16) Kissing Colors

Comics, Jingles, Late Nights

Egads! Time since last dispatch has been a dash. I love writing that exclamatory word, although I never say it aloud. Might have to start, for continuity’s sake. The only place I recall seeing “egads,” and where I remember it from, is the Archie comics from my childhood. The principal of Riverdale High, Mr Weatherbee, said it a lot. I’m sure others have said it, but not that I know of.

It’s remarkable that I can remember all this. My memory is intact and vivid, and played a large part in writing my first memoir successfully. (I say that like I have a second one, which I don’t yet) Still, a lifetime of sensory input doesn’t necessarily result in ephemera, and I don’t seem to get a choice as to what sticks. I’ve forgotten plots and characters and quotes from my favorite books and movies and yet remember horrid ad jingles word for word.

Sometimes, when I really want to freak myself out, I contemplate being on my deathbed, waiting for the end, and the whole time jingles and hated ear worm songs are running through my mind. This is just one of the reasons I hate advertising. I mean, I despise it. The scourge of the world.

Here is a palate cleanser to help dispel that last paragraph. It’s worth a visit, it’s called much better than this, and it is because it’s colors kissing.

I was really into comics as a kid. My kid wasn’t, so it might be a generational thing. Richie Rich the Poor Little Rich Boy. Little Lotta, her friend Dot. Archie. Superman & the whole DC universe. Egads, Little Lotta is so offensive, it’s hard to imagine this comic was considered ok back then. Actually all these are just so white people weird.

I’m going to NYC this weekend for Big Apple Comic Con, which may be why I started on a little comics writing jag. I will not be looking for comics, I’m doing the me and Gina we were/are in the Go-Go’s now we are sitting at tables meeting people, selling and signing stuff and taking photos thing. And I’m excited, now that I have one under my belt and know what it’s like. What it’s like is really fun. And I was surprised that I felt proud to be able to do it—like, hey, not everyone can do this. So while it’s not being on tour, which is the way I’d much rather be a Go-Go, it’s cool to hear from people over and over what our music and our band has meant to them. It feels special, which is nice, because sometimes that band is pretty frustrating to be in.

Here’s a catch-up of recent life. Forgive me this once. I didn’t create my Substack to write about what I do, but I did say in our contract (ha, jk) that if I didn’t give myself permission to not make them all perfect that I’d never start one at all.

• I’m reading “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt—deviating from the order of books-I-have-to-read on bedside table because I was in LA, had finished the one I brought, and BookStar in Studio City had a 2 for 1 sale of certain books. Not very into it but I’ll stick with it a bit longer because it’s supposed to be good.

• I watched all 3 seasons of Succession because Kristy told me I needed to catch up for when Season 4 drops March 26th. This is great TV, I’m into it.

• I’m trying to write songs for the Bluebonnets to make a new record. I’m into it, but it’s been hard, not easy. Luckily the others are coming through with some good ones.

• I re-did the vocal for “Hurry” but didn’t record me doing it, too awkward because you wouldn’t hear the music in my headphones, just me singing along to nothing. Next dispatch should have finished vocals and all guitars done. Into it.

• Found a song to do next, after Hurry. It’s very different, an idea I was messing around with during Covid called “I Never Did That” *into it*

• I’ve found a writer to work with on the series based on my book, which is super exciting. I’m on fire with ideas and writing and it’s hard to make time for the other creative projects I have going on. *really into it*

• Maybe that’s why I’m listing what I’m into instead of writing a deeper dispatch?

Also, incredibly time consuming, I’m creating an online store. It’s called KVSwag & Stuff, and that’s exactly what it is. In order to facilitate my move to UK, I need to disperse with a lot of acquired things. Turn down the volume of possessions. I’m doing it the way I do everything: methodically and very perfectionist-like, but hope to launch in mid-April.

It’s late, again. Do you think night owls can ever become early birds? I try, and always default back to being a late night person. Even though I’m tired, I push myself to stay awake. It’s especially nice tonight because there’s a light rain, and I like the sound of the drops hitting the skylights in my hallway. I also like the lumps, Gingerman and Rocky taking up space in my bed. And there’s no texts, no emails. Just me and the rain and the purring.

I welcome your thoughts on this or anything else and also encourage cross talk with other commenters.

Thank you for being here, subscribing, opening the email, reading. I’ll be sending the next one on or near March 30th.