Garrison, Some years ago I was listening to PHC when yourself told about the people in Lake Wobegon who had realized that they would never be rich, famous, great writers, etc. But that was good because they could get on with life without worrying about fame, riches, etc. All that we will be is what we are now; in my case a pleasant, anonymous life in rural Alabama. I enjoy the pleasant, anonymous life with time to listen to music, read, walk the dog, help take care of the people around us. Nobody is waiting on me to make big decisions and I am glad of that.
It is interesting that you mention Jesus and Buddha together. Some of our evangelical acquaintances would be outraged. But I think you are right -- the teachings of Jesus as I understand them mesh with those of Buddha, the Ancient Hebrews, Epicurus, Wayne Dyer, and many others. Accept life as it is and make the best of it as it is. Be a good neighbor. Treat other people the way you want to be treated.
People think that Epicurus preached gluttony and pleasure; but he actually said that one should do what one likes to do with the goal of a life with pain or unpleasantness. That could be pleasure but it could also be painting, having a good lunch with friends, work that you like, etc. Make the best of the here and now.
Sadly, I know eighty year old people who still think that they will be happy if they can just buy enough trinkets and do dads. Many young people think that happiness is in owning another gadget.
What you look for is often what you find; not every time, but often times.
I think you picked an excellent time in your life not to give a rip. But you already have achieved considerable fame and I suspect you are not poor either so have been able to test first hand the theory that buying things don't always make you happy. Many think that retirement is the answer. Me being retired, I think it part of the answer if one has at least a bit of money or just likes doing nothing. It can also be the answer if it lets us do what you really want to do.
But folks who already do what they love to do need not be concerned with retirement. I have to think that's where you are. It's gotta be a pretty good place. Traveling some but not cause you have to. Attending to your every day writings though to me might feel like work or do you just enjoy having a schedule of sorts? Of course I guess you could just maybe write a weeks worth in one full day and dole it out over the week? That all said, whatever your reasons for continuing to work are, many of us I'm sure are grateful for it. Many, many years ago I first heard your voice for the first time over the radio as I traveled across the country. It was a very pleasant voice that brought the News of lake Wobegon, great music and pleasant calming and funny entertainment and I still seek it, and again you still deliver. Thank you sir!
Thank you, sir. Fame is not something one "achieves," it simply happens, like weather. I keep working because I feel that my best work is still ahead of me. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother. Of course I could be wrong but it's fun to pursue the idea. As for money, I'm married to a woman who abhors waste. I did a show in Bayfield, Wisconsin, on July 2 that a big crowd of people liked a lot. A person can sense this and it's enough to make me want to keep going.
Internet attendance may have been higher, had it not been Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals!!! I regret missing webcast of your July 2nd performance, but at least the Tampa Bay Lightning DID WIN!! GO BOLTS! 🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒
On behalf of frugal souls everywhere, kudos to your lovely wife! (I feel I have the right to say she is lovely because I sat beside her in the balcony for one of your shows on one of our cruises and found her to be quite lovely.)
Garrison, You are being modest to say that success just happens. For about 30 years you did about 30 to 40 live shows per year. Viewership varied but it actually stayed pretty high during all those years and you still have a following. You once said that you just walked out on stage and started talking and went from there. But there must have been considerable thought and planning before the show. It must be difficult to do about 40 live shows per year and keep them reasonably interesting and entertaining so that people will keep coming back. Most people could not do it.
You are lucky to have a job or calling that you like to do and which you are good at but which also pays the bills. There are millions of people in the world who work at jobs they hate so they can pay their bills.
You hit the nail on the head with "Happiness comes to those who don't give a rip". Deciding what is not important frees you up for better things. I am trying to use that in my daily life, as in "do I really care about this?" and most often the answer is no. Also, thank you once again for making me laugh out loud at THONG SONG. What a perfect poem!
Indeed! I live my life on a NEED TO KNOW basis. I often remove myself from an uncomfortable situation by placing one hand gently on the person's upper arm... smiling broadly as I look them directly in the eyes, and saying some version of:
"Well... I live my life on a NEED TO KNOW basis... and I don't need to know this."
And then either changing the topic, or cheerfully walking away. 👍🌈💗
One of my happiest moments was when it was pouring rain and my sister, mom and I sat in the car listening to your CD. We laughed and laughed. My mom is now gone and my sister is in a rest home, but every so often I recall those moments of laughter sitting in the car as the rained poured down. Thank you for good memories, Mr, Keillor. (We take your CDs on trips with us by the way so thank you again!)
Once nice thing about getting older (I'm 75) is that people don't expect much of you. "Oh, look -- he's got the same color socks on! Isn't that sweet!" Harummpf!
You are right. When I worked I always felt like I should go to the boss's "do" at Christmas -- I no longer have a boss so that is out. When you get old you realize that a lot of things in life are just busy work. We have food and shelter taken care of, so we have some spare time and are doing things to pass the time. A lot of things in life are overrated. Have you noticed that? Best wishes.
Oh my goodness, thank you for the thong song - daily chuckles are very important to me, especially over the past couple of weeks. Daily hugs help to preserve my happiness. And now that my ailing (hopefully soon to be recovered), father-in-law, son, future daughter-in-law, and my fil's sweet, little dog have moved in with us pretty much permanently, there have been plenty of hugs to go around! There's no time available for moping, so life is good.
Happiness comes to those who find cucumber salad delicious and sparkling water refreshing.
Garrison, Some years ago I was listening to PHC when yourself told about the people in Lake Wobegon who had realized that they would never be rich, famous, great writers, etc. But that was good because they could get on with life without worrying about fame, riches, etc. All that we will be is what we are now; in my case a pleasant, anonymous life in rural Alabama. I enjoy the pleasant, anonymous life with time to listen to music, read, walk the dog, help take care of the people around us. Nobody is waiting on me to make big decisions and I am glad of that.
It is interesting that you mention Jesus and Buddha together. Some of our evangelical acquaintances would be outraged. But I think you are right -- the teachings of Jesus as I understand them mesh with those of Buddha, the Ancient Hebrews, Epicurus, Wayne Dyer, and many others. Accept life as it is and make the best of it as it is. Be a good neighbor. Treat other people the way you want to be treated.
People think that Epicurus preached gluttony and pleasure; but he actually said that one should do what one likes to do with the goal of a life with pain or unpleasantness. That could be pleasure but it could also be painting, having a good lunch with friends, work that you like, etc. Make the best of the here and now.
Sadly, I know eighty year old people who still think that they will be happy if they can just buy enough trinkets and do dads. Many young people think that happiness is in owning another gadget.
What you look for is often what you find; not every time, but often times.
With kindest regards.
Correction: Epicurus recommended a life "without" pain or unpleasantness as much as possible.
Thank you for clearing up Epicurus.
I think you picked an excellent time in your life not to give a rip. But you already have achieved considerable fame and I suspect you are not poor either so have been able to test first hand the theory that buying things don't always make you happy. Many think that retirement is the answer. Me being retired, I think it part of the answer if one has at least a bit of money or just likes doing nothing. It can also be the answer if it lets us do what you really want to do.
But folks who already do what they love to do need not be concerned with retirement. I have to think that's where you are. It's gotta be a pretty good place. Traveling some but not cause you have to. Attending to your every day writings though to me might feel like work or do you just enjoy having a schedule of sorts? Of course I guess you could just maybe write a weeks worth in one full day and dole it out over the week? That all said, whatever your reasons for continuing to work are, many of us I'm sure are grateful for it. Many, many years ago I first heard your voice for the first time over the radio as I traveled across the country. It was a very pleasant voice that brought the News of lake Wobegon, great music and pleasant calming and funny entertainment and I still seek it, and again you still deliver. Thank you sir!
Thank you, sir. Fame is not something one "achieves," it simply happens, like weather. I keep working because I feel that my best work is still ahead of me. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother. Of course I could be wrong but it's fun to pursue the idea. As for money, I'm married to a woman who abhors waste. I did a show in Bayfield, Wisconsin, on July 2 that a big crowd of people liked a lot. A person can sense this and it's enough to make me want to keep going.
Internet attendance may have been higher, had it not been Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals!!! I regret missing webcast of your July 2nd performance, but at least the Tampa Bay Lightning DID WIN!! GO BOLTS! 🏒🏒🏒🏒🏒
How can they play hockey? The ice has melted.
On behalf of frugal souls everywhere, kudos to your lovely wife! (I feel I have the right to say she is lovely because I sat beside her in the balcony for one of your shows on one of our cruises and found her to be quite lovely.)
She sits in the balcony so I won't see that she is reading a book on her iphone.
Oh, no, I am quite certain it is so that more of your fans can get the good seats. ; )
Garrison, You are being modest to say that success just happens. For about 30 years you did about 30 to 40 live shows per year. Viewership varied but it actually stayed pretty high during all those years and you still have a following. You once said that you just walked out on stage and started talking and went from there. But there must have been considerable thought and planning before the show. It must be difficult to do about 40 live shows per year and keep them reasonably interesting and entertaining so that people will keep coming back. Most people could not do it.
You are lucky to have a job or calling that you like to do and which you are good at but which also pays the bills. There are millions of people in the world who work at jobs they hate so they can pay their bills.
With kindest regards.
I don't think of them as a "following" --- I think of them as kindred. It's like the
American exiles in Copenhagen who got together for coffee because it felt good to be with other people who know who Mickey Mantle was.
You hit the nail on the head with "Happiness comes to those who don't give a rip". Deciding what is not important frees you up for better things. I am trying to use that in my daily life, as in "do I really care about this?" and most often the answer is no. Also, thank you once again for making me laugh out loud at THONG SONG. What a perfect poem!
Indeed! I live my life on a NEED TO KNOW basis. I often remove myself from an uncomfortable situation by placing one hand gently on the person's upper arm... smiling broadly as I look them directly in the eyes, and saying some version of:
"Well... I live my life on a NEED TO KNOW basis... and I don't need to know this."
And then either changing the topic, or cheerfully walking away. 👍🌈💗
One of my happiest moments was when it was pouring rain and my sister, mom and I sat in the car listening to your CD. We laughed and laughed. My mom is now gone and my sister is in a rest home, but every so often I recall those moments of laughter sitting in the car as the rained poured down. Thank you for good memories, Mr, Keillor. (We take your CDs on trips with us by the way so thank you again!)
Once nice thing about getting older (I'm 75) is that people don't expect much of you. "Oh, look -- he's got the same color socks on! Isn't that sweet!" Harummpf!
You are right. When I worked I always felt like I should go to the boss's "do" at Christmas -- I no longer have a boss so that is out. When you get old you realize that a lot of things in life are just busy work. We have food and shelter taken care of, so we have some spare time and are doing things to pass the time. A lot of things in life are overrated. Have you noticed that? Best wishes.
Oh my goodness, thank you for the thong song - daily chuckles are very important to me, especially over the past couple of weeks. Daily hugs help to preserve my happiness. And now that my ailing (hopefully soon to be recovered), father-in-law, son, future daughter-in-law, and my fil's sweet, little dog have moved in with us pretty much permanently, there have been plenty of hugs to go around! There's no time available for moping, so life is good.