Just working on playing another session tonight. The Germans are putting up the fight, for sure. It feels a lot like world war 1 trench warfare on my Poland front...
Do tell.
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Just working on playing another session tonight. The Germans are putting up the fight, for sure. It feels a lot like world war 1 trench warfare on my Poland front...
Do tell.
LD continues to lounge in his Comfy Chair™, taking in the pleasant atmosphere. He smiles, a subtle movement of the lips, when word arrives of his Weekly Showcase and Character Writer of the Week honours. Extremely rare achievements, but appreciated. Noting @Ran Miller listening with approval to The Warning, LD says, "Glad you like that tune. As a bass player, I just love the opening riff. Did you know the drummer's not the lead singer? And there's no lip syncing, no autotune, they actually play their instruments. What's not to like?" He spots @filcat pulling coffee pouches from his backpacks, mumbling, "Cool. Very cool. Anyway. Anyone wants coffee?"
Foregoing coffee for the moment, he spots @TheExecuter as the writAAR announces, "Barkeep, a round of drinks for everyone here. My treat!"
Never one to turn down a drink, especially free, LD says, "I'm about half way through The Last Mission. However, it took only a couple pages before I realized I had already read it, way back in 2007. But it doesn't hurt to refresh myself by reading it again. It's definitely worth the re-read. I'm hoping to catch up in a few days." Accepting a refill of scotch with a nod, his gaze wanders over to the packets of coffee. Let me finish this first...
Foregoing coffee for the moment, he spots @TheExecuter as the writAAR announces, "Barkeep, a round of drinks for everyone here. My treat!"
Never one to turn down a drink, especially free, LD says, "I'm about half way through The Last Mission. However, it took only a couple pages before I realized I had already read it, way back in 2007. But it doesn't hurt to refresh myself by reading it again. It's definitely worth the re-read. I'm hoping to catch up in a few days." Accepting a refill of scotch with a nod, his gaze wanders over to the packets of coffee. Let me finish this first...
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If you are measuring that by forum pages...I have some good and bad news...
The good news is you have a lot of story ahead. The bad news is...you might not be half way through!
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LD nods. "Yep. I meant forum pages. I'll take the good news since the story is so damned good. I've also got the latest instalments of @Chac1's Lost Seasons to catch up on, as well as a few new recommendations." LD sighs and mouths his age old refrain,"So many AARS, so little time..."
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Indeed. So much good stuff to read. I've started in on Life2.0 by @CBR JGWRR over in Stellaris...and dear God some of the backstory for the characters is some of the worst aspects of human exploitation.
I'm waiting for my son's haircut to finish and crying at the same time. I didn't expect that though I should have.
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The ancient one kept sipping on the second glass of mezcal provided by the new round for the barroom.
He waited a bit as @Lord Durham exchanged pleasantries with @TheExecuter , the benefactor who had provided the latest round of drinks. Then he saw his chance and dove into the conversation.
"By the way, I realize the length of my AAR is starting to look daunting too," he added. "For that reason I have included an author's note with recommendations of two or three entry points besides just starting at the beginning, although I'm not sure that has helped anyone really. I must say I have learned so much by discussing constructing AARs in a variety of places here in AARland. I'm just thankful for the support and community here."
He waited a bit as @Lord Durham exchanged pleasantries with @TheExecuter , the benefactor who had provided the latest round of drinks. Then he saw his chance and dove into the conversation.
"Thanks for that LD. Appreciate your support. But I also realize there is just too much to read and not enough time," he replied. He pointed to the two large tomes on either side of his chair as evidence. "I have too many bookmarks."
"You are braver man than I," Chac said as he turned to address The Executor. "The length of that work is daunting. I've taken up one of the newer ones by @CBR JGWRR Mandate of Heaven, which I think is in the Life2.0 universe. Right now, that one has a bit of a feeling like an early Heinlein space action story; something I would read when I was much younger."
"Well my success this week was I was struggling with a variety of plot threads. I didn't expect a new chapter to arise in some major rewriting I am doing for one section of Lost Seasons of the Danes. But then, over the course of two days, 3500 words came pouring forth. I liked the chapter so much I am now rearranging my plans for the AAR and will post this unexpected chapter next week. I always feel like such inspiration is a gift," Chac replied.
"By the way, I realize the length of my AAR is starting to look daunting too," he added. "For that reason I have included an author's note with recommendations of two or three entry points besides just starting at the beginning, although I'm not sure that has helped anyone really. I must say I have learned so much by discussing constructing AARs in a variety of places here in AARland. I'm just thankful for the support and community here."
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I thought that the length would be the only issue, and I'll probably go straight on to Mandate when done...
I just didn't expect to be emotionally wrecked by the backstories. Oof.
Ooh, the inspiration moment! Those are very much gifts. I've had ideas pop into my head on the drive home from work that literally had me in tears from how good they were...
Definitely good gifts.
When I restarted, I knew length was going to be an issue for mine as well. That's why I was very happy to see we have such nice link functionality now.
I took some examples from other stories and have created an extensive table of contents so readers can always find where they are.
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coz1 hears tales of catching up on lengthy works...tales of pages and long ones, "Yep, I know that number. Both on my end in the reading and the current work of my own. Daunting is an understatement."
He shifts to the jukebox, "Let's try this one to punch the point."
"And congrats @Chac1 for figuring out that latest section! It is indeed a wonderful thing. I've miles to go before I rest but I just finished a chapter and have already started on the next. Outline, plotting and all. Hoping to get this latest round written before I start posting which I aim to be soon."
He sidles up to the bAAR and fishes out the special bottle of Bunnahabhain that he knew @stnylan hid behind the cheap stuff, "How about a finger of this, LD? Last time I had some, our boy Lewis flew the pond. Good stuff!"
ETA - "Not like I need to include this here because anyone that is active here has already ventured there or knows of it - but please remember to vote and/or complete your vote in both the YAYAs and the ACAs. So much voting. So many good works!"
He shifts to the jukebox, "Let's try this one to punch the point."
"And congrats @Chac1 for figuring out that latest section! It is indeed a wonderful thing. I've miles to go before I rest but I just finished a chapter and have already started on the next. Outline, plotting and all. Hoping to get this latest round written before I start posting which I aim to be soon."
He sidles up to the bAAR and fishes out the special bottle of Bunnahabhain that he knew @stnylan hid behind the cheap stuff, "How about a finger of this, LD? Last time I had some, our boy Lewis flew the pond. Good stuff!"
ETA - "Not like I need to include this here because anyone that is active here has already ventured there or knows of it - but please remember to vote and/or complete your vote in both the YAYAs and the ACAs. So much voting. So many good works!"
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"I hope this run of good conversation in the bAAR is not on its last few notes, but if it is, then just a few loose ends to get to first," Chac announced. "Of course, I agree with @coz1 about voting. As the Signalman has not been here since the holiday party, I have been posting about that here and elsewhere. Just check what I put on the bulletin board. However, as some of the good citizens of AARland tend to do, I will be reserving my vote until near the end of the voting period."
He moved over to the jukebox.
"Haven't made a selection lately and back a few days ago there was much discussion about Bowie. I think @Lord Durham also dropped the name of one of our favorites King Crimson," he noted. "Well then I've got just the live cover for folks."
King Crimson covers "Heroes"
"Having everything come together, that feeling, well, it is rarely matched by very much else. Makes it all worth it. Definitely agree," he nodded.
He moved over to the jukebox.
"Haven't made a selection lately and back a few days ago there was much discussion about Bowie. I think @Lord Durham also dropped the name of one of our favorites King Crimson," he noted. "Well then I've got just the live cover for folks."
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LD gratefully accepted the drink and cracked, "A finger? With the week I had I could use a hand." Raising the glass, he said, "To @stnylan. Hopefully we can convince him to grace these halls, once again." As the first notes of Heroes rolled from the jukebox, LD went silent as he brooded about the recent loss of his mentor and friend. Downing the drink, he perked up and said, "Love this version by King Crimson. Did you know Robert Fripp played guitar on the original by Bowie?"
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DB’s ears perk up, hearing LD broach his specialist subject:
– Incredible work by Fripp on that track. And they got the sound in a wonderful way. When Fripp laid down his first take, he hadn’t quite finessed the feedback effect yet and the result was slightly out of tune. So, he recorded a second more polished take, and then in the time-honoured fashion tried a third for luck. Now on its own, the third take was apparently marvellous – but producer Tony Visconti had the bright idea to play the three tracks all at once, just in case something interesting happened. Any among you who’ve heard the result will agree they all struck gold. Simply magical.
– It’s a good lesson for all of us who work in artistic fields, whether music, writing or whatever else: never forget that experimenting streak that makes a discipline so captivating when you’re first starting out. Brian Eno, that other great mind behind the “Heroes” record, once said something to the effect that – and I hope I’m not misquoting here – “art is everything you do not have to do”. This is serious work that we do, but it is serious play, too. We only strike gold when we push ourselves beyond our comfort zones, stay loose in the studio (or at the writing desk) and trust our strange intuitions to live a while in the hope they may prove inspired.
DB pauses to let Fripp’s guitar work sing through the bAAR, raising a glass back at LD and the others and mouthing a silent “Cheers”.
– Happy writing, folks.
– Incredible work by Fripp on that track. And they got the sound in a wonderful way. When Fripp laid down his first take, he hadn’t quite finessed the feedback effect yet and the result was slightly out of tune. So, he recorded a second more polished take, and then in the time-honoured fashion tried a third for luck. Now on its own, the third take was apparently marvellous – but producer Tony Visconti had the bright idea to play the three tracks all at once, just in case something interesting happened. Any among you who’ve heard the result will agree they all struck gold. Simply magical.
– It’s a good lesson for all of us who work in artistic fields, whether music, writing or whatever else: never forget that experimenting streak that makes a discipline so captivating when you’re first starting out. Brian Eno, that other great mind behind the “Heroes” record, once said something to the effect that – and I hope I’m not misquoting here – “art is everything you do not have to do”. This is serious work that we do, but it is serious play, too. We only strike gold when we push ourselves beyond our comfort zones, stay loose in the studio (or at the writing desk) and trust our strange intuitions to live a while in the hope they may prove inspired.
DB pauses to let Fripp’s guitar work sing through the bAAR, raising a glass back at LD and the others and mouthing a silent “Cheers”.
– Happy writing, folks.
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My condolences. It seems this parting gets more and more prevalent as we age.
I shall pray that your anguish be short, and leave to you the cherished and wonderful memories of your friend. I also pray you to see each other again in the next life.
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Thank you. Back in October I mentioned that Howard Andrew Jones had been diagnosed with brain cancer. He was responsible for publishing my first story, and guided me through the early years of my writing career. He passed away on January 16. Damn that disease.
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Indeed, it is an awful disease. I lost my favorite project manager in my career to it back in 2019. She beat it once, but when it came back a second time...she knew she didn't have the strength to fight it again.
You are not alone. I'll definitely be praying for good things for your grieving process. If I could give you a hug, I would.
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Mr. SGE teleports back to the bAAR to offer his condolences for LD's loss.
"I'm sorry to hear about your friend."
Mr. SGE teleports away again.
"I'm sorry to hear about your friend."
Mr. SGE teleports away again.
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Jak has been silently listening to the discussions and tracks offered. He raises a glass to @Lord Durham's dear, departed mentor. "I hope your friend, Howard, got to have as much freedom as possible before passing on. And that he had friends and family nearby to comfort him."
He takes a long swig. "And the same goes for you, @TheExecuter. Having to deal with a resurgent disease, and seeing the treatments the second time fail, has to be so demoralizing. More than demoralizing..." Jak wasn't quite sure how to say what he wanted to say. He had no words for it.
Hearing the jukebox go quiet, he stands, walks over, and, after a time of debating, selects a track. "Some music, for those we've lost."
He takes a long swig. "And the same goes for you, @TheExecuter. Having to deal with a resurgent disease, and seeing the treatments the second time fail, has to be so demoralizing. More than demoralizing..." Jak wasn't quite sure how to say what he wanted to say. He had no words for it.
Hearing the jukebox go quiet, he stands, walks over, and, after a time of debating, selects a track. "Some music, for those we've lost."
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"Sorry to hear of these losses," Chac finally added to the conversation after the Croce song finished, and there was a bit of a silence in the bar.
"A bar is a good place for a wake. Good to see that your mentor and friend, @Lord Durham is getting a proper send off from this crew," Chac noted. He held up one of his tumblers of mezcal. "To Howard Andrew Jones. Long may his memory echo in these electronic hallways. Hard to find someone nurturing in the publishing business, someone who can be a true mentor. Definitely not just a loss for LD, but for publishing and likely many other authors too."
The ancient one then took a swig of the mezcal, joining the others in the toasting.
"Condolences to you too, @TheExecuter . So difficult losing good colleagues," he said with a somber tone. "Personally, have had a few close friends also lost to these horrible cancers, especially brain cancer. Definitely a scourge of this era."
Then it was the ancient one's time to return to the jukebox.
"I hope folks don't think this is too maudlin or clichéd. Even if it is, the choice is sincere...."
"Funeral for a Friend/Loves Lies Bleeding" by Elton John
"A bar is a good place for a wake. Good to see that your mentor and friend, @Lord Durham is getting a proper send off from this crew," Chac noted. He held up one of his tumblers of mezcal. "To Howard Andrew Jones. Long may his memory echo in these electronic hallways. Hard to find someone nurturing in the publishing business, someone who can be a true mentor. Definitely not just a loss for LD, but for publishing and likely many other authors too."
The ancient one then took a swig of the mezcal, joining the others in the toasting.
"Condolences to you too, @TheExecuter . So difficult losing good colleagues," he said with a somber tone. "Personally, have had a few close friends also lost to these horrible cancers, especially brain cancer. Definitely a scourge of this era."
Then it was the ancient one's time to return to the jukebox.
"I hope folks don't think this is too maudlin or clichéd. Even if it is, the choice is sincere...."
"Funeral for a Friend/Loves Lies Bleeding" by Elton John
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Very sad and tragic indeed. Thinking of you @Lord Durham and, of course, your friend’s family, loved ones and other friends and acquaintances. Went to a funeral just last week for an old friend and classmate from military college. It was a very big turnout - which alas meant way too early in that case. Why does this happen to the good ones? <sighs at the rhetorical question, knocks back a single malt in salute, and leaves the baar in a reflective mood>
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coz1 nods with understanding and agreement, "I sometimes marvel that I made it to 50 years in age. So many of my good friends did not. A high school girlfriend, a good college friend, my brother in law, my stepfather and my two closest friends in this world, one of which I'd known since we were 12. A plethora of reasons - leukemia, a motorcycle accident, brain embolism, a stroke and two suicides. That doesn't even include those here that we've lost, MrT and markkur to name a couple."
"A lovely song, @Chac1 ," coz raises his glass, "I saw Elton in concert when he was last in Atlanta and that was a highlight. Cheers to those loved and lost. They remain in our hearts."
"A lovely song, @Chac1 ," coz raises his glass, "I saw Elton in concert when he was last in Atlanta and that was a highlight. Cheers to those loved and lost. They remain in our hearts."
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It happens to us all, at some point.
It happens to 'the good ones', because we love others and them...we knew them, the real them...and their leaving creates an emptiness that we see and feel.
I'll just drown my tears in this morning tea.
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