Somehow I wasn't alerted of your recent dispatch (went to SPAM...argh!) and just realized this current one. So much going on in this dispatch. Anyway, I just have to say that your skull/skeleton story is hilarious!! Made me LOL! :)
Belated season's greetings and early happy birthday. I really related to what you wrote about the fucked-ness of sickness and death. My husband spent virtually all of 2024 fighting stage 4 cancer and died at the end of October. (It will be 10 weeks on your birthday.) Needless to say, not much in terms of holidays for me, especially as the day after Christmas would have been his 74th birthday. But as my 94-year-old aunt, who's lost not only a husband but two children would say: What can you do? You just keep on and try to focus on being grateful for the lives and love of those you've lost instead of (or in addition to) being devastated by their absence and missing them. Like you say, balance -- even with theextremes.
I look forward to your next book, your next record, and especially your next Go-Go's concert!
I'm also struggling with wanting to remain a night owl, but knowing I'm going to have to get on a consistent sleep schedule to start feeling healthier. Since I have to get up at 7:00 on weekdays, that means I'll have to get up at 7:00 on weekends (and go to bed early enough to get 7 or 8 hours of sleep). Ugh.
I think a lot about the plight of people less fortunate than me. I struggle a bit with money, but I'm comfortable enough. I worry about being reincarnated as one of the people in a situation of war or other terrible suffering. Maybe we've all gone through that, in one or more lives...for anyone who believes in reincarnation...Anyway, I try to contribute in any way I can, to making some situations better (voting, donating, leading diversity committees, etc).
It's a weird holiday this year, especially stateside (anticipating the s**tshow that begins next month and wondering if this is the last normal xmas around here for a while...) BUT forgetabout dat.
Mar Krimbo! (my daughter's xmas salutation.) I wish you the best for the new year, and many adventures! Also, curious--do they still do Christmas Eve ghost stories on BBC? I've seen some fantastic ones drawn from the work of M.R. James on YouTube, but they are many years old now. ('Whistle, and I'll Come to You' from 1968 is always worth a look! The cinematography is a treat. :) )
I really like how you mastered all the Substack tools, such as the footnotes links. It’s impressive to see how you dive into projects. Few have that diligence. Wishing you and your daughter a wonderful Christmas.
Happy holidaze, Kathy. When you get to a certain age (was it 53?), the experience of losing ones near and dear to you has either happened or is on the horizon, coming nearer. I think the best way to deal with the heaviness of the world is to focus on yourself and plan upcoming projects while all the while trying to be good, helpful. As for skulls and bones, I'll refer you to to this classic '50s rockabilly single by Sparkle Moore; it was covered in the '80s by the great Boston garage band the Turbines, but I can't find that version online anywhere.
Beautifully written felt every word and emotion! I seem much more emotional this year then most maybe it’s age maybe it’s all the lost or that which is impending. So thankful for my privilege as well the travel the comfort all of it . Stay well my friend cling to the gratitude I know I will
Finally got the chance to read this. You are true master of your craft, and much of this installment hit me close to the bone.
Happy New Year and a most Happy birthday! You are the coolest!
Happy Birthday Kathy - hope you have a great day!!
Happy Birthday Kathy ❤️
Somehow I wasn't alerted of your recent dispatch (went to SPAM...argh!) and just realized this current one. So much going on in this dispatch. Anyway, I just have to say that your skull/skeleton story is hilarious!! Made me LOL! :)
Belated season's greetings and early happy birthday. I really related to what you wrote about the fucked-ness of sickness and death. My husband spent virtually all of 2024 fighting stage 4 cancer and died at the end of October. (It will be 10 weeks on your birthday.) Needless to say, not much in terms of holidays for me, especially as the day after Christmas would have been his 74th birthday. But as my 94-year-old aunt, who's lost not only a husband but two children would say: What can you do? You just keep on and try to focus on being grateful for the lives and love of those you've lost instead of (or in addition to) being devastated by their absence and missing them. Like you say, balance -- even with theextremes.
I look forward to your next book, your next record, and especially your next Go-Go's concert!
I'm also struggling with wanting to remain a night owl, but knowing I'm going to have to get on a consistent sleep schedule to start feeling healthier. Since I have to get up at 7:00 on weekdays, that means I'll have to get up at 7:00 on weekends (and go to bed early enough to get 7 or 8 hours of sleep). Ugh.
I think a lot about the plight of people less fortunate than me. I struggle a bit with money, but I'm comfortable enough. I worry about being reincarnated as one of the people in a situation of war or other terrible suffering. Maybe we've all gone through that, in one or more lives...for anyone who believes in reincarnation...Anyway, I try to contribute in any way I can, to making some situations better (voting, donating, leading diversity committees, etc).
We are all just a sack of skulls. Thanks for writing things.
It's a weird holiday this year, especially stateside (anticipating the s**tshow that begins next month and wondering if this is the last normal xmas around here for a while...) BUT forgetabout dat.
Mar Krimbo! (my daughter's xmas salutation.) I wish you the best for the new year, and many adventures! Also, curious--do they still do Christmas Eve ghost stories on BBC? I've seen some fantastic ones drawn from the work of M.R. James on YouTube, but they are many years old now. ('Whistle, and I'll Come to You' from 1968 is always worth a look! The cinematography is a treat. :) )
Happy Christmas! I, too, procrastinate with shopping and decorating. All year long!
💀🎄🎶🤘🏻
I really like how you mastered all the Substack tools, such as the footnotes links. It’s impressive to see how you dive into projects. Few have that diligence. Wishing you and your daughter a wonderful Christmas.
Happy Xmas!
black christmas tree🏆
Happy holidaze, Kathy. When you get to a certain age (was it 53?), the experience of losing ones near and dear to you has either happened or is on the horizon, coming nearer. I think the best way to deal with the heaviness of the world is to focus on yourself and plan upcoming projects while all the while trying to be good, helpful. As for skulls and bones, I'll refer you to to this classic '50s rockabilly single by Sparkle Moore; it was covered in the '80s by the great Boston garage band the Turbines, but I can't find that version online anywhere.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNmBM4QRn90&ab_channel=BIGATERECORDS
How lovely! Wishing you and those you love the happiest of holidays! And now I can’t stop thinking about skulls. And how they’re always smiling.
Beautifully written felt every word and emotion! I seem much more emotional this year then most maybe it’s age maybe it’s all the lost or that which is impending. So thankful for my privilege as well the travel the comfort all of it . Stay well my friend cling to the gratitude I know I will
Can’t wait to see you and Neko in London—serendipitous that my annual travel there coincides with this event!