SPIDER HAIRNET
Here I am, covered in baby spiders. I just cleaned half of the barn and that place is a hatchery. I try to leave them be as best I can, I’m a big fan of spiders, but there's only so many you can see as a big bumbling human monster and their hiding places are everywhere. I relocated a bunch from my head to the flowers on the porch. They always seemed relieved to touch down after the confusing texture of my knotted strands.
My body is sore and I like it. It feels useful, like my own personal beast of burden. “Use it or lose it” is the tired old saying but I do believe it. I’m home-home and I can’t get it into my head so I’m trying to convince my brain by doing lots of sweaty farm chores. I don’t understand resting so much. ManFriendJeff and our daughter just headed back to the west coast so I’m set to sit here in the writing chair with my mouth slack open in an enticing spider cave shape for a while.
I have been less active writing for this newsletter than I want to be. It’ been a whirlwind of job frenzy. Now I’m on the hardest chore which is a book deadline. Thats ok though, I look forward to it. I think that now I’m not traveling it’s gonna get back to what it was, mostly because I really enjoy writing to you from here. It reminds me of social media used to be in that the interactions were not hate-driven, or just addiction to likes etc. Everyone has opinions on the demise of social media, many of which I even agree with, but I just want to use all the energy to make something welcoming, even if it’s something hard to read. I want you to feel invited. I want you to read this stuff because you really want to.
Since time has felt very crunchy to me I have given myself the goal to have my Substack slick as goose poo by my birthday on September 8th. There will be more of what you’ve come to expect in the world of random, the “How Does Music Feel Today” column for the paid subscribers, more music (I’m headed into record making season) as well as a couple graphic updates and cool things not even known to me yet! I have to be honest, my schedule and more sporadic writing has lost me quite a few paid subscribers that I can’t really afford to lose (Yes, this platform is one of the better ways to support your favorite artists and writers, we actually GET the money…) but I understand why people have to go. There are many reasons. I would love to hear from you about what you would like more of as readers and supporters.
Thank you for being here. You are a bright spot in my life :)
Hi, Neko! I so appreciate your asking readers what we would like to read more of. Personally, I have no judgement or desires with regard to what you want to share. I am always bowled over by your keen eye, ability to observe, and your self-awareness. You give much of yourself here, as you do in your music and I'll gladly take it in any shape or form. Plus, I think you post often enough. I see it in my email and I don't often read it right away and it makes me feel a little bad because you put in the effort and I feel I should respond to it, always and soon. Anyway, I just want to express I thoroughly enjoy reading your lovely and thoughtful words as you observe life and allow us to glimpse into the life of a rock musician.
Your posts remind me of the good old days of LiveJournal - just hearing about people's day cool discoveries and everyone supporting each other in their endeavors. I can't ever repay what your music has done for me, and I'm sure plenty of other folks feel the same. Happy to help support your work in the way that helps you the most. :)