Jesus, gang.

Another dreary cold day with HIGH winds — and a little sleet!! Who the heck is in charge of the weather these days?

Whoever you are, could you quit with the high winds already??? It’s been something, like, 5 days in a row now. (“Thank you for your attention to this matter.” DJT)

If I didn’t have to go back to town later today and then drive home after dark tonight, I wouldn’t mind so much.

And I don’t really care that much that it’s supposed to snow tomorrow, when I’ll be out having an early Christmas lunch with Wendy and Kara. It’s those high winds I can’t handle.

Anyway.

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Okay.

Sad news yesterday.

The playwright, Tom Stoppard, passed away at age 88.

He wrote one of my favorite plays of all time —  “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead” (1966). From my POV as a writer, I thought he achieved something completely spectacular with that play. It’s really funny but it also totally fucks with your head — especially if you are reasonably familiar with “Hamlet”.

“The play expands upon the exploits of two minor characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the courtiers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and the main setting is Denmark…”

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And today marks another sad occasion.

The magnificent Shane MacGowan has been gone TWO YEARS now, as of today. I can’t fucking believe it, gang.

From The Pogues’ Instagram page this morning:

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Well, as long as we’re at it–

From Phyllis Stein’s Instagram page — another great photo of Willy (Mink) DeVille, from 2000.

I had no idea he ever had a horse farm in Mississippi!

Here’s another song of his that I used to love listening to on my Sony Walkman while walking alone around NYC at night in the early 80s! “Just to Walk that Little Girl Home”, 1979.

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And here’s this —

Another gorgeous photo of a Native American. I have no idea from which tribal nation, or when the photo was taken–

(Oh, and, NO, I have not heard anything more yet from Wayne on the manuscript for The Curse of Our Profound Disorder. Nothing since his comments about Jack Kicking Eagle. I’m not tapping my toe and glancing at my watch or anything, because I know he’s busy…. but come on!!!!) (And the publisher has at least been in touch but she hasn’t finished reading it yet, either…)

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Okay– back to Instagram…

And a veritable bonanza of Nick Cave photos on Instagram this morning!!

Mostly from photographer Ross A Waterman:

And Nick in furry ears!!

And Nick in Berlin, in 1987. I don’t know who photographed it:

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And an update on how Christmas is progressing here in Crazeysburg!

This morning, I put the Christmas flannel sheets on my bed!!

Jesus, gang. I just can’t emphasize enough how overwhelmed I feel about the potential of getting all the Christmas stuff out with all these frisky young cats in the house now.

But, on Thursday, I am having breakfast with a friend here (oddly enough, NOT in Granville, but only about 2 seconds away from Granville…):

And then I think I will spend the rest of Thursday getting the Christmas stuff out.

I’m at least trying to psyche myself up for that outcome, anyway. We shall see!

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Other than that, I have 28 more caregiving shifts until 2026!

(I don’t think I’m going to do a daily countdown, but I guess you never know.)

Meanwhile, I have to go wash my hair now, then do some yoga, then feed my lovely self and then head on out in the sleet and cold and wind… to go look after the retired Minister and his lovely wife and cat.

Enjoy your Sunday, wherever you are in the world!

Thanks for visiting.

I love you guys. See ya!

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I leave you with this.

The classic “A Rainy Night in Soho” by The Pogues, 1986. As always, just beautiful. Enjoy, gang.

“A Rainy Night In Soho”

I’ve been loving you a long time
Down all the years, down all the days
And I’ve cried for all your troubles
Smiled at your funny little ways

We watched our friends grow up together
And we saw them as they fell
Some of them fell into Heaven
Some of them fell into Hell

I took shelter from a shower
And I stepped into your arms
On a rainy night in Soho
The wind was whistling all its charms

I sang you all my sorrows
You told me all your joys
Whatever happened to that old song?
To all those little girls and boys

Sometimes I wake up in the morning
The ginger lady by my bed
Covered in a cloak of silence
I hear you talking in my head

I’m not singing for the future
I’m not dreaming of the past
I’m not talking of the first time
I never think about the last

Now this song is nearly over
We may never find out what it means
Still there’s a light I hold before me
And you’re the measure of my dreams, the measure of my dreams

Sometimes I wake up in the morning
The ginger lady by my bed
Covered in a cloak of silence
I hear you talking in my head

I’m not singing for the future
I’m not dreaming of the past
I’m not talking of the first time
I never think about the last

Now this song is nearly over
We may never find out what it means
Still there’s a light I hold before me
And you’re the measure of my dreams, the measure of my dreams

c – 1986 Shane MacGowan

I know you’re probably really tired of hearing me tell you how tired I am, but I am so fucking tired today, gang. Jesus.

Now it’s like I can’t even handle 3 shifts in a row. And I can’t.

I can barely handle one shift in a row…

Because now that I’ve finally decided that I want to fully retire in January — well, now I want to retire today. And so every shift, that’s all I think about: I want to retire today.

Anyway. Onward.

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Okay!

I have today off!!

And the only thing I really need to do today is go to the Dollar Store and buy some cat food.

Other than that, I am going to stay home and just putter around. Vacuum, probably. The laundry is already half done. And that’s it, as far as chores. The rest of the day is wide open for whatever I want to do.

Write, probably.

Or, more succinctly: Figure out what I want to write. Probably.

I’m also trying to get myself psyched up for Thursday.

Thursday is of course Thanksgiving. I don’t have to work, but I’m not celebrating Thanksgiving since there’s no one nearby to celebrate it with. So I’ve decided to take the whole day and get all the Christmas stuff up.

Normally, I like doing that but last year the foster cats wreaked havoc on the Christmas tree. And this year, I now have kittens to add to the mix. They are almost 8 months old already but they are still frisky and curious as hell about everything new that pops onto their domain.

So I’m worried that they’re going to actually break stuff that I’m really fond of. But I don’t want to not decorate…

So we shall see.

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Other than that —

Here’s this!

I believe the “A Bunch of Stuff” exhibit has opened now in Tokyo — or, at least it is getting ready to open. I’m not sure which.

From Johnny Smoke’s Instagram page:

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And here’s this–

Jimmy Cliff has passed away, gang. He died today in Jamaica, at age 81.

From RollingStonesBrasil on Instagram — Keith, with Ronnie Wood and Jimmy Cliff:

And here’s this — Keith, Ronnie and Charlie Watts, in LA in 1978. Their version of Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come”.

And here’s this again. Probably my favorite Jimmy Cliff song! “Vietnam”. 1969.

RIP Jimmy.

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Here’s this!

It was in my phone stash. I found it yesterday while trying to find a photo of something else!!

Nick Cave, July 2022. Smiling!!

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And here’s this!

Also from Instagram. I thought it was so funny. I texted it to Wayne…

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And I think that is it!!

I’m gonna finish the laundry. Vacuum. Collapse — again. And then figure out what I’m gonna do today.

Enjoy your Monday, wherever you are in the world!!

Thanks for visiting.

I love you guys. See ya!

*********

I leave you with this!

As I was trying to force myself to get back out of bed this morning and start the laundry, get another cup of coffee, get out of my nightgown and put on some actual clothes, etc. I switched on the oldies FM radio station on my retro boombox next to my bed, and one of my all-time favorite Tom Petty – Stevie Nicks songs was just starting!

I took it as an auspicious sign to get this day started, too.

“Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”. 1981. Enjoy, gang.

“Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”

Baby, you come knocking on my front door
Same old line you used to use before
I said yeah, well, what am I supposed to do
I didn’t know what I was getting into

So you’ve had a little trouble in town
Now you’re keeping some demons down
Stop draggin’ my
Stop draggin’ my
Stop draggin’ my heart around

It’s hard to think about what you’ve wanted
It’s hard to think about what you’ve lost
This doesn’t have to be the big get even
This doesn’t have to be anything at all

(I know you really want to tell me good-bye)
(I know you really want to be your own girl)

Baby, you could never look me in the eye
Yeah, you buckle with the weight of the words
Stop draggin’ my
Stop draggin’ my
Stop draggin’ my heart around

There’s people running ’round loose in the world
Ain’t got nothin’ better to do
Make a meal of some bright-eyed kid
You need someone looking after you

(I know you really want to tell me goodbye)
(I know you really want to be your own girl)

Baby, you could never look me in the eye
Yeah, you buckle with the weight of the words
Stop draggin’ my
Stop draggin’ my
Stop draggin’ my heart around

Stop draggin’ my heart around
Stop draggin’ my heart around
Stop draggin’ my heart around
Stop draggin’ my heart around

c-1981 Tom Petty, Mike Campbell

I have to say, gang, that I have tried many times to get that virtual Nick Cave art exhibit to work, but I can only make it through the opening images and then I can’t go down the long hallway.

It is so frustrating to not have the kind of skills I need to do this thing!! But I will keep trying…

(If anyone has any helpful advice, please leave me a comment! “Thank you for your attention to this matter. – DJT”)

Meanwhile…

Before I forget, beginning December 8th, all my eBooks on Smashwords will be free to download again in their Annual Holiday Sale. Warning: These are erotic titles and intended for adults only.

There are 4 titles there: Freak Parade, and The Muse Revisited Vols. I, II, & III. All of them are pretty old, but they still seem to fly off the shelves during the free download sale. So I thank you in advance! And I will remind you again as the date gets closer.

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

And as a reminder — on LULU, I have a total of 12 titles. These are, for the most part, my newest books and eBooks.

You must scroll down and select “Show Explicit Content” to see these titles. All of them, except for Twilight of the Immortal, are absolutely for adults only.

(Although, all over the Internet, it says that Freak Parade is suitable for ages 7 and up — on what planet it’s suitable for a 7-year-old, I absolutely don’t know…)

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Okay!

I forgot to post this yesterday! So I post it now, along with a new one.

Keith, of course!!

From Stonesdata, Keith in 1972:

And this — during recording sessinos (sometimes called “sessions”) for Beggars Banquet, 1968. What a great album:

And here’s this, from Beggars Banquet:

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I started watching this film on the Wonder Project channel last night. It’s an old one — from 1997. But I am really loving it:

You can also watch it on Tubi, Netflix, etc.

“Soul Food”:

“The story centers on the trials of an extended Black American family, held together by longstanding family traditions which begin to fade as serious problems take center stage.”

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I also started watching Season 2 of “Man on the Inside” (Netflix) last night. I laughed out loud a couple of times, which is saying a lot for me, since with most new TV shows, I just don’t appreciate the writing styles at all anymore.

But this show is targeting an older audience, so a lot of the things they get right:

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Okay, so today, I will be with my favorite 95-year-old Japanese man and we will be going out for sashimi and sake! (And fortune cookies!)

We haven’t been there in about 2 weeks. They will wonder what happened to us!!

I will try to make the most of each of my shifts with him, because I really think I am going to simply retire from everything when the New Year comes around, gang. Even though the Agency knows I only want to work 25 hrs a week right now, they have texted me no less than 4 times in the last 24 hours, asking me if it is at all possible for me to pick up an extra shift…

I can see me “retiring” except for the 3 shifts with my Japanese man, and the texts from the Agency probably would just continue…

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

Well, I think that’s gonna be it for today. I gotta get moving here and head to town.

Enjoy your Friday, wherever you are in the world!

Thanks for visiting.

I love you guys See ya!

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

I have my retro boombox tuned to an Oldies FM radio station, and when I turned it on this morning, they were playing songs that were on the Top 100 in November 1975. (Yes, a mere 50 years ago…)

Not only did I know every word to every song they played (even the dreaded disco songs!), but in November 1975, I was still stuck in the mental hospital. So all the songs I heard this morning took me right back there.

Not the most joyful time in my life. But I did have a radio by my bed in there and I listened to it every night.

I leave you with this. This was playing while I made my bed this morning, and I knew every single solitary fucking word to it, even though I hadn’t heard the song in ages.

The Eagles. “Lyin’ Eyes”, 1975. From their massively popular album, One of These Nights. Enjoy, gang. (And let’s just be grateful that time passes.)

“Lyin’ Eyes”

City girls just seem to find out early
How to open doors with just a smile
A rich old man and she won’t have to worry
She’ll dress up all in lace and go in style

Late at night a big old house gets lonely
I guess every form of refuge has its price
And it breaks her heart to think her love is only
Given to a man with hands as cold as ice

So she tells him she must go out for the evening
To comfort an old friend who’s feelin’ down
But he knows where she’s goin’ as she’s leavin’
She is headed for the cheatin’ side of town

You can’t hide your lyin’ eyes
And your smile is a thin disguise
I thought by now you’d realize
There ain’t no way to hide your lying eyes

On the other side of town a boy is waiting
With fiery eyes and dreams no one could steal
She drives on through the night anticipating
‘Cause he makes her feel the way she used to feel

She rushes to his arms, they fall together
She whispers that it’s only for awhile
She swears that soon she’ll be comin’ back forever
She pulls away and leaves him with a smile

You can’t hide your lyin’ eyes
And your smile is a thin disguise
I thought by now you’d realize
There ain’t no way to hide your lyin’ eyes

She gets up and pours herself a strong one
And stares out at the stars up in the sky
Another night, it’s gonna be a long one
She draws the shade and hangs her head to cry

She wonders how it ever got this crazy
She thinks about a boy she knew in school
Did she get tired or did she just get lazy?
She’s so far gone she feels just like a fool

My, oh my, you sure know how to arrange things
You set it up so well, so carefully
Ain’t it funny how your new life didn’t change things
You’re still the same old girl you used to be

You can’t hide your lying eyes
And your smile is a thin disguise
I thought by now you’d realize
There ain’t no way to hide your lyin’ eyes
There ain’t no way to hide your lyin’ eyes
Honey, you can’t hide your lyin’ eyes

c- 1975 – Glenn Lewis Frey, Donald Hugh Henley

Yesterday’s 10-hr shift went really well, but I was still relieved when it was over. It’s such a long shift, gang. And the only time I sit and “do nothing” is when I’m eating my lunch… with one eye on the client the whole time, to make sure nothing goes wonky.

Anyway!

Today is going to be a very interesting day. After my shift, I have a phone conference with my accountant in NYC, to go over my prospects for being able to retire early next year.

I know I will have to live frugally for the rest of my life, but I think it will be worth it, just to be able to finally relax and focus on the half-finished writing projects, along with the new ones.

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All right, here’s this!

Tonight (UK time) on Soho Radio–

Jim Sclavunos has Warren Ellis as his guest!

You can access the show directly, HERE.

I listen to Soho Radio on an app on my iPhone. Either way, if you miss the live broadcast, you can always access a replay.

(Oh, Jim and Warren are musicians and members of the Bad Seeds, if you are unfamiliar with them.) (Jim’s radio show always has great music on it — and not the kind of music you will ever find posted here on the blog because he tends to play music that isn’t from 155 years ago…)

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And here’s this!!

“The Death of Bunny Munro” — the TV adaptation of Nick Cave’s novel — is finally available!! (If you get SkyTV in your area.)

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And here’s a bunch of other stuff!

Keith, backstage in Cleveland, November 16, 1981! (I was in NYC by then.)

Richard Hell, Johnny Thunders, and Sid Vicious!! (47 years ago??!! WTF!!!)

And if you saw my post the other morning regarding Billy Sheehan’s Instagram page–

From last night! (I love how his wife has autumnal placemats and napkins!! I am so into that stuff, gang.)

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Okay.

So, today I’ll be back with my favorite 95-year-old Japanese man! And the entire time since I last saw him (on Saturday) he was with one of his daughters. She flew in from Texas. She flew back out last night. But I know he had a great time being with her. He was so excited about her visit — and the prospects of spending time with her at the Japan Marketplace in Asian Town in Columbus (she is, of course, Japanese).

And I have to say, gang, I am still kinda up in the air regarding full retirement. I’m still sort of thinking I would keep my 3 shifts with my favorite 95-year-old Japanese man. I don’t want to just abandon him. But I do really want to retire…. we’ll see.

I think I’ll let the Agency and my accountant figure that one out for me.

Meanwhile, though, I will see him today. And take it one day at a time…

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So, yesterday, I subscribed to the Wonder Project channel on Amazon Prime. I’m very interested in seeing their content.

If you are a long-time reader of this lofty blog, you’ll know that during the lockdowns, ALL of my TV and film projects that were in development out in LA, evaporated overnight.

And 2 of those projects are African-American, faith-based projects. (Connected with Sandra.) So I’m curious if I might be able to re-think those projects. We’ll see. The agent that originally contracted them for development is still in the business, and so, of course, is Sandra.

But this is one of those reasons why I want to retire from everything else but the writing. This stuff requires a TON of time and focus.

Oh!

I saw this ad on Netflix last night!! I’m excited to see season 2. I really liked this show and the next season looks even better:

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Here’s this!

From Simcha Jacobovici — Jesus Had A Wife: the Evidence (8 mins):

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

From Biblical Archeology–

Finding Jesus at Chorazin | Interview with archaeologist Achia Kohn-Tavor (24 mins):

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And that could be it for now, gang.

Have a wonder-filled Wednesday, wherever you are in the world!!

Thanks for visiting.

I love you guys. See ya!

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Ironically!!

My driving-home-in-the-dark-and-pouring-down-rain listening music from last night!!

Another song from my wee bonny 12-year-old girlhood that I just loved!

Johnny Nash, “I Can See Clearly Now”. Enjoy, gang.

“I Can See Clearly Now”

I can see clearly now, the rain has gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun-shining day
It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun-shining day

I think I can make it now, the pain has gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is that rainbow I’ve been praying for
It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun-shining day

Look all around, there’s nothing but blue sky
Look straight ahead, nothing but blue sky

I can see clearly now, the rain has gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone’re the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun-shining day
It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun-shining day
Gonna be a bright, bright sun-shining day
Gonna be a bright, bright, bright sun-shining day

c – 1972 Johnny Nash

I am going to try to catch up from what I didn’t have time to post over the past couple days, but I do have to head to town and see my favorite 95-year-old Japanese man soon, so I don’t know if I can post everything today.

We shall see!!

Oh, I want to mention that his daughter from Houston is coming to visit for a few days, starting tomorrow, and he is very excited about that. So he should be in great spirits today.

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My trip to see my birth mom yesterday was fantastic, gang. And I also saw my younger brother for the first time in about 5 years (??). Something like that.

Somehow, during the last 40 years that I’ve known him, he became an old Cherokee guy– really weathered-looking; chiseled facial features, long-ish, graying hair. Tall, lean. He still drinks like a chimney and smokes like a fish…But, wow, he is really attractive.

It’s a good thing he’s my brother, otherwise, if I, like, met him in a bar or something. Well, let’s just say he is NOTHING but trouble. And with a capital ‘T’. But good-looking Trouble. And I have always been inordinately attracted to Cherokees.

Anyway!

My mom looked great. And, while, physically, she’s moving a little slower, her mind is still sharp. My Q-following girlfriend was with me and the 2 of them had met before, here at my house. They get along very well. So all of us had a really nice time.

My mom is generally very quiet and introverted, so I had not realized how much she missed me. That felt incredible, gang — to feel like I “mattered” to somebody again. Since my dad died, and the caregiving jobs started, I have felt so emotionally isolated.

I will go into more details about the trip tomorrow, but for now, I just feel so happy with how everything went.

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Okay. Here’s this–

Keith with John Lee Hooker:

And Keith in Copenhagen, in September 1970:

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And here’s this–

Mink (Willy) DeVille in NYC:

And one of my all-time favorite Mink DeVille Songs! “Mixed Up, Shook Up Girl,” 1977. What a great song!!!

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Johnny Smoke has been in Buenos Aires this week! Primarily for the launch of “Modi” down there. But also for this:

Judging from the tons of photos and videos on Instagram, the trip was a complete & total success!

Here are just a couple of photos:

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In Nick Cave news this week!!

There is a seating and venue update for the Australian “Wild God” Tour in January.

Find out more HERE.

And he sent out quite an incredible Red Hand File the other day, too. It brought back some terrific memories for me and my life as a young writer (13-14 years old), that I will post about tomorrow!!

Meanwhile, you can read what Nick Cave said HERE.

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Also, there is a new film out that has made the rounds of the International Film Festivals, and I cannot wait to see it.

It is called “Peter Hujar’s Day“–

“Ben Whishaw Plays the Noted New York Photographer in Ira Sachs’ Magical 1974 Time Capsule of a Movie

It’s based on a transcript of Hujar’s description of what he did in one day, which in the film becomes anything but ordinary….”

Long-time readers of this lofty blog perhaps recall that back in NYC in the mid-80s during the AIDS crisis, I was a volunteer for Visiting Nurse Services of NY, and one of my patients was Peter Hujar — right up until he died.

What a nice man he was. And his photos were absolutely iconic. Stepping into his apartment the first time I met him, I was overwhelmed by just how many photos he’d taken that I not only recognized (they were displayed on his walls), but that were also sort of monumental to me, during my years of reading CREEM Magazine, as a young teenager in my little bedroom in Ohio.

In NYC, he lived only a couple of blocks from me (in the East Village), and when I met him that first day in his apartment, he said, “You live around here, don’t you? I recognize you from the neighborhood.”

I was really flattered by that, you know?

Anyway. I can’t wait to see this film. Rights to the film have now sold to multiple territories.

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Well, shoot. I really gotta go, gang.

I will be back with more details about LIFE tomorrow!!

Enjoy your Friday, wherever you are in the world!

Thanks for visiting.

I love you guys. See ya!

***********

I leave you with this!

From John Fogerty’s album, Centerfield. From 1985. Not only an iconic album, but it was extremely popular during that late Spring when I first met my younger brother. He was 19.

It was early morning, I was sound asleep in my sister’s bed, my brother came in, drunk, and suddenly blasted this song on his boombox.

I lurched awake from a sound sleep. My brother said, “You’re really pretty, you know that?”

Okay! For my not-so-little brother, Ronnie. I love you!!

“Rock & Roll Girls”. Enjoy, gang.

It was allegedly my day off.

Allegedly, I was going to drop the Honda off early at the dealership, then have the rest of the day to get ready to work with Sandra yesterday afternoon.

The Honda did get done — and it looks great and it’s ready for our little road trip to see my birth mom next week.

However — because they were short-staffed with drivers yesterday, it took THREE trips to the dealership, before it was all over. (30 miles, each way). A total of 7 hours when it was all said & done.

But the day started off like I was on some other planet.

I woke at my usual 4AM and I was in a very strange headspace. Even though, physically, I felt totally fine, I had the distinct impression that I was going to die. Meaning, right then; yesterday morning; before even getting out of bed.

I was even talking to God. You know: “Please. I know that most of my life is behind me, and I don’t have a lot left to stick around for these days, other than all the cats, but I am NOT ready to die yet. Please.” The feeling of imminent death was so profound.

The strange feeling lingered through breakfast, right up until I was getting ready to walk out the door and head to town — when the Agency called to tell me that my wonderful client, the one who lives in that really enormous, love-filled split-level home in the hills behind the Bryn Du mansion…

She died. Early yesterday morning.

While it was not totally unexpected, I was sad to hear it, but at least it explained the feelings and, after that , the feeling of imminent death went away.

But it is so intense — how connected I am to my clients.

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Well, during the interim when I was not at the Honda dealership, I decided to just quickly vacuum the kitchen floor… (which turned into vacuuming the family room, the dining room, the stairs, the upstairs hallway, the upstairs bathroom, my bedroom, the guestroom….)

And then I also did a couple of “quick” loads of laundry (blankets and throws that were covered in cat hair).

And then I decided to “just quickly” switch out the old TV for the new flat-screen one in the family room…

I got it done, but it took forever. And it turned out the new HD TV wouldn’t recognize the VCR at all, so I wound up keeping the 25-year-old TV set, but moving it up to the guest room.

WOW, that fucker was heavy. And I know one thing for certain — that old TV is never coming back down those stairs, unless someone else moves it.

But the old TV looks rather cool up in the guestroom, because the guestroom has really old furniture in it (mid-century wedding furniture that I inherited from relatives 20 years ago). Now the guest room looks sort of like a hotel room circa 1992 or something.

I have decidedly fond memories of hotel rooms from that era!! So I am looking forward to hanging out in my guestroom and watching old movies on the old TV set and getting lost in some sort of distant halcyon swoon. (And if you’re among the many who spent time in hotel rooms with me back then, please feel free to come visit!!)

Anyway. It was a ton of physical work, dealing with those TVs and moving stuff around. And cleaning the house and doing laundry. I was exhausted by the time Honda called and said that my car was ready (sort of, as it turned out)…

And in the super brief interim of getting my car back and then taking the car BACK to Honda, because the maintenance light came on, saying the front tire pressure was low (again) — I decided to make a “really quick” dash into the grocery store…

By this time, I had already texted Sandra and we agreed that the phone conversation was not going to happen until Monday. So I have an additional 3 and a 1/2 days to get my creative brain in gear and pull those notes together for our new project.

***********

By the time the day was over and the evening was approaching, I was so fucking exhausted, gang. But I was in a sort of beautiful headspace, thinking about my now-deceased client, her incredibly loving family, that love-filled home. I truly felt honored to have spent time with them at all.

Oh, and when I was with my favorite 95-year-old Japanese man on Wednesday, my supervisor once again stopped in unannounced. This time, to give me a pin — and chocolates! — for having done over 1000 hours of caregiving service. (And although it probably feels like it to you, the entire 1000 hours was not spent with my favorite 95-year-old Japanese man…)

And I’m heading back out there today, but it is very cold and rainy, with those super high winds that I just adore, so we won’t be going out for sashimi and sake until tomorrow…

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Meanwhile.

I did not take advantage of having my new TV in the family room last night, because I was just too worn out.

Instead, I went upstairs shortly after dinner, lit some votives, got in bed and resumed listening to an audio version of St. Augustine’s On the City of God —

And I thought about my beautiful client, the wonderful life she had, and how strange it had felt that morning when I was certain that I was dying…

And I slept for seven solid hours. And I’m still really tired, but every time I walk past my guestroom now, I get a little thrill just thinking about how fun it’s going to be to hang out in there and watch old movies!! You know, when I have some free time…

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Okay.

While there was some cool footage of Keith playing at a benefit last night for FTD awareness (Frontotemporal Degeneration Dementia), I couldn’t find any photos. Just videos.

So I have nothing to share from Instagram today!!

But here’s this! My all-time favorite photo of Keith. So “all-time-favorite-y”, that I have it on my wall twice! (2 different sizes.)

Keith in Los Angeles, in 1969:

I don’t know if this is my “all-time favorite” photo of Nick Cave, but I also have this photo on my wall twice!! (2 different sizes.)

And that’s it, gang.

I’m gonna head down to the kitchen now and just try to get some energy before heading to town, hoping like heck that my favorite 95-year-old Japanese man is still, you know, with us.

Enjoy your Friday, wherever you are in the world.

Thanks for visiting.

I love you guys. See ya!

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In honor of the many hotel rooms I have known–

I woke up singing THIS this morning.

I absolutely LOVED this song when I was 14. And this exact version, too — by Shirley Bassey! (I know. I have always had eclectic tastes in music.)

And now that I listen to this song as an oldster — I haven’t been 14 in over 50 years — I am a little blown away by that girl I used to be. (Which is why it gets so hard for me to write that darned memoir of my life in the 1970s!)

Anyway, enjoy, gang!! In spite of all things, I sure did.

Shirley Bassey, 1970, “Yesterday When I Was Young”.

“Yesterday When I Was Young”

Yesterday, when I was young
The taste of life was sweet as rain upon my tongue
I teased at life as if it were a foolish game
The way the evening breeze may tease a candle flame

The thousand dreams I dreamed
The splendid things I planned
I always built, alas, on weak and shifting sand
I lived by night and shunned the naked light of day
And only now I see how the years ran away

Yesterday, when I was young
So many lovely songs were waiting to be sung
So many wayward pleasures lay in store for me
And so much pain my dazzled eyes refused to see

I ran so fast that time and youth at last ran out
I never stopped to think what life was all about
And every conversation I can now recall
Concerned itself with me, and nothing else at all

Yesterday, the moon was blue
And every crazy day brought something new to do
I used my magic age as if it were a wand
And never saw the waste and emptiness beyond

The game of love I played with arrogance and pride
And every flame I lit too quickly, quickly died
The friends I made all seemed somehow to drift away
And only I am left on stage to end the play

There are so many songs in me that won’t be sung
I feel the bitter taste of tears upon my tongue
The time has come for me to pay for yesterday
… when I was young

Yesterday, when I was young
So many lovely songs were waiting to be sung
So many wayward pleasures lay in store for me
And so much pain my dazzled eyes refused to see…

c – 1964 Charles Aznavour, Georges Garvarentz

Yes!! I am going to pretend to feel as happy as my coffee shop alter ego above and hope that today actually turns out a whole lot better than I feel about it right now…

We shall see.

I have decided — after about 4 hours of thinking about it — to not really say anything about yesterday’s psyop election results. (Although here in the Hinterlands, things went splendidly.)

I have decided to focus on what our Founding Fathers (and my ancestors) fought so hard for, and I know the White Hats are moving that forward. So even though I don’t have a FUCKING CLUE when all this fucking stuff is going to fucking stop being a psyop —

Anyway. Here’s this to focus on instead:

From DJT late last night:

“…AND SO IT BEGINS!”

And from Sara Hopps early this morning:

And on we go.

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Okay.

Before I go into any details about why I am so exhausted, I first want to mention that my post will probably be late tomorrow, because I have to take the Honda in early and drop it off at the dealership for an oil change, tire rotation, etc., to get it ready for our little road trip to see my birth mom next week.

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And here’s this.

Raul Malo, incredible singer, songwriter, musician of the Mavericks, has been fighting cancer for over a year now, and he now has LMD, and a Go Fund Me account has been set up by his wife if you want to donate.

Visit HERE.

They have already raised $226,425 of their $230K goal!!

“As Raul undergoes radiation and prepares for the next stage of treatment, our goal is to make sure he has access to the newest and most effective options available. With medical bills quickly surmounting, every donation will go directly toward covering his healthcare costs and any new treatments that arise.

Your kindness will help Raul, Betty, and the boys get through this moment of crisis. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with our family.”

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One of my favorite vocals by Raul, on the Mavericks’ version of Springsteen’s “All that Heaven Will Allow”, 1993, from their great album, What A Crying Shame.

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And here’s this!

Although I haven’t been able to find out which theaters will be showing it here in the US (or if it will be streaming), last night, “Modi: Three Days On The Wing Of Madness” had its US premiere at the Writers Guild Theater in Los Angeles! The full cast was there, but here’s Johnny:

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And here’s this!!

I don’t know exactly where or when, but I love this photo!!

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Well, okay.

I’m a little pressed for time here. I have to head out to see my favorite 95-year-old Japanese man soon, and, gang, I have no clue what I will find when I get there these days, so I’m a little stressed about that.

And yesterday — my Terrible Tuesday 10-hour shift actually went very well, but it was a busy shift for me, I didn’t stop the whole time I was there.

HOWEVER, when it was getting time for me to go home, I was told in great detail about what a great caregiver I was and how much I was appreciated and could I possibly fit more hours with them into my schedule each week?

This kind of stuff breaks my heart. It matters a lot to me that I am so appreciated. It really does. And it makes me so happy to see how much progress is being made by this particular client. But as you know, it wears me out. And I hate it when I have to say no.

Oh, and the training for caring for veterans with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury, on Monday, was INTENSE, gang. Jesus. It wore me the fuck out. But what a great class it was. I learned SO MUCH. I’m glad I attended.

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Okay!

Well, as predicted, my phone chat with Sandra on Monday morning yielded a TON of work (for both of us).

A TON!! I mean that. Really. A TON!!

I have so much to at least get notes down on paper for by tomorrow afternoon — not sure how I think I’m going to do this, but I will do my very best.

And as soon as I can tell you more details here on the blog, I will. But I can at least tell you that I’m very excited, and it is going to take a zillion-trillion percent of my concentration to make this thing happen.

But as God is my witness (watch this, it’s so cool. About 1 minute)–

I am going to do it.

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Oh! And my new TV is here. And my new Fire Stick is also here. The only thing I can’t decide on now is: should I keep the old TV in case the videos look awful on the HD flat screen???

If I do keep it, where should I put the darn thing? Perhaps in the guest room??

I just don’t know. That old TV is huge. And the VCR is kinda huge, too. I guess we’ll just have to find out.

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Here’s this:

A segment from James Tabor’s private zoom meeting with his Patreon Group on Saturday:

Did Jesus Expect to Regather the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel? (25 mins):

And Ross K. Nichols’ Sunday School class from this past Sunday–

Sunday School: The Predicted Prophet (1 hr):

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And I’m thinking that’s it for now, gang.

I really gotta scoot.

Have a wonder-filled Wednesday, wherever you are in the world.

Thanks for visiting.

I love you guys. See ya!

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I leave you with this!!

Driving-around-town music from the last couple of days!!

This song really helps me calm the fuck down!

Also from that incredible album by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, The Boatman’s Call, 1997– “Brompton Oratory.” Enjoy, gang!!

“Brompton Oratory”

Up those stone steps I climb
Hail this joyful day’s return
Into its great shadowed vault I go
Hail the Pentecostal morn

The reading is from Luke 24
Where Christ returns to his loved ones
I look at the stone apostles
Think that it’s alright for some

And I wish that I was made of stone
So that I would not have to see
A beauty impossible to define
A beauty impossible to believe

A beauty impossible to endure
The blood imparted in little sips
The smell of you still on my hands
As I bring the cup up to my lips

No God up in the sky
No devil beneath the sea
Could do the job that you did
Of bringing me to my knees

Outside I sit on the stone steps
With nothing much to do
Forlorn and exhausted, baby
By the absence of you

c – 1997 Nick Cave