Dear Garrison: Am sighing over BOOM TOWN, and the cast of characters, the interweaving of reminiscence and the now. Seems an example of healthy aging. I've listened to you since the 1980s, and do detect a change in your voice. Not so much audible breathing in, for one thing. Not so much burr, shall I call it? A little sharper? So glad you are still around and scribbling, writing limericks, telling stories, old friend.
At the WPA, a reporter, I believe from the Washington Post, interviewed an elderly lady as she emerged from the Mapplethorpe show. “What did you think of it?” she was asked. “Why,” she replied, “it gets more disgusting every time I see it.”
I'm reminded of one citizen of Hamtramck, a Detroit suburb, who took offense at the Muslim calls to prayer five times daily because they spoke of a different god, but he had to have the call translated first.
My Dear Friend Garry, you clearly have weathered the storm of those previous harpy-laden shoals.
Your recent interview with the TV folks clearly shows you are now, once again, back atop the stone you've been pushing uphill for a long time. Eureka, Sir! You have done it!
I was a math teacher for many years. one who championed students and their "Eurekas!" when they conquered a math problem that wasn't easy.
In Wiki I found: "The Romans' God Janus had Two Faces of New Beginnings. He is the god of new beginnings, of portals and transition in all its forms: entrances, exits, interim, beginnings and endings."
We, your supporters, applaud you, sir! We await your next, "It was one of those fine, sunny days in Lake Woebegon. A day where there was no longer any woe." Just more, good stories that end like eating a warming, buttery Powdermilk biscuit...."....Whole wheat that gives shy persons the strength to get up and do what needs to be done. Heavens, they're tasty, and expeditious!"
Dear Garrison: Years ago, perhaps pre-2000 A.D., you appeared at Calvin College (now University) in Grand Rapids, MI, whether at a writer's conference held at the college or for an individual performance, I can't recall. I travelled there back to my alma mater accompanied by my youngest son, perhaps 10 years old at the time. He was on a mission, as he had a copy of Lake Wobegon Days for you to autograph, for a friend of his who was a young fan. I sat in the bleachers as he stood patiently in line, post-show, while you greeted folks and autographed books. I could just hear your conversation with him as you greeted him, kindly recognizing his shyness, and responding to his request to have the book signed: "so, young man---who is this that I'm signing the book for? Is she special or just a friend?" He replied "a special friend" and you chuckled, signed to her with a flourish, and shook his hand. I just wanted to say thank you for providing that experience for him---and for me. He didn't let on how Lindsey responded to her autographed book, and I didn't press him for details; they grew up together then parted ways after high school, each finding other "special friends" to spend life with.
You’re going to be in Bend OR June 8 and my wife, I and another couple of the Democrat persuasion are going to get to see/hear you. O joy! We live farther south, in what they call, for want of anything better, the Oregon Outback. It is beautiful in its own right, but 80% of the people here are also “Right” and voted for He Who Must Not Be Elected Again. I think Bend is a little more liberal, but don’t be surprised to see a Tr**p 2024 flag or bumper sticker go by. Thanks in advance for the great show!
I admire you so I offer these tips: continue to be specific as it boosts your credibility and memorability plus when with others ask folllow-up questions to demonstrate an interest in having deeper understand of what that person meant when she or he said it - warmly Kare Anderson on I was a public speaker at conferences for 15 years on connective behavior and quotability, retiring at the beginning of this year
Dear GK: I turn to you for help. Can you answer this question that haunts me daily these days:
What about the UNWANTED children? There is lots of attention about the rights of the mother and the rights of her body. But no one seems to understand that a child born to someone who doesn't want them is a terrible life sentence. Once again, the RIGHTIES have it WRONG.
I wanted to say a very belated thanks for all the wonderful shows over the decades. PHC was our Saturday evening dinner companion. And your web site's "The View From Mrs. Sundberg's Kitchen" inspired me to start sending newsletters to my catering clients and friends. Like those little missives, mine include news and views, with a recipe at the end.
A couple months ago I published a book, a selection of those newsletters from about the last fifteen years, titled "Come On In My Kitchen: Letters From a Chef, With Recipes." While editing them I realized just how many times I had referenced you and your show. Being a summer-loving Texan, I sometimes made fun of your view that a cold front could "save" us from too much heat! And I gave thanks that you were not a voiceless vegetable after your stroke. But one of Sue Scott's skits inspired a whole article: "Food Porn."
On February 14, 2012, I wrote, "Recently, 'A Prairie Home Companion' featured a comedy skit about an over the hill stripper. She was still onstage performing, but now she had her own cooking show.
"In a breathy Marilyn Monroe voice, she cooed, 'OOH! Just look at that GIANT head of garlic! Such BIG, ROUND cloves!' And so on. It was still porn all right--food porn."
I went on to talk about suggestive food names used for body parts, blues song double entendres, and commercials that glorify the sexy aspect of foods we might rightfully reject otherwise for the sake of our health. The end recipe was Lemon Roll, cousin to "jelly roll" of course!
So--for all my readers, you are now even more famous than you were already. Thanks for the memories and the inspiration.
I hope those Supreme Court judges are intelligent enough to recognize that every child who is born should be WANTED. With the destruction of Roe vs. Wade, there will be UNwanted children, whose fate may be dire. How about paying some attention to this problem?
Interesting that someone would write in to attribute the beauty, the top-notch schools and apparently even the lovely countryside in her presumably affluent town to the "Republican" political affiliation of most of its residents. I wonder how anyone from such a nice place can remain proud of that affiliation when the "GOP" has come to represent conspiracy theories, lies, white supremacy, voter suppression, the entrenchment of minority rule, the undermining of our democratic institutions and even seditious insurrection.
I just now watched your interview on CBC. It was worthwhile if annoying that they found it necessary to spend so much time re-litigating the #metoo stuff...
I sensed your anger when you pronounced any “flirtation” with a co-worker as “dangerous”. You’re right of course.
It’s not possible to know the relative strength of a storm when we’re in the middle of it.
I think you must know how appreciated your work is. It’s added great value to my life.
Dear Mr. Keillor, As a longtime reader/listener, I wondered if you have ever written any sort of farewell to a minister who is leaving the ministry and/or retiring? In a few weeks, our church is facing that event, and I am torn between offering a sentimental goodbye or a pithy one? Apart from asking, “Does this mean I can swear in front of you now?” I am uncertain as to what to say. Can you suggest or refer me to one of your stories or other testimonial suitable for sharing with the other Congregationalists?
Thank you as always for your humor and wisdom. — Susan Bell
Michel Yquem de Montaigne, known by Wiki as a late 16th century philosopher, though indeed a philosopher nonetheless is grossly mischaracterized by them. He is a writer, a brilliant essayist, indeed is credited with "inventing" the personal essay (and whom I call the father of the blog). How heavily has he influenced you, did you study him, are you his reincarnation? Did you host Dordogne home companion in a prior life? Witty, self deprecating, unassuming, cordial, tolerant,"but what do I know." Did you "borrow" from him “Enjoy your insignificance. Be contented with what you have” or did you write that back then? Or should I just thank you for continuing this joyful experience of reading you both. Joe Brown
Dear Garrison: Am sighing over BOOM TOWN, and the cast of characters, the interweaving of reminiscence and the now. Seems an example of healthy aging. I've listened to you since the 1980s, and do detect a change in your voice. Not so much audible breathing in, for one thing. Not so much burr, shall I call it? A little sharper? So glad you are still around and scribbling, writing limericks, telling stories, old friend.
I had to grin when I read:
At the WPA, a reporter, I believe from the Washington Post, interviewed an elderly lady as she emerged from the Mapplethorpe show. “What did you think of it?” she was asked. “Why,” she replied, “it gets more disgusting every time I see it.”
I'm reminded of one citizen of Hamtramck, a Detroit suburb, who took offense at the Muslim calls to prayer five times daily because they spoke of a different god, but he had to have the call translated first.
Bravo, Molly! A life well lived and an example to us all.
My Dear Friend Garry, you clearly have weathered the storm of those previous harpy-laden shoals.
Your recent interview with the TV folks clearly shows you are now, once again, back atop the stone you've been pushing uphill for a long time. Eureka, Sir! You have done it!
I was a math teacher for many years. one who championed students and their "Eurekas!" when they conquered a math problem that wasn't easy.
In Wiki I found: "The Romans' God Janus had Two Faces of New Beginnings. He is the god of new beginnings, of portals and transition in all its forms: entrances, exits, interim, beginnings and endings."
We, your supporters, applaud you, sir! We await your next, "It was one of those fine, sunny days in Lake Woebegon. A day where there was no longer any woe." Just more, good stories that end like eating a warming, buttery Powdermilk biscuit...."....Whole wheat that gives shy persons the strength to get up and do what needs to be done. Heavens, they're tasty, and expeditious!"
Dear Garrison: Years ago, perhaps pre-2000 A.D., you appeared at Calvin College (now University) in Grand Rapids, MI, whether at a writer's conference held at the college or for an individual performance, I can't recall. I travelled there back to my alma mater accompanied by my youngest son, perhaps 10 years old at the time. He was on a mission, as he had a copy of Lake Wobegon Days for you to autograph, for a friend of his who was a young fan. I sat in the bleachers as he stood patiently in line, post-show, while you greeted folks and autographed books. I could just hear your conversation with him as you greeted him, kindly recognizing his shyness, and responding to his request to have the book signed: "so, young man---who is this that I'm signing the book for? Is she special or just a friend?" He replied "a special friend" and you chuckled, signed to her with a flourish, and shook his hand. I just wanted to say thank you for providing that experience for him---and for me. He didn't let on how Lindsey responded to her autographed book, and I didn't press him for details; they grew up together then parted ways after high school, each finding other "special friends" to spend life with.
You’re going to be in Bend OR June 8 and my wife, I and another couple of the Democrat persuasion are going to get to see/hear you. O joy! We live farther south, in what they call, for want of anything better, the Oregon Outback. It is beautiful in its own right, but 80% of the people here are also “Right” and voted for He Who Must Not Be Elected Again. I think Bend is a little more liberal, but don’t be surprised to see a Tr**p 2024 flag or bumper sticker go by. Thanks in advance for the great show!
I admire you so I offer these tips: continue to be specific as it boosts your credibility and memorability plus when with others ask folllow-up questions to demonstrate an interest in having deeper understand of what that person meant when she or he said it - warmly Kare Anderson on I was a public speaker at conferences for 15 years on connective behavior and quotability, retiring at the beginning of this year
Dear GK: I turn to you for help. Can you answer this question that haunts me daily these days:
What about the UNWANTED children? There is lots of attention about the rights of the mother and the rights of her body. But no one seems to understand that a child born to someone who doesn't want them is a terrible life sentence. Once again, the RIGHTIES have it WRONG.
Dear Garrison,
I wanted to say a very belated thanks for all the wonderful shows over the decades. PHC was our Saturday evening dinner companion. And your web site's "The View From Mrs. Sundberg's Kitchen" inspired me to start sending newsletters to my catering clients and friends. Like those little missives, mine include news and views, with a recipe at the end.
A couple months ago I published a book, a selection of those newsletters from about the last fifteen years, titled "Come On In My Kitchen: Letters From a Chef, With Recipes." While editing them I realized just how many times I had referenced you and your show. Being a summer-loving Texan, I sometimes made fun of your view that a cold front could "save" us from too much heat! And I gave thanks that you were not a voiceless vegetable after your stroke. But one of Sue Scott's skits inspired a whole article: "Food Porn."
On February 14, 2012, I wrote, "Recently, 'A Prairie Home Companion' featured a comedy skit about an over the hill stripper. She was still onstage performing, but now she had her own cooking show.
"In a breathy Marilyn Monroe voice, she cooed, 'OOH! Just look at that GIANT head of garlic! Such BIG, ROUND cloves!' And so on. It was still porn all right--food porn."
I went on to talk about suggestive food names used for body parts, blues song double entendres, and commercials that glorify the sexy aspect of foods we might rightfully reject otherwise for the sake of our health. The end recipe was Lemon Roll, cousin to "jelly roll" of course!
So--for all my readers, you are now even more famous than you were already. Thanks for the memories and the inspiration.
Jennifer Ellis Dinger
Austin, Texas
I hope those Supreme Court judges are intelligent enough to recognize that every child who is born should be WANTED. With the destruction of Roe vs. Wade, there will be UNwanted children, whose fate may be dire. How about paying some attention to this problem?
Good stuff GK, thanks!
Interesting that someone would write in to attribute the beauty, the top-notch schools and apparently even the lovely countryside in her presumably affluent town to the "Republican" political affiliation of most of its residents. I wonder how anyone from such a nice place can remain proud of that affiliation when the "GOP" has come to represent conspiracy theories, lies, white supremacy, voter suppression, the entrenchment of minority rule, the undermining of our democratic institutions and even seditious insurrection.
I just now watched your interview on CBC. It was worthwhile if annoying that they found it necessary to spend so much time re-litigating the #metoo stuff...
I sensed your anger when you pronounced any “flirtation” with a co-worker as “dangerous”. You’re right of course.
It’s not possible to know the relative strength of a storm when we’re in the middle of it.
I think you must know how appreciated your work is. It’s added great value to my life.
With gratitude
Johnny M
Dear Mr. Keillor, As a longtime reader/listener, I wondered if you have ever written any sort of farewell to a minister who is leaving the ministry and/or retiring? In a few weeks, our church is facing that event, and I am torn between offering a sentimental goodbye or a pithy one? Apart from asking, “Does this mean I can swear in front of you now?” I am uncertain as to what to say. Can you suggest or refer me to one of your stories or other testimonial suitable for sharing with the other Congregationalists?
Thank you as always for your humor and wisdom. — Susan Bell
Michel Yquem de Montaigne, known by Wiki as a late 16th century philosopher, though indeed a philosopher nonetheless is grossly mischaracterized by them. He is a writer, a brilliant essayist, indeed is credited with "inventing" the personal essay (and whom I call the father of the blog). How heavily has he influenced you, did you study him, are you his reincarnation? Did you host Dordogne home companion in a prior life? Witty, self deprecating, unassuming, cordial, tolerant,"but what do I know." Did you "borrow" from him “Enjoy your insignificance. Be contented with what you have” or did you write that back then? Or should I just thank you for continuing this joyful experience of reading you both. Joe Brown