nyc has a magic all its own. baby time is magical too, hope the neck pain didn't last. america is built upon so much tragedy, it is incomprehensible that some politicians have voted in final control of certain law-making to lobbyists... regardless of how many children are murdered at our schools. take all their guns away? god damn right.. one day maybe.
Being an IT person, I can certainly relate to getting caught in upgrade hell. I know Macs are the go to for most creative endeavors bit TBH I can't stand the things which is ironic as I'm totally an IPhone guy... Nothing better than holding a little one and seeing eyes full of wonder whenever the daily grind has taken it's toll..
I enjoyed the latest Substack installment that you had written and posted. The standout to me in your writing this time around was when you had walked those NYC blocks back and forth, and in the challenging rain.
One of the many great things about New York City that it is even great for walkers, especially going through the grid streets and their spacing between intersections. Sometimes, anyone can be dazzled and amazing while journey through what the individual neighborhoods and their own characteristics have to offer.
I am glad you had a great fun time at the Comic Con last weekend, and it was a total delight meeting in person you and your daughter Audrey. It all meant so much on all levels, and thanks.
I can so relate to the frustrating hours of hell with every Mac OS upgrade. You reminded me of a sign my dad had hung on the kitchen door when I was growing up, I'm sure you've seen it, too...
Maybe gun people need to keep their own in check. Gun owners need to join a local Militia,pay dues,hang out, and that group can keep an eye out for the nutballs.
Kudos to you for being brave enough to tackle your tech problems.
At 70 I feel proud when I can set up stuff on my Smartphone and TV. When I worked at the library I got spoiled because we could just call tech support..
Apr 1, 2023·edited Apr 1, 2023Liked by Kathy Valentine
I certainly emphasize with you on your tech problems. People in our age group are caught in this confusing era of rapid transitions. Fortunately for me, I live only a half-hour drive from my tech friends in Silicon Valley. I am just a phone call away from fixing any problem. Most of the time the problems could have been easily solved if I just knew how to interpret supposedly simple instructions....I usually take these friends out for coffee or lunch (depending on the depth of my ineptitude) as a thank you. Didn't realize what a significant dent in my budget this arrangement turned out to be...
Interesting you followed your describing joys of babies and daughter with your anxiety over gun violence in our country. By design? It's tragic that the most vulnerable members of society become victims over an argument on how adults should be accountable for their deadly tools.
The article is a great summary of the arguments against unfettered gun ownership and use. If you don't mind, I recommend David A. Strauss's book, The Living Constitution, for those interested in countering the arguments of the Originalist interpretation (which most reactionary people use to justify their other stands) of the 2nd Amendment. It's a slim volume and written for non lawyers.
Wonderful short story exercise! Your opening sentence is one of the best I have read in quite a while. I recognized the subject matter, theme, and tone right away.
Technology is the hobby of “engineers,” the same people who can’t design a microwave oven which operates “at the touch of a single button“ (unless they’re German engineers…). Take away my computer, and please give me some yellow legal pads and pencils!
I also enjoyed your short story very much. It reminded me (a little) of a conversation I had with a friend during the early ‘80s, about some mid-‘60s British psychedelic records (“Tomorrow” and Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd). “The only problem I have with those records,” he said, “… is that they always have a song about magical elves that make clothes for the Fairy Queen…”
…. and no, the Fairy Queen didn’t have to deal with software updates :)
Oh my gosh. Isn't holding newborns the best? My grandson Henry was born last Friday evening and he is just precious! 🥰
I'm a gun owner but I recognize that something must be done to stop these horrific school and other mass shootings. My right to own a gun is not so sacrosanct that I'm unwilling to support needed changes.
First of all, you know WAY more than the average *person* about tech. I’d love to have the Pro Tools skills you have!!! you’re pretty amazing at editing & video, too 💗💗💗
I adore walking in the rain~ especially in NYC.
even before I had Lupus, but especially now because it’s a rare & glorious time that I don’t have to worry about the sun. It makes me so happy to wander freely, singing songs with rainy lyrics, twirling, and soaking it all in (quite literally!). Storms & rain have often accompanied some of my life’s most important moments; it’s a physical sign of cleansing & a rebirth; new chapters.
Another great bit of insight and wisdom from the always fascinating Kathy Valentine. I just wanted to let you know I read your book within a day and I sat there by myself reading, saying things like oh wow and other explanations even though I'm by myself. Definitely fascinating, which I knew it would be, but even more incredible than I could have imagined. I'm reminded of of what a friend Toby said to me once years ago after we hadn't seen each other in 20 years. She said to me quite matter of factly, "how the hell are we still alive?". I really like your story, I could see that turning into a whole novella at the very least. You might be on to something there. And thank you for being as cool as Gina in your own way, sometimes it's okay to meet your Heroes
I find quite funny when I see people cowering from the rain. Why? Sure there's times when it's inopportune, but to me it's a connection to the elements, touch me all you want Mother Nature. A good rain is another song in the Music of the Spheres.
Thanks for the writing suggestion. I’m 62, and anything that can stimulate my brain is welcomed. By the way, on your last post you mentioned a merchandise online store. Would you ever consider selling picks? One of your picks and maybe a Gina drumstick would make wonderful memorabilia that your many fans would love to purchase. Just a thought.
nyc has a magic all its own. baby time is magical too, hope the neck pain didn't last. america is built upon so much tragedy, it is incomprehensible that some politicians have voted in final control of certain law-making to lobbyists... regardless of how many children are murdered at our schools. take all their guns away? god damn right.. one day maybe.
Being an IT person, I can certainly relate to getting caught in upgrade hell. I know Macs are the go to for most creative endeavors bit TBH I can't stand the things which is ironic as I'm totally an IPhone guy... Nothing better than holding a little one and seeing eyes full of wonder whenever the daily grind has taken it's toll..
I enjoyed the latest Substack installment that you had written and posted. The standout to me in your writing this time around was when you had walked those NYC blocks back and forth, and in the challenging rain.
One of the many great things about New York City that it is even great for walkers, especially going through the grid streets and their spacing between intersections. Sometimes, anyone can be dazzled and amazing while journey through what the individual neighborhoods and their own characteristics have to offer.
I am glad you had a great fun time at the Comic Con last weekend, and it was a total delight meeting in person you and your daughter Audrey. It all meant so much on all levels, and thanks.
I can so relate to the frustrating hours of hell with every Mac OS upgrade. You reminded me of a sign my dad had hung on the kitchen door when I was growing up, I'm sure you've seen it, too...
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61pZwq6wFbL._AC_SL1000_.jpg
Love the story. Spastic Zombie Elvis jumpsuit. Indeed! :-)
Anytime you need or want to work together again, I would be very happy to oblige. You are the best❣️
Maybe gun people need to keep their own in check. Gun owners need to join a local Militia,pay dues,hang out, and that group can keep an eye out for the nutballs.
You are a gifted writer. I'm sorry about your neck pain. Hopefully the chocolate chip cookie helped a little. 😎😅
Kudos to you for being brave enough to tackle your tech problems.
At 70 I feel proud when I can set up stuff on my Smartphone and TV. When I worked at the library I got spoiled because we could just call tech support..
Loved Taylor the Tailor! 🕊💙📚🎶
I certainly emphasize with you on your tech problems. People in our age group are caught in this confusing era of rapid transitions. Fortunately for me, I live only a half-hour drive from my tech friends in Silicon Valley. I am just a phone call away from fixing any problem. Most of the time the problems could have been easily solved if I just knew how to interpret supposedly simple instructions....I usually take these friends out for coffee or lunch (depending on the depth of my ineptitude) as a thank you. Didn't realize what a significant dent in my budget this arrangement turned out to be...
Interesting you followed your describing joys of babies and daughter with your anxiety over gun violence in our country. By design? It's tragic that the most vulnerable members of society become victims over an argument on how adults should be accountable for their deadly tools.
The article is a great summary of the arguments against unfettered gun ownership and use. If you don't mind, I recommend David A. Strauss's book, The Living Constitution, for those interested in countering the arguments of the Originalist interpretation (which most reactionary people use to justify their other stands) of the 2nd Amendment. It's a slim volume and written for non lawyers.
Wonderful short story exercise! Your opening sentence is one of the best I have read in quite a while. I recognized the subject matter, theme, and tone right away.
Technology is the hobby of “engineers,” the same people who can’t design a microwave oven which operates “at the touch of a single button“ (unless they’re German engineers…). Take away my computer, and please give me some yellow legal pads and pencils!
I also enjoyed your short story very much. It reminded me (a little) of a conversation I had with a friend during the early ‘80s, about some mid-‘60s British psychedelic records (“Tomorrow” and Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd). “The only problem I have with those records,” he said, “… is that they always have a song about magical elves that make clothes for the Fairy Queen…”
…. and no, the Fairy Queen didn’t have to deal with software updates :)
Oh my gosh. Isn't holding newborns the best? My grandson Henry was born last Friday evening and he is just precious! 🥰
I'm a gun owner but I recognize that something must be done to stop these horrific school and other mass shootings. My right to own a gun is not so sacrosanct that I'm unwilling to support needed changes.
Love that writing exercise! & Taylor the Tailor!!
First of all, you know WAY more than the average *person* about tech. I’d love to have the Pro Tools skills you have!!! you’re pretty amazing at editing & video, too 💗💗💗
I adore walking in the rain~ especially in NYC.
even before I had Lupus, but especially now because it’s a rare & glorious time that I don’t have to worry about the sun. It makes me so happy to wander freely, singing songs with rainy lyrics, twirling, and soaking it all in (quite literally!). Storms & rain have often accompanied some of my life’s most important moments; it’s a physical sign of cleansing & a rebirth; new chapters.
Another great bit of insight and wisdom from the always fascinating Kathy Valentine. I just wanted to let you know I read your book within a day and I sat there by myself reading, saying things like oh wow and other explanations even though I'm by myself. Definitely fascinating, which I knew it would be, but even more incredible than I could have imagined. I'm reminded of of what a friend Toby said to me once years ago after we hadn't seen each other in 20 years. She said to me quite matter of factly, "how the hell are we still alive?". I really like your story, I could see that turning into a whole novella at the very least. You might be on to something there. And thank you for being as cool as Gina in your own way, sometimes it's okay to meet your Heroes
I find quite funny when I see people cowering from the rain. Why? Sure there's times when it's inopportune, but to me it's a connection to the elements, touch me all you want Mother Nature. A good rain is another song in the Music of the Spheres.
Thanks for the writing suggestion. I’m 62, and anything that can stimulate my brain is welcomed. By the way, on your last post you mentioned a merchandise online store. Would you ever consider selling picks? One of your picks and maybe a Gina drumstick would make wonderful memorabilia that your many fans would love to purchase. Just a thought.