The Last Track

As you may have noticed, dear reader, the writing stopped in Freyne Land two weeks ago, both here in cyberspace and over there in the print edition of Seven Days in the "Inside Track."

Here's why.

Been covering the Vermont political/news/media scene since autumn 1979. Way back before Bernie Sanders ever won an election and nobody had heard of Howard Dean M.D. other than his patients.

And for most of that time, I simply could not believe they were actually paying me to have so much fun!

But in the last few years, what had been pure pleasure had turned into work - drudgery, in fact.

Not good.

Depression set in. Cancer followed. And, surprise! surprise! - beating the darn cancer did not change things. The depression, which those who've been there know is utter misery, came back. Why?

Because being "successful" at one's job does not mean being "happy" with one's life.

It has not been easy, mes amis, but the lesson learned in the last month has been positively enlightening.

I deserve to be happy - as do you -  and if that means putting the period down, ending the paragraph on the last "Inside Track" then so be it!

Life is short. As my ol' pal Mike always said, "We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time." And as I've come to realize, one cannot begin that new chapter of life until one closes the page on the current one. It's a big step to take, a risky one, but until one takes it, the misery reigns supreme.

Health-wise, things haven't been this good in Freyne Land in decades. And the writer within - the non-political columnist - has a whole lot of material that's been waiting much too long to get out.

Stay tuned. We continue our good relationship with Seven Days as contributing editor and blogger and who knows what's next?

The simple fact is that life is good...and getting better.

And I haven't been able to say that in years!

Comments

[exteacher]

Peter: it's hard to imagine 7Days without Inside Track, as no one does it better in VT, but may you "live long and prosper", and I'd add to Spock, "be happy" wherever that may take you...your faithful readers look forward to your novel! your 5Sisters neighbor Roger on Caroline

[John & Ginny Burgess]

Peter: We have enjoyed your insights for over two decades. We will miss our daily and weekly dose of commentary and opinion which has unfailingly been based on sound information.
Enjoy your new life, but remember that there are some of us who will miss you.

[Katrinka in Randolph]

Guess it's time for you to find your light elsewhere, after shining so much of it our way. (Literally, more sun could be useful). Not many could do what you do so well for so long. Wishing you a brighter path...please keep in touch. Katrinka

[Bruce]

Peter,

I've been suffering withdrawal symptoms the past couple of weeks, and have also been a bit concerned by your extended absence. But it sounds like brighter days are ahead for you, and I wish you well.

Thanks much for all the insight and enjoyment you've provided over the years.

Bruce

[Randomarrow]

Peter,

May you find happiness and joy in life. We have been blessed to have known you and learned so much through your writings. Frankly, I'm relieved in some way to learn of the reason for your departure. I feared a remission and am incredibly relieved to hear you are in good physical health. I'm certain you will find a new niche where your valuable insights will continue to make our lives richer. Godspeed and good wishes!

Cha d' dhùin dorus nach d'fhosgail dorus.

Randomarrow

[Ruth H]

Good for you, Peter, and good luck!

[Kitchen Talker]

I saw all those beautiful photos you've been posting in the past year or so and I knew there was a big shift in progress. May your future work be as important and engaging as your past. You are one of a kind, my friend. Pax vobiscum.

[Alfred Snider aka Tuna]

It has been an item of conversation around the office -- worrying about what your absence means. I am glad it does not mean health issues, but merely a change of direction.

We become creatures of habit often even when the habits are not as good as they once seemed. I am one of those. But, I stopped doing radio after 17 years to do other things, I stopped doing the Vermont Reggae Festival after 16 years because it was time to move on, and someday I might even step away from my professorship here at UVM (26 years now, and a job secure for life), but who knows.

As you remind me, I should decide, not others. Congratulations on making your decision. I know you will enjoy it.

But, I will miss you and the nicknames you have given so many Vermont politicians. I hope 7Days continues to have a column like yours, but I am not sure who could write it.

Best of luck,

Tuna

[Mark in Burlington]

We will miss your wit and wisdom, But as you would surely wish any of us in a similar situation, be well and keep in touch.

[Liz]

Thank you, Peter, for all you've done to enlighten, amuse (and occasionally enrage) all of us who love Inside Track. For anyone who gets in your way, you can tell them to pog mo thoin.

Best to you and your work - slainte!

[Ed]

Hi Peter,
Good luck to you, my friend. Haven't seen you since my old Esox days, but I always kept "Track" of ya. The future? A screenplay? A run for Governor? Whatever you do, forget about being Press Secretary for an elected official. Take Care.
Ed.

[Tim Newcomb]

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Peter! There go half my cartoon ideas! I was wondering why there were sounds of scissors dropping and corks popping up on the Pavilion's fifth floor this afternoon... now it's clear.

I will absolutely miss Inside Track!

Tim Newcomb

[Steve Marshall]

Peter: You will be sorely missed. God speed in your new endeavors and know that you have accomplished much in your life [with more to come] and have brought joy to many.

[ruth & sid poger]

Peter, it's been fun. We will miss you, especially this year. Keep in good health.
Ruth & Sid

[missscurious]

Mazel Tov, Peter! I will miss your column/blog, but personal life should always take precedence over professional life. I have a little motto that I say to myself regarding work that has become drudgery- "just because you are good at something doesn't mean it's good for you." I wish I could say I didn't understand (about the depression), but I do, it is indeed utter misery. Hard as it is to believe when you're in it, eventually the cloud lifts and the colors come back into focus. Enjoy the spring colors!

[Bill McKibben]

What a Freyne-sized hole this leaves in Vermont journalism! As long as you don't stop writing altogether, you hear?

Bill McKibben

[Peter Joes]

It's been clear for some time that no one in the State of Vermont has the guts to really challenge our elected officials except for Peter Freyne.

The governor's press conferences without Peter are a total PR session for the gov. and his administration.

Hats off to Peter for making this life move! Who the heck are we going to get to fill those shoes????

Peter is a real hero in Vermont - - love him or hate him.

Thank you sir!

PJ

[Appreciative Burlington Reader]

Thanks, Peter and good luck with everything. I've always looked forward to your column, a weekly map of VT politics with wonderful humor, wit, insight and style. It was always a pleasure to read, and much appreciated.

And it makes total sense to take a break for other kinds of writing - write on!

[Emmet Helrich]

Ahhh Paeter, t'is lovin' ya I am, and t'is missin ya I'll be

[Diane Derby]

I'm thinking Galway's a good spot.
Best,
DD

[Alex]

wow...I'm glad to hear you are feeling well, and getting stronger. Still...very much going to miss your column! Good Luck, Peter.

Alex

[A fan]

I wouldn't miss your column more if you...sat on my face....:)

[Haik Bedrosian]

"We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time."

Your ol' pal Mike put it straight. Do what ever the hell makes you happy my good sir! God bless you! -councilor Bedrosian

[montpelier28]

Did enjoy very much thank you - I do know how you feel I think. Good luck to all us babyboomers moving on to different lives.

[Michael Wood-Lewis]

Congratulations Peter... spring is on the way.

Now to Paula and Pamela... who's gonna give all of us the Inside Track?

[Wendy]

Hi Peter.

I have been reading your column in all the publications since 1981 when I arrived in Vermont. I don't know you personally but I feel like you're an old friend. You've provided years of informative and enjoyable insight into VT politics. Best wishes for a healthy and happy "retirement." Make sure to travel to warmer, sunny locations - it really helps!

Wendy, Moretown

[Addisongirl]

I've been checking the blog for the past two weeks, tomorrow being one of them, and was surprised to not see a new post since Town Meeting Day. And another shocker, I find out the news by scanning today's Free Press! :-o! You will be missed, especially during this political season!

All the best,
AG

[Jean]

ooooooooooooooooohdamn we will soooooooooooo miss you, peter. there is no one to take your place, no other voice to grin and poke gleefully at the little wilderness of vermont politics.

i wish you calm and fulfilling adventures, the pleasure of being private in your own skin, and renewed joy in simply breathing.

[mgresser]

Peter, thank you so much for your thoughtful and entertaining looks into Vermont Politics. No one has done it like you and you'll certainly be missed, but by all means, find happiness if this is not bringing it. Thank you for all you've done for the state. I wouldn't have half as informed were it not for you.

[Kari]

I'll miss your writing in 7 Days and I'll miss you on Vermont This Week. I am happy to see you will (perhaps) be keeping up the blog - Write about anything and we'll be happy. It's hard to keep up the good cheer in these trying times and I hope a new direction will mean happier times for you.

[Cathy Resmer]

There's a great story in today's Times Argus about Peter.

Dan Barlow interviewed Senator Patrick Leahy:

U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy said Wednesday that Freyne's retirement is a "big loss" for Vermont. The columnist has an institutional memory of Vermont politics and was always unafraid to "look behind the façade" or ask probing questions to find out "what is really going on," the Democratic senator said.

"I went to his blog every day," Leahy said. "He is the type of writer who clearly knows hypocrisy. But he also knows the difference between healthy skepticism and cynicism."

Read the whole thing.

[Nate Freeman]

Congratulation's Peter! Enjoy your life where ever it leads you.

Nate Freeman

[Daniel Rosen]

Peter: Good for you! Politics is a tough road, and these days, both nationally & locally it has become a sad sack of shit. We get the leaders we deserve. Thanks for the years of informative, passionate and humorous commentary. Among your many gifts was the ability to engage without turning bitter. Good luck in every way.

Dan Rosen (the guy who looks like you, or the guy you look like...)

[Roger Hill]

Peter, Thanks for all you did, and I can totally relate to everything you've expressed.

Keep the camera close by - you never know. And yes the politics local and national are extremely old, tiresome, and depressing.

[Roman Vogel]

Peter- I want to thank you for the hard work you've put in all these years, and cheers to you for trading it in for more happiness. I'm always for more happiness. You deserve a break, and following your health this past year has proven that there's more than just politics that interests your readers.

[Tony Bilodeau]

Hey Peter! Met you during Improv classes down at the Waterfront Theatre! It was a pleasure working with you, keep your chin up and continue to rock the world in your own way!

[Robb Kidd]

Peter,

Thanks for your commentary. Take care of yourself. It is time that others pick up where you had led them, and for them to ask those questions that just came easy for you. Best Wishes, Peace...

[Jordan Davies]

I will miss you Peter. Your writing always amused and delighted me and I wish you the very best. As the great Bob Marley said "don't worry, be happy." Peace and happiness are really what mean the most when you get down to it.

[Liza Earle]

Frederick Buechner wrote that true vocation is where our greatest joy meets the world's greatest need.

I'm so grateful, Peter, that for so many years your great joy in writing Inside Track filled our great need of someone to help us sort out local politics and to help us laugh at it when needed.

I'm sure whatever other tricks you have up your sleeve will be gifts to the world as well.

Thank you and bon courage, mon ami.

[Linda in the Northeast Kingdom]

Congrats, Peter, for having the courage to let go and move toward more joy-filled adventures.

My wise brother calls it "like changing socks".

Our hearts and blessing are with you and we'll be delight when our paths cross again.

Have Lots of Fun!

Linda

[jeff]

Well it's been fun but good luck with your future ventures I kind of liked the non-political posts about the 'old days' in Burlington & random photos of street life. Keep riding your bike...

[Goldendome]

Dear Peter,
Having been, many years ago, involved in Vermont politics, I do agree that Vermont's political flavor and tone has lost its excitment and retreated into 'caretaker' mode. It has become so boring. Frankly, I blame Jim Douglas for one as perpetuating an state agenda of medicority. A person as vibrant as you will wither in such an mist of atrophy. What about a 'Best of Freyyne' book? Help capture what may be remembered as the political golden age. Thank you. See you on the bike path or Church Street. Best.

[Commish]

Peter,

Having been at the positive and negative end of some of your barbs over the years I can still say definitively I will greatly miss your column. The news as we all know is a spin competition and at best a recitation of the facts. Your column brought perspective, humor and often "the real story".

Best of luck in your next thing. Whatever you do head in the direction that brings you joy.

[Lincoln Steffens]

Jeezum, Pete. You've been chumming these waters for so long, this political shark has gotten fat, old and lazy. Where oh where will I swim to next?

[vermompreneur]

Hmmm... no longer a political reporter. I wonder if you'll find that people will avoid you less, or more?!

Best of luck to you. Looking forward to seeing whatever writing comes next.

[Jim]

Peter, First Brett Favre and now Peter Freyne!! As a Cheesehead in Vermont I'm completely bereft! That said, I understand completely, I'm sure it's all going to work out for the best, for you and I bet for all your readers too. Good luck. Jim

[Elizabeth McCarthy]

You’ve given us a wonderful ride down those tracks and showed us views of ourselves otherwise missed. Thank you, and may your next venture bring you to that personal pot of gold.

[bigbadbrad]

Best of luck, Peter. May the road rise to meet you and may the wind be always at your back!

[Liam Goldrick]

Truly the end of an era, Peter. Your column will be sorely missed. I've been enjoying your column since your Vanguard days, through my years working in Vermont politics and government until 2000, and for the past eight years as I moved onto Washington, DC and now Madison, Wisconsin. Best of luck to you!

[Peter Joes]

Hmmm - - without Peter around who's going to ask Governor Douglas at his next news conference whether he regularly read Peter Freyne's blog?

PJ

[Bob Demers]

Now I'm Depressed.
All the best Peter!

[Brattlerouser]

All the best people you come across are the ones who come in and out of your life first. That bodes true on the blogosphere.

Best wishes and take care of yourself.

- Brattlerouser

[Rich Cassidy]

Peter,

Best wishes.

I am one of many who read you every week and will miss your column, the info, and your take on what is happening. And of course, your wit!

Rich

[JPC]

Good luck with your future endeavors Peter, though I almost never agreed with you I appreciated the coverage of what was going on in our state, and even your point of view. You will be missed.

[bigbadbrad]

Guess you'll need to find a new place to post your nonsense, JPC.

[Paul]

Peter,

A week without Inside Track will be like not having dinner at The Dog Team Tavern, breakfast at The Oasis, a drink at 135 Pearls, or buying the NYT from Elizabeth Orr. Oh, never mind. I guess things are always changing.

Thanks for your good work and laughs over the years.

Be well. I'll miss your column.

Paul

[Mary McKhann]

As a former reporter for the Rutland Herald and current editor of a weekly trade newsletter, I am familiar with the pressures Peter refered to in his final column. Doing what he has been doing and undergoing treatment for cancer at the same time seems overwhelming to me. So Peter's leave is overdue and more than deserved. But I will really miss reading his weekly column - it was one of my primary motivations for picking up the paper every week - and getting a no-bull version of politics in our great little state.

[Peter Joes]

It is interesting to note all those that have either participated or observed this blog over time.

Where is a good place to go for those that want to continue the intelligent discussions of differing points of view that sometimes spontaneously erupted on this forum?

Peter - - you have any ideas?

PJ

[Kristin]

Peace, Peter!

[Jim Carroll]

Your blog helped me get to know more about the names and faces behind my favorite city (and state.) I appreciate it. Another few years of changes and I'll be clueless again, and missing you.

[linguini]

Who is gonna be going after "Old Scissorhands" now?? What about Shummy and Symington too?? They are all breathing a sigh of relief that old troublemaker Freyne is gone but the people of Vt. are shortchanged because there are very few reporters who tell it like it really is!! Thank you and good luck in your new endeavors!!

[Peter Joes]

Well Linguini - - maybe it should be posters on this column that should take off where Peter left off. I suppose anyone can attend a George Douglas (sic) press conference and ask a question. Anyone can call a politician or email them and ask them where they stand on an issue.

And they can report what they had to say and the individual's take on it on this forum.

Certainly there are enough smart people here (most of whom don't post) that can keep the conversation lively, informative and pertinent.

Somehow we need to keep personal attacks out or people tune out and leave. So, those of you that love to attack each other instead of the other's point of view. Please take it off-line.

Thanks - - PJ

[exfreep]

Ah, that moment of queasiness each time I picked up the new Vanguard Press (was it Wed or Thu?) and tiptoed into the pages, dreading how Inside Track might have scooped me again.
I like to think that this weekly exercise made me sharper as the Freeps crime/court reporter. I got restless and moved on, but you kept 'em squirming for another two decades. Congrats and best wishes, in blogging and especially in health.

[bigbadbrad]

I nominate you , PJ. You are my hero.

[Doug Dunbebin]

Thank you, Peter!

[Peter Joes]

Governor Gaye?

Finally a name is thrown into the ring that can give Douglas a run for his money.

Can't think of a better person to take him on among those that have been mentioned as potential opponents.

Now, if between Pollina AND Symington they get 50% plus one vote, who thinks the legislature (that will determine the outcome by secret vote) will go for Douglas. I don't think so!

PJ

[Peter R from Nelson, New Zealand]

Dear Peter - nothing to add to all the wonderful, richly deserved tributes to your excellent political writing.. regarding depression - I too have been in and out of that trough.... friends, patience and yes sunny weather do help!

Good luck and thanks!

PS Come to NZ for a change of pace! Amazing to be in a country with next to no military!

[Ginni Treadwell]

To the MOST INTERESTING REPORTER IN THE NORTH COUNTRY AND MAYBE THE WORLD...WAAAAAHHHH!!! Okay, that's our selfish sobbing. Now, please accept HUGE thanks for your incredible work, from so many grateful folks that looked to you to sort things out.

May your next chapter brings as much joy as you can manage.
Granny Gin and the Grandmother's Coalition of North America

[Tom Evers]

Peter,

I left Vermont in 1999 and have returned almost weekly to Seven Days to read your column. You've kept the Green Mountain progressive spirit in my mind since I've left. Thanks for your intelligent, thoughtful, and heartfelt insight all these years. I'll miss reading your posts, but will look forward to reading your future work. Take care, God bless, and thank you!!!!

T.

[Gerry]

I have been missing you a great deal. The insight and boiling down of what was happening in vermont politics is sorely missed. I'm am heartened to hear you are off on a new adventure.

Gerry - guy that you've never met that honks and waves at you while you ride your bike

[Orel Prenyea]

Hey Peter! Well, I been lookin forward to 7 Day's since it came out because of your column. Mostly it is your writing style, because i was a Vermonter way back when and i never paid much attention to politics. Now i know way too much! Hey if you are ever in the Adirondacks, look me up, really. I have a sweet place up off Rte 3, on the way to Lake Plastic. Stay for a meal, i'd be honored. All the best, ...dg.

[John Dennison]

Sheesh, I'm always the last to know stuff!!

As Tuna says, old habits die hard. I still do radio here in Maine - this will be my thirtieth year come October. You once wrote that my show, "Soundscape" on WRUV, was a "perfect accompaniment to a gentle autumn snowfall", back in the Vermont Vanguard days. I still have that yellowing page tucked into my record collection.

May your re-charging phase yield new horizons, Peter. Your decision inspires me.

Cheers,
John Dennison WRUV '78-'94