Best of luck with the knee surgery. Absolutely the best thing I ever did--I'm walking miles and climbing stairs like a boss. Just trust your PT and keep the ice on it as much as you can stand. Good thoughts for you this week!
Oh gosh, and "two dozen monks and a dog." Why does that bring tears? The simplest of living, believing, and saying everything important without words. What power. What hope.
Tommy, thank you so very much for sharing my weird and who-knows-where-it's-going newsletter. I admire your work so much, and this means a lot to me. Thank you.
I heard you speak last year at Southern Voices in Alabama and have followed your substack ever since. Also totally enjoyed your books. Now as the dog trainer would say, "Heel!"
Thank you - needed this post today. BTW, I was once in an improv troupe that was briefly named “Blame it on the pain pills.” Good luck with the surgery!
I’ve been thinking about my experience the other day with the Buddhist monks. When I realized the size of the crowd and how hard it was going to be to see them or get pictures, i was disappointed. I was one of the first hundred people there, but by the time they arrived for lunch there were thousands. I wished I had gone to the roadside somewhere nearby instead.
But thinking about it, I realized something else - something unlooked for and not even evident to me until today.
In all the throng there, I saw the most diverse crowd I believe I’ve ever seen. There in equal numbers were all races, many different nationalities, ages and walks of life. Black, white, Asian, Hispanic, Native, young, old (and all ages in between), tatooed, pierced, straight, LGBTQ, conservative, woke, moms and couples with babies, some I couldn’t quite describe and everyone was united in an overlying purpose. We all had the same goal of witnessing something rare and different. The vibe was incredible.
And as the leader began to speak, you could hear a pin drop in the middle of all that humanity. His words and humor captivated everybody and for a while we were all one. And peace, compassion and common spirit was strong. There is good still left in the world and these monks brought it to us. They made us see things in a beautiful light that gave me hope for the world again. It’s all still there, hidden just below the surface, but ready to emerge and hopefully save us all.
We were in town and were able to see the monks walk by on Sugar Creek close enough to touch them. It was a sacred moment that I will savor for a long time.
Thank you for sharing that video of Irma Thomas and Galactic - it's awesome. I am trying to recognize and be grateful for the little bright spots that I come across, just to preserve my sanity and choose joy. Music is always a bright spot, so thanks for the joy!
Best of luck with the knee surgery. Absolutely the best thing I ever did--I'm walking miles and climbing stairs like a boss. Just trust your PT and keep the ice on it as much as you can stand. Good thoughts for you this week!
Ice is the key. Silly solution, but a good one. Good luck. Hoping you are back soon!
Oh gosh, and "two dozen monks and a dog." Why does that bring tears? The simplest of living, believing, and saying everything important without words. What power. What hope.
Tommy, thank you so very much for sharing my weird and who-knows-where-it's-going newsletter. I admire your work so much, and this means a lot to me. Thank you.
Wow, that MTV Rewind is a winner, especially the 120 Minutes channel. Thanks,
Tommy!
I haven't even dived into the 120 Minutes archive yet!
I wish you best of luck with your surgery and I hope you heal quickly. Your newsletters are wonderful and full of truth and joy. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Ellen. I'll be back soon!
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
I heard you speak last year at Southern Voices in Alabama and have followed your substack ever since. Also totally enjoyed your books. Now as the dog trainer would say, "Heel!"
I will heel! :)
And I really enjoyed Southern Voices ... what a special day that was.
Thank you - needed this post today. BTW, I was once in an improv troupe that was briefly named “Blame it on the pain pills.” Good luck with the surgery!
I’ve been thinking about my experience the other day with the Buddhist monks. When I realized the size of the crowd and how hard it was going to be to see them or get pictures, i was disappointed. I was one of the first hundred people there, but by the time they arrived for lunch there were thousands. I wished I had gone to the roadside somewhere nearby instead.
But thinking about it, I realized something else - something unlooked for and not even evident to me until today.
In all the throng there, I saw the most diverse crowd I believe I’ve ever seen. There in equal numbers were all races, many different nationalities, ages and walks of life. Black, white, Asian, Hispanic, Native, young, old (and all ages in between), tatooed, pierced, straight, LGBTQ, conservative, woke, moms and couples with babies, some I couldn’t quite describe and everyone was united in an overlying purpose. We all had the same goal of witnessing something rare and different. The vibe was incredible.
And as the leader began to speak, you could hear a pin drop in the middle of all that humanity. His words and humor captivated everybody and for a while we were all one. And peace, compassion and common spirit was strong. There is good still left in the world and these monks brought it to us. They made us see things in a beautiful light that gave me hope for the world again. It’s all still there, hidden just below the surface, but ready to emerge and hopefully save us all.
What a day…
Jerry--this is beautiful. And you're right, what a diverse crowd. Such a beautiful thing to see.
Well said Tommy! I love your writing.
Be brave..I just broke my arm in 2 places so I can relate. Hooray for ibuprofen.
Oof! Take care of yourself...
We were in town and were able to see the monks walk by on Sugar Creek close enough to touch them. It was a sacred moment that I will savor for a long time.
Best of luck with your surgery and healing, Tommy - do whatever your PT tells you to!
Do the PT and take the pain meds!
Thank you for sharing that video of Irma Thomas and Galactic - it's awesome. I am trying to recognize and be grateful for the little bright spots that I come across, just to preserve my sanity and choose joy. Music is always a bright spot, so thanks for the joy!