North of the Tension Line

/ J. F. Riordan

Welcome to my new followers from “Morning Shots”. Funny how one mention leads to so many new visitors. It’s been fun to watch.

This newsletter is not very much like that one. In contrast, this is a politics-free zone. It’s not because we don’t care or don’t have views, but because we all need a respite from the “hamster wheel of crazy”. I relish the civility and kindness of my readers, and I know they enjoy the calm.

I am a novelist and essayist, (you can find and order my books wherever you like to shop) but I use this newsletter to warm up for my day’s work. The topics are whatever catches my attention, and even I don’t always know what will happen when I sit down to write. Recent posts have been about day to day life: writing, friendship, making sauerbraten, animals—we have lots of turkeys—and the regular appearance of gratuitous dog photos.

I don’t write about the momentous. I write about the small beauties that enrich our days. In a world of celebrity culture, I turn away from red carpets and controversy, and focus on the richness of ordinary observations; the ephemeral moments of joy, love, and creativity. Daily life is filled with extraordinary gifts far surpassing the rush, flash and pop that are just distractions from what matters.

Those small things are the momentous ones.

I hope you will browse here and find something that interests you. I enjoy and look forward to your comments.

–JFR

***

And now for your gratuitous dog photos:

Eli is good company, and remarkably snuggly. He is also a fierce protector.
When I bore them, they amuse themselves. Auggie, left; Eli, right.

45 thoughts on “North of the Tension Line”

  1. I love your daily musings & gracious dog pictures. Eli, in the first picture, looks absolutely enthralled with you. He’s such a good boy, as is Auggie.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Love the format……just life things…..no judgment zones….so needed. Keep doing dogs, nature, wildlife, friends……anything that the media doesn’t talk about. Love your writings…

    Liked by 1 person

  5. I’m sorry I didn’t know about your husband’s podcast (am in the fringe of the uneducated!), tho my interest perked from your occasional references. Maybe he has always been “around the house” working, but if not, my advice is to make it clear from the start that you will not make his lunch! My mother’s declaration when my father retired, and then mine, when my husband retired, was good advice!! Little things make a difference!😊

    Liked by 1 person

  6. It is the focus on Small Beauties I love so much, and the essential gratuitous dog photos!
    Glad to have Morning Shot-ers join us. They’re gonna love your place! (and resonate with it like the rest of us)

    Liked by 2 people

  8. I’ve been a fan of Morning Shots and joined The Bulwark largely due to Charlie. I will continue to follow them for political and world events. Your blog has been a wonderful respite from the “hamster wheel of crazy,” and I enjoy it more than I can say!

    Love the boys, Eli and Auggie!

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I have been a fan and subscriber for a while, and I was hoping that Charlie’s mention would expand your reach. For all the reasons you say, ready your post is usually the best part of my day. Thank you.

    Get Outlook for iOShttps://aka.ms/o0ukef ________________________________

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I always look forward to your daily posts. So much calm here as opposed to the X website, plus Eli and Auggie gracing my email is always a perfect stress reliever at any time of the day.

    Sharon

    Liked by 1 person

  14. I love that book. I did want to tell you that my four-year-old grandson is hooked on your book, my dog, Pete. Another generation falling in love with Pete!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. How delightful to read comments from your followers, new and longstanding, who have said it all so well … I’ve been a compulsive “doom scroller” since 2015 (enough said) and finding your site (thanks, Charlie, again) has “literally” saved my sanity! I probably won’t stop agonizing about things political (my field is political theory) but you reminded me to be more mindful of the momentous moments of everyday life. (fyi, David and I have the same sort of schedule: work separately until Happy Hour, then assemble with the dogs — Cedric the Scottish terrier, and Walther, an Aussie-doodle named after David’s best friend, for dinner — and a movie or two, or rewatching a much loved series like Father Brown, or Suchet’s Poirot.)

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Those dogs thrill me every single time. I love them! Different faces…but both have that wonderful quality that only that amazing breed has! Eli is looking right through me in today’s photo! And he’s much smarter than most people.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I always look forward to reading your morning writings. I have read your books (have the next one on pre-order). And while I have never sought out essays, I do like reading yours.

    Thank you,
    From Lilly in California

    Like

  21. Welcome to readers of “Morning Shots”. I, too, will miss the morning musings of Mr. Sykes. But, here, you will be treated to the most enjoyable essays you’ve ever read. Not to mention pictures and stories of the handsome Auggie and Eli. J. F. Riordan will give you stories of love and laughter, intriguing woodland creatures, and musings on life in general for you to explore and reflect on. Enjoy.

    Liked by 2 people

  22. Admittedly, I had tears more than once as Charlie’s last guests spoke from the heart the same sentiments I feel. Charlie was the first I came upon on my new Twitter account who spoke to what I had been seeing around me. I guess the tears were a reminder of the deep grief I felt at that time, and now here was Tom Nichols and Ben Wittes were saying the same thing.
    I found you and Charlie, separately, during my layoff and isolation days of 2020, each of you speaking to my mind and heart in different ways. I remember you posting a pic of your hubby with Eli and I said, “I follow that guy!”
    Through him I found like-minded people helping me parse out my thoughts. Through you I found beauty and calm. And Pete!! You kept us breathing on election night 2020 with lots of pictures! So there’s my story! 🥰 to your entire household!

    Liked by 2 people

  23. Your exquisite and vibrant essays give me a boost and smile each day as I recover from knee replacement surgery. Eight weeks out from the knee adventure, I’m walking and climbing stairs. Auggie and Eli photos are always a bonus along with the turkeys, fireplace and lovely trees and scenery. Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. This is why I love you so much! Yes, we all care about our country, but it is so nice to read about and see the dogs, turkeys, deer, and every happenings. You’re the best!

    Liked by 1 person

  26. I left Twitter 9 months ago and having come across from Morning Shots I realize how much I missed seeing your dogs and reading your observations! Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.