"This newsletter is a hand-rolled, algorithm-free, reader-supported publication." LOVE!!! Approaching the big(?) 3-0 in a year, it's evident to me now that life, indeed, gets better with age. You're only getting better, Austin! Your writing has been a huge inspiration for me- it might have even saved my life. I cannot thank you enough.
So good Austin!! I have a conversation one for you... when people post how they got a new job or new position, my favorite thing to say is “ they’re so lucky to have you! “ and I usually mean it, but it is so positive and affirming for them and I want them to feel good !
Not to be overly-dramatic, but you are a gift and I'm truly grateful for you. Thanks for sharing so much in your writing. You've introduced a sizeable chunk of exploration, wonder, and delight into my world. For the record, I'm repeatedly surprised by your youth because of your rich tapestry of wisdom. Thank you.
As someone who just crossed the 40 line last week, I have to say I’m feeling better on this side. I hope you’re not like me, but I dreaded it. And it’s come as a relief to be done with the psychological baggage. Plus, all my older friends totally recommend this decade-- and I can see why. Any away, happy early bday! And thanks also for linking to my Plath piece. She’s been one of my long-time lives, so it was a special post to write.
Wow. Thank you for the link to the Sylvia Plath post. I was mildly obsessed with Plath as a teenager but I am struck by this comment “ often, creative people are creative across multiple mediums.” and feel it. That’s me, too!
Middle age = progressive lenses. Or needing more prescriptions for more distance varieties that you can manage.
Unless we had glasses that could change the refraction depending on what you’re focusing on. My optometrist says something’s in development but is huge and clunky and ugly.
The Pixies were the soundtrack to the late 80's for me, and also the soundtrack to falling in love with my husband of 32 years. My first experience of the Pixies: he made me a cassette tape with Surfer Rosa on one side and Doolittle on the other. We were living in Montréal but I came home to Victoria for Christmas and brought the tape with me because I hadn't had a chance to listen to it yet. It snowed in Victoria, which at that time was very unusual, and I was walking through the park which was blanketed and beautiful when I decided to listen to the tape in the headphones of my WALKMAN (ha ha ha). IT. BLEW. MY. MIND. I will never forget that moment. I also saw the Pixies live in Montréal—Kim Deal came out playing her bass with a lit cigarette hanging out of her mouth. She was my hero.
Thanks for the link to the Surfer Rosa podcast, I definitely have a soft spot for that album. I also have questions about some of the song lyrics so maybe those will be answered...
"This newsletter is a hand-rolled, algorithm-free, reader-supported publication." LOVE!!! Approaching the big(?) 3-0 in a year, it's evident to me now that life, indeed, gets better with age. You're only getting better, Austin! Your writing has been a huge inspiration for me- it might have even saved my life. I cannot thank you enough.
So good Austin!! I have a conversation one for you... when people post how they got a new job or new position, my favorite thing to say is “ they’re so lucky to have you! “ and I usually mean it, but it is so positive and affirming for them and I want them to feel good !
Not to be overly-dramatic, but you are a gift and I'm truly grateful for you. Thanks for sharing so much in your writing. You've introduced a sizeable chunk of exploration, wonder, and delight into my world. For the record, I'm repeatedly surprised by your youth because of your rich tapestry of wisdom. Thank you.
“Hanging on the Telephone” was a cover version?! Mind. Blown. 🤯
The forties are the best years for me - I’m wiser and definitely less poor than I was in my twenties 🤣🤣
I really enjoyed Life with Picasso, it’s a great intro the the artist. Here’s my drawing after reading it https://inktales.me/2013/05/06/life-with-picasso-art/
As someone who just crossed the 40 line last week, I have to say I’m feeling better on this side. I hope you’re not like me, but I dreaded it. And it’s come as a relief to be done with the psychological baggage. Plus, all my older friends totally recommend this decade-- and I can see why. Any away, happy early bday! And thanks also for linking to my Plath piece. She’s been one of my long-time lives, so it was a special post to write.
Happy birthday in advance! And thanks for the heads up on the Pixies' podcast--"Surfer Rosa" is one of my all-time favorites, too!
Wow. Thank you for the link to the Sylvia Plath post. I was mildly obsessed with Plath as a teenager but I am struck by this comment “ often, creative people are creative across multiple mediums.” and feel it. That’s me, too!
Middle age = progressive lenses. Or needing more prescriptions for more distance varieties that you can manage.
Unless we had glasses that could change the refraction depending on what you’re focusing on. My optometrist says something’s in development but is huge and clunky and ugly.
That’s what Apple could work on.
Nice, I will lose myself listening to "Surfer Rosa" in the Jillian Hess "Noted" substack you shared, thank you.
The Pixies were the soundtrack to the late 80's for me, and also the soundtrack to falling in love with my husband of 32 years. My first experience of the Pixies: he made me a cassette tape with Surfer Rosa on one side and Doolittle on the other. We were living in Montréal but I came home to Victoria for Christmas and brought the tape with me because I hadn't had a chance to listen to it yet. It snowed in Victoria, which at that time was very unusual, and I was walking through the park which was blanketed and beautiful when I decided to listen to the tape in the headphones of my WALKMAN (ha ha ha). IT. BLEW. MY. MIND. I will never forget that moment. I also saw the Pixies live in Montréal—Kim Deal came out playing her bass with a lit cigarette hanging out of her mouth. She was my hero.
Im curious how you manage to read so much in such a short time. Are you a natural speed reader or did you take a course? Thanks.
Thanks for the link to the Surfer Rosa podcast, I definitely have a soft spot for that album. I also have questions about some of the song lyrics so maybe those will be answered...