There’s a world beyond the USA. Scroll to the last story to be moved by that idea.

BreakAways in the News has a backlog, like so much of the world. But here are a few to help catch us up on stuff that’s happening in the realm of less work, more free time, fiscal fitness, and beyond…

• Fun is such hard work!

Washpost writer Karen Heller offered a compelling piece about how fun has become way too serious…and evolved into something that approximates work, real work. She cites over-scheduling, podcasts and apps (about how to have fun), and performance anxiety as evidence. Heck, there are even fun coaches. C’MON, YOU CAN HAVE MORE FUN THAN THAT!

The holidays? Such a chore, yet a predictable bore. Weddings? They go on for days (weeks if you count the pre-parties) and often costs $$$$ just to show up. Having a baby? Retirement? Vacations? All have become potentially packed with pressure to do/be/have more/more/more.

America wants results—not relaxation. The internet has invented new ways for you to ‘envy scroll’ and marinate in cool things that YOU are not. Human connection and fiddling around play second fiddle to ‘the pursuit of the future.’ Which ain’t what it used to be!

Naturally, there are some books, consultants, and (more) coaches to teach us how to be leisurely again. With class. That’s good, I guess. But the notion that we’re so burned out that we need professional help about R&R is unsurprisingly sad.

• Finding friends on a solo grief honeymoon

As one might guess—and hope—with such a story, Ms. Murphy went on the trip anyway. And as one does these days, she logged her journey on SM. And picked up millions of interested people.

That community created a ton of connection and empathy. And she even met up with followers and souls with similar experiences during her travels. We all applaud—and are again reminded that, even in the darkest of days, going it alone can be an imperfectly wonderful way to see the world.

• Deciding to ditch the house

Jim Buchta from our Minnesota Star Tribune recently reported on Scott and Kate Carlson, of the Twin Cities, who made the radical decision to sell their house—rather than start the outfitting for the senior years.

And then…they took the proceeds to use for moving. Every three months or so. They intend to see the world this way, yet keep working as they both have jobs that allow remote working. Flexible schedules will allow them to carouse during the day and put the hours in as they choose.

At ages 57 and 60, that’s impressive. Yet a recent study found that 17 million Americans actually live/work this way—up 131% (!) from pre-pandemic levels. Other research confirms that ‘midterm rentals’ are also increasing quickly with demand as travelers think beyond the one-week ‘vacation.’

To quote Scott Carlson, “On the one side, you have stuff; on the other side, freedom. The more you have of one, the less you have of the other.”

Brilliantly stated. Happy sails, Scott and Kate…

Photo: Willie Nelson (a friend of Jimmy) & Family, Somerset, WI, 6-23-23

(NOTE: Although ALL the attention lately is on a certain reality star who just became president, our eldest statesman—from a very different values platform—recently passed away at the age of 100. Flags fly at half-mast for a month when presidents pass, although the new president demanded that this respectful practice stop for his inauguration—for another historical first.)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I met Jimmy Carter in my teens. For much of my life, I was politically active—in both parties—which have both changed immeasurably over the decades.

I worked in a congressman’s office. I spent a long election day campaigning person to person with a US senator; he lost. Attended conventions, hung out in HQs, saw most presidents.

But I only met one president. Jimmy. Iowa was a political hub. So in 1976, when nine presidential candidates came to speak to a large audience, I went—with friends of varied convictions. There were contenders with bigger names, but when Jimmy took the stage, smiled, and said, “My name is Jimmy Carter and I’m running for President,” the awe was palpable. And I was moved.

So after the endless event, when the candidates worked the crowd in what was a folksy place and time, I saw Jimmy and moved toward him. To my shock, two large men in dark suits picked me up under each armpit, carried me several feet, and dropped me. Then one leaned close and commanded, “Don’t approach the candidate from the rear.”

“Okay!” I replied, as I brushed them away and thought to myself, “Holy shit…Is this guy gonna be the next president?” Now excited, I moved slowly around Jimmy to the not-long line, avoiding the stares of the Big Suits.

Moments later, I introduced myself. Jimmy shook my hand and flashed that famous smile and beamed, “I’m very pleased to meet you, Kirk. What brings you here today?”

“Just curious,” I grinned, “Guess I thought maybe I’d get to meet the next president—you never know.”

Jimmy’s other hand landed on my shoulder, and he laughed, “Well, I hope you just did!”

“Me too,” I replied, and not just because that felt like the right thing to say. We chatted for a moment. And as the line quickly grew behind us, I realized I should move on before the Big Suits took charge.

With eye contact and a smile that never wavered, Jimmy finished our chat, “It was so nice to meet you, Kirk. Thanks for being here today—I hope our paths cross again.” They didn’t of course. But for a moment, I felt the presence of greatness, and yet like an old friend.

For a moment, he made me feel like I mattered. Like we all mattered.

To paraphrase Mr. Mondale, Jimmy Carter told the truth, obeyed the law, and kept the peace.

Imagine.

Unexpected delights like a lovely wreath on a frozen porta-potty offer a fitting visual metaphor for the holiday season.

The neighbors’ porta-biffy is def spiffed up for the holidays. This helps us remember that the season, while festive, has ups and downs, sacred and profane, joy and melancholy, merriment and loneliness, and—around here—warm hearts and cold air. My stocking hat goes off to the hardy workers that toil outside ‘round the calendar. To them I say: Stay warm, and keep the faith.