32 Comments
User's avatar
Courageouslyshe Tamara Springs's avatar

Marya! This is powerful and provocative—a poignant reminder that even in uncertainty, we each have a choice: lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way. Thank you for not just answering the call to action, but also reminding us that now is the time to act—before the call comes. Cause' ready or not... here it comes.

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

Here it comes indeed - so thrilled to be in touch, Tamara, and to know you’re out there answering the call. Honored to be even a small part of that process, and can’t wait to see where it goes next!

Expand full comment
John Inglis's avatar

It's sad what the pathological insanity of living in a duplicitous, deceitful, capitalistic dictatorship does to people's spirits, how it hollows people out from the inside.

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

It is, it does - and John, thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, presence, and support for what I’m getting up to out here. You’re a wise soul. Glad to know you.

Expand full comment
Chris Stanton's avatar

You’re always brilliant, Marya, but this was on another level. The rules have changed. People don’t want to admit it, don’t want to think about it, but normal has been shot in the head and dumped in a lake. There isn’t even a “new normal.” The entire normal family has been massacred. RIP. We need to respond accordingly.

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

RIP indeed. So appreciate the honesty of your work, and its kindness, too - the two aren’t mutually exclusive, as you demonstrate every time.

Expand full comment
Chris Stanton's avatar

That’s so nice. Thank you!

Expand full comment
Jan Elisabeth's avatar

“Other than actually helping, how can I help? -- I'm getting that a lot, without those being the words being said, of course -- nothing so honest. And I find myself on the other side of the fence too -- not saying it, but thinking 'Everything in me wants to help, and nothing in me has a clue where to start amidst all this mayhem' And not wanting to do all the posturing gestures that 'look like' helping and (shocker) achieve zero. What fresh hell indeed.

But this is the hope of language if we change direction -- "Until we are able to name and discuss what is going on in the world with each other - a stage that is a non-negotiable precursor to and prerequisite for meaningful large-scale social change - we will continue to accept and normalize it for each other and ourselves..."

I so do not want to end up singing along!

Thank you !

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

I hear that loud and clear - the feeling of being frustrated and appalled by the insularity and self-protectiveness I see around me, and running low on ways and energy to give. Here’s to refilling each others’ cup as best we can. Thank you, Jan.

Expand full comment
Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Standing in the boatyard Thursday morning, already dirty, mind blown with the latest fuckery, having just watched the Swiss display of fu, a lilly white CPA told me he had no concerns. I turned and walked away.

A dumpster fire that encompasses those of us that didn't want to be invited. The oligarchs are roasting their weiners. And ours.

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

Oh my GOD that was well said - I shouldn't laugh - but OH I DID - thank you, Janice, I'm so glad you're here!!!

Expand full comment
Paul Corman-Roberts's avatar

This is the self help book we didn't know we needed. It calls to mind that last intelligent thing Dennis Miller ever said over 25 years ago when he said "It's considered good manners to lie in Los Angeles if someone asks you how you're doing. And bad manners if you don't continue to lie." I understand how he became disillusioned. I understand how everyone has become disillusioned. That doesn't mean we have to agree with the response.

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

True, true - and damned if I’m not about to see you in LA. ;) Can’t wait, either. Let’s run around embarrassing everyone with our genuineness. So happy to be on the same roller coaster ride as you, dear friend -

Expand full comment
Eileen Dougharty's avatar

“Other than actually helping, how can I help?” absolutely nails it. Fantastic piece, so much truth, so much bite.

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

I don’t have chihuahuas for nothing. ;) thank you, Eileen!

Expand full comment
Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Ditto.

Expand full comment
Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

I kept highlighting parts I wanted to feature in a comment, but the next one and the next were just as good. Could you roll this into a training? Duo Lingo for the End Times? Jayzus!

"Other than actually helping, how can I help?..."

I appreciate you. Also, my stomach hurts.

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

Appreciate you as well - and SO sad I missed a chance to see you!! Cannot wait till our next crossing paths. xoxo

Expand full comment
Teyani Whitman's avatar

Oh Marya❣️ you have outdone even yourself in this glorious essay. Thank you.

May I say that I would like to take one delicious humongous bite outta all of this, and hope it rubs off on me? Yeah, it’s the truth. Your brilliance, your heart, and your clever word play are things that make me want to shout to the sky “This being is fabulous! Trust me, you’ll want to be her friend,”

I’ve screen- shot snapped pictures of your greeting suggestions, and will actively be engaging in all the things, beginning with my personal favorite:

·” hoo-ee, these nonstop randomized cortisol spikes sure are somethin’, aren't they?“

Followed by your friend’s input of seeing that you successfully have all your major limbs intact.

😜

So many energetic ((hugs)) are being sent out your way. And yes, of course, I’d love to rattle the neighbor’s cages and have you over for a cold beer. (Not a platitude, but a true offer)

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

I’m on my laptop so no emojis. [string of hearts] thank you xoxo

Expand full comment
Charlynn's avatar

Thank you so much for this. It taps into something I now realize I was doing subconsciously, but will now do with intention and aplomb. Sharing this one as far and wide as my net will reach.

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

Charlynn, this is great to hear - I am so glad this one found you! Really appreciate your words, sharing, and support.

Expand full comment
jeremy norton's avatar

Will this prevent us from contracting despair or syphilis from the current fuckery? Remains to be seen--and funding cut for further studies, so let's say, Yes. Reading this specific entry, and supporting this gonzo and brilliant venture, WILL SAVE US from OUR (other) SELVES!

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

Jer, dude, you’re such a fucking gem. (and if you & I can save ourselves from ourselves, I gotta have hope the world can get its shit together.) glad and proud to be on this road with you. xo

Expand full comment
Mary C's avatar

What a ride, reading this. Thank you for calling us all out. We need to hear it, know it, say it. Well done.

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

Mary, so good to hear from you. I continue to find your presence and wisdom in the world a huge lift. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Wendy Varley's avatar

Made me laugh, very darkly. So well said, Marya.

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

Thank you, Wendy! Especially in dark times, laughter is a survival skill - at least for me, and I hope I can share it with anyone for whom it brings a little lift.

Expand full comment
Bananies's avatar

Love your stream of consciousness writing style in this piece. Also an excellent mix of doom and gloom, wry (somewhat) optimistic humor, and tying it together with a healthy dose of self deprecation. I’m up at 3 am (insomnia) and I really enjoyed reading this. Give your pupski a belly rub from me…unless she’s actually a pupmonster who will take your hand off for even trying to take those liberties with her esteemed presence.

Expand full comment
Marya Hornbacher's avatar

Luna is most grateful for the belly rub - and I am grateful for your thoughtful words and the news that you enjoyed this. It IS optimistic - I am, at least - though perhaps not for the same things I once was. I have hope, always - it’s still emerging where that should be placed, and where it will go. Thank you!

Expand full comment
Sarah Savage's avatar

LOVE this! I'm going to use the "how are you handling the horrors" because it feels meaningful and an acknowledgement of what is. And as you said, "Power creeps into a culture’s language, its story, at first by small degrees." Our thoughts lead to words which lead to actions which create reality.

Expand full comment