I look forward to hearing more about your life's journey, especially the part when you started driving river boats on the mighty Mississippi!
Keep the faith, Mike. While you may feel like you're carrying around a bucket full of depression, know that you're standing in a lake of joy that you've brought to the world.
Marina, you’re very kind to say so. It has been so long that I fear this is my new permanent state, but attempt to maintain a certain decency and kindness towards others regardless. At the very least, one runs the risk of being left out with the recycling.
Like all the other commenters here, I deeply approve of this segment, and hope to see much more. But no pressure! Good luck cutting through the malaise, Mike.
As someone with more than a passing interest in humor (which is comedy that has gone to college), I can safely say that some form of ego-driven familial iconoclasm in terms of duties or responsibilities to the younglings is needed to form a good humorist. I may not be able to state my case as well as Mr. Gerber, but I can say from experience saying that having a parent who is as trustworthy as Mary Tyrone goes a long way towards establishing a healthy distrust (or at least skepticism) towards what people tell you is how the world works. In my own case I became a scientist, perhaps because I knew that although Mother Nature was a surrogate, at least she wasn't misrepresenting herself.
Hi, Michael, I was vaguely aware that I hadn't seen anything from you or American Bystander in my email in a really long time. This morning I signed into Substack to make sure there were no nosy word-readin' types desecrating the inviolable sanctity of either of my two blogs; after satisfying myself that they remain in a near-pristine state of inattention, I checked out American Bystander and found this. Like everything I've ever read by you, it's marvelously written. If there were any justice in the world, you'd be fishing at your leisure and getting paid in barbecue, bourbon and even a bit of foldin' money to share your observations and glorious wit with us.
I hope the depression has lifted at least a bit (ideally more) and that you're with people who care about you for the holidays. Thank you for making this glimpse into your life available to us. I can't wait to read more, whenever you feel up to writing it.
I look forward to hearing more about your life's journey, especially the part when you started driving river boats on the mighty Mississippi!
Keep the faith, Mike. While you may feel like you're carrying around a bucket full of depression, know that you're standing in a lake of joy that you've brought to the world.
I very much enjoyed reading all of this, save for the part where I heard you’re feeling poorly. Here’s hoping the tide comes in soon.
Marina, you’re very kind to say so. It has been so long that I fear this is my new permanent state, but attempt to maintain a certain decency and kindness towards others regardless. At the very least, one runs the risk of being left out with the recycling.
Please do continue this saga. And I love the reference: "Waiting for Ho Chi Minh, or someone like him." Feel better soon.
SOMEONE GOT IT!!!!!
I got it too, but a day late
I am into this keep it going.
Thanks Wegway! It’s quite a story and just getting started
Much love to you! I want to read the rest of this memoir.
Aw thanks, there’s a bit more. It’s about to get dark sadly. :-)
Just think, Mike, soon you'll be able to walk through a pile a leaves in PA and kick it around. I remember it always working for Snoopy.
Like all the other commenters here, I deeply approve of this segment, and hope to see much more. But no pressure! Good luck cutting through the malaise, Mike.
As someone with more than a passing interest in humor (which is comedy that has gone to college), I can safely say that some form of ego-driven familial iconoclasm in terms of duties or responsibilities to the younglings is needed to form a good humorist. I may not be able to state my case as well as Mr. Gerber, but I can say from experience saying that having a parent who is as trustworthy as Mary Tyrone goes a long way towards establishing a healthy distrust (or at least skepticism) towards what people tell you is how the world works. In my own case I became a scientist, perhaps because I knew that although Mother Nature was a surrogate, at least she wasn't misrepresenting herself.
A sound theory, and the story is just getting started…
More please!
Sorry you’re suffering, Mike…get well soon - it’s fair to say the world really needs people like you right now!
Aw thanks Brad—I will try to take your word for it. :-)
Excellent. Keep writing!
PS Bottling Dr. Pepper isn't a job. It's a sacred calling.
PPS It's true, you really can't have too many Freds.
Thanks Faith—hope your projects are going well.
Light at the end of the tunnel. Or at least a weigh station along the way.
Hi, Michael, I was vaguely aware that I hadn't seen anything from you or American Bystander in my email in a really long time. This morning I signed into Substack to make sure there were no nosy word-readin' types desecrating the inviolable sanctity of either of my two blogs; after satisfying myself that they remain in a near-pristine state of inattention, I checked out American Bystander and found this. Like everything I've ever read by you, it's marvelously written. If there were any justice in the world, you'd be fishing at your leisure and getting paid in barbecue, bourbon and even a bit of foldin' money to share your observations and glorious wit with us.
I hope the depression has lifted at least a bit (ideally more) and that you're with people who care about you for the holidays. Thank you for making this glimpse into your life available to us. I can't wait to read more, whenever you feel up to writing it.