30 Comments

It made me nostalgic when you mentioned the hypotenuse in your kitchen.

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I like to think of it as the shortest distance from C to A.

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I buy remaindered books -a bunch,

I saw you in New Hampshire once,

Prairie Home may be done and gone ,

But I hope you keep plug'in on and on.

Skip Manning

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You have a distinguished look of someone who has faced the storms and harshness that life can bring. It is a badge of honor for perseverance and determination. The eyes hold the seat of our heart. I would imagine your audience was impressed and thankful for your time and your presentation.

To be honest, when I see photos of myself I’m also surprised but what’s the alternative?

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Indeed. I come from stern folks. Not a joker in the lot. Charm was suspect. The apple falls from the tree.

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Oysters and a salad. Perfect!! A Chardonnay too?

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No wine for me. I went dry about 20 years ago.

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Oops! I think I knew that! The oysters inspired me!

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I know what you mean about seeing your own face on Zoom. I think, “Good God I look old!” I try and remember that the others on the call are probably too busy with the same thoughts about themselves to notice how awful I must look. Thanks for your candor, humility, and your simple kindness. God love you for your contribution to positivity in this world.

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I look forward to your columns every week. They start my day with a lift and a smile. Keep writing!

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Thanks for the smile that the kitchen hypotenuse caused. It reminded me of growing up in St. Paul and later driving to work down Summit or Grand and feeling oddly comforted that both you and F. Scott Fitzgerald lived nearby. I anticipate each column just as much as Saturdays and PHC in the day. Glad you’re back!!

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i'm glad you're alive / i find inspiration in your work :: high quality consistent and prolific / / i'm 70 and hoping to publish my first book / i need all the inspiration i can find / be well and do good work my friend

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Thank you Garrison. I've followed you from coast to coast and have seen you live many times. You, and your face, never disappoint. Saturday nights are still, 30+ years, re-runs of PHC, a bottle of wine, and time in the kitchen making something delicious. Again, thank you and your amazing crew.

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Delightful reading in stressful times.

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I had the pleasure of seeing you perform at The Palace Theatre in New Haven many years ago and was stunned when you performed your soliloquey with your eyes closed. I hope you return to New Haven soon as I am longing to audition to sing a blues song with you!

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I’m so disappointed that you didn’t order a large hunk of raw meat….

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The shock of seeing yourself on a Zoom screen has been experienced by millions. My "Zoom face" looks totally different than I look in the mirror or in any recent photos. The technology definitely needs some updates to improve the user experience. In some cases it would be difficult to identify someone in person after talking with them on Zoom. An awful product. That said, rest assured, your value is immeasurable. You bring a brand of joy we find nowhere else. Inspiration, insight, comfort and deep, soul-satisfying laughter. Never doubt your worth.

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I've never been to Minnesota. Your writing makes me wish I was in Lake Woebegotten. Well maybe not in winter. Well maybe for just a day. Just keep writing and your great humor. We will get there.

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I would have gone to dinner with you love isn't what the world thinks of you love is between two people or one person that loves you no matter what

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Zoom disturbs the permanent fiction that we have about our appearance in a way that mirrors alone cannot do. You view the world through your own windshield, and you don't really see how battered the car you're driving is until you get out and look at it. That's what zoom does to us. I admire your lack of worry, and your constant efforts to be upbeat. For myself, I think my worrying started when our first daughter was born back in 1977, and that was also the last time I ever slept soundly. Now the kids are all grown, married, and have kids of their own. I still sleep like they're in the house, and I know they're not worrying about me. Keep up the good work! Reading your musings entertains me regularly, and I admire your willingness to let it all out there in a world full of easily offended snipers.

Richard, MN

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