Well, you helped me into retirement with your Saul from Homeland post. I’ve been retired a year on Wednesday. Back to music for me as much as I want, not just when I can squeeze drumming in. Met a new guitarist today who was waiting on us at a restaurant. Nice kid. My son’s age. Was talking about how hard it was to find a good drummer who didn’t overplay. I gave him my “have drums, will travel” card. Got a jam already set up. I’ve been subbing with different friends bands the past year, as I did the last five years of work. Ready for my own outfit. Gigs are few these days. I’m not in it for gigs. I’m in it for the music and that communication folks can get musically. I think this fellow and I have a vibe.
You’ll do fine. Don’t get analysis paralysis. Go with it, bro. You’ll figure it out. Be happy. I am ebullient.
Plus, I got REAL tired of playing for drunks in bars. I don’t hardly drink at all. Played a show recently at what might be described as a weed den. Very enjoyable. So much better than drunks. I really don’t like bars anymore or the drunks.
Back in the days when I thought I would give voice-overs a try I had a spot on my cassette (guess my age-win a prize) that was one sentence. "Life's a journey. We'll help you pack."
Just saying, my husband and I use references to your shows on the regs to make each other laugh. Your ripple effect extends far and wide. Thank you.
I acted when I was younger, but could not subject myself to the constant rejection or the infamy that would come along with “making it” in that profession. You reinforce that indeed, it “sounds” exhausting.
The wilds of Connecticut are looking fabulous! Depeche mode said it best, enjoy the silence (you deserve it) ❤️
Very insightful piece, Michael. You will do fine in your retirement , although I don’t see you totally not working. You do have a knack of drawing people in with your writing and perspective. It’d be a shame if you’d stop writing.
And as a true senior citizen myself….you are still in middle age; don’t forge ahead too fast.
I’m cleaning out the basement today. A veritable purgatory of obsolete formats: 3/4, VHS, Hi8, CD, DVD, Beta, FireWire, SyQuest, brick-size hard drives, 35mm slides, 16mm film, etc., all detritus of a 30-year career in advertising. Do I retrieve the data, or throw it all out? I think I’ll take a nap.
Hard same, Michael! I decided around third grade that I wanted to work in television. By 13, I was attending TV Production sleep away camp (yes, that’s a thing). By 15, my friends and I had a public access show. I went to Emerson in Boston and was employed right out of school.
Sometimes I wish I hadn’t been so sure of my path at such a young age. I missed out on a lot of exploration and discovery and now find myself at 41 asking what I really want to do when I grow up. I think it’s a pandemic hangover that many of us are still grappling with- what gives life meaning and how does that fit into the bigger puzzle?
I have become quieter in my dotage. It is a much less anxiety ridden place to be. I have been a fan of yours since I first saw your work. I am very sorry I never got to see you doing stand up, live. Your take is spot on. I sincerely hope you continue writing, even if just for you.
Michael, I hope that whatever you do in the future, it includes introspection combined with writing. You're a thoughtful thinker and a compelling writer.
I chase the quiet these days as well. The world is overwhelming nowadays and being in silence among the trees is very helpful.
And I asked myself,
well how did I get here?
Well, you helped me into retirement with your Saul from Homeland post. I’ve been retired a year on Wednesday. Back to music for me as much as I want, not just when I can squeeze drumming in. Met a new guitarist today who was waiting on us at a restaurant. Nice kid. My son’s age. Was talking about how hard it was to find a good drummer who didn’t overplay. I gave him my “have drums, will travel” card. Got a jam already set up. I’ve been subbing with different friends bands the past year, as I did the last five years of work. Ready for my own outfit. Gigs are few these days. I’m not in it for gigs. I’m in it for the music and that communication folks can get musically. I think this fellow and I have a vibe.
You’ll do fine. Don’t get analysis paralysis. Go with it, bro. You’ll figure it out. Be happy. I am ebullient.
Plus, I got REAL tired of playing for drunks in bars. I don’t hardly drink at all. Played a show recently at what might be described as a weed den. Very enjoyable. So much better than drunks. I really don’t like bars anymore or the drunks.
I hear this so hard. Also, you’ve done some REALLY funny shit. I agree it’s hard to feel successful - but maybe being proud is enough?
I am also retired, which I/we managed when I was 58. I've never looked back with regret.
I hope that you have several more years of HIGNFY, both for you (plus Roy and Amber), and because we really enjoy it.
Michael, I am 70. Very retired. I identify with my 18 year old self more and more every day.
Back in the days when I thought I would give voice-overs a try I had a spot on my cassette (guess my age-win a prize) that was one sentence. "Life's a journey. We'll help you pack."
Happy New Year!!
Just saying, my husband and I use references to your shows on the regs to make each other laugh. Your ripple effect extends far and wide. Thank you.
I acted when I was younger, but could not subject myself to the constant rejection or the infamy that would come along with “making it” in that profession. You reinforce that indeed, it “sounds” exhausting.
The wilds of Connecticut are looking fabulous! Depeche mode said it best, enjoy the silence (you deserve it) ❤️
Very insightful piece, Michael. You will do fine in your retirement , although I don’t see you totally not working. You do have a knack of drawing people in with your writing and perspective. It’d be a shame if you’d stop writing.
And as a true senior citizen myself….you are still in middle age; don’t forge ahead too fast.
I’m cleaning out the basement today. A veritable purgatory of obsolete formats: 3/4, VHS, Hi8, CD, DVD, Beta, FireWire, SyQuest, brick-size hard drives, 35mm slides, 16mm film, etc., all detritus of a 30-year career in advertising. Do I retrieve the data, or throw it all out? I think I’ll take a nap.
Hard same, Michael! I decided around third grade that I wanted to work in television. By 13, I was attending TV Production sleep away camp (yes, that’s a thing). By 15, my friends and I had a public access show. I went to Emerson in Boston and was employed right out of school.
Sometimes I wish I hadn’t been so sure of my path at such a young age. I missed out on a lot of exploration and discovery and now find myself at 41 asking what I really want to do when I grow up. I think it’s a pandemic hangover that many of us are still grappling with- what gives life meaning and how does that fit into the bigger puzzle?
I have become quieter in my dotage. It is a much less anxiety ridden place to be. I have been a fan of yours since I first saw your work. I am very sorry I never got to see you doing stand up, live. Your take is spot on. I sincerely hope you continue writing, even if just for you.
You are getting good in your old age. Although you were also good in your young age too. I've been a lifelong fan and I'm board with wherever you go.
Michael, I hope that whatever you do in the future, it includes introspection combined with writing. You're a thoughtful thinker and a compelling writer.
I’m retiring from teaching in June, age 61. Lots of contemplation this winter break!
❤️