105 Comments
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Joyce Sullivan's avatar

Love this, Ann! Such joy in seeing these drawing of folks in windows. Reminds me so much how during the pandemic in NYC, there were people singing outside their windows, doing other things to bring joy to everyone trapped inside. Yes, Open Windows... We need this openness now more than ever given the world as it now is.

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Linda Weide's avatar

Ditto! I just love her artwork and this openness is something we are all not having because we cannot trust our government. We have to trust each other.

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C. Horst's avatar

Love these. Sort of your version of “Rear Window”. Thank you for your work. I always look forward to your posts. Your wit is a light in the darkness. There is nothing better for raising one’s spirits than a laugh.

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Ann Telnaes's avatar

One of my absolute favorite films:)

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Mike Thweatt's avatar

Such a great and creative idea!! It brought Rear Window” to mind for me as well. Love Hitchcock’s movies and that might be his best!

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Susan O. Singer's avatar

Fascinating! I had imagined it had something to do with Putin and other fascists who throw their adversaries out of windows. 🤣

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Ann Telnaes's avatar

haha- you share my cynicism

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Mary Chipman's avatar

That would be a fun idea for a Defenestration series. Who or what would you like to defenestrate today?

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Linnie Starr's avatar

Oh, I have a few in mind!

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Mary Chipman's avatar

Perhaps sung to the tune of "I've got a little list" as sung by Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner in the Mikado? Sorry, that's an old ear worm from my childhood ;-)

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dwcoyle's avatar

I thought of Peter Finch in "Network"!

Thanks for your great work- it is multiply appreciated!

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Cathy 98280's avatar

Me, too! 😁

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Kristina McCormack's avatar

That was my first thought on reading the email subject line. In all fairness, defenestrating "enemies" IS a murderous autocrat's main reason for opening windows.

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KHolt's avatar

This is so brilliant. The various windows fully capture the mood of the lockdown, the person carrying toilet paper up the stairs, the woman drinking wine alone in her apartment, all of these scenes of daily life being carried on. Just wonderful - thanks for sharing this!!!

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Dawn Aberg's avatar

What is it with people forgetting so much? Forgetting the death rates? Forgetting how badly it was all handled? Forgetting how much ijits complained about masks? (Usually men .... I always said if you hate masks, you never had to wear a bra. I hate bras.)

Thanks for helping us remember.

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Ann Telnaes's avatar

Those are part of our experiences as well, to be sure. I created this pretty early in the pandemic before the politicization of masks.

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Anne B's avatar

In Canada I don’t remember ever being confronted about masks and all that nonsense. Mind you we were managing my husband’s cancer care during the pandemic and THAT was a pain… wow I still have flashbacks. A story I should write now

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Roger Fradenburgh's avatar

Thanks for sharing a sample of your "open windows," Ann! We'd love to see more sometime.

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Jay's avatar

Every time I see the name of your Substack, I'm reminded of the adage from The Hotel New Hampshire: Keep passing the open windows. (Rather than jumping out of them!)

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Jane Bodnar's avatar

These drawings are terrific..they capture our humanity in a warm and funny way.

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C. Killion's avatar

Thank you, I needed this.

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LYNN COOK's avatar

WE ALL NEED THIS !.

Thank you so very much for the light shining brightly in my window today!.🤗

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Nileen Verbeten's avatar

Ann, thank you for sharing this. It made my heart soar!. Your images are so complex in message and gorgeous to behold. Awesome!

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Rich Sprecher's avatar

Ann, A bit of light shines all the more brightly in darkness. Love your commentary, Rich S

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Margaret Rivera's avatar

Love your windows, Ann!! I recognize some of the people in your windows in my neighborhood!! I love spring when windows are open and neighbors are out walking . . . it's a great time to meet neighbors.

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Plum's avatar

That third solo picture was me during the pandemic. My way of coping was to cook and bake for my fearful housebound neighbors. Had to constantly adjust around food shortages and planted a massive garden that winter (I live in the CA desert).

Someone’s comment that this was your “Rear Window” is just perfect. A beautiful piece of art. Thank you so much for sharing your talents and insights.

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Audrey Eve's avatar

These are just great, Ann! What a creative way to mark that isolating period we were in.

Reminds me of one of my fave films, Rear Window!

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Sue Hubley's avatar

I love these.

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Anne's avatar

This is awesome! Thank you for sharing this.

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