I've been writing more poetry lately, and Annie Dillard's "spend it all" comes into my head--very helpful to remember to use the line, the image, the idea right away even when I'm tempted to 'save' it for when I have more ideas to use it with. At best it unfurls itself into unexpected ideas, at worst it is there, on the page, for me to find some other day or to go hunting for when I remember it later.
Thank you for suggesting Weschler's bio of Oliver. Note: Weschler's webpage opens as "Commonplace Book." We share the surprise of having received letters from Oliver. And me: an unsolicited blurb from him imprinted on the cover of my paperback. We are so fortunate.
Somewhat on the idea of spending it all is the idea of using it all. This applies, of course, to art supplies as well as the good china, the silver, and in general, the very best of everything you may be saving for that special occasion forgetting that your life IS that very special occasion never to come again. Also, spend all that love and caring and remembering. And yet, I still want to die with so much more to do, spend, make, and even waste.
I love the idea of spending it all every time. This is something I struggle with - I always unintentionally hold something back for a future post. But I love the idea of leaving it all on the page, every time.
Sort of reminds me of Joe DiMaggio and how he would always give maximum effort every day because there was always one kid in the stands attending their first game.
Hey I got my five year journal in the mail today! Started scribbling in it already. Item #10 reminded me of randall munroe's "What if" books? I have #2 where he fields questions from folks of all ages, including "What would happen if the solar system was filled with soup out to Jupiter?" the answer to that and the other questions is educational and entertaining.
I’ve been filling my brain with a bunch of artist documentaries. YouTube has a channel called Louisiana Channel produced by the The Museum of Modern Art in Denmark. Fascinating artist interviews.
Ok, very excited about the opening here. I LOVE the Grand Designs. I tell everyone I know to seek it out, my friends are probably tired of me emphatically insisting that impractical builds in the European country side paired with a sometimes snarky English host is the perfect television 😂
Thanks for “spending it all” in this week’s newsletter--it must be especially difficult not to hoard ideas, resources, quotes, etc., when you have to produce content every week; this week felt especially rich.
All of this week’s content is perfect as always, but especially that disc 2 of Destroyer’s Kaputt! I can vividly recall the first time I listened to this record - specifically Suicide Demo for Kara Walker - and it has never disappointed in the years since.
Also, if my memory’s correct, Destroyer’s Rubies has an extended Disc 2 with ~20min of content only available non-digitally.
I gotta say, your listening has been spot on recently - Yo La Tengo last week and Destroyer this week 🙌 full speed ahead!
I've been writing more poetry lately, and Annie Dillard's "spend it all" comes into my head--very helpful to remember to use the line, the image, the idea right away even when I'm tempted to 'save' it for when I have more ideas to use it with. At best it unfurls itself into unexpected ideas, at worst it is there, on the page, for me to find some other day or to go hunting for when I remember it later.
Thank you for suggesting Weschler's bio of Oliver. Note: Weschler's webpage opens as "Commonplace Book." We share the surprise of having received letters from Oliver. And me: an unsolicited blurb from him imprinted on the cover of my paperback. We are so fortunate.
Somewhat on the idea of spending it all is the idea of using it all. This applies, of course, to art supplies as well as the good china, the silver, and in general, the very best of everything you may be saving for that special occasion forgetting that your life IS that very special occasion never to come again. Also, spend all that love and caring and remembering. And yet, I still want to die with so much more to do, spend, make, and even waste.
Somewhat on this same idea of spending it all is the idea off using it all
I love the idea of spending it all every time. This is something I struggle with - I always unintentionally hold something back for a future post. But I love the idea of leaving it all on the page, every time.
Sort of reminds me of Joe DiMaggio and how he would always give maximum effort every day because there was always one kid in the stands attending their first game.
Hey I got my five year journal in the mail today! Started scribbling in it already. Item #10 reminded me of randall munroe's "What if" books? I have #2 where he fields questions from folks of all ages, including "What would happen if the solar system was filled with soup out to Jupiter?" the answer to that and the other questions is educational and entertaining.
I’ve been filling my brain with a bunch of artist documentaries. YouTube has a channel called Louisiana Channel produced by the The Museum of Modern Art in Denmark. Fascinating artist interviews.
https://youtube.com/@thelouisianachannel?si=DKyk0H61zIjNwE5S
“We are whirlpools of meaning” --Phillip Ball. Thank you Austin. What an amazing essay. Now I will spend and spin it all today.
I so look forward to your newsletter @Austin Kleon ! It always sends me down a exciting rabbit hole of things to discover on art and writing.
Terrific dispatch this week. Thanks!
Ok, very excited about the opening here. I LOVE the Grand Designs. I tell everyone I know to seek it out, my friends are probably tired of me emphatically insisting that impractical builds in the European country side paired with a sometimes snarky English host is the perfect television 😂
Always one of the very best newsletters out there, but an absolutely excellent addition today!
Thanks for “spending it all” in this week’s newsletter--it must be especially difficult not to hoard ideas, resources, quotes, etc., when you have to produce content every week; this week felt especially rich.
"I always think best around a kitchen table".
So true. And, what a rich and resourceful post today!
All of this week’s content is perfect as always, but especially that disc 2 of Destroyer’s Kaputt! I can vividly recall the first time I listened to this record - specifically Suicide Demo for Kara Walker - and it has never disappointed in the years since.
Also, if my memory’s correct, Destroyer’s Rubies has an extended Disc 2 with ~20min of content only available non-digitally.
I gotta say, your listening has been spot on recently - Yo La Tengo last week and Destroyer this week 🙌 full speed ahead!
I did NOT know that about RUBIES so now i have another destroyer record to buy, as that used to be my favorite
I was wondering about the impact on third places when I read this NYT article* about the "skyrocketing" popularity of drive-thrus—
"But the most striking explanation may be a societal sea change: People emerged from the pandemic with less tolerance for interacting with strangers."
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/07/dining/drive-through.html?unlocked_article_code=1.9Uw.fpL4.ui0eaP7IOqeT&smid=url-share
*hoping the gift link works