The Great Boatlift of 9/11

September 11, 2026September 11, 2026 / still a dreamer / 2 Comments

On the 25th Anniversary of one of the greatest tragedies to befall the United States, there are many beautiful tributes. One of the most deeply touching is the Great Boatlift of 9/11, the largest boatlift in human history, evacuating 500,000 people by boat to safety. Everyday people who became heroes at a moment’s notice.

With the towers in flames and everyone running for their lives, it soon became clear that Manhattan was an island and that there weren’t many places to run. But that it’s an island also meant something else. There were boats. This is such an amazing film, made 10 years after 9/11 by Eddie Rosenstein and narrated by Tom Hanks. When the call went out for help, hundreds of tugboats, ferries, fishing boats, coast guard cutters, party boats and others sped to Manhattan to take as many people as they could for as many trips as they could make. People who could not refuse the call to help – who were honored to assist the thousands of people, standing desperate on the edge of Manhattan – became largely unsung heroes. This video tells their story..

In memory of all those who lost their lives on 9/11 or died trying to save them, and in honor of those still alive whose efforts will always be remembered. Thank you.

It’s Gonna Be Okay

September 9, 2026September 10, 2026 / still a dreamer / Leave a comment

There’s a whole lot of comfort in those words when they’re sung by Dolly Parton. Especially when she’s surrounded by some of the most impressive voices in the music industry.

Dolly lit up the world with her humanity, generosity, her Imagination Library, and, of course, her endless contributions to music.

It is this song of hers, where she’s joined by Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba that just moved me so much. If that’s not enough, throw in a small gospel choir.

There is something so pure and touching and powerful about women’s voices together. We don’t hear them coming together nearly often enough, especially from different musical genres. I’ll admit, I had tears rolling down my face as I listened to this – the first time, and the next few times after.

There’s so much going on these days – in the world, in our own lives – that a few words of comfort, a reminder that things are gonna be okay, seem pretty welcome. Thanks, Dolly, for all the grace and goodness you brought the world.

Thanks to my friend Barb over InBarbsWorld for sharing this. It was just another sign that everything’s gonna be okay.

Dolly photo courtesy of Wikipedia (Common Domain)

The Holiday Afternoon

September 8, 2026 / still a dreamer / 4 Comments

A good book

A cool breeze on the back porch

Peace and quiet

Heaven.

Music Will Get You Through

August 28, 2026 / still a dreamer / 3 Comments

Music has gotten me through the worst times and the best times in my life. And although my posting music has typically gotten me the least attention of anything I post, I don’t care. Music lives in me and is one of the most powerful forces in the universe.

So remember this – whatever it is you’re going through, and you need a friend? This is the song to play – “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae.

Music will get you through.

Photo thanks to KoolShooters/pexels

Are You Everyone’s Cup of Tea?

August 25, 2026August 25, 2026 / still a dreamer / 2 Comments

No, you’re not. Neither am I. Quite honestly, it’s a good thing.

One way to not be everyone’s cup of tea, I am reminded from time to time, is to say what you actually think or feel. Respectfully, but honest. Not everyone wants to hear it. Not everyone is able to hear it.

Many people live in environments where they rarely say what’s truly on their minds and are used to avoiding conflict. Having straightforward, honest conversation can be unfamiliar, frustrating, confusing, or just unwanted.

A fair amount of us were/are raised with the belief that ‘children should be seen and not heard.’ That crosses time frames, geographical, cultural, and religious beliefs, and may be subtle and integrated within one’s belief system.

Children expressing unhappiness, frustration, and especially anger may not be welcomed or tolerated. Kids grow into adults who’ve been taught to just be “good”. Don’t rock the boat.

Couple this with a world drowning in sound bites, overwhelmed by video clips and emotionless texts as the norm, meaningful conversation can take a far back seat.

And yet, you have a lot to say, and plenty to share. Do it anyway.

Be your own cup of tea.