Normal. I was once called “Disgustingly normal” by Miss Oklahoma 1971. I was smitten by her. Look her up and you’ll see why. But decades later, after publication of my memoir, “Park Ridge Memories,” a reviewer said that I’ve led an interesting life. I feel vindicated, but now I live in the abnormal place called Florida. I see you’re visiting The Villages. God bless you and help you. The Keys should round out your visit.
Only an English major could write this sentence: " I was a mere entertainer in the midst of serious journalists and scholars, and I was seriously looked down upon by many people whom income from my show was supporting." Wow. Congrats.
I've always wanted to read the book that would reveal the true secret of Bob Dylan. It would be entitled, Bob the Businessman. And don't get me wrong - I'm a massive fan of Bob the Artist. But don't tell me he didn't get some most excellent business advice, and I'd be curious to know who gave it to him.
I’ll see you in New Braunfels, G. This will be my fourth time. Welcome to Texas. We are not all dumb-asses, I promise. Your column on Houston gave me the heebie-jeebies. I know it was accurate and I know some of the folks you described. God help us all. Still…welcome!
I'm falling off the wagon to write this, Garrison, because my extraction from social media, especially your blog, is somewhat imperfect like just about everything else that I do, but I absolutely love this post, and I'd really love to hear a pod cast of you talking with Bob Dylan about the good old days and about current affairs and everything in between, including the music of our youth and today's stuff too. Could you make that happen? Neither of you two are dead yet, and even if no one else would listen to a couple of old farts ramble on and on, I know that I sure would, and I bet that I'm not alone in this either. How 'bout it?
PS: Have a wonderful time in Tucson tonight, Mr. Keillor. I gave away the great tickets that we had there, and the Barclay Theatre in Irvine refunded the purchase price of our tickets for your show there on Saturday, assuming that you still have it, because we can't travel there on account of the horrendous fires and the very unhealthy air quality. We're praying for everyone and for the winds to cease and for our neighbors in California and for our country. Thank you again for your continuing contributions all your life, imperfect as they sometimes are, like those of us all. Reckon I'll have to see you in the hereafter because it won't likely happen now hereabouts. https://youtu.be/Claf8E18eLs?feature=shared
Rock solid advice Garrison. I think it applies to everyone, but I think the older folks are more likely to follow your suggestions than younger ones.
I am a 65-year old man. Recently a job position became available. I am well qualified for the job, it would be a promotion, and I would make more money. My younger coworker was surprised that I was not going for it. Even after I explained that I like what I am doing, I want to get a little better at what I am doing, and that I do not want the anxiety or drama that the promotion would bring, they did not understand. And happiness is worth more than money. And my coworker just made a funny face when I said that.
There are a few wise young folks out there. But in large part, wisdom comes as physical ability goes. I embrace this trade-off. And such as life.
Thanks again Garrison. Happy New Year!! You are the man.
Having spent the majority of my childhood in Minnesota, when I’ve been asked if I speak a second language, I will occasionally answer, “You betcha! I speak Fargo.”
"As I proceed through my eighties, I go back to a Minnesota point of view: life is complicated, take it one day at a time, the urge to be top dog is not a useful ambition, be grateful for what you have and learn to cherish your portion. As the French would say, “Carpe diem.”
The lust for world domination does not make for the good life."
Eugene Peterson in the Message Translation of Jesus' Sermon of the Mount translates Jesus' words this way: "What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving."
Great article! I share a birthday with Dylan and amuse myself with the notion that doing so lends itself to my state of being but I know it really doesn't. Thanks for the warning though I am within a decade and a half of being your age and I have almost figured this out.
You are truly in the exclusive (elite) company of the likes of H.L. Mencken, Mark Twain (Sam Clemens) and Voltaire, sir.
Please take note, the American financial elite are parasites on society while the literary elite contribute to society and civility and a humane civilization.
Money makes an " elite" the way an expensive French wine makes a wino "bum" into a sophisticated, refined gentleman. It doesn't.
The so called elite of this nation are parasitic bums.
Normal. I was once called “Disgustingly normal” by Miss Oklahoma 1971. I was smitten by her. Look her up and you’ll see why. But decades later, after publication of my memoir, “Park Ridge Memories,” a reviewer said that I’ve led an interesting life. I feel vindicated, but now I live in the abnormal place called Florida. I see you’re visiting The Villages. God bless you and help you. The Keys should round out your visit.
Speaking of work ethic, I see that you have a very full schedule of appearances over the next couple of months.
Love that throw-away "Carpe Diem as the French would say". Truly a Lingua Franca😏!
Only an English major could write this sentence: " I was a mere entertainer in the midst of serious journalists and scholars, and I was seriously looked down upon by many people whom income from my show was supporting." Wow. Congrats.
I've always wanted to read the book that would reveal the true secret of Bob Dylan. It would be entitled, Bob the Businessman. And don't get me wrong - I'm a massive fan of Bob the Artist. But don't tell me he didn't get some most excellent business advice, and I'd be curious to know who gave it to him.
This column - one of your best. Thank you.
I have no real insight into who gave Bob business advice, but his early manager was Albert Grossman.
Thanks for that info. I've heard that Dylan's brother played a role in advising him as well.
I’ll see you in New Braunfels, G. This will be my fourth time. Welcome to Texas. We are not all dumb-asses, I promise. Your column on Houston gave me the heebie-jeebies. I know it was accurate and I know some of the folks you described. God help us all. Still…welcome!
We have the dumb variety which you mentioned, the smart (not smart) variety,
the generic-ass often seen >driving<, and a-hole lot of other ones, too.
I would rather hear you sing.
It is pretty hard to hear a column!
Start with one hand clapping...
Oh no! Anything but that!
I'm falling off the wagon to write this, Garrison, because my extraction from social media, especially your blog, is somewhat imperfect like just about everything else that I do, but I absolutely love this post, and I'd really love to hear a pod cast of you talking with Bob Dylan about the good old days and about current affairs and everything in between, including the music of our youth and today's stuff too. Could you make that happen? Neither of you two are dead yet, and even if no one else would listen to a couple of old farts ramble on and on, I know that I sure would, and I bet that I'm not alone in this either. How 'bout it?
PS: Have a wonderful time in Tucson tonight, Mr. Keillor. I gave away the great tickets that we had there, and the Barclay Theatre in Irvine refunded the purchase price of our tickets for your show there on Saturday, assuming that you still have it, because we can't travel there on account of the horrendous fires and the very unhealthy air quality. We're praying for everyone and for the winds to cease and for our neighbors in California and for our country. Thank you again for your continuing contributions all your life, imperfect as they sometimes are, like those of us all. Reckon I'll have to see you in the hereafter because it won't likely happen now hereabouts. https://youtu.be/Claf8E18eLs?feature=shared
Your writing feels like a hug. I love you.
Love tenacity.
Rock solid advice Garrison. I think it applies to everyone, but I think the older folks are more likely to follow your suggestions than younger ones.
I am a 65-year old man. Recently a job position became available. I am well qualified for the job, it would be a promotion, and I would make more money. My younger coworker was surprised that I was not going for it. Even after I explained that I like what I am doing, I want to get a little better at what I am doing, and that I do not want the anxiety or drama that the promotion would bring, they did not understand. And happiness is worth more than money. And my coworker just made a funny face when I said that.
There are a few wise young folks out there. But in large part, wisdom comes as physical ability goes. I embrace this trade-off. And such as life.
Thanks again Garrison. Happy New Year!! You are the man.
^^ Yes. This.
Having spent the majority of my childhood in Minnesota, when I’ve been asked if I speak a second language, I will occasionally answer, “You betcha! I speak Fargo.”
"As I proceed through my eighties, I go back to a Minnesota point of view: life is complicated, take it one day at a time, the urge to be top dog is not a useful ambition, be grateful for what you have and learn to cherish your portion. As the French would say, “Carpe diem.”
The lust for world domination does not make for the good life."
Eugene Peterson in the Message Translation of Jesus' Sermon of the Mount translates Jesus' words this way: "What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving."
Jesus must have been a Minnesotan
C’est merveilleux!
Great article! I share a birthday with Dylan and amuse myself with the notion that doing so lends itself to my state of being but I know it really doesn't. Thanks for the warning though I am within a decade and a half of being your age and I have almost figured this out.
You are truly in the exclusive (elite) company of the likes of H.L. Mencken, Mark Twain (Sam Clemens) and Voltaire, sir.
Please take note, the American financial elite are parasites on society while the literary elite contribute to society and civility and a humane civilization.
Money makes an " elite" the way an expensive French wine makes a wino "bum" into a sophisticated, refined gentleman. It doesn't.
The so called elite of this nation are parasitic bums.
Only YOU could throw out Latin and call it French...but then again you are simply proving that "It's never too late to be normal." xoxo