Hello. I realize I likely seem to be coming out of nowhere after a long absence. It’s true. Nothing bad has happened (well, not to me personally) , I have just been sprinting to catch up since being in Greece for the writing Salon. Running, running, running. Now I come to you from a flat in Brixton that I rent from a fox. Yes, you heard right. It’s one of those AirBB/vrbo situations where you never actually see the owner, but I know it’s a fox because he leaves a poo outside to mark ownership of his territory every few days. The first one was waiting for me the morning I rolled up from Heathrow. It was very deliberate. It wasn’t on the sidewalk, but up on the garden wall! Right at “notice me” level. He had to make a concerted effort to leave his calling card there. My immediate reaction was one of amusement. I have been happy here ever since. Thank you, Mr. Fox, I feel properly looked after.
The musical is on full steam again and so I’m here for two long and glorious London summer months. No one has AC, which I actually really admire. Fans are good! I do a lot of sweating, but it’s ok. New songs, new staging, and some new crew and actors too, so it’s a lot to take in. Needless to say I’m a bit tired. I can’t tell all the way if it’s jet lag or just the normal “week before” run-up to the full moon that keeps me from getting a good night’s sleep. Maybe both. Probably both. We work long days, 6 days a week and there is no time to really see anything, but that’s what you sign up for; work only. The only bummer is missing beautiful Vermont summer, my neighbors and of course ManFriend and the pets. The part that makes it really hard is my dearest Coco had to get a big surgery on her knee a couple days after I left and I have been so anxious not being able to be there for her. ManFriendJeff has it covered, but I want to be her emotional support animal. It’s the least I could do considering all she does for me. My sweet girl… sigh.
Greece was magical and I have nothing but great things to say about the experience. The land, the people, the food, the kindness… it was extremely rewarding. I have never been in a “teacherly” speaking position before, and was so honored and moved that 60 strangers were willing to offer me their trust. It’s a huge deal, and one I’ll never forget. More on Greece later.
The first week back on the job has been quite something. I really hope people like our musical. Thanks to all of you who have informed me you are coming to the show! I am beyond grateful. Thanks to all of you who have stayed subscribed despite my scarcity the last couple months. I have missed you! How have you been?! Forever faithful, N
My landlord’s calling card…
ManFriend gives Coco some soothing peas for her knee.
Back at the old 9 to 6.
Foxes and poop! Two of my favorite subjects. I love their statement poops. One time when we were excavating a site in the Aleutian Islands, my friend left her raincoat out at the site overnight. The next morning we found a fox poop placed perfectly inside the hood of the jacket, as though it had known that's exactly where she'd be placing her head to shield herself from the sideways Aleutian rain. Another time I found a monster brown bear poop with a fox turd carefully dropped right on top of the bear poop. Power move!
Hey Neko, whenever your Substack lands in my inbox, I’m happy to see it—no matter how regularly or irregularly it arrives. I hope I can see the musical in London. Or at least hear it somehow.
Best regards from Berlin.