16 Comments
User's avatar
Jeff Smith's avatar

Holly, you really are so much more cool than you can possibly know.

"I have never, ever, EVER been cool in my entire life, and I am not about to start at age almost-50."

I'm almost-60, and I feel EXACTLY THE SAME WAY. But I have never thought to do the things that you do. I am super impressed. And, as uncool as it must sound, you are an inspiration to me.

So you do you, and know in your soul that you are making so many of us proud.

AND, your Bulwark impressions are amazing. I wish I still lived in DC; I'd love to think our paths might cross.

Holly Berkley Fletcher's avatar

Maybe being cool is actually just being yourself? Hmmmm...wish someone had told us this in high school.....

Jeff Smith's avatar

I guess I suspect that being cool is ak-shually not giving a hoot what anyone else thinks. And I DO so wish I'd accepted that at so many points in my life, not just high school. But ESPECIALLY high school...

High school is like the long dark tea-time of the soul for anyone who thinks...

Bonnie Sommer's avatar

Now days it starts in middle school. Ask my grandchildren.

Andrew Ordover's avatar

I love your hog-hat picture and your expression in it.

I love your mural. I super-love the Walt Whitman shout-out on it.

You are so my kind of people, and given how wildly/vastly different our upbringings and cultures have been, I think that says a lot that's good and hopeful for the world. Or maybe just for me. Whatever.

I am grateful to Substack and The Bulwark for introducing you to me.

Betsy Meredith's avatar

A beautiful message. For some it’s news, and others a reminder. Btw, not caring about being cool is the coolest thing ever.

Fran B.'s avatar

Holly..Holly...Come Back.

I need you. We need you. We all really need you. (I had to watch the movie clip to get it right. Well...sorta right :)

Lois Bushong's avatar

I love your wall! It’s so reflective of your many worlds and a wonderful reminder of where you belong ….among friends!

DeeceX's avatar

Marvelous. You, the wall, the effort, the whole shebang.

loganbacon's avatar

I wish we did still live in DC. I’d love to come over!

Lori Z.'s avatar

Holly, I love this. I just love it. No other words needed for this one. Well done.

Tai's avatar

Your picture reminds me of Britney Spears during her Mickey Mouse club days. You can decide if that was cool or not.

rawrtigerlily's avatar

Lovely.

Dana's avatar

Love this Holly!

Cynthia Miller's avatar

Love the wall Holly...looking forward to the book!

Bonnie Sommer's avatar

As always, I loved this. When does your book come out? I can’t wait! Meanwhile I’ll enjoy whatever you have time to post - thanks so much for the pictures of the wall!