The scientist behind the great science-fiction was revealed in this piece! The footnotes alone are a dead giveaway, but then you started talking morshells. Also, I laughed out loud about the generations thing. I thought I was the only one that couldn't make any sense of these labels! Your wife's project looks like an amazing project. Best of luck to her in getting it funded.
I am currently in the middle of “Wednesday’s furious edit” so can appreciate where you’re coming from with that, Nathan!
I’ve not caught up with Past Lives yet but need to make some time for it. I won’t be posting any articles for a couple of weeks after Friday so will try and make time for it.
I was examining the clear dark sky on the morning dog walk today and trying to figure out what the star was directly below the moon but had no clue. My friends suggested either Venus, Jupiter or the International Space Station. I could have just stared up there for hours but I’m sure my poor dog would have got bored eventually! Didn’t see the Star Trek symbol though 🤔😁
Hehe, glad you can relate on the furious edits. Exciting to know something is inbound on Friday (well, that's *today* for me as I write), but I'm sad there then won't be anything for a few weeks! Hopefully that means you're off on a lovely holiday/break, though.
Yes, the moon often has a lingering planet nearby. Venus is probably a good shout.
I long to someday visit somewhere totally dark where the milky way is displayed in all its glory.
Unfortunately no holiday. Just, as year end approaches, my day to day job is a bit busier than normal so need to focus on that for a wee bit. Annoying 🙄 I mean it’s not like it pays the bills or anything 😁
However, I should still have short stories on Tuesdays. Hopefully 🤞😁
Yeah, street lighting is not good for looking at the stars. There’s a hill where I take the dog that’s in the middle of nowhere but it’s far too spooky at night!
Weekly things do have a way of running torrential, that’s for sure. Today I spent 4 hours hand separating snack chips into whole and broken portions to see if they break differently stored in the top of a stack of boxes vs the bottom. I am ridiculously excited to look at the numbers and see what they tell me. Sometimes you take the enjoyment where it comes!
"Also, isn’t that the Star Trek symbol??" Holy mackerel! T'is! I love this post because of the shells instead of star ratings—because I now bought another book—because I'm a ... uh, I refuse to be labelled—Signed. X. I mean... I just finished my FF09 (no not Final Fantasy!) edit frenzy and thoroughly enjoyed this fresh Morshell. I do not like to eat Bulot, though. 🐚😁
Could literally read your thoughts on anything. Enjoyed this cozy collecting of thoughts from the lounge. Also, excited to hear about the film! Hoping we get updates as the pre-production progresses?
So much to look at and think about! I also love the fact that you use an old favourite, "spiffing", and I too don't seem to ever remember the generation thing...by the time I try and work it out, with or without tech support, the conversation has moved on and I'm still lost. Loving "morshells" and fabulous film project by your wife!
Season one is indeed brilliant, but so are seasons two and three, deliciously increasing the intricacy and complexity. One does not always know exactly what is going at any given moment, because mystery is built into the fabric of the programme, but there are rewarding and surprising revelations throughout, which help to propel the drama, so it never feels frustrating, just ever more intriguing. However, the most remarkable thing of all is that everything actually comes together, in a way that makes sense within the world of the programme, so that the ending feels deserved and satisfying. It is a truly staggering effort of plotting, but it is superbly acted too. One of the best television series ever made, I think.
If anyone has not watched it, give it a try; I think knowing little about the premise is probably the best way of going into it. (Note that the first episode has a couple of somewhat scary moments—at least I thought so—and it feels like it could become something more horrific, but it does not go down that path, so do not be put off, if that is not your thing.)
Yes, now I want to watch it again too! I did rewatch the first and second seasons in preparation for the third, because it had been a while and I wanted to prepare myself, in order to appreciate how well all the different narrative strands came together. Full disclosure, it is a German programme, but do not let subtitles put you off either! While rewatching I switched the subtitles to German too, because I already knew well enough what would happened and I was trying to learn the language; however, I switched the subtitles back to English as soon as I got to the third season, because I actually wanted to understand what was happening!
We're going to watch Past Lives this evening, thank you for the rec 💗 I had a phase a looooong time ago of listening to Politik incessantly for a few months, I think it's the only Coldplay song I've ever really gotten in to, I'm glad it's still appreciated!
I wonder into what world your cat was staring. I'm fairly convinced there are little portals that only felines have an awareness of. I wonder if that's why sometimes it feels as though you're being watched, it's because there's a cat on another timeline somewhere (in Nathan's cozy living room) staring at you..
Anyway, I loved this. Thank you. I also recently read that as I was born in 1985 I am technically a 'geriatric millennial', so that can fuck all the way off, obviously.
Hahaha, well, I'm right there with you as a 1983'er, unless somehow I cross over into some extra-geriatric category between 83 and 85.
You know, in Dune, the spice is often referred to as "the geriatric spice". I understand the reason, but I still retch a little each time I read it.
Yay for Past Lives, I hope you enjoy it. (I'm sure you will.)
Oh wow, I love the idea of portals cats can see through. There's a story right there in that, too! You're fuelling all the fiction ideas (collective nouns and now cat portals) today, Chloe 🤗
The Returned looks like a wonderful film, hearts to Josephine for a project with so much feeling (vs. SENSATION! 💥🧨💥).
Fellow Gen-Xers seem pleased these days to be slipping through the cracks ("OK boomer" vs. Me Me Melenials) but we have our own issues: had dinner recently with a guy loudly extolling the virtues of Xers that sounded suspiciously word-for-word from an article all of us had read, it was a little embarrassing. 😂
"Googles the answer. Immediately forgets the answer." Haha, me too but I have an excuse being a "boomer."
Ok, you mentioned Dune again. Last time you mentioned it, I went and bought a copy. This time I'll read it. I think I'm the only person here who hasn't.
I really enjoyed The Sernox. Have you decided if or when you will continue it?
Heh, excellent, great re: Dune. Expect a joint post very soon. And don't worry, you're not alone. But also, as much as re-reading has been great so far, and the story is excellent, it has made me aware that I'm not the biggest fan of Herbert's writing style.
PS despite claiming I don't have a plan, the next few weeks should be: a Precipice chapter, a Brae chapter ... and then maybe, maybe, The Sernox part 2!
This is such a great newsy, comforting newsletter that feels very much like a letter to all of us. I like all these projects and the way the tides move your words and ideas. Sometimes it's good to keep us guessing as well. I'm picking up Solenoid tomorrow. I'll have to finish McCarthy's Passenger before I get to it, but the way that one's started, it shouldn't be long.I'm also reallyi into the idea of 'not knowing what a book is.' There was a post recently about Moby Dick discussing such, and that was the way my professor at first reading described it -- a 'Book' not a novel or anything else. I think it's really inspirational. It makes me want to do something really unusual and genre-bending.
Those biochem students 🤗
(Also, what happened in Bali? haha, I definitely notice a post-Bali vibe)
Lovely to hear Kate. (I had to worry when I hit send and the inevitable unsubscribe emails came through 🙄)
You know, I very nearly picked up The Passenger from the library last month. I actually wanted Blood Meridian to be my first foray into Cormac, but it wasn't available. That was around the same time I was reading about Solenoid, so I decided to go and purchase that instead. I've read the Kindle Sample of Blood Meridian and its very good. Such different prose, too. Looking forward to getting to it eventually. How's Passenger? Is that two related books, or just one? (He wonders out loud, fully aware the he could Google.)
Lincoln's post re: Moby Dick? Thanks for the reminder. I love CounterCraft's posts. It's been sitting in my inbox waiting to be read.
You're very astute 😆 I'm normally ok with post-holiday blues, but this one's really gotten to me. Bali was just too beautiful, visually and mentally. Our week of simplicity, living essentially within nature in our open-air villa, the food, the people, the rice terraces ... I was so at peace. I miss it.
Oh man, I turned off the unsubscribes ages ago. What do they say? Refining. This one is so personal as well - we like to hear from you like this! I don’t think the post-Bali Slake is a problem. I like it. I just think maybe - yeah - pensive in how you come across to us. Maybe it’s good to miss things sometimes? But that “so at peace” especially. Maybe we writers are always seeking the peace in some way? I don’t know what I’m saying anymore but I’m not going to delete as if I’m handwriting in pen.
Blood Meridian is my favorite McCarthy (so far)! So so good. Passenger is starting out quite promisingly. It’s one book but has a companion book from the sister’s perspective, which I believe was his last book? 😢
I think it is good, yes. It's good to reflect and think on things. I'm aware I didn't find that place of writing this week. I don't have a term for it, only a feeling. A sort of well (like a water well) that is easy to sink down into and hide within as words form. That wasn't present. Maybe that's why the words come off as somehow pensive.
Wow re: perspective of the sister. Didn't know. Makes me want to read. I enjoy the idea of stories from different perspectives. So sad it was his last, though.
The problem with generations, as a category, is there are too damned many of them, alive. Such is the inconvenience of clean water, sanitation, and modern health care.
Untl last century, generations didn't have labels, they just got on with stuff. Maybe we should revert!
I know it keeps marketing people and sociologists employed, by I no longer care about their employment, they can become bus drivers. The generational table is already too long, and when they ran out of the alphabet (that's what happens when you start at the end of the alphabet), too hard to remember the labels, let alone the years or alleged characteristics.
Past Lives is such a delight. Script, casting, direction, all optimal.
She was in Melbourne, apparently highly articulate and engaging about her approach to film making. I wish I'd been in the audience for her conversation.
I had iInitially thought, surely not, in relation to the husband, but his character, and the actor, quickly turned out to be perfect. A gorgeous performance.
Notable, especially in the late part of the film, was the inescapable sub theme of class disparities, the impossibility of escaping them, subtly conveyed, but consistent with the preoccupations of many of the best Korean films. Fleeting, heart breaking - ah, I thought, there it is.
And the very humble abode and existence of a published author. Too believable.
Yes, as part of MIFF. Plus she held a masterclass the day after her Q&A. Wish I'd known. She's so self possessed and eloquent with her art. Would have been a treat to attend her class.
Remember the childhood friend explaining why he'd broken up with his long term girlfriend, ugh, so sad. Yet we would have thought he was a success, a catch. Made me sad.
Beautiful morshells. More shells, please! Speaking of cats, mine often looks at the wall too. I always wonder what she sees, and how can she just stare for hours like that.
Hahahah. Stray is already a bit horrific at times. I wonder how that will be! I sometimes think of buying a camera so we can spy on the cat when we're out. She's probably sleeping all day though lol.
The scientist behind the great science-fiction was revealed in this piece! The footnotes alone are a dead giveaway, but then you started talking morshells. Also, I laughed out loud about the generations thing. I thought I was the only one that couldn't make any sense of these labels! Your wife's project looks like an amazing project. Best of luck to her in getting it funded.
Thanks Ben! It's a relief it's not just me then on the generations thing.
Thanks for the well wishes on the film!
I am currently in the middle of “Wednesday’s furious edit” so can appreciate where you’re coming from with that, Nathan!
I’ve not caught up with Past Lives yet but need to make some time for it. I won’t be posting any articles for a couple of weeks after Friday so will try and make time for it.
I was examining the clear dark sky on the morning dog walk today and trying to figure out what the star was directly below the moon but had no clue. My friends suggested either Venus, Jupiter or the International Space Station. I could have just stared up there for hours but I’m sure my poor dog would have got bored eventually! Didn’t see the Star Trek symbol though 🤔😁
Hehe, glad you can relate on the furious edits. Exciting to know something is inbound on Friday (well, that's *today* for me as I write), but I'm sad there then won't be anything for a few weeks! Hopefully that means you're off on a lovely holiday/break, though.
Yes, the moon often has a lingering planet nearby. Venus is probably a good shout.
I long to someday visit somewhere totally dark where the milky way is displayed in all its glory.
Unfortunately no holiday. Just, as year end approaches, my day to day job is a bit busier than normal so need to focus on that for a wee bit. Annoying 🙄 I mean it’s not like it pays the bills or anything 😁
However, I should still have short stories on Tuesdays. Hopefully 🤞😁
Yeah, street lighting is not good for looking at the stars. There’s a hill where I take the dog that’s in the middle of nowhere but it’s far too spooky at night!
There's a story right there waiting to be written, Dan ;)
Ah yes, that "work" thing that we must succumb to. Speaking of, it is morning here and I should move myself and begin. Friday, at least, is here.
Weekly things do have a way of running torrential, that’s for sure. Today I spent 4 hours hand separating snack chips into whole and broken portions to see if they break differently stored in the top of a stack of boxes vs the bottom. I am ridiculously excited to look at the numbers and see what they tell me. Sometimes you take the enjoyment where it comes!
😅 I feel like I need to see photos of this process and the results, Renee! Love the dedication.
"Also, isn’t that the Star Trek symbol??" Holy mackerel! T'is! I love this post because of the shells instead of star ratings—because I now bought another book—because I'm a ... uh, I refuse to be labelled—Signed. X. I mean... I just finished my FF09 (no not Final Fantasy!) edit frenzy and thoroughly enjoyed this fresh Morshell. I do not like to eat Bulot, though. 🐚😁
FF09 ... for a moment then ... but then I realised what you did mean. Of course, it's Friday already! 😄
Yes, not a bulot fan, either. Leave those snails be.
Could literally read your thoughts on anything. Enjoyed this cozy collecting of thoughts from the lounge. Also, excited to hear about the film! Hoping we get updates as the pre-production progresses?
That, my friend, is one of the nicest comments 🙏
I'm glad you enjoyed the read.
I hadn't considering dropping any updates, but happy to in the future, plus I'm sure Jo will be posting through Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousstories/
Followed!
🤗
So much to look at and think about! I also love the fact that you use an old favourite, "spiffing", and I too don't seem to ever remember the generation thing...by the time I try and work it out, with or without tech support, the conversation has moved on and I'm still lost. Loving "morshells" and fabulous film project by your wife!
I'm very relieved that multiple people concur on the generation thing. I really thought it was just me 😄
Thanks Mya, lovely to have you here.
What a great break from the norm.
Dune is so epic. If only I could get through the second book 😂...
And I’ll add the other book you referenced to my reading list that I will probably never finish...so many books 💚
Haha yeah, I've never touched the second book because that's exactly what everyone has told me about it 😅
The to-be-read list will never be finished, which is probably a good thing.
Thanks for swinging by, Brian.
Insufficient love for Dark in the comments!
Season one is indeed brilliant, but so are seasons two and three, deliciously increasing the intricacy and complexity. One does not always know exactly what is going at any given moment, because mystery is built into the fabric of the programme, but there are rewarding and surprising revelations throughout, which help to propel the drama, so it never feels frustrating, just ever more intriguing. However, the most remarkable thing of all is that everything actually comes together, in a way that makes sense within the world of the programme, so that the ending feels deserved and satisfying. It is a truly staggering effort of plotting, but it is superbly acted too. One of the best television series ever made, I think.
If anyone has not watched it, give it a try; I think knowing little about the premise is probably the best way of going into it. (Note that the first episode has a couple of somewhat scary moments—at least I thought so—and it feels like it could become something more horrific, but it does not go down that path, so do not be put off, if that is not your thing.)
Couldn't agree more. Excellent analysis. Reading this makes me want to go back and watch the entire show again. Perhaps I shall.
Yes, now I want to watch it again too! I did rewatch the first and second seasons in preparation for the third, because it had been a while and I wanted to prepare myself, in order to appreciate how well all the different narrative strands came together. Full disclosure, it is a German programme, but do not let subtitles put you off either! While rewatching I switched the subtitles to German too, because I already knew well enough what would happened and I was trying to learn the language; however, I switched the subtitles back to English as soon as I got to the third season, because I actually wanted to understand what was happening!
We're going to watch Past Lives this evening, thank you for the rec 💗 I had a phase a looooong time ago of listening to Politik incessantly for a few months, I think it's the only Coldplay song I've ever really gotten in to, I'm glad it's still appreciated!
I wonder into what world your cat was staring. I'm fairly convinced there are little portals that only felines have an awareness of. I wonder if that's why sometimes it feels as though you're being watched, it's because there's a cat on another timeline somewhere (in Nathan's cozy living room) staring at you..
Anyway, I loved this. Thank you. I also recently read that as I was born in 1985 I am technically a 'geriatric millennial', so that can fuck all the way off, obviously.
Hahaha, well, I'm right there with you as a 1983'er, unless somehow I cross over into some extra-geriatric category between 83 and 85.
You know, in Dune, the spice is often referred to as "the geriatric spice". I understand the reason, but I still retch a little each time I read it.
Yay for Past Lives, I hope you enjoy it. (I'm sure you will.)
Oh wow, I love the idea of portals cats can see through. There's a story right there in that, too! You're fuelling all the fiction ideas (collective nouns and now cat portals) today, Chloe 🤗
We loved Past Lines. I was surprised by how intense it was!! Great ending 🙏
Yay, that's wonderful to hear. Thanks for letting me know.
Happy to be of service, and to be geriatric alongside you 👵🏻👴🏻🤗
The Returned looks like a wonderful film, hearts to Josephine for a project with so much feeling (vs. SENSATION! 💥🧨💥).
Fellow Gen-Xers seem pleased these days to be slipping through the cracks ("OK boomer" vs. Me Me Melenials) but we have our own issues: had dinner recently with a guy loudly extolling the virtues of Xers that sounded suspiciously word-for-word from an article all of us had read, it was a little embarrassing. 😂
Thanks so much, Troy. Wonderful words passed on and appreciated.
And eeep haha 🤦♂️ how embarrassing 😅
"Googles the answer. Immediately forgets the answer." Haha, me too but I have an excuse being a "boomer."
Ok, you mentioned Dune again. Last time you mentioned it, I went and bought a copy. This time I'll read it. I think I'm the only person here who hasn't.
I really enjoyed The Sernox. Have you decided if or when you will continue it?
Heh, excellent, great re: Dune. Expect a joint post very soon. And don't worry, you're not alone. But also, as much as re-reading has been great so far, and the story is excellent, it has made me aware that I'm not the biggest fan of Herbert's writing style.
PS despite claiming I don't have a plan, the next few weeks should be: a Precipice chapter, a Brae chapter ... and then maybe, maybe, The Sernox part 2!
This is such a great newsy, comforting newsletter that feels very much like a letter to all of us. I like all these projects and the way the tides move your words and ideas. Sometimes it's good to keep us guessing as well. I'm picking up Solenoid tomorrow. I'll have to finish McCarthy's Passenger before I get to it, but the way that one's started, it shouldn't be long.I'm also reallyi into the idea of 'not knowing what a book is.' There was a post recently about Moby Dick discussing such, and that was the way my professor at first reading described it -- a 'Book' not a novel or anything else. I think it's really inspirational. It makes me want to do something really unusual and genre-bending.
Those biochem students 🤗
(Also, what happened in Bali? haha, I definitely notice a post-Bali vibe)
Lovely to hear Kate. (I had to worry when I hit send and the inevitable unsubscribe emails came through 🙄)
You know, I very nearly picked up The Passenger from the library last month. I actually wanted Blood Meridian to be my first foray into Cormac, but it wasn't available. That was around the same time I was reading about Solenoid, so I decided to go and purchase that instead. I've read the Kindle Sample of Blood Meridian and its very good. Such different prose, too. Looking forward to getting to it eventually. How's Passenger? Is that two related books, or just one? (He wonders out loud, fully aware the he could Google.)
Lincoln's post re: Moby Dick? Thanks for the reminder. I love CounterCraft's posts. It's been sitting in my inbox waiting to be read.
You're very astute 😆 I'm normally ok with post-holiday blues, but this one's really gotten to me. Bali was just too beautiful, visually and mentally. Our week of simplicity, living essentially within nature in our open-air villa, the food, the people, the rice terraces ... I was so at peace. I miss it.
Oh man, I turned off the unsubscribes ages ago. What do they say? Refining. This one is so personal as well - we like to hear from you like this! I don’t think the post-Bali Slake is a problem. I like it. I just think maybe - yeah - pensive in how you come across to us. Maybe it’s good to miss things sometimes? But that “so at peace” especially. Maybe we writers are always seeking the peace in some way? I don’t know what I’m saying anymore but I’m not going to delete as if I’m handwriting in pen.
Blood Meridian is my favorite McCarthy (so far)! So so good. Passenger is starting out quite promisingly. It’s one book but has a companion book from the sister’s perspective, which I believe was his last book? 😢
Refining. I'll run with that ;)
Never delete! Love the stream of thoughts.
I think it is good, yes. It's good to reflect and think on things. I'm aware I didn't find that place of writing this week. I don't have a term for it, only a feeling. A sort of well (like a water well) that is easy to sink down into and hide within as words form. That wasn't present. Maybe that's why the words come off as somehow pensive.
Wow re: perspective of the sister. Didn't know. Makes me want to read. I enjoy the idea of stories from different perspectives. So sad it was his last, though.
A wondrous wandering, Nathan.
Thanks Mary! Woderful for you to wander this way :)
The problem with generations, as a category, is there are too damned many of them, alive. Such is the inconvenience of clean water, sanitation, and modern health care.
Untl last century, generations didn't have labels, they just got on with stuff. Maybe we should revert!
I am quite happy to ditch the labels 😃
Ditto!
I know it keeps marketing people and sociologists employed, by I no longer care about their employment, they can become bus drivers. The generational table is already too long, and when they ran out of the alphabet (that's what happens when you start at the end of the alphabet), too hard to remember the labels, let alone the years or alleged characteristics.
Enough already!
Past Lives is such a delight. Script, casting, direction, all optimal.
She was in Melbourne, apparently highly articulate and engaging about her approach to film making. I wish I'd been in the audience for her conversation.
I had iInitially thought, surely not, in relation to the husband, but his character, and the actor, quickly turned out to be perfect. A gorgeous performance.
Notable, especially in the late part of the film, was the inescapable sub theme of class disparities, the impossibility of escaping them, subtly conveyed, but consistent with the preoccupations of many of the best Korean films. Fleeting, heart breaking - ah, I thought, there it is.
And the very humble abode and existence of a published author. Too believable.
Ah Caz, you write the best comments. So pleased to hear you saw the film and also loved it.
Was she in Melbourne for MIFF? Such a shame we missed that.
Absolute same train of thoughts regarding the husband. Your points are so spot on about the sub themes, too.
Yes, as part of MIFF. Plus she held a masterclass the day after her Q&A. Wish I'd known. She's so self possessed and eloquent with her art. Would have been a treat to attend her class.
Remember the childhood friend explaining why he'd broken up with his long term girlfriend, ugh, so sad. Yet we would have thought he was a success, a catch. Made me sad.
Such believable characters.
Beautiful morshells. More shells, please! Speaking of cats, mine often looks at the wall too. I always wonder what she sees, and how can she just stare for hours like that.
It's such a cat thing, hehe. Weirdos. What can they see? We'll never know.
You'd think someone must have written a horror story about it. Would make for an interesting game. Stray: The Dark Side 🤣
Hahahah. Stray is already a bit horrific at times. I wonder how that will be! I sometimes think of buying a camera so we can spy on the cat when we're out. She's probably sleeping all day though lol.
I've often thought of doing the same!
A dog probably sits by the door as soon as the guardian leaves. The cat is like meh, sleeping, then waits by the door only when gets hungry.
Haha. So so true.
Does your cat do this too? When we're about to sit to eat, she goes to shit. XD