I’ve started a new hobby when I need a break from my intensely focused painting or the world in general which is completely off the rails. Something that helps me take myself less seriously but which gives me pleasure. So Im felting little animal/ critters. Josh, doesn’t your sister felt wonderful things? I find the stab stab stabbing therapeutic . LOL.
Well done you, i need to find myself a hobby. I paint..but it's our do-up...filling holes, sanding, scrubbing and painting...but a smaller hobby would be nice.
It’s really a fun one. Sculpting in miniature really. And I can listen to disaffected and all the things w/ occupied hands so I don’t go murdering small bunnies when I hear something that enrages me. 😆
Funny! I love that, it resonates with me. Sculpting sounds wonderful. I listen to disaffected when i'm up ladders, rolling or paying attention to detail. Josh in the background often makes me laugh. On the serious stuff, like you, i am occupied so i too, don't go out murdering anything i can lay my hands on.
Thanks to you and Kevin for being here, all this time, helping people learn and keep some sanity. I cannot believe the changes and challenges we've seen come to pass as a community.
The energy of the world's societal catastrophes are weighing particularly heavily on me lately too Josh. I'm sorry to hear things are tough going, and I wish you the best. We are all very grateful for you and your voice. Your validation of our own thoughts and your willingness to speak it all so publicly, helps us all a lot. It's incredibly powerful 💪🏻💚
Back to the ruminating point. Sure, it doesn't help that life is throwing some challenges my way, but I do wonder if excess overthinking as you note in your post is due to the narcissistic mother's influence? What do you think? My husband and I both had narcissists as mothers... Mine was evil and openly nasty, his was neglectful. We both struggle with our self esteem at times and we both, very much, ruminate far more than we'd like. It affects our sleep and our waking hours and it can be mighty frustrating. I've not yet been able to stop my brain doing it though, despite all the processing, self reflecting, healing and therapy. Anyway, just a thought. Much love as always 🌻
I've been calling my six month old puppy Obi-Wan Kenobi all day. Her name is Daisy Mae. She's a lily white Golden Retriever and really upset about this. Hope this distracts you.
The world is full of diverse cultures, breathtaking natural beauty, and countless acts of kindness that remind us of the inherent goodness in people. In every day, in every moment, remember that you have the strength and resilience to overcome challenges and embrace the beauty of life. Keep spreading kindness, and you'll be a beacon of positivity in the world.
I think you could do a segment on Joan tonight.. i know the subject is tough, and you dont have to use this clip, but the ending is brilliant- “Oh! That college GRAD!” .. just brilliant! https://youtu.be/j-5Q7yuaXjM?si=9Ef8VwG45pHQh-OK
If your gonna go off I think the college unions being “queers for Palestine” and getting blacklisted by half the top companies overnight is just perfect ground too.
I stared at my screen for five minutes to think of something positive to say. Here is what I came up with: it is autumn in New England, the best time of year. The humidity is finally gone. Halloween and then Thanksgiving are ahead, my favorite holidays. We will do the fun seasonal things--haunted houses, horror movies. We will drink hot cider, and bake apple crisp and apple pie with local apples. I am thankful for the voices that keep me from losing my shit, including yours Josh. I am supremely thankful for my husband. For our dogs. If the world burns, we will hold hands for it. Times like these make me think of When the Wind Blows, one of the saddest movies. Romantically sad. Depressingly, we are more likely to go on like this indefinitely. I am sad for my stepson, in the tenth grade, who did not get to grow up in the 70s and 80s as I did. The Beforetime. The strife of the early and mid-20th century is less abstract now. Our modern version is enhanced by technology in all its forms, rendering society a disturbing mix of apathetic, ignorant, and hyper-stimulated. I'm a pragmatist. While fatalism is not my style, I think we have a decade or more of hard times ahead. On a positive note, things would be far less pleasant without Disaffected and various others who present no-BS assessments of where we are, with humor and intelligence.
Like you, I've been experiencing a good deal of emotional/psychological exhaustion lately. But there are blessings and high points, too, and you know this because you both *are* one of my blessings, and were here for the week's high point. 🥰 What else? I learned a new strategy for certain types of number theory problems, which made me feel like a mathematical god for about an hour, and found the perfect Christmas present for a friend, and the sun came up this morning, and will come up again tomorrow.
Ten years ago, I was a newly single empty-nester. I bought a house in a small town in rural Maryland, and my assumption was that I would live in this house, alone, for the rest of my life.
And then I acquired a 'gentleman friend' who by and by was forced to abandon the old-house-rehab project where he had been eking out a rough existence, and he came to live with me. He brought with him a connection to the real, physical, blue collar world and a reason to get out into that world. He can also lift way more than I can and knows how to work on cars. 😄
And then my youngest daughter lost her living arrangement sharing an apartment with a couple, when that couple succumbed to the Covid mental-health onslaught and split up. And she came to live here, bringing a roomful of art supplies, youthful enthusiasm, sweetness, and joy. Her superpower is attracting stray cats. We added three to the family, to the consternation of my husky mix.
Last week, my daughter's partner came to live with us. She brought more art supplies and soft sweetness. A box of exotic teabags and two more cats. And this house that ten years ago was my silent retreat from all the turmoil that had placed me here is full of chatter and laughter and art projects and cat hair. Life happened to me all over again, after I thought my chances were over. I've never been happier in my domestic life, even though the outside world appears to have been deposited in a dumpster, soaked in kerosene, and set aflame.
I fucking LOVE your writing style. I actually smiled while reading your description of your messy, joyfully abundant life. Most of all, I love " the dog is unavailable for comment." 🤣
Of course your relationship with your children matters a great deal on whether these arrangements are desirable. It makes me so sad to hear of adult children who feel they have no choice but to go low or no contact with their parents, but on the other hand I was witness as a parent of high school aged children that their friends’ parents were neurotic basket cases. I was “that mom” whose house was always open for visiting, where they wouldn’t get yelled at if they made a mess in the kitchen, and if they demonstrated they weren’t completely unreliable I’d teach them how to run farm equipment. I’m still in touch with many of them, who now have children of their own.
Wednesday was my daughter’s birthday, my only child. She turned 15. I was planning her party amidst listening and reading about the horrors in Israel. A start contrast to her excitement in picking out party favors and decorations and anticipating her friends coming over. When it was time to open gifts, her four friends that came had written heartfelt letters instead of storebought cards. They expressed how much she meant to them, how special she was, and things that reminded them of her. I was so incredibly moved by their words and gifts, and so proud of the wonderful human I’m raising. I want nothing more than a world that she can grow up in and have a good productive life, and for her to be part of the positive change. ❤️❤️❤️
I’ve started a new hobby when I need a break from my intensely focused painting or the world in general which is completely off the rails. Something that helps me take myself less seriously but which gives me pleasure. So Im felting little animal/ critters. Josh, doesn’t your sister felt wonderful things? I find the stab stab stabbing therapeutic . LOL.
My sister does indeed, and her level of skill and artistry blows me away. She got all the artistic talent in the family.
Oh please. You do great makeup. 😎
Well done you, i need to find myself a hobby. I paint..but it's our do-up...filling holes, sanding, scrubbing and painting...but a smaller hobby would be nice.
It’s really a fun one. Sculpting in miniature really. And I can listen to disaffected and all the things w/ occupied hands so I don’t go murdering small bunnies when I hear something that enrages me. 😆
Funny! I love that, it resonates with me. Sculpting sounds wonderful. I listen to disaffected when i'm up ladders, rolling or paying attention to detail. Josh in the background often makes me laugh. On the serious stuff, like you, i am occupied so i too, don't go out murdering anything i can lay my hands on.
Thanks to you and Kevin for being here, all this time, helping people learn and keep some sanity. I cannot believe the changes and challenges we've seen come to pass as a community.
Stay strong, y'all. Love to all. ❤️
Athena ate half a can of dog food this morning. She hasn't eaten that much in weeks!
Oh, that's the kind of thing I want to hear. :)
I think we've all be reading enough "early takes" on momentous recent events to know how flawed they can be.
The energy of the world's societal catastrophes are weighing particularly heavily on me lately too Josh. I'm sorry to hear things are tough going, and I wish you the best. We are all very grateful for you and your voice. Your validation of our own thoughts and your willingness to speak it all so publicly, helps us all a lot. It's incredibly powerful 💪🏻💚
Back to the ruminating point. Sure, it doesn't help that life is throwing some challenges my way, but I do wonder if excess overthinking as you note in your post is due to the narcissistic mother's influence? What do you think? My husband and I both had narcissists as mothers... Mine was evil and openly nasty, his was neglectful. We both struggle with our self esteem at times and we both, very much, ruminate far more than we'd like. It affects our sleep and our waking hours and it can be mighty frustrating. I've not yet been able to stop my brain doing it though, despite all the processing, self reflecting, healing and therapy. Anyway, just a thought. Much love as always 🌻
I've been calling my six month old puppy Obi-Wan Kenobi all day. Her name is Daisy Mae. She's a lily white Golden Retriever and really upset about this. Hope this distracts you.
I’ve been thinking about you over the past several days, Josh, because I haven’t seen you here at all. I’m glad I saw this post today.
Looking at the positive and staying optimistic (not like a Pollyanna, but you know what I mean) is even MORE crucial today than ever. Praying for you.
Josh, I enjoy your writing. Will have to watch your show soon just trying to get a website together for my small business. Keep up the good work!
I'm so thankful for sane voices like yours, Kevin's, and everyone who comments here and in the discord.
The world is full of diverse cultures, breathtaking natural beauty, and countless acts of kindness that remind us of the inherent goodness in people. In every day, in every moment, remember that you have the strength and resilience to overcome challenges and embrace the beauty of life. Keep spreading kindness, and you'll be a beacon of positivity in the world.
I think you could do a segment on Joan tonight.. i know the subject is tough, and you dont have to use this clip, but the ending is brilliant- “Oh! That college GRAD!” .. just brilliant! https://youtu.be/j-5Q7yuaXjM?si=9Ef8VwG45pHQh-OK
If your gonna go off I think the college unions being “queers for Palestine” and getting blacklisted by half the top companies overnight is just perfect ground too.
I stared at my screen for five minutes to think of something positive to say. Here is what I came up with: it is autumn in New England, the best time of year. The humidity is finally gone. Halloween and then Thanksgiving are ahead, my favorite holidays. We will do the fun seasonal things--haunted houses, horror movies. We will drink hot cider, and bake apple crisp and apple pie with local apples. I am thankful for the voices that keep me from losing my shit, including yours Josh. I am supremely thankful for my husband. For our dogs. If the world burns, we will hold hands for it. Times like these make me think of When the Wind Blows, one of the saddest movies. Romantically sad. Depressingly, we are more likely to go on like this indefinitely. I am sad for my stepson, in the tenth grade, who did not get to grow up in the 70s and 80s as I did. The Beforetime. The strife of the early and mid-20th century is less abstract now. Our modern version is enhanced by technology in all its forms, rendering society a disturbing mix of apathetic, ignorant, and hyper-stimulated. I'm a pragmatist. While fatalism is not my style, I think we have a decade or more of hard times ahead. On a positive note, things would be far less pleasant without Disaffected and various others who present no-BS assessments of where we are, with humor and intelligence.
I know what you mean. I am enormously grateful I grew up in the 70's. I enjoyed a kind of innocence and freedom most kids today no longer experience.
Like you, I've been experiencing a good deal of emotional/psychological exhaustion lately. But there are blessings and high points, too, and you know this because you both *are* one of my blessings, and were here for the week's high point. 🥰 What else? I learned a new strategy for certain types of number theory problems, which made me feel like a mathematical god for about an hour, and found the perfect Christmas present for a friend, and the sun came up this morning, and will come up again tomorrow.
Ten years ago, I was a newly single empty-nester. I bought a house in a small town in rural Maryland, and my assumption was that I would live in this house, alone, for the rest of my life.
And then I acquired a 'gentleman friend' who by and by was forced to abandon the old-house-rehab project where he had been eking out a rough existence, and he came to live with me. He brought with him a connection to the real, physical, blue collar world and a reason to get out into that world. He can also lift way more than I can and knows how to work on cars. 😄
And then my youngest daughter lost her living arrangement sharing an apartment with a couple, when that couple succumbed to the Covid mental-health onslaught and split up. And she came to live here, bringing a roomful of art supplies, youthful enthusiasm, sweetness, and joy. Her superpower is attracting stray cats. We added three to the family, to the consternation of my husky mix.
Last week, my daughter's partner came to live with us. She brought more art supplies and soft sweetness. A box of exotic teabags and two more cats. And this house that ten years ago was my silent retreat from all the turmoil that had placed me here is full of chatter and laughter and art projects and cat hair. Life happened to me all over again, after I thought my chances were over. I've never been happier in my domestic life, even though the outside world appears to have been deposited in a dumpster, soaked in kerosene, and set aflame.
The dog is unavailable for comment.
I fucking LOVE your writing style. I actually smiled while reading your description of your messy, joyfully abundant life. Most of all, I love " the dog is unavailable for comment." 🤣
I absolutely love this. Western society paints multi generational living as a terrible thing, but your story shows how wonderful it can be.
Of course your relationship with your children matters a great deal on whether these arrangements are desirable. It makes me so sad to hear of adult children who feel they have no choice but to go low or no contact with their parents, but on the other hand I was witness as a parent of high school aged children that their friends’ parents were neurotic basket cases. I was “that mom” whose house was always open for visiting, where they wouldn’t get yelled at if they made a mess in the kitchen, and if they demonstrated they weren’t completely unreliable I’d teach them how to run farm equipment. I’m still in touch with many of them, who now have children of their own.
Wednesday was my daughter’s birthday, my only child. She turned 15. I was planning her party amidst listening and reading about the horrors in Israel. A start contrast to her excitement in picking out party favors and decorations and anticipating her friends coming over. When it was time to open gifts, her four friends that came had written heartfelt letters instead of storebought cards. They expressed how much she meant to them, how special she was, and things that reminded them of her. I was so incredibly moved by their words and gifts, and so proud of the wonderful human I’m raising. I want nothing more than a world that she can grow up in and have a good productive life, and for her to be part of the positive change. ❤️❤️❤️
It is difficult to write when one's mind is embroiled with the troubles of the times, so I would like to share this link to yesterday's post from Walk2Write, one of the sub stacks to which I subscribe. I hope you will find some comfort and solace in a short but meaningful read. https://open.substack.com/pub/walk2write/p/silence-and-meditation?r=kyfg2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email