Clara Tenny
@bnjrjubilation.bsky.social
Between caregiving and writing, I’m searching for truth, meaning, and moments of grace. Entre les langues, les livres, et la vie — je cherche encore.
I wrote another letter on my Substack. The handwritten part is in French but don’t worry. If you don’t know French, I basically tell you what it says in English first anyway.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
To the Psychiatrist Who Treated Me in France
I wrote this letter in French to the psychiatrist who treated me when I was in a French psychiatric hospital during the last 3 weeks of my study abroad in France in 2003. I apologize for my French.
open.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:52 AM
I wrote another letter on my Substack. The handwritten part is in French but don’t worry. If you don’t know French, I basically tell you what it says in English first anyway.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
Reposted by Clara Tenny
A friend from Mexico City just sent me this pic of a Dr. Martin Luther King statue holding a sign that says "Please save the USA."
Sigh...
Sigh...
January 19, 2026 at 7:50 PM
A friend from Mexico City just sent me this pic of a Dr. Martin Luther King statue holding a sign that says "Please save the USA."
Sigh...
Sigh...
@jemartisby.bsky.social has an excellent post on his Substack and podcast called “Beyond the Quotable King.” I highly recommend it, especially as we honor King today. There is so much to learn about him beyond what they taught most of us in school... substack.com/@jemartisby/...
Beyond the Quotable King
What we get wrong about the civil rights icon
substack.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:29 PM
@jemartisby.bsky.social has an excellent post on his Substack and podcast called “Beyond the Quotable King.” I highly recommend it, especially as we honor King today. There is so much to learn about him beyond what they taught most of us in school... substack.com/@jemartisby/...
As you can see, I updated my profile photo. I have no idea what’s going to happen next or what I’ll be able to do about it but I know I have ancestors who were on the wrong side of history. I, however, intend to summon up all my courage and be on the right side of history this time.
January 9, 2026 at 4:05 AM
As you can see, I updated my profile photo. I have no idea what’s going to happen next or what I’ll be able to do about it but I know I have ancestors who were on the wrong side of history. I, however, intend to summon up all my courage and be on the right side of history this time.
If you have MAGA people in your life who are trying to tell you the ICE agent who murdered a woman in Minnesota yesterday was acting in self defense, share this BBC video with them. It’s from a legit news source and it gives a good play-by-play of what actually happened. bbc.com/news/videos/...
How the ICE shooting in Minneapolis unfolded
BBC Verify breaks down how the shooting which killed a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis unfolded.
bbc.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:59 PM
If you have MAGA people in your life who are trying to tell you the ICE agent who murdered a woman in Minnesota yesterday was acting in self defense, share this BBC video with them. It’s from a legit news source and it gives a good play-by-play of what actually happened. bbc.com/news/videos/...
I had to write another letter today even though I didn’t really know what to say.
bonjourjubilation.substack.com/p/can-i-retu...
bonjourjubilation.substack.com/p/can-i-retu...
Can I Return to My Ancestral Homeland?
An open letter to a friend who lives in England following news of the murder by ICE in Minnesota.
bonjourjubilation.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:46 AM
I had to write another letter today even though I didn’t really know what to say.
bonjourjubilation.substack.com/p/can-i-retu...
bonjourjubilation.substack.com/p/can-i-retu...
This year I’m focusing on my favorite kind of writing - handwritten letters! And, since few, if any, are willing to be penpals with me these days, I’m bringing the form to my Substack. Here’s my first letter of the year.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
Longing for an Old Friendship
My first letter of the year following an explanation as to why I am writing handwritten epistolary literature this year.
open.substack.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:46 PM
This year I’m focusing on my favorite kind of writing - handwritten letters! And, since few, if any, are willing to be penpals with me these days, I’m bringing the form to my Substack. Here’s my first letter of the year.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
I made 4 talking head videos documenting my last free day in 2025. It was a beautiful day though a little bittersweet. If you have a chance, please take the time to check them out. open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
My Last Free Day in 2025
On December 31, 2025, I was able to take a full day off from caregiving and visit a couple of meaningful places to me.
open.substack.com
January 1, 2026 at 5:35 PM
I made 4 talking head videos documenting my last free day in 2025. It was a beautiful day though a little bittersweet. If you have a chance, please take the time to check them out. open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
I will probably die of old age before I finish reading the many volumes of personal writings my family have saved. But it’s a worthy endeavor in my mind, especially having always felt like a bit of an outsider, even amongst those who raised me.
December 30, 2025 at 7:28 PM
I will probably die of old age before I finish reading the many volumes of personal writings my family have saved. But it’s a worthy endeavor in my mind, especially having always felt like a bit of an outsider, even amongst those who raised me.
This article speaks to me directly as I was a caregiver to both my parents until my mom died this year and I am still a caregiver to my dad. But the cost is getting to be so much that we’ll be cutting back on professional care in the new year and I’ll be putting in even more hours on my own.
Family members carry the burden and costs of caring for America's aging population. Federal policy change is slow to come but a new movement and state actions are building momentum. n.pr/4pSCHIa
Policy relief for family caregivers seems stalled out. But there are signs of change
Family members carry the burden and costs of caring for America's aging population. Federal policy change is slow to come but a new movement and state actions are building momentum.
n.pr
December 30, 2025 at 12:31 PM
This article speaks to me directly as I was a caregiver to both my parents until my mom died this year and I am still a caregiver to my dad. But the cost is getting to be so much that we’ll be cutting back on professional care in the new year and I’ll be putting in even more hours on my own.
This Christmas Eve I made another video with my dad. In it I read to him a short story by Dickens (among other things). It’s kind of my way of documenting what it’s like to be a #caregiver for a loved one, especially an aging parent. More to come. youtu.be/XapIzq8L-KI?...
Christmas Eve with My Dad 2025
YouTube video by Clara Tenny
youtu.be
December 25, 2025 at 5:44 AM
This Christmas Eve I made another video with my dad. In it I read to him a short story by Dickens (among other things). It’s kind of my way of documenting what it’s like to be a #caregiver for a loved one, especially an aging parent. More to come. youtu.be/XapIzq8L-KI?...
It’s a bit long, but if you want to think about something other than all the tragic stuff happening in the world right now, come “hang out” with me while I tell you about my university years.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
The Unused BA in French
Reflecting on 20 years after graduation from Arizona State University with a BA in French.
open.substack.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:54 AM
It’s a bit long, but if you want to think about something other than all the tragic stuff happening in the world right now, come “hang out” with me while I tell you about my university years.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
There are a lot of things on my mind at the moment. Too many to share in one post. This reflection on 20 years since I earned my BA in French is but one of those things.
December 14, 2025 at 6:29 AM
There are a lot of things on my mind at the moment. Too many to share in one post. This reflection on 20 years since I earned my BA in French is but one of those things.
There is a lot I want to complain about regarding the current administration. But I’ll start by addressing what true intelligence looks like based on my observations as someone who has never scored well on an IQ test.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
On Intelligence
Some thoughts on intelligence from someone who has never scored well on an IQ test.
open.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:01 PM
There is a lot I want to complain about regarding the current administration. But I’ll start by addressing what true intelligence looks like based on my observations as someone who has never scored well on an IQ test.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
I made this video today to give you a little glimpse into my life as a caregiver for my dad. Let me know what you think and if you’ve ever had to care for a loved one. #caregiving #grief
bonjourjubilation.substack.com/p/thanksgivi...
bonjourjubilation.substack.com/p/thanksgivi...
Thanksgiving 2025 Chez Moi
A glimpse into my life as a caregiver for my dad as we celebrate Thanksgiving in 2025.
bonjourjubilation.substack.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:36 AM
I made this video today to give you a little glimpse into my life as a caregiver for my dad. Let me know what you think and if you’ve ever had to care for a loved one. #caregiving #grief
bonjourjubilation.substack.com/p/thanksgivi...
bonjourjubilation.substack.com/p/thanksgivi...
I wrote another Substack post. This one’s a little shorter than my previous two (you’re welcome). But I felt like sharing it. Please watch the short video embedded in it too. I didn’t make it but it’s really good. More thoughts on songs to come. open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
Thoughts on "We Shall Overcome"
A personal story.
open.substack.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:22 AM
I wrote another Substack post. This one’s a little shorter than my previous two (you’re welcome). But I felt like sharing it. Please watch the short video embedded in it too. I didn’t make it but it’s really good. More thoughts on songs to come. open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
Ok, 9 people have read this. That’s good, right? I’ll keep writing anyway. I’ve been writing and sharing for many years and my readership has consistently been low. Why? Is it terrible writing or am I just constantly drowned out by everyone else competing with one another for attention? 🤷♀️ #writer
I wrote another Substack. This one is about how I learned French with a few tips for how you, too, can learn a new language as well 😉.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
Thoughts on Changing the World, Part 1
Learning a New Language
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Ok, 9 people have read this. That’s good, right? I’ll keep writing anyway. I’ve been writing and sharing for many years and my readership has consistently been low. Why? Is it terrible writing or am I just constantly drowned out by everyone else competing with one another for attention? 🤷♀️ #writer
Some thoughts before I call it a night….
November 4, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Some thoughts before I call it a night….
I wrote another Substack. This one is about how I learned French with a few tips for how you, too, can learn a new language as well 😉.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
Thoughts on Changing the World, Part 1
Learning a New Language
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 12:57 AM
I wrote another Substack. This one is about how I learned French with a few tips for how you, too, can learn a new language as well 😉.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
I love handwritten letters and I have amassed many over the years, before they became so rare…but I guess I can’t share them without permission….
November 2, 2025 at 11:23 PM
I love handwritten letters and I have amassed many over the years, before they became so rare…but I guess I can’t share them without permission….
I did not realize how much I needed this book until I started reading it. It’s not long so if you need some encouragement, advice, and inspiration as we move closer and closer toward authoritarianism,this book is for you. They draw thoughtful insight from history and theology. Highly recommend.
October 18, 2025 at 6:29 AM
I did not realize how much I needed this book until I started reading it. It’s not long so if you need some encouragement, advice, and inspiration as we move closer and closer toward authoritarianism,this book is for you. They draw thoughtful insight from history and theology. Highly recommend.
My mom was born 3/7/1944 and passed away 8/25 of this year (age 81). I wrote some of my memories about her on Substack. My essay is a little long, but important, I think, for anyone who’s loved someone despite opposing political views.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
Two Languages, One Love
Finding connection with my mom despite political divides.
open.substack.com
September 29, 2025 at 7:25 PM
My mom was born 3/7/1944 and passed away 8/25 of this year (age 81). I wrote some of my memories about her on Substack. My essay is a little long, but important, I think, for anyone who’s loved someone despite opposing political views.
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
open.substack.com/pub/bonjourj...
Reposted by Clara Tenny
On a day we should be celebrating our freedoms, Americans will soon be suffering under the most draconian and oppressive pieces of legislation in generations. Trump’s new budget bill transforms the United States into a police state.
Here’s what you need to know:
www.qasimrashid.com/p/this-july-...
Here’s what you need to know:
www.qasimrashid.com/p/this-july-...
This July 4th the Big Ugly Bill Devastates Our Freedoms
A breakdown of what to expect in this new America run by a police state and billionaire oligarchs
www.qasimrashid.com
July 4, 2025 at 1:36 PM
On a day we should be celebrating our freedoms, Americans will soon be suffering under the most draconian and oppressive pieces of legislation in generations. Trump’s new budget bill transforms the United States into a police state.
Here’s what you need to know:
www.qasimrashid.com/p/this-july-...
Here’s what you need to know:
www.qasimrashid.com/p/this-july-...
Reposted by Clara Tenny
"Shall we carry a flag? It is a rival to Christ."
~ Tertullian (160 CE– 220 CE)
~ Tertullian (160 CE– 220 CE)
July 4, 2025 at 1:57 PM
"Shall we carry a flag? It is a rival to Christ."
~ Tertullian (160 CE– 220 CE)
~ Tertullian (160 CE– 220 CE)
My heart is breaking - for my family, for the country, for the world….💔
July 4, 2025 at 12:48 AM
My heart is breaking - for my family, for the country, for the world….💔