An excellent essay, Allan. Thanks for it. I think about this subject often. As you know, I am an optimist who, at 78 with a heart condition, still wakes up each morning genuinely believing my best days are still ahead of me. But of course, those days will be very different than in the past. When I hear Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days," I always say to myself, that's not me. These days are filled with new challenges (eg. helping a disabled spouse) and new rewards (eg. helping a disabled spouse.) Writing about the upcoming election, as I do, is as important as having stood on Independence Mall with a million people on a cold November day, protesting against the Nixon WH and the war. Reading new books with new ideas, or those that look at old stuff differently, are still mind-expanding even at our ages. For me, nostalgia is not yearning for the past but rather appreciating the past while still looking forward to the future. By coincidence, I have finished an essay on this subject that I will post after the election michegoss is behind us.
The most memorable bumper sticker I ever saw said "Nostalgia isn't what it used to be."
I love that, nostalgia isn't what it used to be. I had fun writing that essay and looking for those photos. Next Wednesday the 23rd is my 83 second. Birthday. So I will probably write more nostalgia.
Marc I wasn’t aware that you have a heart condition. It’s great that you are optimistic because in my opinion that is and will help you with that health problem.
I will be honest that you are an optimist is hard for me to understand because I’m such a pessimist. On the other hand, I had a lot of training in the Bronx from my family on how to hone my skills about being a pessimist. I am laughing as I write this . I’m glad you enjoyed the essay and I want you to know that our relationship though it be geographically distant is something I value and feels really good to me.
I sang with Billy in the 70’s, we were both managed by Artie Ripp for awhile-Artie produced Cold Spring Harbour, later calling Billy out for “singing like a choirboy “ after VSO-ing his recordings up a full step and releasing that album…🤣
Never, have I EVER, witnessed a better pianist.
Billy could flawlessly imitate anyone, Frank Sinatra, Leon Russell, Ray Charles-
Thanks for this post illustrating the evolution of art and aging-
I like to reflect on the past - it’s good source material for essays. But I know too many people who are stuck in nostalgia. The rear-view mirror is just that; gotta keep my eyes on the road.
This reads like a post that was fun to write. Well done!
Great fun
An excellent essay, Allan. Thanks for it. I think about this subject often. As you know, I am an optimist who, at 78 with a heart condition, still wakes up each morning genuinely believing my best days are still ahead of me. But of course, those days will be very different than in the past. When I hear Bruce Springsteen's "Glory Days," I always say to myself, that's not me. These days are filled with new challenges (eg. helping a disabled spouse) and new rewards (eg. helping a disabled spouse.) Writing about the upcoming election, as I do, is as important as having stood on Independence Mall with a million people on a cold November day, protesting against the Nixon WH and the war. Reading new books with new ideas, or those that look at old stuff differently, are still mind-expanding even at our ages. For me, nostalgia is not yearning for the past but rather appreciating the past while still looking forward to the future. By coincidence, I have finished an essay on this subject that I will post after the election michegoss is behind us.
The most memorable bumper sticker I ever saw said "Nostalgia isn't what it used to be."
I love that, nostalgia isn't what it used to be. I had fun writing that essay and looking for those photos. Next Wednesday the 23rd is my 83 second. Birthday. So I will probably write more nostalgia.
Marc I wasn’t aware that you have a heart condition. It’s great that you are optimistic because in my opinion that is and will help you with that health problem.
I will be honest that you are an optimist is hard for me to understand because I’m such a pessimist. On the other hand, I had a lot of training in the Bronx from my family on how to hone my skills about being a pessimist. I am laughing as I write this . I’m glad you enjoyed the essay and I want you to know that our relationship though it be geographically distant is something I value and feels really good to me.
how to use the telephone dial 🫶🏼
I sang with Billy in the 70’s, we were both managed by Artie Ripp for awhile-Artie produced Cold Spring Harbour, later calling Billy out for “singing like a choirboy “ after VSO-ing his recordings up a full step and releasing that album…🤣
Never, have I EVER, witnessed a better pianist.
Billy could flawlessly imitate anyone, Frank Sinatra, Leon Russell, Ray Charles-
Thanks for this post illustrating the evolution of art and aging-
😎
Wow
I like to reflect on the past - it’s good source material for essays. But I know too many people who are stuck in nostalgia. The rear-view mirror is just that; gotta keep my eyes on the road.
Well stated and I fully agree
Great essay, thanks Doc!