Blog comments are great, but they’re limited to whatever topics I can come up with. I wanted a page where people could just make a little shout out, even if they’re not interested in whatever I’m posting about. Anyhow that’s the idea. We’ll see how it goes.
I think I finally have the site fixed so that comments appear immediately after you post them.
This wall photo reminds me of a trip to NYC I made to visit you about 13 years ago. We were walking along the Hudson River, having just strolled through Greenwich Village, and we stood on a pier and looked back at the city as the late autumn sun illuminated the walls of the old brick buildings along the waterfront. I think we were talking about you moving to Seattle after graduation.
Disclaimer: real estate background here. You’ve got an old building with probably a first floor restaurant tenant whose kitchen required venting. That’s your square aluminum duct work looking exhaust vent there. Can’t fathom what the black pipe is.
Such a dry comment for a writer, but think where we could go from here. Imagining that restaurant tenant, his dreams, perhaps he has immigrated to this country, perhaps he looks up at the sky when he comes to work in the morning and sees hope and endless opportunity.
I’ve read “Slacks” so far and I really liked it, but I also like wearing slacks; so I’m torn. The anxiety is going to kill me, I think. Don’t you consider the damamge you might be causing by posting such controversial material?
Thanks Mike! I am glad you liked my story. Your set at Giggles was such a hoot. That was the first time I have ever been to a comedy club! What a treat to see you on stage.
I have been reading your site since last summer. I love your childhood stories. They are very touching and beautifully written. You are very talented writer.
Cann’t wait to read your complete coming-of-age memoir! Look forward to continue my learning from you!
Hi Lei, Hey Victor! It’s so good to see some writers on the blog. Sometimes I think it’s just me and family. I like having family stop by, but it’s good to find a little new blood in the pool.
Karna! I am just back from a trip to my hometown and I’m so pleased with the positive reactions I’ve received from the stories I’ve posted here on the blog. I do think it’s hard not to disappoint or betray someone when you’re writing memoir, but I’m also convinced that nothing can inspire and move friends and family like memoir. My family is big and sprawling and that’s part of why we all trek from our homes to the same living room and kitchen time after time: so we can tell our stories, often the same exact ones, over and over and argue over how they change, and share them with the next generation.
Speaking of precious — watch for some new pictures of my grandaughter, who is just a joy!
Stopped in to say “Hey!” and I read “What Kind of Father Am I?” I enjoyed reading your thoughts/feelings on fatherhood. I could feel your anguish as I read your accounts of the roller coaster ride – and the canoe trip.
Parenthood … definitely the biggest and toughest job and yet the most rewarding and joyous. Your insights were amazing.
Lisa, thanks for writing on my wall! I agree with your thoughts on parenthood and am glad you enjoyed that story. Speaking of satisfying experiences, I’ve really been enjoying collaborating with you and Tony on Caroline’s Cause.
I have enjoyed working with you on Caroline’s Cause, too. How awesome that technology brings two people who have never met, from opposite coasts – together to work on a project. 🙂 Amazing!! Hope to meet you and your family, some day – soon.
Likewise, Lisa — I’m sure we’ll be back to PA soon enough, but we don’t have plans in the pipeline yet. We’re seeing Holly’s family in Texas in a few weeks, and some vague plans for Christmas in Miami to see my granddaughter, but nothing firm.
I like your, “Sexy Coffee” story. I forgot that the one in Crossroads got shut down. We have bikini baristas all over Renton. My wife one time accused me of going there from a receipt, but it turned out it was her on a non bikini day! They don’t seem to get band too much from about the Renton line, south. Anyways, I thought it was a funny story.
It’s been a few years. You and I worked together in another lifetime at CARE and CourtLink. I found your Web site and this email address.
Congratulations on your published works! I know that’s a goal you’ve worked for and wanted. The pieces I’ve read on your site are poignant and engaging. Very cool.
The software company I’ve been working for over the last few years finally imploded a few weeks ago (another victim of the recession). I am applying for a contract position and need references. Would it be alright if I get your current phone number and ask you to be a reference?
I am sending them references tomorrow, Friday. Give me a call or send me a line to let me know if this is OK. If so, I also need a current phone number for you.
Present Tense 
The wall is open for comments!
Blog comments are great, but they’re limited to whatever topics I can come up with. I wanted a page where people could just make a little shout out, even if they’re not interested in whatever I’m posting about. Anyhow that’s the idea. We’ll see how it goes.
I think I finally have the site fixed so that comments appear immediately after you post them.
This wall photo reminds me of a trip to NYC I made to visit you about 13 years ago. We were walking along the Hudson River, having just strolled through Greenwich Village, and we stood on a pier and looked back at the city as the late autumn sun illuminated the walls of the old brick buildings along the waterfront. I think we were talking about you moving to Seattle after graduation.
Hey popps, just wanted to show you some love, hope the family had a great thanksgiving! Arron y Kennedy como esta? Hi Holly!
Disclaimer: real estate background here. You’ve got an old building with probably a first floor restaurant tenant whose kitchen required venting. That’s your square aluminum duct work looking exhaust vent there. Can’t fathom what the black pipe is.
Such a dry comment for a writer, but think where we could go from here. Imagining that restaurant tenant, his dreams, perhaps he has immigrated to this country, perhaps he looks up at the sky when he comes to work in the morning and sees hope and endless opportunity.
Sounds about right for the building, Peggy. That’s down by Seattle’s Public Market, probably in Post Alley or pretty close to it. I love that sky.
Tim I like your hat and you are a damn fine fellow.
Thank you, shifty!
If you ever are in Washington, you must come to my house and I will introduce you to my family and let you wear one of my many hats!
I’ve read “Slacks” so far and I really liked it, but I also like wearing slacks; so I’m torn. The anxiety is going to kill me, I think. Don’t you consider the damamge you might be causing by posting such controversial material?
Great story. See you soon,
Mike
Thanks Mike! I am glad you liked my story. Your set at Giggles was such a hoot. That was the first time I have ever been to a comedy club! What a treat to see you on stage.
Tim,
Thanks for the comment on my blog, as well as the use of your picture. 🙂 I hope you didn’t mind.
Take care.
My pleasure, Eclairs! It’s always fun to find a new trackback, even if it is just someone borrowing a graphic.
I think you’re exactly right about our role as teachers, by the way.
Tim,
I have been reading your site since last summer. I love your childhood stories. They are very touching and beautifully written. You are very talented writer.
Cann’t wait to read your complete coming-of-age memoir! Look forward to continue my learning from you!
Lei
Hi Tim,
Very nice site, love your stuff.
Victor
Hi Lei, Hey Victor! It’s so good to see some writers on the blog. Sometimes I think it’s just me and family. I like having family stop by, but it’s good to find a little new blood in the pool.
Hi Tim
Just stopped by to say “hi” as I’m surfing the blogs and waiting for the dryer to finish its load.
Contining our discussion about “betrayal in memoir”, I wonder about “disappointment” as another descriptive term for these experiences.
Have a good day!
BTW: Your kids are precious — enjoy them!
Karna! I am just back from a trip to my hometown and I’m so pleased with the positive reactions I’ve received from the stories I’ve posted here on the blog. I do think it’s hard not to disappoint or betray someone when you’re writing memoir, but I’m also convinced that nothing can inspire and move friends and family like memoir. My family is big and sprawling and that’s part of why we all trek from our homes to the same living room and kitchen time after time: so we can tell our stories, often the same exact ones, over and over and argue over how they change, and share them with the next generation.
Speaking of precious — watch for some new pictures of my grandaughter, who is just a joy!
Stopped in to say “Hey!” and I read “What Kind of Father Am I?” I enjoyed reading your thoughts/feelings on fatherhood. I could feel your anguish as I read your accounts of the roller coaster ride – and the canoe trip.
Parenthood … definitely the biggest and toughest job and yet the most rewarding and joyous. Your insights were amazing.
I look forward to reading other excerpts.
Lisa, thanks for writing on my wall! I agree with your thoughts on parenthood and am glad you enjoyed that story. Speaking of satisfying experiences, I’ve really been enjoying collaborating with you and Tony on Caroline’s Cause.
http://carolinescause.wordpress.com/
I have enjoyed working with you on Caroline’s Cause, too. How awesome that technology brings two people who have never met, from opposite coasts – together to work on a project. 🙂 Amazing!! Hope to meet you and your family, some day – soon.
Likewise, Lisa — I’m sure we’ll be back to PA soon enough, but we don’t have plans in the pipeline yet. We’re seeing Holly’s family in Texas in a few weeks, and some vague plans for Christmas in Miami to see my granddaughter, but nothing firm.
Hey Tim, You inspired me to start a blog. I just got it going, but if you want to check it out it’s at:
http://aaronbishop.wordpress.com/
Talk to you later,
Aaron B.
Nice work, Aaron. Well done!
I like your, “Sexy Coffee” story. I forgot that the one in Crossroads got shut down. We have bikini baristas all over Renton. My wife one time accused me of going there from a receipt, but it turned out it was her on a non bikini day! They don’t seem to get band too much from about the Renton line, south. Anyways, I thought it was a funny story.
Hey Aaron — I was shocked at how quick that thing came down in Bellevue, esp after watching them slowly build it for a few months.
I liked how your wife blamed you until it turned out it was her. Ha, ha! That’s a story right there for YOUR blog!
Good point Tim! That would be a funny story, I will get to work on it soon (hopefully!).
Hi Tim,
It’s been a few years. You and I worked together in another lifetime at CARE and CourtLink. I found your Web site and this email address.
Congratulations on your published works! I know that’s a goal you’ve worked for and wanted. The pieces I’ve read on your site are poignant and engaging. Very cool.
The software company I’ve been working for over the last few years finally imploded a few weeks ago (another victim of the recession). I am applying for a contract position and need references. Would it be alright if I get your current phone number and ask you to be a reference?
I am sending them references tomorrow, Friday. Give me a call or send me a line to let me know if this is OK. If so, I also need a current phone number for you.
Thanks, and again Congrats!
Cynthia White