What a fabulous article, Garrison. There's so much going on in the world these days I agree the best you can do is manage and appreciate your own little piece of it, starting with your sock drawer.
Garrison, One of your best recent articles (i.e. one with which I completely agree). We have resorted to the "virtual" life. We interact with many people through internet. Someone told me years ago that he could live anywhere as long as they had good internet and I agree.
Covid has changed our social life quite a bit, but also as one gets older one has seen most of the places that tourists visit. We have closets full of "things" so there is not much need to shop, we don't have the energy that we once had, etc.
There is a lot of hate and fear about; but there has always been a lot of hate and fear. With modern communication we just know about it more and are more up on what is happening. But also in this modern age of communications there is a big incentive to spread hate and misinformation. In America, if one wants to understand what is happening, it is usually a good idea to follow the money. Sad to say that in modern America, fortunes can be made (and political power gained) by spreading hate and misinformation. Advertisers are willing to spend big bucks to advertise on programs which sow division and misinformation and which also attract a large viewership.
Parts of the world have always been ugly, brutish places and about all we can do is try to brighten our little corner of it and manage our life as best we can.
Although I am mystified that so many people seem to spend a lot of time worrying about who is sleeping with whom. Why can't consenting adults just do what they are comfortable doing and lets leave it at that? That is what most people do in any case. No one is advocating that people be forced to participate in anything they don't want to participate in. Some people think that they know more about how I should live my life than I do. That might be true, but it is still my life and not someone else's.
I am just wondering of a sudden, in the absence of updates on this score: has your beloved been able to find musical fulfillment this summer, among the audience or onstage?
As a retail buyer about 60 years ago in Houston, I was blessed to travel to NY 5 or 6 times a year. Loved it. REALLY LOVED IT! The "Garmies" - guys who worked in the garment industry - took me out for dinners and rides down Broadway in a convertible and thought my Texas accent was cute. Now, in my 80's, I wonder if they still do it, or is it all done on computers, and what a shame that would be. I read that department stores will be all going away, as on-line buying is here to stay. I'm glad to have been such a lucky girl with great memories! Oh, and BOOM BOOM!!!
Nice article, just not sure why you take a swipe at conservative, traditional, patriotic, white Americans in virtually every column. Yes, it is subtle (often) and yes it balanced (sometimes) and yet it always leaves me feeling a bit perturbed. I read your stuff because you write well and it is thought provoking so I suppose I only have myself to blame.
Seems to me that GK’s columns are mostly in support of healthy tradition and patriotism, and historical conservatism. And we white Americans have had several blind spots, which some are now coming to recognize. What GK does, and rightly in my view, is jab at the current Republican legislative need to cause pain and hurt, without a second thought, indeed without any thought whatsoever. GK’s columns provide fertile ground for contemplation while organizing ones sock drawer.
Your comment makes me wonder if you still support the Republican party despite its Big Lie that is endangering our very democracy? Also, what in this article leaves you feeling a bit perturbed? If you can't put your finger on it, perhaps you should reflect on it.
If you are inferring that I am obviously a racist, that is all so typical these days. Am I proud of my Western European heritage? Yes I am. Why are Caucasians the only group who aren't allowed to be proud of their respective lineage (might include several people groups)? Your little stabs / jabs here and there, inspire my desire to defend. There are no perfect people and there is no perfect race. Just find it interesting that a pride in said race is often met with a charge or inference of racism. Pretty childish I must say, yet that seems to be the the playbook response sir.
I think I said you inferred it. If that was not your intent I take your word for it. Love your writing for the most part; complete agreement in not a requirement. Thanks for responding.
I try and represent it well though I am human and as a result, make many mistakes. There are always regrets that come with pride. I was a History Major back in the day focusing on The American West with an emphasis on Native American studies so I know as well or better than most, the capacity for clashing cultures to be incredibaly cruel and inhumane to one another. Ever wonder why the strongest tribes lived on the best ground before a White European ever arrived on the scene... Not endeavoring to be patronizing, simply pointing out a characteristic of Human History, the strong take from the weak. This is a human thing and not a race thing by and large. So yes, lots of regrets. And in turn, much to be proud about. America is a special, unique place warts and all. We have made lots of progress over the decades and it bothers me when the story is told as if we haven't. Apologize for the long answer but you asked a very nuanced question.
Oh good sir, this is the comment that made me reply. As one of your fans only just starting to push toward 40, this is beautiful and (as the kids would say) just "chef's kiss."
Label me a retired sailor (31+), financial broker (16+), life liver (78+), music lover, sports enthusiasts, disciple, helper, masters in sarcasm and doctorate in irony, non hyphenated American belonging to no lettered group that I know. Are you a New York-American?
Firmly believe worse thing for relations in this country was allowing the hyphen between "whoever"-American. But again, I"m in the minority that doesn't like labels, just achievements or attempts.
I can understand that viewpoint, as long as it's not connected to any acceptance of the Big Lie, which is proving to be much, much worse for "relations in this country" than, for example, the use of the term "African-American" (or the currently preferred "Black").
"But no matter what label you put on a relationship, love is at the heart of it ... what matters is what’s between you."
Been listening to and reading you for years. This may well be your crème de la crème. I can't add more other than this comes from one so very happily married for over 50 years now.
Welcome home. New York, New York.
What a fabulous article, Garrison. There's so much going on in the world these days I agree the best you can do is manage and appreciate your own little piece of it, starting with your sock drawer.
Truth. I need to read the thoughts of someone aging like me.
Garrison, One of your best recent articles (i.e. one with which I completely agree). We have resorted to the "virtual" life. We interact with many people through internet. Someone told me years ago that he could live anywhere as long as they had good internet and I agree.
Covid has changed our social life quite a bit, but also as one gets older one has seen most of the places that tourists visit. We have closets full of "things" so there is not much need to shop, we don't have the energy that we once had, etc.
There is a lot of hate and fear about; but there has always been a lot of hate and fear. With modern communication we just know about it more and are more up on what is happening. But also in this modern age of communications there is a big incentive to spread hate and misinformation. In America, if one wants to understand what is happening, it is usually a good idea to follow the money. Sad to say that in modern America, fortunes can be made (and political power gained) by spreading hate and misinformation. Advertisers are willing to spend big bucks to advertise on programs which sow division and misinformation and which also attract a large viewership.
Parts of the world have always been ugly, brutish places and about all we can do is try to brighten our little corner of it and manage our life as best we can.
Although I am mystified that so many people seem to spend a lot of time worrying about who is sleeping with whom. Why can't consenting adults just do what they are comfortable doing and lets leave it at that? That is what most people do in any case. No one is advocating that people be forced to participate in anything they don't want to participate in. Some people think that they know more about how I should live my life than I do. That might be true, but it is still my life and not someone else's.
Best wishes.
I am just wondering of a sudden, in the absence of updates on this score: has your beloved been able to find musical fulfillment this summer, among the audience or onstage?
She is waiting eagerly for the new season to get underway.
Patience, virtue, all that! 😉
A wonderful way to start the morning and read your musings. Thanks and good luck with organizing that sock drawer. The less we have the easier it is.
I love traveling along on your writings, transporting me to NYC or Anoka. I'm going to organize my sock drawer and thank my beloved.
Butterfinger Blizzards ARE THE BEST! (I like mine with vanilla; my husband likes chocolate!)
As a retail buyer about 60 years ago in Houston, I was blessed to travel to NY 5 or 6 times a year. Loved it. REALLY LOVED IT! The "Garmies" - guys who worked in the garment industry - took me out for dinners and rides down Broadway in a convertible and thought my Texas accent was cute. Now, in my 80's, I wonder if they still do it, or is it all done on computers, and what a shame that would be. I read that department stores will be all going away, as on-line buying is here to stay. I'm glad to have been such a lucky girl with great memories! Oh, and BOOM BOOM!!!
Bobbie Guillory
Nice article, just not sure why you take a swipe at conservative, traditional, patriotic, white Americans in virtually every column. Yes, it is subtle (often) and yes it balanced (sometimes) and yet it always leaves me feeling a bit perturbed. I read your stuff because you write well and it is thought provoking so I suppose I only have myself to blame.
Seems to me that GK’s columns are mostly in support of healthy tradition and patriotism, and historical conservatism. And we white Americans have had several blind spots, which some are now coming to recognize. What GK does, and rightly in my view, is jab at the current Republican legislative need to cause pain and hurt, without a second thought, indeed without any thought whatsoever. GK’s columns provide fertile ground for contemplation while organizing ones sock drawer.
Well said! 💗👍
Your comment makes me wonder if you still support the Republican party despite its Big Lie that is endangering our very democracy? Also, what in this article leaves you feeling a bit perturbed? If you can't put your finger on it, perhaps you should reflect on it.
Your placing "white" in between "patriotic" and "Americans" does give you away, sir. And for that, you do have yourself to blame.
GK,
If you are inferring that I am obviously a racist, that is all so typical these days. Am I proud of my Western European heritage? Yes I am. Why are Caucasians the only group who aren't allowed to be proud of their respective lineage (might include several people groups)? Your little stabs / jabs here and there, inspire my desire to defend. There are no perfect people and there is no perfect race. Just find it interesting that a pride in said race is often met with a charge or inference of racism. Pretty childish I must say, yet that seems to be the the playbook response sir.
You said it, I didn't.
I think I said you inferred it. If that was not your intent I take your word for it. Love your writing for the most part; complete agreement in not a requirement. Thanks for responding.
What have you done lately for your Western European heritage and, along with your pride in the white race, are there any regrets?
GK,
I try and represent it well though I am human and as a result, make many mistakes. There are always regrets that come with pride. I was a History Major back in the day focusing on The American West with an emphasis on Native American studies so I know as well or better than most, the capacity for clashing cultures to be incredibaly cruel and inhumane to one another. Ever wonder why the strongest tribes lived on the best ground before a White European ever arrived on the scene... Not endeavoring to be patronizing, simply pointing out a characteristic of Human History, the strong take from the weak. This is a human thing and not a race thing by and large. So yes, lots of regrets. And in turn, much to be proud about. America is a special, unique place warts and all. We have made lots of progress over the decades and it bothers me when the story is told as if we haven't. Apologize for the long answer but you asked a very nuanced question.
Oh good sir, this is the comment that made me reply. As one of your fans only just starting to push toward 40, this is beautiful and (as the kids would say) just "chef's kiss."
Label me a retired sailor (31+), financial broker (16+), life liver (78+), music lover, sports enthusiasts, disciple, helper, masters in sarcasm and doctorate in irony, non hyphenated American belonging to no lettered group that I know. Are you a New York-American?
I don't think New Yorkers would say so.
Firmly believe worse thing for relations in this country was allowing the hyphen between "whoever"-American. But again, I"m in the minority that doesn't like labels, just achievements or attempts.
I can understand that viewpoint, as long as it's not connected to any acceptance of the Big Lie, which is proving to be much, much worse for "relations in this country" than, for example, the use of the term "African-American" (or the currently preferred "Black").
Flying Through Clouds and Coming Home ...
"But no matter what label you put on a relationship, love is at the heart of it ... what matters is what’s between you."
Been listening to and reading you for years. This may well be your crème de la crème. I can't add more other than this comes from one so very happily married for over 50 years now.
Thank you.
Thank you for an especially beautiful column. I wish people would mind their own business, and "love and let love".
true, that.
50 years of marriage and, I agree, that the best part is having someone to come home to.