69 Comments
founding

No, it's not like Twitter or Facebook. No photo option (or emoji either, thank God). I can't post a link because it's a painting I own (and treasure). I also have some of his doodles (skulls, apes, sea shells) and a note to his wife: "doctors all wrong it was only gallstones everyone amazed and delighted I expect to return tomorrow or next day love ESTLIN"

Expand full comment
founding

Okay, just donated. I wanted to wash some light on this post with a tender painting that ee cummings did of his wife, Marion Morehouse, but I can't figure out how.

Expand full comment

It's a good book and it goes beyond tenkara. I have to laugh and snark about shad fishing. When I lived closer to the beltway Jim Range used to wear me out about fishing for shad with him. I told him the problem with shad fishing in DC was it coincided with prime brook trout fishing and with brook trout fishing you didn't feel like you were fishing in a parking lot. I will admit that the dawn patrol crowd a Fletchers is cult-like. And this who have not experienced early morning shad fishing on the Potomac have missed a marvelous experience. These days I'm happily ensconced in the Shenandoah Valley with my beloved brook trout close by. Invite stands.

Expand full comment

Yup, Bennet is solid. I'm going to put a tenkara rod in his hand soon. I've never been put out by people making fun of Tenkara. It was pretty damn entertaining and good fodder for my commentary. The simplicity thing and ease of use make it attractive for sure. It was Chouinard that got me into it. His co-author Craig Mathews is a close friend and performed our wedding ceremony at $3bridge. Wheels, within wheels. If you want to go fish for brookies, tenkara or not, hit me up.

Expand full comment
Mar 15, 2022Liked by Matt Labash

My tithes go toward helping the neediest and greatest needs, now there is one of earth’s greatest needs!

Not the local church in the US where honey & milk flowes in abundance.

Expand full comment
Mar 14, 2022Liked by Matt Labash

Thank you for posting the story and the email (and the donation link!). Yes, his email was stark and raw, but light shines brighter through the darkness.

An amazing mission and a worthy cause.

Expand full comment

"we made our raid on the unspeakable”

Good lord, can he write. What a gift with words to capture a moment.

Thanks for sharing his story and especially the email.

Remarkable. I’ll send a donation.

Expand full comment

Matt, the good Father and you have shed a beautiful light on such a dark place. The people of Haiti as you have shown are a resilient and seem to be a respectful God fearing people (how can you not believe they are by the results of Father in some terrifying episodes). Scott and I will make a donation to the cause in the names of our 2 families that have gone to set the table before we get there. You continue to amaze.

Expand full comment
Mar 14, 2022Liked by Matt Labash

Hard to come up with anything to say that hasn’t been said much better by you and Father Frechette. God bless him and the work he is doing in Haiti.

Expand full comment

Thank you for this. Delightful!

Expand full comment

On YouTube: “The Lost Children of Haiti.” Perhaps Fr. Rick knew one of two men Scott Pelley introduced: Moise Vaval? Ptr Moise also ministered to the Haitian people; his people. Learn more about the people of Haiti in this humbling documentary. The story on 60 Minutes was filmed after the 2010 earthquake; sadly Ptr Moise was killed in a car accident this year. To all who minister in Haiti - their stories are humbling. God bless Fr. Rick. His is a story worth repeating, ML, whenever you can.

Expand full comment
Mar 14, 2022Liked by Matt Labash

Thank you Matt. Thank you for sharing the work of Father Franchette. Reminds me of Mother Theresa and her vocation. I always look forward to reading Slacktide and Ask Matt.

Expand full comment
founding
Mar 14, 2022Liked by Matt Labash

Father Rick is glowing. I can see him from here. You, too. Your light shines against the darkness, and the darkness overcomes it not.

Expand full comment

Well, I have never heard anyone yet

who could sing Dylan

anywhere close to him.

Not Dark Yet is a masterpiece.

I have loved it since it first came out in 1997.

Hear the poet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZgBhyU4IvQ

Expand full comment
Mar 13, 2022Liked by Matt Labash

Thanks Matt!!!

Expand full comment
founding

Thank you for this. Knowing of people like Rick who light candles rather than curse darkness is an inspiration to me.

Expand full comment