Dear Nick - I absolutely LOVE your work ethic! So many people shy away from good hard work. Also, your connection with community and down-to-earth common values is SO REFRESHING! I feel greatly inspired by you, even though, a few days ago, I didn't even know who you are. I am a poor, busy musician, living in N.California: beautiful Mendocino. When I'm able, I will upgrade. Thank you!
This is so beautifully written - in part because the content is brimming with humanity and kindness. Last night, I watched a slate of Americana greats sing a birthday tribute/memorial tribute to John Prine who died of COVID in 2020. Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, Allison Russell, Kasey Musgraves, Chris Isaak, Lucinda Williams, Lyle Lovett, Bonnie Raitt to name just a few … singing Prine song after song … gem of wisdom after gem. And that tribute left me with exactly the same feeling as your piece today about working hard on hard work with people who work hard. And afterward? Beer, bratwurst and community. This pandemic we are still struggling through NEEDS to have taught us that no matter their age or station in life; we turn to our neighbor, extend our love and say, “Hello In There.” Hello. How can I help?
in 2018 or so, I got to join a group singing Paradise onstage with John at the Newport Folk Festival, and was overwhelmed with many, if not all, of the feels. How beautiful he and his music and words have made our world.
Fantastic! I concur and sound out with a HUZZAH of agreement and support. Neighbors coming together and supporting each other are what makes life that much sweeter.
Please enjoy it while you can. My body will not let me tackle those type of projects anymore.
Your posts always make me feel relaxed and more refreshed. They have been so authentic, with a touch of artistic vocabulary. So interesting how you intertwined figurative and solopsism. I think I know what you mean, but would love more details on your personally edified walls.
Good work is good, no doubt. Being Pennsylvania Dutch, one learns that 'many hands make light work,' before learning how to tie shoes. Nick, do you have any PA Dutch blood in you?
I love this. Reminds me of growing up in Central Virginia. It makes me even more excited to know my family and I are creating our own farmette and the possibilities of task and projects to work on. While I am not savvy at building, I do love landscaping and working outside. I'm excited to pass on similar qualities to my children.
Say Hi to Matt for me - he and I took an improv class together once upon the aughts. You always came and helped out the HPL guys when they needed it. I just moved from Santa Monica to Madison, Wisconsin and my neighbors have been so kind and helpful. Midwest makes good eggs.
A wonderful take on hard work with hard workers. Currently I am roughing it in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, SW Florida has evolved overnight from an isolated tourist trap into a community of hardworking companions. Much like yourself, I find laboring with/for family and friends to be a reward in itself. I traveled by car over 2,000 miles in 3 days to shovel sand and clear debris in Fort Myers, thousands of others have done similarly. Your post came at a time of low moral, and I thank you for the good spirits brought with its reading.
If you bring strong hands this far south, we can put you to proper work!
Nick, this video from Minooka was outstanding. I am grateful to see you there - I am a resident of Naperville and would have brought the sandwiches and iced tea had I known - and more grateful still for your reflections on labor & community. Keep doing the good work. You make a difference in this world.
I'm someone who gets incredibly intimidated by not only the daunting project in front of me but also because I have no idea what I'm doing and the helpful YouTubes are overwhelming and not real people sitting next to me. Anyways, glad to see others do it better.
Dear Nick - I absolutely LOVE your work ethic! So many people shy away from good hard work. Also, your connection with community and down-to-earth common values is SO REFRESHING! I feel greatly inspired by you, even though, a few days ago, I didn't even know who you are. I am a poor, busy musician, living in N.California: beautiful Mendocino. When I'm able, I will upgrade. Thank you!
This is so beautifully written - in part because the content is brimming with humanity and kindness. Last night, I watched a slate of Americana greats sing a birthday tribute/memorial tribute to John Prine who died of COVID in 2020. Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, Allison Russell, Kasey Musgraves, Chris Isaak, Lucinda Williams, Lyle Lovett, Bonnie Raitt to name just a few … singing Prine song after song … gem of wisdom after gem. And that tribute left me with exactly the same feeling as your piece today about working hard on hard work with people who work hard. And afterward? Beer, bratwurst and community. This pandemic we are still struggling through NEEDS to have taught us that no matter their age or station in life; we turn to our neighbor, extend our love and say, “Hello In There.” Hello. How can I help?
in 2018 or so, I got to join a group singing Paradise onstage with John at the Newport Folk Festival, and was overwhelmed with many, if not all, of the feels. How beautiful he and his music and words have made our world.
I'm overwhelmed reading this. What a beautiful tribute.
It's a big old goofy world 💜
I'm just thrilled to see everyone wearing safely glasses.
This post makes me miss my hometown in Iowa. People stopping by with food and helping hands, you don't get that in the big cities...
Fantastic! I concur and sound out with a HUZZAH of agreement and support. Neighbors coming together and supporting each other are what makes life that much sweeter.
Please enjoy it while you can. My body will not let me tackle those type of projects anymore.
Hey Nick,
Your posts always make me feel relaxed and more refreshed. They have been so authentic, with a touch of artistic vocabulary. So interesting how you intertwined figurative and solopsism. I think I know what you mean, but would love more details on your personally edified walls.
Cool Becksvort T-Shirt. He's a master.
Squirrel O'Connell
Pittsboro, NC
Good work is good, no doubt. Being Pennsylvania Dutch, one learns that 'many hands make light work,' before learning how to tie shoes. Nick, do you have any PA Dutch blood in you?
Not to my knowledge but I would take it as a great compliment if I did.
As soon as you quoted this line, I immediately sang -
"The Farmer and the Cowman should be Friends"....
Thank you for triggering my Broadway Melodies!
I love this. Reminds me of growing up in Central Virginia. It makes me even more excited to know my family and I are creating our own farmette and the possibilities of task and projects to work on. While I am not savvy at building, I do love landscaping and working outside. I'm excited to pass on similar qualities to my children.
Say Hi to Matt for me - he and I took an improv class together once upon the aughts. You always came and helped out the HPL guys when they needed it. I just moved from Santa Monica to Madison, Wisconsin and my neighbors have been so kind and helpful. Midwest makes good eggs.
I remember when I could do that, and I loved it.
Haven't really found a replacement now I'm in a wheelchair (not hard work related!).
Good for you, and good safety equipment! :)
A wonderful take on hard work with hard workers. Currently I am roughing it in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, SW Florida has evolved overnight from an isolated tourist trap into a community of hardworking companions. Much like yourself, I find laboring with/for family and friends to be a reward in itself. I traveled by car over 2,000 miles in 3 days to shovel sand and clear debris in Fort Myers, thousands of others have done similarly. Your post came at a time of low moral, and I thank you for the good spirits brought with its reading.
If you bring strong hands this far south, we can put you to proper work!
Yeah, nothing like it. Thanks.
Nick, this video from Minooka was outstanding. I am grateful to see you there - I am a resident of Naperville and would have brought the sandwiches and iced tea had I known - and more grateful still for your reflections on labor & community. Keep doing the good work. You make a difference in this world.
I'm someone who gets incredibly intimidated by not only the daunting project in front of me but also because I have no idea what I'm doing and the helpful YouTubes are overwhelming and not real people sitting next to me. Anyways, glad to see others do it better.
Seeing your incoming posts light up my electronic mailbox, reminds me that there is good in the world. Light-hearted,knowedgeable, lovable good.