wonderful post... would love to talk when you are so inspired. as i mentioned in the last post, eckhart tolle youtubes. never forget... you are a wonderful human-being that brightens the lives & spirits of those fortunate enough to cross your path xxjim
You have forever altered the airport experience for me. Somewhat related, I’m on vacation in Italy, currently in Florence, from Seattle, with a stopover at Heathrow, so, I can relate to the whole air travel and jet lag experience. It’s also the main reason why I’m late reading this post. I follow many touring bands on social media and am amazed at how well they handle all that travel and jet lag, or make it seem like they do. I accidentally left my Apple AirPods at Heathrow. If you come across them, they’re yours to keep. I look forward to your music and book.
Re 5 years single--9 years here, now (I'm 63.) There was a point where it suddenly became clear to me that 'hey, y'know, this isn't bad...' and this was after 30 years of serial monogamy (long story) BUT to the point--it was 5 years in for me when I started seeing myself as someone who didn't need to be in a relationship to fulfill the potential that life offers or to receive its gifts. And it's just gotten better, as in the calendar doesn't register anymore.
I don't know if this is a common tipping point on some kind of path, but I thought I'd share. Some of us are destined to be grandma and grandpa in the rocking chair on the porch, and some of us are destined to be the Lone Ranger. One isn't necessarily better than the other. :) Congrats on your new adventure in the UK!
As I do my daily slog through the sludge in my inbox, I am always pleased to see a new post from you; it is usually the first item that I open.
Like many, I am an aging boomer transiting my seventies. I now find that much of my own direction of motion is punctuated by loss. The passing of muscle tone, beauty, libido, and teeth. The coming of cataracts, diabetes, and prescription drugs. The empty nest. The passing of pets, parents, and friends. The loss of identity as a career ends. Your writing helps me to shrug off the past and charge into whatever is next. Please keep it up and be proud of what you do.
Do you dream of alcohol? Although I never crave or desire the need to drink, I find myself still dreaming about it 14 years sober. Usually the dreams are that I've been drinking the entire time I've been sober and just come to realize it
The Continental Club show was fantastic and I was glad to be able to make it down from Dallas. I had an early morning flight the next day to Corpus Christi so the early timeslot was much appreciated (even though I still got home at 1:00am - traffic shutdown on I-35 - and my alarm clock went off at 5:00am). AND, due to the early show time, I convinced my friend Molly to ditch the hubby and kids and come down from Dallas with me. She was pretty dang blown away and has been listening to the BB's music since.
I've had some whack-ass dreams in my life but I'm not sure any of them rival the Coconut story...
Okay, I can't resist. Kathy and I might be talking about the same airport (Austin-Bergstrom). I had this dream when the airport opened 25 years ago. This is how disturbing the dream was to me, I still remember it.
The control tower had a belly button in the belly button was a gigantic eye. The eye watched me the entire time I was at the airport. Even in the men's room, there was a large window and the eye kept watching. Sometimes the eye would narrow like it was not approving of me or would open wide like it was surprised. My flight kept getting delayed and was getting really weirded out by the creepy control tower eye.
I agree with Kathy, no one wants to read other people's weird dreams, but she started it with the cat butt. ;-)
Sorry, I have been recently AWOL from this site. Just got through moving into my new home. Though obviously not as far as you did, but still a time consuming function that demanded my full attention. I have completed unpacking my day-to-day stuff. Now I have 500 boxes of my library to unpack, sort, and stack...oops, need lots of new bookcases...
I don't care how much you travel, jet lag will get to you one way or another. One of my friends is a Circadian Rhythm expert whose studies focused on sleeping habits of airline pilots. If there is any group of people who should be 'use to' jet lag, it's these folks. Guess what, it affects them too! So you are in good company...
I have not revisited my old home yet. Don't know if I want to as it has already been renovated, repaired, etc. for resale next month. I want my last memories to be of my home as I knew it, and not just as an old house for resale.
Sisyphus, Perls, and Russell in the same article? You are truly an eclectic person. What will continue to amaze me about Russell is that he was a world-class mathematician before producing work for which he is most known to the general public. Also, his lineage is quite overwhelming as well (his grandfather once conversed with Napoleon). Speaking of encounters with famous people, did you know your fellow bassist, Paul McCartney, once went met Russell by just walking up to his door (or so the anecdote goes)?
Continued best wishes in establishing your social circle in the UK! After a month of settling down I finally met one of my next door neighbors. Good luck too on finding that significant other. Probably toughest of all since more than just acquaintance is desired. One time I once created a statistical abstract of my searches; I got so wrapped up in the numbers that I got distracted from my original purpose--don't let that happen to you and enjoy the searching...
The avoidance part is 100% correct - when going through my divorce my therapist warned me about not working through the pain and avoiding it as a shortcut as it would stunt my growth, so I worked through the unpleasantness.
Did you bring enough equipment back to get into “Hurry” again? The Sausage Making vids were so cool. Stay grounded, work and play hard, rest thoroughly. ♥️♥️
pain is not necessary for growth, unless and until we make a habit of avoiding anything not thoroughly pleasant. so napalm is not necessary for growth, but tolerating others' less attractive existence is. I'll go along 100%.
good for you, having dreams. I did not for decades, perhaps because I did not sleep for decades. 16 years into sobriety, I am dreaming again, but only in that short window of falling back to sleep after being wakened by Kate coming to bed. I don't know if it is the reassurance of another soul's presence, hand holding, or what, but that hour or so of unconsciousness can be quite active. It is certainly the only "restful feeling" sleep I get. I'm afraid to analyze the things dreamt. They might be offended. I can't afford to offend sleep, or any of its company. not at this stage of the game. Glad the gig was a smash!
thanks Kathy! I was trying to respond to Perls' comment about avoiding the unpleasant as stunting growth. This is what happens when you wake up in the middle of the night, watch a video on your phone (in this case the embedded stuff in your post) and then reply to it hours later. Incoherent to say the least. I take his point, it is a proven one (think basic training at FT Moore) but I also think it was coopted in our youth and way oversimplified. So, unpleasantness is a necessary part of a well-rounded existence was his point, I think, and I managed to incoherently agree. Time for more coffee before more writing (or thinking, or anything ;) have a great Sunday!
Oh gosh no! please forgive me. I was thinking about stereotypes of the "establishment" and the "hippies" we grew up with (I'm 64) and how live and let live versus hard work and sacrifice to achieve anything was an oversimplification of what Perls was saying about personal growth. And I think what he did say in the clip became distorted a lot later (not sure the clip date) when students were accused of being too delicate to be subjected to the biases of older generations, and political correctness (we called it common courtesy) became the target of the Rush Limbaughs and Joe Rogans of the world. This is what happens when I read something at 3 AM, then try to join the conversation at 5 AM without sufficient caffeination (or critical thought) Again, my apologies, some days I'm as articulate as a train wreck. Have a great Sunday!
wonderful post... would love to talk when you are so inspired. as i mentioned in the last post, eckhart tolle youtubes. never forget... you are a wonderful human-being that brightens the lives & spirits of those fortunate enough to cross your path xxjim
You have forever altered the airport experience for me. Somewhat related, I’m on vacation in Italy, currently in Florence, from Seattle, with a stopover at Heathrow, so, I can relate to the whole air travel and jet lag experience. It’s also the main reason why I’m late reading this post. I follow many touring bands on social media and am amazed at how well they handle all that travel and jet lag, or make it seem like they do. I accidentally left my Apple AirPods at Heathrow. If you come across them, they’re yours to keep. I look forward to your music and book.
Re 5 years single--9 years here, now (I'm 63.) There was a point where it suddenly became clear to me that 'hey, y'know, this isn't bad...' and this was after 30 years of serial monogamy (long story) BUT to the point--it was 5 years in for me when I started seeing myself as someone who didn't need to be in a relationship to fulfill the potential that life offers or to receive its gifts. And it's just gotten better, as in the calendar doesn't register anymore.
I don't know if this is a common tipping point on some kind of path, but I thought I'd share. Some of us are destined to be grandma and grandpa in the rocking chair on the porch, and some of us are destined to be the Lone Ranger. One isn't necessarily better than the other. :) Congrats on your new adventure in the UK!
Kathy,
As I do my daily slog through the sludge in my inbox, I am always pleased to see a new post from you; it is usually the first item that I open.
Like many, I am an aging boomer transiting my seventies. I now find that much of my own direction of motion is punctuated by loss. The passing of muscle tone, beauty, libido, and teeth. The coming of cataracts, diabetes, and prescription drugs. The empty nest. The passing of pets, parents, and friends. The loss of identity as a career ends. Your writing helps me to shrug off the past and charge into whatever is next. Please keep it up and be proud of what you do.
Do you dream of alcohol? Although I never crave or desire the need to drink, I find myself still dreaming about it 14 years sober. Usually the dreams are that I've been drinking the entire time I've been sober and just come to realize it
Package scheduled to arrive 25 April at MBE. Enjoy!
The Continental Club show was fantastic and I was glad to be able to make it down from Dallas. I had an early morning flight the next day to Corpus Christi so the early timeslot was much appreciated (even though I still got home at 1:00am - traffic shutdown on I-35 - and my alarm clock went off at 5:00am). AND, due to the early show time, I convinced my friend Molly to ditch the hubby and kids and come down from Dallas with me. She was pretty dang blown away and has been listening to the BB's music since.
I've had some whack-ass dreams in my life but I'm not sure any of them rival the Coconut story...
Okay, I can't resist. Kathy and I might be talking about the same airport (Austin-Bergstrom). I had this dream when the airport opened 25 years ago. This is how disturbing the dream was to me, I still remember it.
The control tower had a belly button in the belly button was a gigantic eye. The eye watched me the entire time I was at the airport. Even in the men's room, there was a large window and the eye kept watching. Sometimes the eye would narrow like it was not approving of me or would open wide like it was surprised. My flight kept getting delayed and was getting really weirded out by the creepy control tower eye.
I agree with Kathy, no one wants to read other people's weird dreams, but she started it with the cat butt. ;-)
Hello Kathy!
Sorry, I have been recently AWOL from this site. Just got through moving into my new home. Though obviously not as far as you did, but still a time consuming function that demanded my full attention. I have completed unpacking my day-to-day stuff. Now I have 500 boxes of my library to unpack, sort, and stack...oops, need lots of new bookcases...
I don't care how much you travel, jet lag will get to you one way or another. One of my friends is a Circadian Rhythm expert whose studies focused on sleeping habits of airline pilots. If there is any group of people who should be 'use to' jet lag, it's these folks. Guess what, it affects them too! So you are in good company...
I have not revisited my old home yet. Don't know if I want to as it has already been renovated, repaired, etc. for resale next month. I want my last memories to be of my home as I knew it, and not just as an old house for resale.
Sisyphus, Perls, and Russell in the same article? You are truly an eclectic person. What will continue to amaze me about Russell is that he was a world-class mathematician before producing work for which he is most known to the general public. Also, his lineage is quite overwhelming as well (his grandfather once conversed with Napoleon). Speaking of encounters with famous people, did you know your fellow bassist, Paul McCartney, once went met Russell by just walking up to his door (or so the anecdote goes)?
Continued best wishes in establishing your social circle in the UK! After a month of settling down I finally met one of my next door neighbors. Good luck too on finding that significant other. Probably toughest of all since more than just acquaintance is desired. One time I once created a statistical abstract of my searches; I got so wrapped up in the numbers that I got distracted from my original purpose--don't let that happen to you and enjoy the searching...
Laughingly yours...
Cool! Sausage making and deep dives on words are 2 things I miss from you. But everything you write keeps me hungry for more! Have a great day.
yes, I need to do etymological garden again!!
Coconut Butt Airport Dream sounds like a great title for a badass song (pun intended)!
Hi Aubrey, nice to see you here! xk
Nice to be here! I've been a reader for a while and often find things that resonate strongly in what you write. :-)
The avoidance part is 100% correct - when going through my divorce my therapist warned me about not working through the pain and avoiding it as a shortcut as it would stunt my growth, so I worked through the unpleasantness.
divorce is SO much harder than I ever realized. until it happens to you...
No argument from me - until you go through it you can't fully understand it.
Did you bring enough equipment back to get into “Hurry” again? The Sausage Making vids were so cool. Stay grounded, work and play hard, rest thoroughly. ♥️♥️
no, but I go back for some work end of May and hope to finish it there! the session is on a hard drive I didn't bring at the last minute
Miss Kathy you seem I little down? No comments but I'll send a virtual hug from my virtual shotgun seat, if you want it.🤗
not today, but sometimes, yes.
Thank you for being so open with us . Your strength is in your honesty and humanity very attractive also .
pain is not necessary for growth, unless and until we make a habit of avoiding anything not thoroughly pleasant. so napalm is not necessary for growth, but tolerating others' less attractive existence is. I'll go along 100%.
good for you, having dreams. I did not for decades, perhaps because I did not sleep for decades. 16 years into sobriety, I am dreaming again, but only in that short window of falling back to sleep after being wakened by Kate coming to bed. I don't know if it is the reassurance of another soul's presence, hand holding, or what, but that hour or so of unconsciousness can be quite active. It is certainly the only "restful feeling" sleep I get. I'm afraid to analyze the things dreamt. They might be offended. I can't afford to offend sleep, or any of its company. not at this stage of the game. Glad the gig was a smash!
I love what you said about not affording to offend sleep or any of it's company!
Not sure what this refers to: "but tolerating others' less attractive existence is. I'll go along 100%."
Thanks for reading and commenting John!
thanks Kathy! I was trying to respond to Perls' comment about avoiding the unpleasant as stunting growth. This is what happens when you wake up in the middle of the night, watch a video on your phone (in this case the embedded stuff in your post) and then reply to it hours later. Incoherent to say the least. I take his point, it is a proven one (think basic training at FT Moore) but I also think it was coopted in our youth and way oversimplified. So, unpleasantness is a necessary part of a well-rounded existence was his point, I think, and I managed to incoherently agree. Time for more coffee before more writing (or thinking, or anything ;) have a great Sunday!
no worries--I thought you might have thought I was laughing at someone's appearance in my last video and that wasn't what was going on!!
Oh gosh no! please forgive me. I was thinking about stereotypes of the "establishment" and the "hippies" we grew up with (I'm 64) and how live and let live versus hard work and sacrifice to achieve anything was an oversimplification of what Perls was saying about personal growth. And I think what he did say in the clip became distorted a lot later (not sure the clip date) when students were accused of being too delicate to be subjected to the biases of older generations, and political correctness (we called it common courtesy) became the target of the Rush Limbaughs and Joe Rogans of the world. This is what happens when I read something at 3 AM, then try to join the conversation at 5 AM without sufficient caffeination (or critical thought) Again, my apologies, some days I'm as articulate as a train wreck. Have a great Sunday!