard.

The alt text for this post is priceless!

I’m so sorry.

I Think It's Bad to Shoot at Starving Kids Perhaps controversially.

"I think it’s a pointless exercise that needlessly derails a simple truth that should horrify all of us: the Israeli military is literally shooting and killing starving people while they attempt to get food."

This was lovely.

“Our attention shapes our thinking. Our thinking shapes the world. What we notice, and what we ignore, influences not only our ability to feel empathy, but our politics, our parenting, our journalism, and our tolerance for injustice.”

Another excellent essay.

Thank-you for this. I’m always interested in how what we choose to focus on shapes how we see the world.

We’ve talked about this for years but you articulate so well all the harms of the attention economy.

I feel this one especially since I think neuro-diverse people internalize the importance of politeness as part of masking.

Any hint of conflict is difficult and yet it’s so important to recognize how this idea is part of why advocating is so hard.

“We’re taught that manners keep us safe, enlightened, but politeness doesn’t prevent harm. It just ensures harm isn’t recorded in the minutes, and that those responsible remain untouched.”

An excellent article on how politeness is used for control.

I’d like to see more biographies of historical women.

I’ve enjoyed a number of histories of less prominent male characters recently as they bring a wonderful new perspective on a period. I’m thinking of Ralph Sadler, Stephen Vaughan, and Sir Francis Bryan in particular.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both of your books.

The Howards are fascinating; your study of the women of the family feels like it will be definitive for a long time.

I also especially loved all the details that you uncovered about Maria de Salinas, so much that was new to me.

Eagerly awaiting more.

Thank-you for everything you’ve shared. I’m grateful for all your insights and your beautiful perspective. 💕

This.

Thoroughly enjoyed all three of the Alewives books! It will be a long hard wait for the next one.

I can’t wait to hear what your latest book proposal will be. The last two have been wonderfully detailed - bottom up and start to finish.

I’m so sorry to hear this Helen De Cruz. I’ve appreciated your insightful writing so much over the last few months. Wishing you so much peace and light with those you love. Thank-you!

A good thread that raises some important points when we talk about footprint etc., and the social changes we need to tackle climate change.