Honestly, gang — today is the most beautiful day of the year so far. It didn’t seem like it would ever come.

It is just gorgeous out there. And WARM!! No clouds. And no high winds!! And it is the first of my 2 days off in a row!!

All the windows in the house are open, so the cats couldn’t be happier — the sound of birds singing is basically filling the house.

Just the feeling of fresh air and all this sunshine — wow, has it helped put my mood through the roof. Finally.

As I mentioned the other day, I’m planning to spend these 2 days off getting the Spring cleaning done. And I’m actually really looking forward to it. Mostly, finally getting the carpets really clean. And after that, I can focus better on the writing stuff that needs my attention — AKA: The Caiaphas play.

**********

Okay!!

Immediately following a WhatsApp text, dashed off from me to Wayne at 5AM this morning—

ME (texting): “Is your camera broken?”

Then this photo appeared! As if by magic!

The Lewis boys, at their lodge in the Australian Outback!!

**********

This was so cool.

When I was with the retired Minister and his lovely wife and cat yesterday —

The lovely wife and I always enjoy talking about local history and little known facts that she discovers about this area of Ohio.

And yesterday — wow! I had no idea about this, gang!! But she discovered that Frazeysburg (where I live) “served as a crucial waypoint within the Muskingum Valley and central Ohio routes of the Underground Railroad.” (The secret routes slaves used to escape slavery and get to Canada before & during the Civil War.)

I guess just another reason why I love this village so much. You can really feel the spirits here, and they are generally really good.

***********

From Ronnie Wood! You can pre-order a new signed print of his collage, “Back in Your Life”, HERE.

************

And speaking of pre-ordering!

You can pre-order the eBook edition of the interview with Nick Cave — On the Fragility of Life — by ERIS gems, HERE!

“A conversation of rare depth and tenderness, On the Fragility of Life finds Nick Cave reflecting on love, loss, faith, and the fragile beauty of being alive. What emerges is a luminous meditation on mourning and meaning—unflinching, compassionate, and filled with the kind of grace that only grief can teach.”

And, well, okay–

Speaking of Nick Cave!!

A couple photos of Nick Cave — listening to the muse, perhaps??

And I guess a photo from after the muse… At an Arts Fair in London. I love his expression!!

**********

Johnny Depp’s production company is in the news today!!

***********

On a sad note….

46 years ago today, Ian Curtis, of Joy Division, left us (by suicide):

And while we’re here, I always LOVED this song. Joy Division, “Atrocity Exhibition” from their album Closer, 1980:

*********

And I know this post is already really long…

So I will post it and then, I will do a separate post, with more from what I wrote about yesterday, regarding Louisa May Alcott being one of my cousins.

So I will be back in a little bit!

Enjoy your Monday, wherever you are in the world!

Thanks for visiting.

I love you guys. See ya! (soon.)

*********

Let’s temporarily close with this!

Yes!

From the retro boombox next to my bed!

I love this song and it is perfect for today!!

The Traveling Wilburys’ “End of the Line,” 1988! Enjoy, gang!

“End Of The Line”

Well it’s all right, riding around in the breeze
Well it’s all right, if you live the life you please
Well it’s all right, doing the best you can
Well it’s all right, as long as you lend a hand

You can sit around and wait for the phone to ring (End of the Line)
Waiting for someone to tell you everything (End of the Line)
Sit around and wonder what tomorrow will bring (End of the Line)
Maybe a diamond ring

Well it’s all right, even if they say you’re wrong
Well it’s all right, sometimes you gotta be strong
Well it’s all right, As long as you got somewhere to lay
Well it’s all right, everyday is Judgment Day

Maybe somewhere down the road aways (End of the Line)
You’ll think of me, wonder where I am these days (End of the Line)
Maybe somewhere down the road when somebody plays (End of the Line)
Purple haze

Well it’s all right, even when push comes to shove
Well it’s all right, if you got someone to love
Well it’s all right, everything’ll work out fine
Well it’s all right, we’re going to the end of the line

Don’t have to be ashamed of the car I drive (End of the Line)
I’m just glad to be here, happy to be alive (End of the Line)
It don’t matter if you’re by my side (End of the Line)
I’m satisfied

Well it’s all right, even if you’re old and gray
Well it’s all right, you still got something to say
Well it’s all right, remember to live and let live
Well it’s all right, the best you can do is forgive

Well it’s all right, riding around in the breeze
Well it’s all right, if you live the life you please
Well it’s all right, even if the sun don’t shine
Well it’s all right, we’re going to the end of the line

c- 1988 – George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Thomas Earl Petty, Roy K. Orbison