I have fond memories of St. Albans, although fleeting, while driving Mick Taylor on tour with John Mayall in 2004. Thank you for sharing, KV. Your words bring a sense and knowing of what is good with humanity in this world. a connection to what so many think and feel.
I often look around for family and friends, where are they? Then I quickly realize that I really don't want someone offering advice as to which direction I should point my motion. I joined a seniors softball team to make friends, and the jokes are fine, but grabbing the bat makes me feel 14 years old and whole, not the talk. Keeping my eyes up and looking for that happy middle I guess. Nice to know, through your writing that some of my thoughts are shared. 🌼
Kathy - you shine through your words and your music.
“I’m uplifted…and reminded of the power one person can have—at least for a time—without even knowing. I strive to be that person for someone else whenever possible.”
You have been that person for me many times but you never knew. Thank you.
It’s such an amazing procedure! I felt so special❤️❤️❤️ when he asked me to go with him to a couple of the sessions. Such a wonderful treatment for depression, and OCD. I can actually see a difference in him after about four or five weeks into treatment. I have been blessed with two wonderful sons. I hope everything is going fantastic on end!
Love your writing. Bought your book and read it while i had pre vaccine Covid. Glad you started this blog.
Losing a pet who has been a part of your life is horrid. Mine was with me when i was single, when I faced death, was a single dad, remarried, and saw my son off to college. Had to say goodbye to my Bichon 8/6. Every weekend since i write and remember him.
Hi Arthur, sorry I didn't see your comment before. Thank you for commiserating on the loss of a beloved pet with me, it helps to know it is a shared grief. xok
Because of my journals about Jackson, we ended up rescuing Ryder from a shelter. Someone who read my journal posted that he was available in a shelter. He has really helped me with my grief.
When are you moving to the UK? Do you have relatives there that you are in touch with?
Hard to believe at this time 3 years ago I had COVID. Your book (amongst others) helped me keep my sanity while I was suffering in bed. Couldn’t handle watching the news.
Kathy - I am through 67% of your book and boy you have seen quite a lot in your life. Your part and the other Go Go members sure created something special. Listening to the songs takes me back to my own childhood. I see from your earlier posts, you have entered that empty nest phase which leaves you wondering. I am five years behind you in age, but I now see the next phase of life as my wife and I have seen our daughter marry and now we are looking forward to welcoming a grandchild early next year. You too will hopefully see the grandchild phase. Buy yes, the empty nest phase is a bit of a struggle. So, just keep getting together with your daughter and staying in her life. And keep smiling. And you are excellent writer as your book is great.
Kathy, when I was young you made me happy with your music, and now that I'm older you make me happy with your writing. You are the gift who keeps on giving.
I'm curious if you're like me and have a lot going through your head during the walking time, or if you allow your mind to go more blank and relaxed. I hope the latter. If you ever need recommendations for non-fiction, be happy to suggest some real page-turners.
My older son started TMS ( Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) for depression. I’ve been coming with him these past few weeks, what a difference in him. He kept his depression a secret and opened up a couple of months ago. So grateful for this treatment.
Search information on the Rainbow Bridge - pets , if you haven't. Much comfort there.
Ribbon left us 5 years ago this week. 13 year old Golden Retriever female. Her photo is on my various text, phone, Facebook photos, and other places. I think of her often.
I suppose it's the human experience as it's ordered for us to enjoy life's ups and downs. And the downs can be pretty low.
I'm in the middle of Riley Black's book now! There's something both humbling and uplifting about knowing that the world is shaped by forces far, far greater than humanity. In one sense, that makes me feel small, but on the other, I am relieved to know that my mistakes really don't matter very much. No dinosaurs died because I'm not yet over my trust issues!
Hi Neil, yes I found the pull back and perspective that reading this book offered so very helpful! It was very comforting to realize that if we are doomed, we certainly aren’t the first extinction and the way could be cleared for a species that is able to manage harmony and existence somewhat better than us Sapiens have. xokv
Kathy, your writing on twitter certainly brought me to subscribe to your substack, because you're exceptionally thoughtful and insightful. I'm a fellow writer, and the struggle to face the page is real.
I also want to offer strength and love to you as you mourn Tux. As I've come to care for animals later in life, I've started to understand the empathetic connection that can exist between a human and their pet. It goes far beyond spoken language.
I mention this because the possibility of connection between people can also seem impossible sometimes. If you think about existentialism and authors like Sartre, there's a fundamental disconnect between the idea that we all understand that the only meaning that truly exists is the one that we create and managing to convey this through other people. It's a terrible isolationism.
But it doesn't have to be. I'd recommend to you a book by a philosopher named Edith Stein called The Phenomenology of Empathetic Understanding. It talks about her experiences as a nurse in WWI and how she observed she could sense which soldiers needed the most care through a process she called "empathetic understanding," which was often directly contradictory to speech. Today, we might understand this as microexpressions or body language. It is a way of our bodies expressing what we truly feel no matter what.
You and Tux didn't share a common language, but you communicated at the most important level. And you shared this moment with your doctor in part because both of you were open to the experience.
Humans aren't meant to isolate. They are here, as a species, to care for each other. I hope you continue to explore this in England and at home, and continue to share it with your readers and fans (I am certainly both!).
I always enjoy reading your posts, Kathy, as I find your ability to philosophise about life's challenges and put things into their true perspective, as well as your ability to write so honestly and engagingly, truly inspirational. I'm happy to hear that you consider the UK as a potential place you could belong and I wish I'd known you were here sooner, as I'd have reached out and tried to encourage you on your quest. I hope it's not too long before you return and perhaps think about making the UK your home. If you do I'll be one of the first in line to welcome you. x
Your writing and approach to life that you convey is inspirational to me. I have lived a lot of my life as glass half empty, but the tide has turned and I try and find good each day. I was inspired into this change in part by reading your travel blog (which inspired me to embrace the benefits of travel), your blog, your twitter memoir and your book. I look forward to where your direction of motion is going.
I have fond memories of St. Albans, although fleeting, while driving Mick Taylor on tour with John Mayall in 2004. Thank you for sharing, KV. Your words bring a sense and knowing of what is good with humanity in this world. a connection to what so many think and feel.
I sure hope that you find what you’re searching for and needing. I know what such yearning is like. ✨🙏🏽✨✌🏽✨❤️✨
thank you Sietse, things seem a bit more on track
I often look around for family and friends, where are they? Then I quickly realize that I really don't want someone offering advice as to which direction I should point my motion. I joined a seniors softball team to make friends, and the jokes are fine, but grabbing the bat makes me feel 14 years old and whole, not the talk. Keeping my eyes up and looking for that happy middle I guess. Nice to know, through your writing that some of my thoughts are shared. 🌼
thank you for this comment Jim, I missed some of the later ones and only found because of a notifications feature I didn't know existed
Kathy - you shine through your words and your music.
“I’m uplifted…and reminded of the power one person can have—at least for a time—without even knowing. I strive to be that person for someone else whenever possible.”
You have been that person for me many times but you never knew. Thank you.
It’s such an amazing procedure! I felt so special❤️❤️❤️ when he asked me to go with him to a couple of the sessions. Such a wonderful treatment for depression, and OCD. I can actually see a difference in him after about four or five weeks into treatment. I have been blessed with two wonderful sons. I hope everything is going fantastic on end!
Robi❤️
Love your writing. Bought your book and read it while i had pre vaccine Covid. Glad you started this blog.
Losing a pet who has been a part of your life is horrid. Mine was with me when i was single, when I faced death, was a single dad, remarried, and saw my son off to college. Had to say goodbye to my Bichon 8/6. Every weekend since i write and remember him.
Hi Arthur, sorry I didn't see your comment before. Thank you for commiserating on the loss of a beloved pet with me, it helps to know it is a shared grief. xok
Hi Kathy
Because of my journals about Jackson, we ended up rescuing Ryder from a shelter. Someone who read my journal posted that he was available in a shelter. He has really helped me with my grief.
When are you moving to the UK? Do you have relatives there that you are in touch with?
Hard to believe at this time 3 years ago I had COVID. Your book (amongst others) helped me keep my sanity while I was suffering in bed. Couldn’t handle watching the news.
Kathy - I am through 67% of your book and boy you have seen quite a lot in your life. Your part and the other Go Go members sure created something special. Listening to the songs takes me back to my own childhood. I see from your earlier posts, you have entered that empty nest phase which leaves you wondering. I am five years behind you in age, but I now see the next phase of life as my wife and I have seen our daughter marry and now we are looking forward to welcoming a grandchild early next year. You too will hopefully see the grandchild phase. Buy yes, the empty nest phase is a bit of a struggle. So, just keep getting together with your daughter and staying in her life. And keep smiling. And you are excellent writer as your book is great.
David thank you for reading and commenting. How wonderful you have so much to embrace with the changes ahead! happy holidays, xoKV
Kathy, when I was young you made me happy with your music, and now that I'm older you make me happy with your writing. You are the gift who keeps on giving.
Thank you Tirza!
I'm curious if you're like me and have a lot going through your head during the walking time, or if you allow your mind to go more blank and relaxed. I hope the latter. If you ever need recommendations for non-fiction, be happy to suggest some real page-turners.
Hi Steve, I think a combo!
My older son started TMS ( Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) for depression. I’ve been coming with him these past few weeks, what a difference in him. He kept his depression a secret and opened up a couple of months ago. So grateful for this treatment.
Robi❤️
That is cool to know about and you must be SO relieved that something is working for him. I wish you both the best. xxK
Aaawww thanks!
I believe our pets never fully leave us.
Search information on the Rainbow Bridge - pets , if you haven't. Much comfort there.
Ribbon left us 5 years ago this week. 13 year old Golden Retriever female. Her photo is on my various text, phone, Facebook photos, and other places. I think of her often.
I suppose it's the human experience as it's ordered for us to enjoy life's ups and downs. And the downs can be pretty low.
You are special.
And not alone.....
I'm in the middle of Riley Black's book now! There's something both humbling and uplifting about knowing that the world is shaped by forces far, far greater than humanity. In one sense, that makes me feel small, but on the other, I am relieved to know that my mistakes really don't matter very much. No dinosaurs died because I'm not yet over my trust issues!
Hi Neil, yes I found the pull back and perspective that reading this book offered so very helpful! It was very comforting to realize that if we are doomed, we certainly aren’t the first extinction and the way could be cleared for a species that is able to manage harmony and existence somewhat better than us Sapiens have. xokv
Kathy, your writing on twitter certainly brought me to subscribe to your substack, because you're exceptionally thoughtful and insightful. I'm a fellow writer, and the struggle to face the page is real.
I also want to offer strength and love to you as you mourn Tux. As I've come to care for animals later in life, I've started to understand the empathetic connection that can exist between a human and their pet. It goes far beyond spoken language.
I mention this because the possibility of connection between people can also seem impossible sometimes. If you think about existentialism and authors like Sartre, there's a fundamental disconnect between the idea that we all understand that the only meaning that truly exists is the one that we create and managing to convey this through other people. It's a terrible isolationism.
But it doesn't have to be. I'd recommend to you a book by a philosopher named Edith Stein called The Phenomenology of Empathetic Understanding. It talks about her experiences as a nurse in WWI and how she observed she could sense which soldiers needed the most care through a process she called "empathetic understanding," which was often directly contradictory to speech. Today, we might understand this as microexpressions or body language. It is a way of our bodies expressing what we truly feel no matter what.
You and Tux didn't share a common language, but you communicated at the most important level. And you shared this moment with your doctor in part because both of you were open to the experience.
Humans aren't meant to isolate. They are here, as a species, to care for each other. I hope you continue to explore this in England and at home, and continue to share it with your readers and fans (I am certainly both!).
Thank you Rob, and I will look out for the book you suggest. It sounds interesting. 💚
I really enjoyed this. Very relatable and eloquently written.
I always enjoy reading your posts, Kathy, as I find your ability to philosophise about life's challenges and put things into their true perspective, as well as your ability to write so honestly and engagingly, truly inspirational. I'm happy to hear that you consider the UK as a potential place you could belong and I wish I'd known you were here sooner, as I'd have reached out and tried to encourage you on your quest. I hope it's not too long before you return and perhaps think about making the UK your home. If you do I'll be one of the first in line to welcome you. x
Tux’s death has probably hastened my move. thank you for reading and commenting! 💜
Your writing and approach to life that you convey is inspirational to me. I have lived a lot of my life as glass half empty, but the tide has turned and I try and find good each day. I was inspired into this change in part by reading your travel blog (which inspired me to embrace the benefits of travel), your blog, your twitter memoir and your book. I look forward to where your direction of motion is going.
love to hear this! thank you!!