In keeping with the previous post’s spirit, I will stick with the “5 Things” format for this blog.
At least for now. It’s an accessible format, and going for a weekly Monday post means I can spend the Sunday before posting reflecting on what I’ve been doing.
Works for me. So, without further ado…
What I’m Reading
Somewhere… maybe on my Instagram profile… I have the boldness to proclaim myself a bit of a coffee shop philosopher.
I’m not sure what I mean by that other than to suggest I’m a dabbler in the study of philosophy without claiming to be any credentialed authority.
Of the various flavors of philosophy, I’ve always favored the Existentialists. Sure, Stoicism is enjoying a bit of a renaissance right now, and studying Zen taught me mindfulness and meditation. But it’s Existentialism that I always find myself returning—particularly the absurdist brand offered by Albert Camus.
I recently came across Sarah Bakewell’s so-far-excellent-and-engaging At the Existentialist Cafe: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails, and it’s doing its job in helping scratch my Existentialist itch. It’s about the founding of, and the various personalities behind, the French school of Existentialism (Sartre, Beauvoir, Camus) with some side treks into its roots in German phenomenology (Heidegger) and more.
As with most books on philosophy, it’s dense. I’m only a couple of chapters in, with many more to go. I expect I’ll be reading this book for a while–partly because of its density and because I’m usually reading several books at once.
In a month or more, I’ll report on the progress of this one. It’s a good book, and I don’t want to rush it. I want to soak in sections, then let them sit and stew before moving on to more.
What I’m Listening To
Kimya Dawson.
I first came across her work in the movie Juno. Her music’s presence is apparently thanks to Elliot Page, who recommended her work for the film’s soundtrack and the songs sung with Michael Cera’s character.
Kimya Dawson is an amazing lyricist. Her songs are, at the same time, beautiful and disturbing. There is also a raw honesty that is similarly beautiful and disturbing.
Kimya Dawson’s music is not meant to be listened to in the background but listened to actively. It’s well worth it.
Quote of the Week
“Every work of art is a culturescape of you, your memories, the moments you spent working, your hopes, energies, and neuroses, the times you live in, and your ambitions. Of the things that are engaging, mysterious, meaningful, resistant over time.” — Jerry Saltz, art critic
I think about art a lot. I’ve been thinking lately of the early Dadaist movement as a response to the horrors of World War I. Whatever you personally may think of Dada, Saltz’s comment is spot on.
What I’m Watching
I’ve been a fan of the British comedy/current events panel show Mock the Week for years and years. It was recently announced that this is their final season (or series, as they say). We get six episodes, and that’s it.
I’m struggling to understand how one of the funniest shows on British TV could be canceled. I understand it was/ a sort of high-pressure show for the participants. And they’ve struggled in the past for more inclusiveness—although recent seasons seem to have addressed that. And I don’t think this was a case of the host Dara O’Briain and never-missed-an-episode Dennis Hugh wanting to move on.
The show, after all, helped boost the careers of many stand-up comics in Britain and introduced many new faces.
But all good things come to an end, I suppose. And that the show lasted as long as it did—even through Covid—is something of a blessing.
So I’ve been watching and rewatching the final series, plunging into past series, and even various “best of” presentations. It will have to do.
Gonna miss you guys.
What I’m Working On
I’ve kept busy this week. I’ve pushed out half a dozen freelance writing pieces and finished the layout and proofs of a few books for BearManor Media.
In addition, I recently completed and sent in the final files for a CD cover, insert, and label for a new music CD from Brian Gari entitled Jeanne.
And in the Merry Blacksmith Press arena, I’m in the process of publishing a new collection of cartoons by Timothy C. Lockley entitled And That Was the End of That. The layout is complete and has been approved. Files have been sent to the printer. By next week, I should have the ordering info ready.
Coming up are books on werewolves, Marilyn Monroe, and Ed Wood. I’ll also be writing a lot about plastics, sales, commercial lighting, and real estate.
Interested In Becoming a Freelancer?
Check out my book, THE FREELANCE CREATIVE, available on Amazon or in the Kindle Unlimited library. I talk about how a freelance career may or may not be suitable for you, how to get started, and how to flourish during your first year. It’s based on 25 years of freelancing experience and should be a great starting point for anyone who wants to be their own boss.
Until next time…
