... that Trump has so many supporters who stick with him through every desperate lie and delusion. This is what the country has come to. Far worse than even James Baldwin imagined.
posted from Bloggeroid
Friday, September 30, 2016
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Great decision
Giving my 12 string guitar and 5 string banjo to my godsons NOW is one of the best decisions I've made. They grew up hearing me play them. I probably influenced them to become musicians.
Ma says getting the guitar brought tears to K's eyes, big lug of a guy he is.
I did something right!
Ma says getting the guitar brought tears to K's eyes, big lug of a guy he is.
I did something right!
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Great letter
"Thank you so much for the twelve string!!!!! I love it. I always remember you playing it even before your Guthrie shows. I forgot that DECCA is made by Harmony and I've always loved Harmony guitars. I have a harmonica and the holder so I will keep on practicing and working on a little more folksy blues."
Kass, my best friend's #2 son, grew up on my music and is a rock guitarist in Hendrix tradition. Be different for him.
Shipping FedEx to Lewiston, got there in less than 24 hrs!
Kass, my best friend's #2 son, grew up on my music and is a rock guitarist in Hendrix tradition. Be different for him.
Shipping FedEx to Lewiston, got there in less than 24 hrs!
posted from Bloggeroid
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Attitude
Sitting here in cluttered chaos - and feel great! Because the morning was so productive.
Baking bread, later chicken.
Wish my positive energy would rub off on Harriet. Not so far.
Baking bread, later chicken.
Wish my positive energy would rub off on Harriet. Not so far.
posted from Bloggeroid
Productive!
Shipped guitar and banjo to Idaho ... major grocery shopping ... paid bills ... marinading chicken ... started laundry ... all before noon. I can loaf the rest of the day.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Debate
From NY magazine:
"The contrast between an obviously and eminently qualified public servant and a ranting bully was as stark as any presidential debate in American history."
Which doesn't matter to Trump supporters.
"The contrast between an obviously and eminently qualified public servant and a ranting bully was as stark as any presidential debate in American history."
Which doesn't matter to Trump supporters.
posted from Bloggeroid
R.I.P. SF of old
The boho-drain: bohemians say goodbye San Francisco, hello LA
http://gu.com/p/545af?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/545af?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Debate
Not being a masochist, I may skip the debate. Will likely show our system at its worst. Tape it in case I want to suffer later.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Critical week
MM tackles H art studio and dressing room, challenging areas to downsize. Very stressful for her. How it goes will define next few weeks.
Meanwhile I am covering other downsize bases. Sick and all.
Meanwhile I am covering other downsize bases. Sick and all.
posted from Bloggeroid
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Busy weekend
Cousin from LA visiting, spend tomorrow with her. Work hard today. MM back at 9 a.m. Monday, major downsizing ahead.
But presently upstairs looks worse than ever!
But presently upstairs looks worse than ever!
posted from Bloggeroid
Friday, September 23, 2016
End of era
Next week I am shipping my 12 string guitar and 5 string banjo to my two godsons in Idaho, both musicians. Keeping the ukulele, now my only instrument. Formalizes a major change.
I bought the guitar as a grad student from Prof. Barre Toelken. A real bargain, as I recall, since my wife was his first PhD student in folklore.
Bought banjo a few years back to learn clawhammer. Took c!asses. Now I play clawhammer ukulele.
I bought the guitar as a grad student from Prof. Barre Toelken. A real bargain, as I recall, since my wife was his first PhD student in folklore.
Bought banjo a few years back to learn clawhammer. Took c!asses. Now I play clawhammer ukulele.
posted from Bloggeroid
Mariners need help ...
... to make playoffs.
http://isportsweb.com/2016/09/23/seattle-mariners-3-steps-making-playoffs/
http://isportsweb.com/2016/09/23/seattle-mariners-3-steps-making-playoffs/
posted from Bloggeroid
Grief
Most mornings I wake up blessed and content on the postage stamp of my universe. It's before sunrise. By nightfall I'm tired and often filled with the planet's grief. I can't crash early enough.
Occasionally I rise full of grief. Long days. This feels like one.
Occasionally I rise full of grief. Long days. This feels like one.
posted from Bloggeroid
Thursday, September 22, 2016
A rare theater experience
One of the best theatrical experiences for me and all involved was COCKTAIL SUITE, a hyperdrama I wrote, directed and produced. Changed along way but in final version, 3 one-act plays performed in a bar/restaurant, running simultaneously, major actors in one becoming minor in another. 3 performances for an evening of theater. A drama, a comedy, a ... musical!
8 roles. I formed a co-op with 10 claims, 1 for each actor, 2 for me as writer/director. We split the box office.
NO EXPENSES. I got space free because owner got food, drink revenue. No tech requirements, no costume expenses. Contemporary stories.
Audience of 50/night, usually sold out. $20 ticket, $1000 a night, $100 actor, $200 me per show, 2 shows a week. We thought we were getting rich! and every actor in town wanted to be in this.
Artistic success, financial success.
Transfer this concept to permanent space, use tech and screens to establish settings, could create a hyperdrama theater company.
Younger, I'd do it.
8 roles. I formed a co-op with 10 claims, 1 for each actor, 2 for me as writer/director. We split the box office.
NO EXPENSES. I got space free because owner got food, drink revenue. No tech requirements, no costume expenses. Contemporary stories.
Audience of 50/night, usually sold out. $20 ticket, $1000 a night, $100 actor, $200 me per show, 2 shows a week. We thought we were getting rich! and every actor in town wanted to be in this.
Artistic success, financial success.
Transfer this concept to permanent space, use tech and screens to establish settings, could create a hyperdrama theater company.
Younger, I'd do it.
Tech to rescue?
Will try out some car finder apps. She always has her tablet in her purse.
posted from Bloggeroid
Old age
Distress call from Harriet. Appt at OHSU but can't find where she parked car. Found someone to help her. Ah, me.
posted from Bloggeroid
O mellow
No downsizing today, but other chores done in relaxed rhythm, making for pleasant day. Icing on cake, some good email chat.
Back to reality tomorrow.
Back to reality tomorrow.
posted from Bloggeroid
Perspective
Upstairs in my chair, I look around. No evidence of downsizing. Nothing but clutter.
But downstairs, 2/3 of the basement, a disaster zone for 18 years, is EMPTY. This is progress!
With much work left to do.
But downstairs, 2/3 of the basement, a disaster zone for 18 years, is EMPTY. This is progress!
With much work left to do.
posted from Bloggeroid
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Impressive
Major progress today, and H was really helpful and on the same page as the rest of us.
Big week next ... art studio and dressing room, H's two disaster areas.
Long odds but still possible to get house on market in October.
And I think we can get out this year. The company's efficiency gets things done quickly. Very impressed with Managed Moves.
Big week next ... art studio and dressing room, H's two disaster areas.
Long odds but still possible to get house on market in October.
And I think we can get out this year. The company's efficiency gets things done quickly. Very impressed with Managed Moves.
Laughter
Phone call last night from my old friend LF in LA. Her laughter is the best battery charge in the western world. I miss having her around.
posted from Bloggeroid
Vibes
Love jazz vibraphone! In late 60s, becoming a writer in Portland after dropping out of grad school, before returning for MFA, lived across street from former George Shearing vibe player. Such sweet sounds! Such self-destruction! Same contrary energies in Chet Baker.
posted from Bloggeroid
Today
I thought they'd do the art studio today but it's the attic. H supervising, all her stuff up there. I'm in bedroom, staying out of way. West coast jazz. Just like CJ.
posted from Bloggeroid
My best shot
Finished the novel. I'd tighten the ending a tad but otherwise this is as good as I am capable of in the serious fiction genre. Very proud of it.
Mariners crash
A few days ago the Ms had a legitimate shot at the playoffs. Exciting!
But they had to take a home series against the Blue Jays.
That hope ended last night with a10-2 pounding. Bummer!
And an old story.
But they had to take a home series against the Blue Jays.
That hope ended last night with a10-2 pounding. Bummer!
And an old story.
posted from Bloggeroid
Elevator music
375 top scientists warn of 'real, serious, immediate' climate threat
http://gu.com/p/54xbg?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Surreal, appalling ignorance of many politicians. My recent play FAMILY CLIMATE is so right on! If I say so myself ...
http://gu.com/p/54xbg?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Surreal, appalling ignorance of many politicians. My recent play FAMILY CLIMATE is so right on! If I say so myself ...
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Possibility
Owner in front house VERY interested. He's a potter, loves basement and art studio. Intriguing possibility.
posted from Bloggeroid
A surprisingly good day
... all things considered. H stressed out, in bed. But I'm not for a change ... I stayed away from the action because my message is simple: get rid of it.
Do it all over again tomorrow, harder, downsizing art studio.
Do it all over again tomorrow, harder, downsizing art studio.
posted from Bloggeroid
Trying hard to be mellow
Downsizing company here, in basement. I'm staying out of their way. H down there. Hope they can deal with her.
Listening to jazz.
Listening to jazz.
Monday, September 19, 2016
Ruby Gold
I discovered Ruby Gold potatoes a year or two ago, and instantly they were my favorite breakfast spud. Some months back, they disappeared. The grocer had no idea why.
Shopping this morning, I discovered their return. I bought two bags.
Shopping this morning, I discovered their return. I bought two bags.
posted from Bloggeroid
New strategy
Really wanted to move in Oct. Ain't gonna happen. In the interests of sanity, readjust goals and expectations.
Downsize this year. No more.
Make house presentable through winter.
Sell house next spring.
If anything happens sooner, be delighted.
Reapportion finite energy. Less on move, more on spiritual renewal. Revisit favorite work. USA trilogy, the audio books. Mahagonny opera. Shostakovich.
Starting today.
Downsize this year. No more.
Make house presentable through winter.
Sell house next spring.
If anything happens sooner, be delighted.
Reapportion finite energy. Less on move, more on spiritual renewal. Revisit favorite work. USA trilogy, the audio books. Mahagonny opera. Shostakovich.
Starting today.
posted from Bloggeroid
 |
| John Dos Passos, author of USA |
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Quotable Albee
Edward Albee in quotes: 'the only things you can write about are life and death'
http://gu.com/p/53fx4?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/53fx4?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Good article
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a misunderstood masterpiece
http://gu.com/p/53hag?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/53hag?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
Going down slow?
My body has taken a beating during this long, stressful period of transition. I feel it. Sometimes I wonder if I'll last long enough to make it. Believing the gods have a dark sense of humor isn't encouraging.
What to do?
What to do?
My most satisfying work
Started rereading my novel SODOM, GOMORRAH & JONES. More proud of this than anything I've written. Nothing more reflects myself (values, attitudes) and the layered structure is perfect. Overwhelmed, really. In the zone, writing it. And a couple of Amazon reviewers "got it." Very satisfying - and definitely not mainstream.
Day to day
I'm a DOER and it's frustrating that 95% of my time now is waiting around for someone else. In 5 hrs, with Harriet out of town, MM and I accomplished so much! Now it's back to a snail's pace.
Maybe I should start a project to distract me.
Listen again to the brilliant reading of USA. Takes a lot of time.
Maybe I should start a project to distract me.
Listen again to the brilliant reading of USA. Takes a lot of time.
posted from Bloggeroid
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Excellent overview
Edward Albee: the highs, lows and yet more highs of a remarkable career
http://gu.com/p/53dj2?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/53dj2?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
An exploded audience
For writers, for me, the Internet, especially the early World Wide Web, changed everything. Conveniently, this coincided with my introduction to and obsession of hyperdrama.
In the 90s I put up the first website for playwrights and screenwriters, gaining instant credibility and benefits. This website led to my being contacted by Portland State University to create a screenwriting program. I did - and stayed almost 20 years.
In 1994 I wrote an essay "What Is Hypertext?" and put it online. It was found and admired by a librarian at the University of North Carolina. She offered me unlimited archival space in the new digital library, Ibiblio, she had created. A gift from the gods. I accepted.
My work in hyperdrama was found by a director in Santiago. He commissioned a one act hyperdrama, which was developed online with his company. This work now is "in the canon of first generation hypertext."
And so it goes. Here, online, has been my primary work environment and fan base through most of my career since the 90s. A virtual community.
In the 90s I put up the first website for playwrights and screenwriters, gaining instant credibility and benefits. This website led to my being contacted by Portland State University to create a screenwriting program. I did - and stayed almost 20 years.
In 1994 I wrote an essay "What Is Hypertext?" and put it online. It was found and admired by a librarian at the University of North Carolina. She offered me unlimited archival space in the new digital library, Ibiblio, she had created. A gift from the gods. I accepted.
My work in hyperdrama was found by a director in Santiago. He commissioned a one act hyperdrama, which was developed online with his company. This work now is "in the canon of first generation hypertext."
And so it goes. Here, online, has been my primary work environment and fan base through most of my career since the 90s. A virtual community.
Community
I hope, after spending time at Russellville Park, I feel a visceral sense of community that I haven't had since the 1980s. I miss it.
posted from Bloggeroid
Baking after midnight
Crashed early, a few hours sleep, up to bake bread, maybe more.
Quiet, peaceful. Rare serenity.
Quiet, peaceful. Rare serenity.
posted from Bloggeroid
Friday, September 16, 2016
Articles
Edward Albee, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? playwright, dies aged 88
http://gu.com/p/53c4e?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
http://gu.com/p/53c4e?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Bloggeroid
R.I.P. Edward Albee
A giant!
Q: Mr. Albee, what is your best play?
A: The one I'm working on. Why else would I write?
(Portland State Univ., early 2000s)
Q: Mr. Albee, what is your best play?
A: The one I'm working on. Why else would I write?
(Portland State Univ., early 2000s)
Manfred
Got Byron's verse play. First read at UCLA in 1965. Now important viewpoint in new book. Whole cloth!
Moving, barely
A stressful night, hurting. When it warms up, sheds outside to deal with. The nightmare continues.
posted from Bloggeroid
New book in progress
With title of this blog. Memoir?
Structure in mind.
1. Socrates and the examined life. Is the examined life really more worth living?
2. Sisyphus and the eternal struggle. Is Camus right, the struggle alone is worth the effort?
3. Lord Byron's "Manfred." Manfred tells a priest, "It is not diffiicult to die." True?
Structure in mind.
1. Socrates and the examined life. Is the examined life really more worth living?
2. Sisyphus and the eternal struggle. Is Camus right, the struggle alone is worth the effort?
3. Lord Byron's "Manfred." Manfred tells a priest, "It is not diffiicult to die." True?
Stress
A very high stress time of life. Trying to get to Russellville Park retirement community, working with H memory loss, control freak, slow magnified. Will we ever get out of here?
posted from Bloggeroid
Thursday, September 15, 2016
A new blog
For reflections, venting, brooding. Using title of proposed memoir, written at Russellville Park after we get there.
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