Listen now | MmmMeat (and the eating of) is one of my talents, but also the reason I'm a man of few words: I usually have a mouthful of bratwurst. Check out this post to see how not-talking helped snag me the role of Ron Swanson and afford many sausages for my mouth.
To listen to a virtuoso is a wonder - but listening to someone who actually loves their music is a privilege. I love church, because it is the last great public venue for the ordinary singer. In singer-accepting churches, no judgement is passed, no eyes rolled, because those who know are glad. The sight of an old man in overalls, eyes closed, singing with blissful abandon is the most beautiful concert of all time.
My son and I had the pleasure of attending a book event of yours not toooo long ago. We are both fans of Ron Swanson and even bigger fans of Nick Offerman. We were charmed and delighted by your stories, your giggle and your Zen like presence which was as lovely as it was unexpected. :) (p.s. Mega fan of Megan too and I'm thrilled to have more Party Down! She is fabulous in it!)
Nick, I have been enjoying reading your thoughts about Wendell Berry in your book, and I’m wondering if there have been other books or poems that have profoundly affected you. Sarah Best from the great city of Madison, WI
My son was the sax player in high school and in college (Northern Michigan University Wildcat Marching Band)... he did not get his musical talent from me. I was told that I sing like Lucille Ball in the key of El Flat........ your comment about not being ASKED to play made me grin..... I am never ever ever asked to sing- just lip sync - when I do group numbers on the stage. Choreo and dance? Ayuh. Sing? Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
I am wondering about your process in creating these posts. I enjoy both the oratory and the written versions, but tend to choose just one per post. It’s kind of a “music/lyrics” question: which comes first?
I also especially loved this entry. Like you, I am a competent musician (instrumental and vocal), and performed through my college years, but I dropped both when I entered the work world, returning to vocal in my 50’s and instrumental after retirement in my 60’s. So much joy. Why did I walk away for more than thirty years?
Ed from Milford, NH here (not too far from Mt. Monadnock). Any news from your farmer friends in England? We have several family farms in and around my town and there is nothing better than walking into their friendly farm stand and getting some great vegetables just picked that day - especially when it is butter and sugar corn! Finally, have you read Granite Kiss? It is a book about the loose rock walls throughout the area. A granite kiss is when the rock drops on your hand and gives you a “kiss”.
You are one of my favorites. Why is that? Because everyone eventually has a vocation / job. Success is dependent on both aptitude and loving what you do. You have passions and interests outside of your work and that keeps the spark in life. Inspirational.
To listen to a virtuoso is a wonder - but listening to someone who actually loves their music is a privilege. I love church, because it is the last great public venue for the ordinary singer. In singer-accepting churches, no judgement is passed, no eyes rolled, because those who know are glad. The sight of an old man in overalls, eyes closed, singing with blissful abandon is the most beautiful concert of all time.
My son and I had the pleasure of attending a book event of yours not toooo long ago. We are both fans of Ron Swanson and even bigger fans of Nick Offerman. We were charmed and delighted by your stories, your giggle and your Zen like presence which was as lovely as it was unexpected. :) (p.s. Mega fan of Megan too and I'm thrilled to have more Party Down! She is fabulous in it!)
LOVE today's thoughts, Nick. Totally agree and on board with these sentiments!
Nick, I have been enjoying reading your thoughts about Wendell Berry in your book, and I’m wondering if there have been other books or poems that have profoundly affected you. Sarah Best from the great city of Madison, WI
My son was the sax player in high school and in college (Northern Michigan University Wildcat Marching Band)... he did not get his musical talent from me. I was told that I sing like Lucille Ball in the key of El Flat........ your comment about not being ASKED to play made me grin..... I am never ever ever asked to sing- just lip sync - when I do group numbers on the stage. Choreo and dance? Ayuh. Sing? Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
I am wondering about your process in creating these posts. I enjoy both the oratory and the written versions, but tend to choose just one per post. It’s kind of a “music/lyrics” question: which comes first?
I also especially loved this entry. Like you, I am a competent musician (instrumental and vocal), and performed through my college years, but I dropped both when I entered the work world, returning to vocal in my 50’s and instrumental after retirement in my 60’s. So much joy. Why did I walk away for more than thirty years?
Ed from Milford, NH here (not too far from Mt. Monadnock). Any news from your farmer friends in England? We have several family farms in and around my town and there is nothing better than walking into their friendly farm stand and getting some great vegetables just picked that day - especially when it is butter and sugar corn! Finally, have you read Granite Kiss? It is a book about the loose rock walls throughout the area. A granite kiss is when the rock drops on your hand and gives you a “kiss”.
You are one of my favorites. Why is that? Because everyone eventually has a vocation / job. Success is dependent on both aptitude and loving what you do. You have passions and interests outside of your work and that keeps the spark in life. Inspirational.