My Two Mistresses
An old man's dilemma.38 total reviews
Comment from Mrs. KT
Aw, Hump!
This is the kind of writing I've been missing.
So very much enjoyed.
Especially this paragraph:
"Sometimes we make our decisions by not deciding. We close our eyes and go with the flow, drift on the wind, and wait for something inevitable to happen. It isn't much of a strategy, but strategies aren't always the bee's knees, either. Ask Napolean . . . or Apollo Creed."
The older I grow, become, just am, the more I find myself going "with the flow."
Must be maturity.
Or not.
Loved every line!
fondly,
Big Dog
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Aw, Hump!
This is the kind of writing I've been missing.
So very much enjoyed.
Especially this paragraph:
"Sometimes we make our decisions by not deciding. We close our eyes and go with the flow, drift on the wind, and wait for something inevitable to happen. It isn't much of a strategy, but strategies aren't always the bee's knees, either. Ask Napolean . . . or Apollo Creed."
The older I grow, become, just am, the more I find myself going "with the flow."
Must be maturity.
Or not.
Loved every line!
fondly,
Big Dog
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Thanks so much, Diane. Yeah, I was flowing along quite comfortably, but I wasn't sure if I was happy. That's why I broke away from FS, reconnected with some very old friend, and re-taught myself to play guitar. I like the communal nature of a 'band.' Especially after so much time in the solitary world of writing.
I still don't know what I'm going to do. Maybe the flow knows.
Thanks again, Diane.
Peace, Lee
Comment from Jacob1395
This did make me smile as I was reading it, our hobbies can definitely take up so much of our time it stops us from seeing our friends and family. An excellent piece. I really enjoyed reading it.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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This did make me smile as I was reading it, our hobbies can definitely take up so much of our time it stops us from seeing our friends and family. An excellent piece. I really enjoyed reading it.
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Thank you, Jacob. So glad you enjoyed. Peace, Lee
Comment from royowen
Yep, being both a guitarist and a songwriter I agree, except I've written so many rhyming/rhythmic poetry with a likeable theme and hook for a refrain, but I haven't written a lick of music for awhile, I don't entertain anymore, covid dealt the death knoll to that, good to see you writing again, well done, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Yep, being both a guitarist and a songwriter I agree, except I've written so many rhyming/rhythmic poetry with a likeable theme and hook for a refrain, but I haven't written a lick of music for awhile, I don't entertain anymore, covid dealt the death knoll to that, good to see you writing again, well done, blessings Roy
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Thank you, Roy, and hello again. I'm playing in a trio with a couple of old friends I hadn't seen in 35 years. The comeraderie is a big draw. Writing can be a very solitary business. But a trio of guys in their mid seventies isn't going to light any fires.
Still don't know what I'm going to do. Maybe the flow knows.
Thanks again. Peace, Lee
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The only thing I'm doing musically is singing and playing guitar with the kids at church, but I volunteered for playing at a big Christmas event this year and a fringe next year, and I'm teaching poetry as well, fanstory May have to go. Covid put paid to a regular variety band I was with, I'm working harder than when I was...sheesh, but better than Mouldering away eh? So good to here about the trio you're with. Great stuff. Wish you well G, miss your writing but,
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We are doing something similar. We play brew pubs in the evenings, but during the day we often play at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and senior centers. We do that for free. But it's very rewarding.
I feel the same way you do. I'm working harder than I have in decades. What's wrong with me?
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Exactly like us, we played nursing homes, life style villages, not much money but good fun. We had dancers, (even ageing ones) skits and performing musicals too
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Show off! Now you're making me feel inadequate. Skits, huh? Who do you think I am, Saturday Night Live?
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Nah, I've performed in musicals in the past when young, I was mainly solo in the group. We were heading into our eighties, no new recruits, they voted to retire, but I'm carrying on, working keeps one alive. But hang on I've gotta take my meds.
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Thanks for reminding me. Time for my meds, too. Sheesh, what has become of us?
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Just keep alive G, we need you!?
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I'm Lee, but I understand the reference.
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Silly me Lee, wow that rhymed. I think I'll take up poetry! Sorry mate, my wife is terrified we might lose our minds, is there a pill for that?
Comment from LJbutterfly
I am so glad to see you're back, even if momentarily. We all love your additions to this site, as you raise the standards for excellent literary composition. I understand your dilemma. I was a church pianist for years. I performed as a singer in concerts. What a thrill. But I got older, retired, sold my piano and bought a couple electronic keyboards. OMG, what an experience. However, I play for myself only, and write and post occasionally, trying to get better.
I've read many of your stories over and over, enjoying the professionalism, skill, and magic. If you choose writing, you have a definite reader.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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I am so glad to see you're back, even if momentarily. We all love your additions to this site, as you raise the standards for excellent literary composition. I understand your dilemma. I was a church pianist for years. I performed as a singer in concerts. What a thrill. But I got older, retired, sold my piano and bought a couple electronic keyboards. OMG, what an experience. However, I play for myself only, and write and post occasionally, trying to get better.
I've read many of your stories over and over, enjoying the professionalism, skill, and magic. If you choose writing, you have a definite reader.
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Thank you, LJbutterfly. I've played guitar since I was 12. But I put it down in order to concentrate on writing. Now that I've rediscovered the guitar and the thrill (queasiness) of performing, it's like a new shiny penny. I can't get enough. But as Bob Dylan put it, 'Beware enthusiasm, it's all temporary.'
You are so kind to mention reading my stories. It means a lot to me.
Thanks again. Peace, Lee
Comment from Pam (respa)
Good artwork and story to go with it. I like how you personify your guitar with good descriptions that how how much it means to you and how you enjoy playing it. But it also creates a dilemma between that and writing. Both take up time.
There are a couple of ways to look at things. You can play the guitar. I don't know if you play often in a band, but that could take up time. If you like to write songs, that would take care of the writing part. But then if you put them on FS, that takes up more time because of reviewing.
It all goes down to what is the most enjoyable and rewarding to you. Maybe the answer is share one of your songs once in a while on FS. It would be good hearing from you.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Good artwork and story to go with it. I like how you personify your guitar with good descriptions that how how much it means to you and how you enjoy playing it. But it also creates a dilemma between that and writing. Both take up time.
There are a couple of ways to look at things. You can play the guitar. I don't know if you play often in a band, but that could take up time. If you like to write songs, that would take care of the writing part. But then if you put them on FS, that takes up more time because of reviewing.
It all goes down to what is the most enjoyable and rewarding to you. Maybe the answer is share one of your songs once in a while on FS. It would be good hearing from you.
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Yes, I play in a trio with a couple of old friends I hadn't seen in 35 years. Getting back together with them is kind of the wild card in this conundrum. Writing is so solitary.
I still don't know what I'm going to do. Maybe the flow knows.
Thanks again. Peace, Lee
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You are very welcome, Lee, and thanks for sharing in your reply. Try not to think too hard about it, and the solution might be more obvious to you. There are lots of ways to look at it.
Comment from GWHARGIS
I understand what you're going through. At one point it was writing or art. I chose art and didn't write a paragraph for almost six years. Every waking minute was dedicated to painting. Then I started to have these characters who would not leave me alone. I put art on the back burner to see if I still had a story to tell. Turns out, I can do both. Some days I want to write, even if it's just fifteen minutes. Then I can create visual art. A balance can be achieved. Pretend you're morman and your sexy guitar is one wife, and the blank page is your second wife. I'm sure they can learn to share. Lol. This was great and so happy to see your name pop up in my messages. Gretchen
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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I understand what you're going through. At one point it was writing or art. I chose art and didn't write a paragraph for almost six years. Every waking minute was dedicated to painting. Then I started to have these characters who would not leave me alone. I put art on the back burner to see if I still had a story to tell. Turns out, I can do both. Some days I want to write, even if it's just fifteen minutes. Then I can create visual art. A balance can be achieved. Pretend you're morman and your sexy guitar is one wife, and the blank page is your second wife. I'm sure they can learn to share. Lol. This was great and so happy to see your name pop up in my messages. Gretchen
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Thanks so much, Gretchen. I'm afraid I'd make a lousy Mormon. Polygamy aside, I like my beer too much.
Yes, it might be easy to strike a balance between the arts--if I wasn't playing in a trio. Sometimes my time isn't my own. I'm obligated to play with two dear friends who made room for me after losing track for 35 years. They know of my dilemma and won't blame me if I have to quit, but the comeraderie of a 'band' is refreshing after decades in the solitary world of writing.
Still haven't decided. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks again. Peace, Lee
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It is good to be part of something. I understand that. But, selfishly, I truly enjoy your writing. Fit us in when you can.
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My guitar has had a little hiccup. She has been at the luthier's shop for a couple of weeks, with a couple more weeks to go. In these last two weeks I've written more, and better than I have in a year. I don't know about you, Gretchen, but it seems like an omen to me. Thanks for your interest in my little dilemma.
Coincidentally, I and a friend are visiting a really eclectic guitar store this afternoon. Talk about throwing a monkey wrench into an already complicated problem.
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I get it. I write and do art. My muses sometimes get in a fist fight for my attention. Lol
Comment from Dawn Munro
"When George Harrison wrote While My Guitar Gently Weeps he validated everything I believe about the relationship between a man and his guitar. "
Alas, I fear the blank page is a cause for tears as well -- for your fans.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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"When George Harrison wrote While My Guitar Gently Weeps he validated everything I believe about the relationship between a man and his guitar. "
Alas, I fear the blank page is a cause for tears as well -- for your fans.
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Thanks so much, Dawn. Still don't know which way this tree will fall. I have a feeling it'll take me some time before I can find the best path.
Thanks again.
Peace, Lee
Comment from pome lover
So, you like performing for an audience; would that include going on tour, town after town (or rather, big city after ...?) It sounds fun but tiring, though lucrative.
Writing songs sounds fun. I tried, but only have lyrics as I don't play guitar. SO, for me, I write everyday, enjoying FS and submitting stories and poems to magazines and contests. But I am retired, so, I'm not earning a living with them.
I know for a fact that you have writing ability (know you're thrilled that I think so)- a way with words that's sharp and clever. So, if you did choose the guitar, I don't see why, when you have a brainstorm for a story you couldn't write and submit every now and then.
Decisions, decisions. Good luck!
Katharine
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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So, you like performing for an audience; would that include going on tour, town after town (or rather, big city after ...?) It sounds fun but tiring, though lucrative.
Writing songs sounds fun. I tried, but only have lyrics as I don't play guitar. SO, for me, I write everyday, enjoying FS and submitting stories and poems to magazines and contests. But I am retired, so, I'm not earning a living with them.
I know for a fact that you have writing ability (know you're thrilled that I think so)- a way with words that's sharp and clever. So, if you did choose the guitar, I don't see why, when you have a brainstorm for a story you couldn't write and submit every now and then.
Decisions, decisions. Good luck!
Katharine
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Thanks so much, Katharine. No, there are no plans for living on the road. Our trio (Old Hat--we're all in our mid-70s) plays mostly at local brew pubs. Fortunately for us, there are probably a dozen brew pubs with a 10-mile radius of my apartment. We do a lot of Sunday afternoon, and mid-week evening gigs--we're too old to play four sets into the wee hours these days. We also donate our time and play afternoon gigs at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and senior centers.
Time is the issue. When I write a story, I have to live with it over many days, or even weeks. Interuptions--like gigs--play havoc with my sense of continuity.
I'm a better writer than I am a musician. And I like fellowship of being part of a band.
I'm as confused as I ever was. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Thanks again, Katharine. Peace, Lee
Oh, have you given your friends their books yet, or are you waiting for Christmas? I'd love any feedback.
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Lee, I do appreciate your signing them and sending them. I probably will give them at Christmas.
Glad you have fun with your band. And playing at nursing homes, etc., is a really neat thing to do. I think, also, it would be a wonderful release.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you in advance. :)
Oh, what did you think of Rachelle's and Gretchen's book? That was quite an adventure.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I do understand. My husband's arthritis took care of that decision for him. His fingers are letting him really play the guitar anymore. Once in a while he'll attempt it again, but not for long. I'm selfish and want you to write more, but you have to do you.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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I do understand. My husband's arthritis took care of that decision for him. His fingers are letting him really play the guitar anymore. Once in a while he'll attempt it again, but not for long. I'm selfish and want you to write more, but you have to do you.
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Thank you, Barbara. When I picked up my guitar about a year ago, I was stunned that my hands had lost all their muscle memory. I guess a 20 year layoff will do that. Fortunately, about six months of work brought me back to the level at which I used to play--fair to middlin'.
I think my attraction to the guitar now has more to do with the fellowship of being a member of something. Writing, as much as I love it, is a solitary affair.
I feel bad for your husband. At least I'm able to make a choice.
Thanks again. Peace, Lee
Comment from Tim Margetts
What a choice to face.
I guess, at least for the time it took to write this, the page won out. If I don't see you again then, enjoy the music and live the song.
This is a great piece to challenge how we perceive our hobbies and their impact on our lives.
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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What a choice to face.
I guess, at least for the time it took to write this, the page won out. If I don't see you again then, enjoy the music and live the song.
This is a great piece to challenge how we perceive our hobbies and their impact on our lives.
Comment Written 03-Nov-2024
reply by the author on 10-Nov-2024
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Thanks, Tim. I like your insights. Still can't decide, so you'll be seeing me around for a while, at least. Thanks again. Peace, Lee
