Finding Inspiration from Elvis Costello...
Still on a Pause, but....
Well, I’m still on a pause. Aside from a brief venting about the Michigan Primary, I’m still trying to relax and keep some distance. I still pop in social media a little (I know I shouldn’t, but it is a small addiction when bored) and am glad I’m kind of removing myself from that for the most part. It’s a toxic world out in the Internet/Cyberspace/Metaverse.
I’ve appreciated all the great words many of you had provided. It means a lot that this little corner of substack is looked forward to for so many. It means a lot to me. This is a great community and I definitely want to keep it going. And I don’t want to let any of you down- I assure you, I’m still committed to PurpleAmerica and will be back.
So for the sake of my sanity, and to help clarify when I’ll be back, I’m taking the month of March off and will be back to posting regularly in April. I might chime in with a one-off from time to time if inspired enough or some major event happens, but for the most part, I’m enjoying my sabattical. Everyone needs to recharge from time to time.
In the meantime, I heard this song yesterday on my way to picking my son up at school, and it pretty much sums up my whole moment. It’s always been one of my favorites. First written by Nick Lowe, it was made famous by Elvis Costello back in the early 1980s.1 Enjoy.
(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding.
As I walk through this wicked world
Searchin' for light in the darkness of insanity
I ask myself, "Is all hope lost?
Is there only pain and hatred and misery?"
And each time I feel like this inside
There's one thing I wanna know
What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding? Oh-oh
What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?
And as I walk on through troubled times
My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes
So where are the strong, and who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony, sweet harmony?
'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away, just makes me wanna cry
What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding? Oh-oh
What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?
So where are the strong, and who are the trusted?
And where is the harmony, sweet harmony?
'Cause each time I feel it slippin' away
Just makes me wanna cry
What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding? Oh-oh
What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding? Oh-oh
What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?
Which explains why the video is really, REALLY bad.
Well said/sung – by you, Nick, and Elvis.
"So where are the strong, and who are the trusted?" is indeed an urgent question in our troubled times.
Here is another: "How is it possible that such outright knavery draws such enthusiastic support from such a large segment of the polity?"
Wicked world, indeed...
I can survive if it's only going to be one month off :D